---
title: Create an API key
description: >-
  Learn how to create an API key in Kapptivate, scope it to specific teams, and
  securely store the generated token for authentication.
lastUpdated: "2026-09-23"
---

> **For AI agents:** the complete documentation index is at [llms.txt](/llms.txt). Append `.md` to any page URL for its markdown version.

API keys authenticate external applications, such as CI/CD pipelines and third-party services, with your Kapptivate workspace. Each key is scoped to specific teams and generates a token you use for authentication.

![The Create a new API Key modal with the name field and team selector](/images/api-key-create.webp)

## Create a key

1. Go to **Administration** > **API keys**
2. Click **Create API Key** (top right)
3. Enter a **Name**. This helps you identify what the key is for
4. Under **Select teams allowed to use this key**, choose the teams the key should have access to
5. Click **Create**

After creation, a modal confirms *"Your new token has been generated"* and displays the token. Copy it immediately with the copy button. It's only visible this one time. If you lose it, you'll need to [refresh the token](/administration/api-keys/manage#refresh-a-token) to generate a new one.

## Store the token securely

Store the token in your application or CI/CD environment as an environment variable or secret. Never commit API keys to version control.

<Warning>
The token is shown only once at creation time. If you close the modal without copying it, you must refresh the token to get a new one.
</Warning>