diff --git a/scripts/main.py b/scripts/main.py
index 6115cffe..ecb3d51f 100644
--- a/scripts/main.py
+++ b/scripts/main.py
@@ -17,6 +17,16 @@ import traceback
 import yaml
 import argparse
 
+def check_openai_api_key():
+    """Check if the OpenAI API key is set in config.py or as an environment variable."""
+    if not cfg.openai_api_key:
+        print(
+            Fore.RED +
+            "Please set your OpenAI API key in config.py or as an environment variable."
+        )
+        print("You can get your key from https://beta.openai.com/account/api-keys")
+        exit(1)
+
 
 def print_to_console(
         title,
@@ -277,7 +287,7 @@ def parse_arguments():
 
 
 # TODO: fill in llm values here
-
+check_openai_api_key()
 cfg = Config()
 parse_arguments()
 ai_name = ""