# Create an API key

Create a Shortener.dev API key to create short links and read analytics from your own server, scripts or no-code tools.

An API key lets your code call the [Shortener.dev API](/docs/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**.

![Create API Key dialog](/docs/images/create-api-key.png)

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:

```bash
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.

![API Keys page](/docs/images/api-keys.png)

Next, [create your first short link with the API](/docs/url-shortener-api).