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

# API key

> Create and manage your AltTextLab API key.

An API key is required to authenticate requests to the AltTextLab API and all integrations (Chrome extension, WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, Craft CMS, etc.).

## Create an API key

1. Open your [AltTextLab dashboard](https://app.alttextlab.com/)
2. Navigate to **[API Keys](https://app.alttextlab.com/settings/api-keys)**
3. Click **Create API key**
4. Copy and save the key immediately — it won't be shown again

## Security

* Store your API key in an environment variable — never hardcode it in source files
* Never expose it in client-side or frontend code
* Do not commit it to source control
* If a key is compromised, delete it immediately and generate a new one