Create an API key

An API key lets your code call the Shortener.dev API on behalf of your account. Create a separate key for each place you use it, such as "Production server" or "Zapier", so you can revoke one without breaking the others. API access is included on paid plans.

Create a key

1. Open Settings in the sidebar and choose API Keys.
2. Click Create Key.
3. Enter a Key Name that says where the key is used, for example Production server.
4. Click Create.
5. Copy the key from Copy your API key and click Done.

The key is shown only once. Store it right away, in your server's environment variables or a secrets manager. If you lose it, delete it and create a new one.

Use the key

Send the key as a bearer token in the Authorization header of every request:

curl https://api.shortener.dev/v1/links \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $SHORTENER_API_KEY"

A missing, wrong or deleted key returns 401 Unauthorized. Keep keys on the server side. Anyone who sees a key in your website's JavaScript or a public repository can create links in your account.

Delete a key

Click the trash icon next to the key on the API Keys page and confirm with Delete. Requests using that key start failing immediately, so switch your integration to a new key first.

Next, create your first short link with the API.