# Generating API Keys

API keys allow you to access SoikaStack models programmatically through the REST API.

**Step 1: Navigate to API Settings**

1. Select **API Keys** in side nav bar and click on generate new api key.

![](https://soika-labs.gitbook.io/soika-mockingjay/~gitbook/image?url=https%3A%2F%2F2184813754-files.gitbook.io%2F%7E%2Ffiles%2Fv0%2Fb%2Fgitbook-x-prod.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fspaces%252FBSwkgyDGOD52nsc2FrK2%252Fuploads%252FCXuGAzQg9UQYC5cWkKTs%252Fimage.png%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3Dd9995ed5-eedd-4cb9-9c37-f0cb60d599fe\&width=768\&dpr=4\&quality=100\&sign=16f3df21\&sv=2)

**Step 2: Create New API Key**

1. Click on the **Generate New API Key** button.
2. In the dialog that appears:
   * Enter a descriptive name for the API key (e.g., "Development Backend")
   * Select permissions for this key:
     * Expiration date (optional)
3. Click **Generate Key**.

**Step 3: Save Your API Key**

1. After generation, the system will display your new API key **only once**.
2. Copy this key and store it securely. It typically looks like: `sk_soika_7dJHG38djh38dJG83jdJG83jdJH83`.
3. Click **I've saved my key** to confirm.

> ⚠️ **Important**: The API key will only be shown once. If you lose it, you'll need to generate a new one.

**Step 4: Using Your API Key**

Your API key can now be used to access the SoikaStack API. Here's a basic example:

```
curl -X POST "http://[your-server-ip]:4142/v1/completions" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_soika_your_api_key_here" \
  -d '{
    "model": "your_model_name",
    "prompt": "Once upon a time",
    "max_tokens": 100
  }'
```


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