> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.microshot.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.microshot.io/authentication.md).

# Authentication

The Microshot API uses API keys to authenticate requests.

API keys are managed via the Microshot interface. To view or create one, navigate to your [API Keys](https://app.microshot.io/api-keys):

<figure><img src="/files/HlKdOAI2J2N8on9HV6Cm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

API requests without authentication will fail.

Do not share your secret API keys in publicly accessible areas such as GitHub, client-side code, etc.

Add your API key to the `x-api-key` header to access the API endpoints.

```bash
# example cURL request
curl -H 'x-api-key: <your_api_key>' https://api.microshot.io/v1/screenshot?url=https://github.com
```