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

# Authentication

> Pawa AI APIs requires API Keys as authentication to ensure secure access and usage. This section details the methods and best practices for authenticating your requests.

Create and manage your API keys in your **[Dashboard settings](https://builder.pawa-ai.com/dashboard?page=keys)**

Your API key is *confidential!*. Treat it like a password. Never share it publicly or include it in client-side code (like in web browsers or mobile apps). Always store your API keys securely, preferably loaded from an environment variable or a key management service on your server.

API keys should be provided via **`HTTP Bearer authentication`**

```bash theme={null}
  Authorization: Bearer PAWA_AI_API_KEY
```

### Example.

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST "https://api.pawa-ai.com/v1/chat/request" \
     -H "Authorization: Bearer PAWA_AI_API_KEY" \
     -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
```

You can view your API usage through the **[Usage Dashboard](https://builder.pawa-ai.com/dashboard?page=data)**.