API Keys
API keys authenticate your requests to the /api/v1 endpoints. Each key is tied to a user and scoped to their organisation. You can create up to 10 active keys per account.
Key format
Every key is prefixed with sk_live_ followed by 32 random characters. The full key is shown only once at creation — after that, only the first 15 characters (the prefix) are visible in the dashboard.
sk_live_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Creating an API key
1
Go to Settings → API Keys
Open your workspace Settings and click the API Keys section.
2
Click Generate New Key
Enter a descriptive name (e.g. "Production", "Zapier Integration") and optionally set an expiry date.
3
Agree to the Attribution requirement
Before the key is created, you must confirm that all integrations using this key will display the "Powered by AiChatVault" attribution. Your agreement — including the timestamp and IP address — is recorded. This is a binding commitment under Terms of Service §10.
4
Copy the key immediately
The complete key is shown only once. Store it in a secrets manager or environment variable — it cannot be retrieved again.
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If you lose the key you must regenerate it. Regenerating deletes the old key and creates a new one; any requests using the old key will immediately receive 401 Unauthorized.
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By creating an API key you legally agree that every integration you build will display the "Powered by AiChatVault" attribution. Removing, hiding, or suppressing the attribution is a breach of the Terms of Service and may result in account termination and legal action. The only authorised way to remove attribution is to purchase the Brand Removal add-on.
Key operations
| Action | Where | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Create | Settings → API Keys → Generate New Key | Issues a new sk_live_ key — shown once |
| Rename | Edit icon next to the key | Updates the display name only; key value unchanged |
| Disable / Enable | Toggle next to the key | Pauses authentication without deleting the key |
| Regenerate | Regenerate button | Deletes old key, issues a new one — shown once |
| Delete | Delete button | Permanently removes the key; requests using it return 401 |
Key limits and expiry
- •Maximum 10 active keys per user account.
- •Optional expiry date — if set, requests after that date return 401 with "API key has expired".
- •No expiry by default — keys remain valid until manually deleted or disabled.
- •last_used_at is updated asynchronously after each successful request.
Sending the key in requests
# Option 1 — Authorization header (recommended) curl https://aichatvault.com/api/v1/auth/test \ -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_live_your_key_here" # Option 2 — X-API-Key header curl https://aichatvault.com/api/v1/auth/test \ -H "X-API-Key: sk_live_your_key_here"
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Store your key in an environment variable (
AICHATVAULT_API_KEY) and read it at runtime. Never hard-code it in source files or commit it to version control.Was this page helpful?
