> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.atomyx.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.atomyx.io/getting-started/shared-concepts/api-keys.md).

# API Keys

API keys are used to authenticate API calls across Atomyx products.

They are part of the shared access and trust model provided through Atomyx Vault and related product configuration.

### What API keys are for

API keys allow systems to:

* call Atomyx APIs
* verify that the caller is authorised
* work across products such as Manage, Submit, and Prepare
* separate access between environments such as development, staging, and production

### How API keys fit into the platform

When an API call is made to an Atomyx product, the key is validated as part of the platform's shared identity and access model.

This keeps authentication consistent across the wider Atomyx ecosystem.

### Good API key practice

Use separate keys for:

* development
* staging
* production

Also:

* store keys securely
* rotate them regularly
* replace them if compromise is suspected
* never expose them in public client-side code
* never commit them to source control

### Practical advice

Think of API keys as environment-specific credentials, not as casual shared values.

Treat them with the same care as other sensitive system credentials.

### Related pages

* **Subscriptions**
* **Roles and Access**
* **Generate API Keys**
* **Authentication and API Keys** in Vault


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