# API keys

> Create a key in the dashboard and send it as a bearer token.

API keys are how you call a Compiled Agent Model. The API is in early access, a private preview.

![A key card and a bearer token on a request](/docs/figures/api-keys.svg)

## Create a key

1. Open https://inferenceindex-app.web.app.
2. Sign in with the same Google account as the InferenceIndex site, and enter your invite code.
3. Get an API key in the dashboard.

The sign-in screen says to use the same Google account as the InferenceIndex site. Each invite code works once.

## Send the key

Send the key on the request as a bearer token.

```text
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY
```

Python sets it as `api_key`. TypeScript sets it as `apiKey`. Keep the key in an environment variable or a secret store. Do not commit it, and do not paste it into a chat.

If a key is exposed, stop using it and get a new key in the dashboard.

## Related

- [Quickstart](/docs/quickstart)
- [Logs](/docs/logs)