> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.chatvideopro.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.chatvideopro.com/getting-started/interface-overview/usage-panel.md).
# Usage Panel
The Usage Panel tracks your Fal.ai spending, shows usage statistics, and provides quick access to account management—all without leaving Premiere Pro.
### Where to Find It
Access the Usage Panel via:
1. **Gear icon** (⚙️) in the chat header
2. **Select "Usage"** from the menu
3. **Panel opens** showing your usage statistics
### What It Shows
#### Usage Statistics
The panel displays your Fal.ai usage across different time periods:
**Last 24 Hours:**
* Total spending in the past day
* Number of generations
* Breakdown by operation type
**Last 7 Days:**
* Weekly spending total
* Average daily usage
* Trend information
**Last 30 Days:**
* Monthly spending total
* Usage patterns
* Cost per generation averages
### Quick Actions
#### View in Fal Dashboard
**Button:** "View in Fal Dashboard" or "See Balance"
**What it does:**
* Opens your Fal.ai account dashboard in the browser
* Shows a detailed usage breakdown
* Access to billing and account settings
* View individual generation costs
#### Add Credits
**Button:** "Add Credits" or "Add Funds"
**What it does:**
* Opens Fal.ai billing page
* Add funds to your account
* Set up auto-recharge (if available)
* View payment history
#### Refresh Usage
**Button:** Refresh icon or "Refresh" button
**What it does:**
* Updates usage statistics from Fal.ai API
* Fetches the latest spending data
* Shows cached data if offline
* Syncs with your Fal.ai account
### Understanding Your Usage
#### Cost Tracking
**Why it matters:**
* **Budget management** - Know how much you're spending
* **Project costing** - Track costs per project
* **Optimization** - Identify expensive operations
* **Planning** - Estimate future costs
#### Usage Patterns
**What to look for:**
* **Peak usage times** - When you generate most content
* **Cost per generation** - Average cost per video/image
* **Model costs** - Which models are most expensive
* **Trends** - Spending increasing or decreasing
#### Cost Optimization
**Tips to reduce costs:**
* **Use faster models** - Veo 3.1 Fast vs. Kling O3 Pro
* **Turn audio off** - Disable audio generation if available
* **Lower resolution** - 720p vs. 4K when possible
* **Shorter durations** - 4s vs. 12s for videos
* **Batch operations** - Group similar requests
* **Preview before processing** - Use "Track Frame" in SAM 3
### Software access and usage charges
Your CVP package and Fal.ai usage are separate. Buy a lifetime package or use an active Creator Pass; the Usage Panel tracks provider processing rather than the CVP subscription price. Cloud chat, media generation, cloud transcription and optional AI enhancement can incur usage. Caption preset customization and local rendering do not use AI credits.
Fal.ai's dashboard is the billing source of truth. Check the current provider terms for rates, balances, expiry, recharge controls and available limits; CVP does not guarantee unlimited use, no expiry or a fixed monthly spend. See [Pricing](/getting-started/pricing.md) for package access and refund details.
### Managing Your Account
#### Adding Funds
1. **Click "Add Credits"** in the Usage Panel
2. **Or go to:** [fal.ai/dashboard/usage-billing](https://fal.ai/dashboard/usage-billing)
3. **Select amount** - Recommended: $10-$20 to start
4. **Complete payment** - Secure payment processing
5. **Funds available immediately**
#### Recommended Starting Amount
* **$10-$20** - Good for testing and learning
* **$50** - For regular use
* **$100+** - For heavy usage or professional work
#### Auto-Recharge (If Available)
* **Set up automatic** fund addition when the balance is low
* **Never run out** of credits mid-project
* **Configure threshold** - Add funds when balance drops below X
* **Manage in the Fal.ai dashboard**
### Troubleshooting
#### "Usage not updating."
**Solutions:**
* Click the "Refresh" button to sync with Fal.ai
* Check the internet connection
* Verify the Fal.ai API key is correct
* Wait a few minutes (usage may be delayed)
#### "Can't add funds."
**Solutions:**
* Go to the Fal.ai dashboard directly
* Check the payment method is valid
* Verify account permissions
* Contact Fal.ai support for billing issues
#### "Usage seems incorrect."
**Solutions:**
* Check the Fal.ai dashboard for a detailed breakdown
* Verify individual generation costs
* Some operations may be pending
* Contact Fal.ai support to review charges
### Privacy & Security
The panel retrieves usage information from your Fal.ai account. Your API key is stored on your device and used for authenticated requests. Necessary media, prompts and transcript/context may be sent for cloud processing. See the [privacy policy](https://www.chatvideopro.com/privacy/) for diagnostics, analytics and provider handling; usage tracking does not mean all AI data remains local.
### Related Features
* [**API Pricing**](/getting-started/pricing.md) - Billing through Fal.ai
* [**Settings**](/getting-started/interface-overview.md) - Configure API keys
* [**Generate Media** ](/getting-started/interface-overview/generate-media-button.md)- Where generations happen
* [**Fal.ai Dashboard**](https://fal.ai/dashboard/usage-billing) - Detailed account management
***
**Next:** Try the First 5 Things to Try to start using Chat Video Pro!
