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

# Get Your API Key

> Create a Theo API key to start making requests.

## Create an Account

1. Go to [api.hitheo.ai](https://api.hitheo.ai)
2. Sign up with your email or social login
3. You'll land on the API dashboard

## Generate a Key

1. Navigate to **API Keys** in the sidebar
2. Click **Create Key**
3. Give your key a descriptive name (e.g., "Production", "Development")
4. Copy the key immediately — it won't be shown again

Your key will look like:

```
theo_sk_a1b2c3d4e5f6...
```

<Warning>
  Store your API key securely. Never commit it to source control or expose it in client-side code. Use environment variables instead.
</Warning>

## Set the Environment Variable

```bash theme={null}
export THEO_API_KEY=theo_sk_a1b2c3d4e5f6...
```

Or add it to your `.env` file:

```env theme={null}
THEO_API_KEY=theo_sk_a1b2c3d4e5f6...
```

## Verify It Works

```bash theme={null}
curl https://www.hitheo.ai/api/v1/health
```

This endpoint is public (no auth required) and returns system status. To verify your key specifically:

```bash theme={null}
curl https://www.hitheo.ai/api/v1/models \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $THEO_API_KEY"
```

You should get back a list of available Theo engine models.

## Key Format

All API keys use the `theo_sk_` prefix. Keys are production keys — all usage is billed against your credit balance.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Make Your First Call" icon="terminal" href="/quickstart/first-completion">
    Send your first completion request with curl.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Install the SDK" icon="package" href="/quickstart/install-sdk">
    Set up the TypeScript SDK for a better developer experience.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>