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

# Generate, Configure, and Secure Your NexLLM API Keys

> Create and configure NexLLM API keys with optional expiry, quota limits, model restrictions, and IP allowlists to authenticate your API requests.

API keys are the credentials your application sends with every request to NexLLM. Each key can be scoped with expiration dates, quota limits, model restrictions, and IP allowlists so you can enforce precise access controls for different projects, teams, or environments.

<Note>
  You must have a valid NexLLM account before you can create an API key. If you don't have one yet, [sign up here](https://www.nexllm.ai/sign-up) before continuing.
</Note>

## Create an API key

<Steps>
  <Step title="Log in to the dashboard">
    Go to [nexllm.ai](https://www.nexllm.ai) and sign in to your account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the API Keys section">
    In the left sidebar, click **API Keys**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start a new key">
    Click the **Create API Key** button in the top-right corner of the page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name your key">
    Enter a descriptive name for the key. We recommend naming it by its intended purpose — for example, `production-app` or `dev-testing` — so you can identify it easily later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure optional settings">
    Adjust any of the optional settings described in the table below, or leave them at their defaults to create an unrestricted key.

    | Option                 | Description                                                                                                                  |
    | ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Expiration**         | Set an expiration date for the key. Leave the field blank, or set it to `-1`, if you do not want the key to expire.          |
    | **Remaining Quota**    | Define the maximum number of tokens this key can consume. The key is automatically disabled once the quota is exceeded.      |
    | **Unlimited Quota**    | Enable this option to remove the quota limit for this key. The key is still subject to your account's overall quota.         |
    | **Model Restrictions** | Restrict this key to specific models. Leave the field blank to allow access to all available models.                         |
    | **IP Allowlist**       | Restrict API calls to specific source IP addresses. Leave the field blank if no IP restriction is required.                  |
    | **Group**              | Specify the channel group this key will use for routing requests. See the Channel Groups documentation for more information. |
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the key">
    Click **Save changes** to generate the key.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy and store your key">
    Copy the API key that appears and store it somewhere safe — for example, in a password manager or your application's secrets store.

    <Warning>
      Your API key authenticates every request you make to NexLLM. **Never commit it to source control or share it publicly.** If a key is exposed, delete it immediately from the dashboard and generate a new one.
    </Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>