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

# Create an Anthale API Key for Server-Side Use

> Create an Anthale API key for a server-side integration so your service can authenticate enforcement requests without exposing credentials to clients.

This guide creates a new Anthale API key for a service, environment, or operational boundary.

## Before you start

* Select the Organization that should own the key.
* Decide which service or environment will use it.
* Have your secret manager or deployment platform ready before you create the key.

## Create the key

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open API keys in the dashboard">
    In the Anthale dashboard, open the [API key page](https://platform.anthale.com/api-keys) for the Organization that
    will own the key.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the create flow">
    Create a new key for the service or environment that needs to call Anthale by clicking the "Create API Key" button
    in the top right of the page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add clear metadata">
    Give the key a name that identifies the caller. Add a description if you want extra ownership or environment
    context.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the key">Finish the create flow and copy the new key into a secure location immediately.</Step>
</Steps>

## Copy and store it safely

* Save the key in your secret manager or deployment platform before you move to the next task.
* Treat Anthale API keys as server-side credentials only.
* Do not put Anthale API keys in browser code, mobile apps, screenshots, or source control.

<Tip>
  Use one API key per service boundary or environment. That makes it easier to disable or delete one key without
  interrupting unrelated traffic.
</Tip>

## Verify the key

* Confirm the new key appears in the API keys list with the expected name.
* Use it in [Authentication](/docs/api-reference/authentication), the [Python Direct SDK Path](/docs/quickstart/python), or the [TypeScript Direct SDK Path](/docs/quickstart/typescript) when you are ready to test the integration.

## Related pages

For inspection, cleanup, or runtime auth, see [View API keys](/docs/learn/api-keys/view-api-keys), [Delete an API key](/docs/learn/api-keys/delete-an-api-key), or [Authentication](/docs/api-reference/authentication).