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

# Create an API Key

> Create a new API key to use Edgee services.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open API Keys">
    In your [Edgee Console](https://www.edgee.ai), navigate to **API Keys**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a new key">
    Click **Create API key**, give it a name (e.g., "Development"), optionally set an expiration and spending limit, then click **Create key**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy your key">
    Copy the generated Gateway key and store it securely. Keep it separate from your personal Console API token and your provider credentials.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame caption="Create a standard API key for your application, with optional expiration and spending limit.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/edgee/ZJH-mHY-14RdSp8t/images/console/api-key-create.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ZJH-mHY-14RdSp8t&q=85&s=d1acabb20e402c1c2ea2de164cce42b3" alt="Current Create API key form showing the General, Compression, and Advanced tabs, key name, expiration, spending limit, and Create key button." width="576" height="574" data-path="images/console/api-key-create.png" />
</Frame>

<Warning>
  Store your API key securely. Never commit it to version control or expose it in client-side code.
</Warning>

## Test Your Key

Set the copied key in your terminal first, then send a small request:

```bash theme={"dark"}
export EDGEE_API_KEY="your-gateway-api-key"
```

```bash theme={"dark"}
curl https://edgee.io/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $EDGEE_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "openai/gpt-5.2",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
  }'
```

**Verify:** the response contains a model answer. Open **Logs** in the same organization and find the request. If it fails, use the error message and [Troubleshooting](/docs/troubleshooting). For restrictions, expiration, and revocation, see [Manage API keys](/docs/llm-router/api-keys).