# Getting started
Source: https://nordvec.com/docs/guides/getting-started#1-create-an-api-key

## 1. Create an API key [#1-create-an-api-key]

Sign in and open **Settings > API Keys** in your workspace. For searching, create
a **client** key with the `search:read` scope; it starts with `nv_eu_live_`. The
raw key is shown **once** and never again, so store it somewhere safe. A key
belongs to the workspace, not to the person who created it, and authenticates
as a bearer token.

See [Authentication](/docs/guides/authentication) for key classes, scopes and
the full lifecycle (rotate, revoke, grace windows).