> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.openlayer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create an API key

> Learn how to create API keys to interact with Openlayer

Openlayer uses **API keys** to authenticate requests made to the platform.
You will need an API key to interact with Openlayer programmatically using the
[SDKs](/api-reference/sdk/overview), the [CLI](/api-reference/cli/overview), or the
[REST API](/api-reference/rest/overview).

This guide shows you how to create API keys.

<Info>
  **Prerequisite**: you need an [Openlayer account](https://app.openlayer.com/)
  to follow this guide.
</Info>

## Create an API key

1. In the Openlayer app, click your user icon in the top right corner.
2. In the dropdown menu, click "API Keys".
3. To create a new API key, click the "Create new API key" button, and enter a descriptive name.
4. Click **Create** to generate your key.
5. Copy the key and store it securely — you will not be able to view it again.

<img width="700" style={{ borderRadius: "0.5rem" }} src="https://openlayer-static-assets.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/images/create_api_key.gif" alt="Create API key" />