> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.arcee.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.arcee.ai/other/create-your-first-api-key.md).

# Create Your First API Key

To create your first API key, follow the steps below:

1. Go to <https://chat.arcee.ai/>
2. Login or Sign Up

<figure><img src="/files/NA9C8KikdFAgqcOQ1aKz" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Select "Get API Key" from the Home Page

<figure><img src="/files/qkdKdQ17saHxnoyJfK76" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Select "Create API Key"

<figure><img src="/files/zkaRsUVf9FUx57evIXk7" alt="" width="330"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Provide an API Key Name, a Description, and optionally set an Expiration Date, Token Limit, and Request Limit
   1. While Expiration Date is optional, we highly recommend setting this to follow best security practice

<figure><img src="/files/prvUacfUPWmPnCDfJb3r" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Save your API Key in a safe location, as you are unable to view the value after creation. If you misplace your API key, delete your key and create a new one.

<figure><img src="/files/zT79QC4G9dynJzeenW6v" alt="" width="363"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now that you have your API Key, you can make [your first API call](/api-reference/your-first-api-call.md)!