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

# Generating an API Key

> Step-by-step guide to create your Polydata API key

Polydata requires API keys critical functionality, such as accessing data from a Hub you're subscribed to, or uploading data to a Hub you're a member of.

This page provides a step-by-step overview on how you can generate an API key.

## Step 1: Navigate to Settings

After logging in to Polydata, click on the settings icon in the top right corner to access your account settings.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/polydata/9Vw_NELGPiols9Bu/public/images/api-keys-1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=9Vw_NELGPiols9Bu&q=85&s=e9fb07197fa9e88ac5b235f8eee41b08" alt="Navigate to Settings" width="1500" height="365" data-path="public/images/api-keys-1.png" />
</Frame>

## Step 2: Go to the API Keys Section

In the account settings page, you should see an "API Keys" section at the bottom.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/polydata/9Vw_NELGPiols9Bu/public/images/api-keys-2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=9Vw_NELGPiols9Bu&q=85&s=6d6b185b6f3637ec9a7251f88ca0613d" alt="Navigate to API Keys" width="868" height="680" data-path="public/images/api-keys-2.png" />
</Frame>

## Step 3: Copy your API Key

Type in your API key name, and then hit Generate API Key. Click the show button, and copy the API key to save somewhere.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/polydata/9Vw_NELGPiols9Bu/public/images/api-keys-3.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=9Vw_NELGPiols9Bu&q=85&s=e7946824dcc84a3f72c052258896bbd8" alt="Navigate to Settings" width="837" height="431" data-path="public/images/api-keys-3.png" />
</Frame>

<Warning>
  Keep your API key secure! Never share it publicly or commit it to version
  control.
</Warning>

Your API key will look something like this:

```
pd_sk_n9G-99bd8KglTZ_1POPHEztPNzXxQSF4OH5BByYkt21
```

## Testing your API Key

You'll need to use your API key in the authorization header of every request:

```bash theme={null}
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  "https://api.polydata.co/v1/auth/test-auth"
```

For example, you can test your above API key with:

```bash theme={null}
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer pd_sk_n9G-99bd8KglTZ_1POPHEztPNzXxQSF4OH5BByYkt21" \
  "https://api.polydata.co/v1/auth/test-auth"
```

## Next Steps

<Card title="Learn how to access data" icon="arrow-right" href="/api-reference/get-data-view">
  Now that you have an API key, learn how to fetch data from Polydata
</Card>