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

# Authentication

> Generate API keys in the Inception Platform dashboard.

All API requests require authentication using API keys. Your API keys carry many privileges, so be sure to keep them secure.

#### **Obtaining API Keys**

You can generate API keys from your [Inception Platform Dashboard](https://platform.inceptionlabs.ai/dashboard/api-keys).

#### **Using API Keys**

Export your API key as an [environment variable](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment_variable) in your terminal.

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash macOS / Linux theme={null}
  export INCEPTION_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"
  ```

  ```bash Windows theme={null}
  set INCEPTION_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"
  ```
</CodeGroup>

Include your API key in the Authorization header:

```
Authorization: Bearer $INCEPTION_API_KEY
```

<Warning>
  **Security Note:** Never expose your API keys in client-side code or commit them to version control. Use environment variables or a secure secrets management system.
</Warning>