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

# Authentication

> Set up authentication for the Invaro Document Processing API

## Getting Your API Key

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign up for an Invaro account">
    Sign up for an [Invaro account](https://toolkit.invaro.ai/) if you haven't already
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to the API Keys section">
    Go to the [API Keys section](https://toolkit.invaro.ai/dashboard) in your dashboard
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a new API key">
    Click on "Create New Key" and give it a descriptive name
  </Step>

  <Step title="Store your API key securely">
    Copy and store your API key securely - you won't be able to see it again
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Using Your API Key

Include your API key in all API requests using the Bearer token format in the Authorization header:

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash cURL theme={null}
  curl -X POST "https://api.invaro.ai/api/v1/parse/upload" \
    -H "Authorization: Bearer your_api_key" \
    -F "files=@document.pdf"
  ```

  ```python Python theme={null}
  import requests

  headers = {
      "Authorization": "Bearer your_api_key"
  }

  response = requests.post(url, headers=headers)
  ```

  ```javascript JavaScript theme={null}
  const headers = {
      'Authorization': 'Bearer your_api_key'
  };

  const response = await fetch(url, {
      headers: headers
  });
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## Security Best Practices

1. **Keep your API key secret** - Never expose it in client-side code or public repositories
2. **Use environment variables** - Store your API key in environment variables
3. **Rotate keys periodically** - Regularly rotate your API keys for enhanced security
4. **Use separate keys** - Use different API keys for development and production

<Warning>
  Never share your API key or commit it to version control. If your key is compromised, rotate it immediately from your dashboard.
</Warning>

## Next Steps

<Card title="Upload Documents" icon="cloud-arrow-up" href="/quickstart/upload-documents">
  Learn how to upload documents for processing
</Card>