# API Keys

API keys are unique data strings used to authenticate a user and enable access to privileged operations on cheqd Studio APIs. All cheqd Studio APIs use API keys as the mechanism to **authenticate client requests**. Your API key should be kept confidential and secure at all times.

* Authentication is required for all API requests; without it, the requests will fail.
* All API requests must be made over HTTPS.

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#### 🚧Keep Your API Keys Safe <a href="#keep-your-api-keys-safe" id="keep-your-api-keys-safe"></a>

Because our API keys allow access to cheqd Studio APIs, you must keep them secure at all times.

* Ensure your API key is always stored securely as soon as it is initially generated.
* Make sure to copy your API key into a secure place, such as a Password Manager.
* Never share it or record it in a publicly accessible medium (client-side code, public repositories, etc.).

**Caution:** If you lose secure control of your API keys, your entity may not be able to access your created DIDs, DID-Linked Resources or Credential Payments.
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## Create an API Key

Use the following steps to create an API Key within cheqd Studio and authenticate with the APIs.

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### Sign into cheqd Studio

Click [the link here](https://studio.cheqd.net/?action=login) to get started with cheqd Studio.
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### Go to your Account

Go to **Developers** > **Create new API Key** in your cheqd Studio account.
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### Create an API Key

Click on the “Create new API Key” button and give the API key a name.
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### Copy your API Key

Click on the “Copy” button and store it in a safe place since you won’t be able to see it again.
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### Authenticate with APIs

Paste your API Key into your API client to authenticate with cheqd Studio.
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