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

# Create API Key

For Service Consumers, an API Key is necessary if programmatic access is required. For Node Operators, an API Key with Compute Node permissions is necessary in order to register and operate a Node on Dispersed.

## Create API Key

Follow these steps to create an API Key.

### Step 1: Sign In to the Console

1. Open your browser and navigate to the [Dispersed Console](https://console.dispersed.com)
2. Click [**Sign in with OTOY**](https://account.otoy.com)
   <Note>
     If this is your first sign-in, you'll see "Authorize Dispersed to use your account?" — click **Authorize** to proceed. Don't have an OTOY account? [Create one here](https://account.otoy.com/).
   </Note>

### Step 2: Create the API Key

1. Navigate to **API Keys** in the sidebar
2. Click [**Create API Key**](https://console.dispersed.com/api-keys/create)
3. Configure your key
4. Click **Create**

| Field           | Value                                                                                       |
| :-------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Name**        | Something identifiable (e.g., “My RTX5090 Rig”)                                             |
| **Preset**      | Node Operators: Select **Compute Node**<br />Service Consumers: Select **Compute Consumer** |
| **Expiration**  | Optional — leave blank for no expiration                                                    |
| **Allowed IPs** | Optional — restrict key usage to an originating IP                                          |

### Step 3: Save Your Credentials

After creation, you’ll see your API Key details:

* `public_key` — starts with `pk_`
* `secret_key` — starts with `sk_`

<Warning>
  **Copy both keys now and store them securely.** The `secret_key` is only shown once and cannot be retrieved later.
</Warning>

## API Reference

For implementation details and code examples, see [Authenticate API Requests](/service-consumers/service-consumers-authenticate-requests). For complete API documentation including all fields and response schemas, see the API Reference.