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

# API Keys

Create, manage, and secure your API keys.

***

## Creating an API Key

1. Go to [Dashboard → API Keys](https://app.tensorx.ai/dashboard/keys)
2. Click **Generate New Key**
3. Enter a descriptive name (3-50 characters)
4. Click **Create**

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:** Your API key is only shown once at creation. Copy it immediately and store it securely.
{% endhint %}

### Key Format

Your API key looks like this:

```
sk-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
```

In your dashboard, keys are displayed as: `sk-a1b2...wxyz` (first 8 + last 4 characters)

***

## Naming Your Keys

Use descriptive names to track usage and organize your keys:

| Good Names          | Purpose          |
| ------------------- | ---------------- |
| `Production API`    | Live application |
| `Development`       | Local testing    |
| `CI/CD Pipeline`    | Automated builds |
| `Mobile App v2`     | Specific project |
| `Analytics Service` | Internal tool    |

{% hint style="info" %}
Key names appear in your usage logs, making it easy to track which key generated which costs.
{% endhint %}

***

## Managing Keys

### Enable / Disable

You can temporarily disable a key without deleting it:

1. Go to **API Keys** in your dashboard
2. Click the toggle next to the key
3. Disabled keys reject all API requests immediately

This is useful for:

* Pausing a project temporarily
* Testing what happens when a key is invalid
* Security incidents (disable first, investigate later)

### Regenerate

If you suspect a key has been compromised:

1. Click **Regenerate** next to the key
2. Confirm the action
3. Copy the new key immediately

{% hint style="warning" %}
The old key stops working instantly. Update your applications before regenerating.
{% endhint %}

### Delete

Deleting a key is permanent:

* The key stops working immediately
* Usage history is preserved for your records
* This action cannot be undone

***

## Per-Key Usage Tracking

Every API request is logged with the key that made it. View usage by key in your dashboard:

* **Total cost** per key
* **Request count**
* **Tokens used** (input/output)
* **Last used** timestamp
* **Models accessed**

This helps you:

* Track costs per project or environment
* Identify unused keys to clean up
* Spot unexpected usage patterns

***

## Rate Limits

| Limit                              | Value                |
| ---------------------------------- | -------------------- |
| Key operations (create/regenerate) | 15 per hour          |
| API requests                       | 60 per minute        |
| Tokens                             | 2,000,000 per minute |

These limits apply **per API key**. Each key has its own independent rate limit.

***

## Security Best Practices

### Do ✅

* **Use environment variables** - Never hardcode keys in source code
* **Different keys per environment** - Separate dev, staging, and production
* **Name keys descriptively** - Makes auditing easier
* **Rotate regularly** - Use the regenerate feature periodically
* **Delete unused keys** - Reduce your attack surface
* **Monitor usage** - Check logs for unexpected activity

### Don't ❌

* **Never commit keys to git** - Use `.env` files (add to `.gitignore`)
* **Never share keys publicly** - Treat them like passwords
* **Never expose in client-side code** - Keys belong on the server only

### Environment Variables Example

```bash
# .env file (add to .gitignore!)
TENSORX_API_KEY=sk-your-key-here
```

```python
import os
from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(
    api_key=os.environ["TENSORX_API_KEY"],
    base_url="https://api.tensorx.ai/v1"
)
```

***

## Team API Keys

When you're part of a team:

* Team owners and admins can create keys for the team
* All team members can use team API keys
* Usage is billed to the team balance
* Your personal keys are archived while on a team

See [Team Account](/account/team.md) for more details.

***

## Troubleshooting

### "Invalid API Key"

* Verify you copied the complete key (including `sk-` prefix)
* Check the key isn't disabled in your dashboard
* Confirm you're using the correct base URL: `https://api.tensorx.ai/v1`

### "Insufficient Balance"

* Keys require a wallet balance > $0 to create
* Keys are auto-disabled when balance drops to $0.05
* Add funds to re-enable your keys

### Lost Your Key?

API keys cannot be recovered once lost. You'll need to:

1. Delete the old key (if you remember which one)
2. Create a new key
3. Update your applications with the new key

***

## Need Help?

* 📧 **Email**: <support@tensorx.ai>


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