Run Aider on Crazyrouter models
Aider's OpenAI-compatible mode works with Crazyrouter out of the box. Two environment variables and a model flag; use a cheap weak model for commit messages and summaries.
Manual configuration
Install Aider with its official installer (aider.chat/install.sh or install.ps1), then point it at Crazyrouter. The openai/ prefix is what tells LiteLLM to use your custom base URL.
Environment + launch
export OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-your-crazyrouter-key export OPENAI_API_BASE=https://api.crazyrouter.com/v1 aider --model openai/claude-opus-4-8
Aider goes through LiteLLM, so prefix the model with openai/ to force the OpenAI-compatible route.
Or ~/.aider.conf.yml
openai-api-key: sk-your-crazyrouter-key openai-api-base: https://api.crazyrouter.com/v1 model: openai/claude-opus-4-8 weak-model: openai/deepseek-v4-flash
https://api.crazyrouter.com/v1 — This tool is OpenAI-compatible and appends /chat/completions (or /responses) itself. Use the /v1 base URL exactly as shown.
Recommended models
Live Crazyrouter prices, refreshed hourly. Any model in the catalogue works; these are the ones we'd start with.
FAQ
Why the openai/ prefix?
Aider routes through LiteLLM; the prefix selects the OpenAI-compatible provider so OPENAI_API_BASE is honoured for any model name.
Aider warns the model is unknown
That is LiteLLM's metadata warning for custom names; the request still works. Add a .aider.model.metadata.json if you want token limits recognised.
Which weak model?
deepseek-v4-flash — near-zero cost for the commit-message and summary calls Aider makes constantly.