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

# Authentication

> Learn how to authenticate your API calls to utilize TerminalCAD's API endpoints

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create an API key">
    API key are issued per-user. We recommend using the **community owner's** API key because they will have the most permissions to execute tasks using our API.

    Go to **Portal** > **My Account** > **API Keys**

    You are allowed to name an API key. We recommend your community name, then what it's used for.

    Once you’ve made an API key you should copy it and put it somewhere safe, as you will not be able to see it again once you navigate away.
  </Step>

  <Step title="🚀 Build things!">
    Congrats! That's all you need to do to create an API key and authenticate into TerminalCAD's API endpoints.

    Now to authenticate, you need to add the following headers to your API call.

    ```
    Authorization: Bearer your_terminalcad_api_key
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

If you need any assistance, reach out to the team at [support@terminalcad.io](mailto:support@terminalcad.io)!