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

# Account and API keys

> Prepare your llm.sg account, configure an API key in your application environment, check access to your chosen model, and protect your credentials.

Before calling llm.sg, prepare an account, a valid API key, and the balance or permissions required for your selected model.

> [!NOTE]
>
> The official console URL, menu labels, and available key management settings still need product review. Follow the actual controls provided by the platform.

## Prepare your account

Register or sign in through the platform's official console. Browser sign-in does not authenticate API requests.

Open the console's API key management area and create or obtain a key. If the platform provides model permissions, expiration, or spending controls, configure them for your application. Check your account status and available balance before sending requests.

## Configure your environment

On macOS or Linux:

```bash theme={null}
export LLM_SG_API_KEY='YOUR_LLM_SG_API_KEY'
```

On Windows PowerShell:

```powershell theme={null}
$env:LLM_SG_API_KEY = 'YOUR_LLM_SG_API_KEY'
```

Replace the placeholder with your actual key. These commands affect the current terminal session. For deployed applications, configure the variable through your hosting environment or secret manager. Be mindful of shell history when entering credentials interactively.

## Protect your key

* Store credentials on your server or in secure local configuration.
* Keep keys out of repositories, screenshots, and public support requests.
* Route browser application requests through your own server so the key stays private.
* Use separate keys for applications and environments where supported.
* Revoke or replace a leaked key and review recent activity.

Continue with the [quickstart](https://wiki.llm.sg/en/docs/quickstart.md).


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.