> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.landerlab.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Generate a LanderLab API Key > Create and manage LanderLab API keys to authenticate REST API requests. Learn where to find API keys and how to keep them secure. ## What Is an API Key? A LanderLab API key authenticates your requests to the LanderLab REST API. It tells LanderLab who you are and what organization your account belongs to. You need one before making direct API calls. You do **not** need an API key to connect an AI assistant. The MCP server signs you in with your LanderLab account instead. See [MCP Overview](/mcp/overview). *** ## Create an API Key 1. Log in to [LanderLab](https://app.landerlab.io). 2. Go to **Settings > API Keys**. 3. Click **Create**. 4. Copy the key immediately. > **Important:** The key is only shown once. If you lose it, you need to create a new one. Your key starts with `ll_live_` and looks like this: A newly created LanderLab API key displayed in the dashboard, beginning with the ll_live_ prefix ```text theme={null} ll_live_2f20699a_e632aa7ad57f532d2d3eca2b67d73930... ``` *** ## Keep Your Key Secure * Do not share your key in public repositories, forums, or chat messages. * Do not hardcode it into client-side code. * Store it as an environment variable or in a secrets manager. * If a key is ever exposed, revoke it immediately and create a new one. *** ## Revoke an API Key To revoke a key: * Go to **Organization > API Keys** in LanderLab and delete it, or * Use the `api_key_revoke` MCP tool if you already have an active connection. Revoking a key immediately invalidates it. Any integration using that key will stop working until you update it with a new one. *** ## Next Steps * [API Overview](/api-overview) for authenticating REST requests * [MCP Overview](/mcp/overview) to connect an AI assistant (no API key required)