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

# Authentication

Start using Ledgerbeam's conversational analytics API in minutes. Create an account, get your API key, and begin querying your data with natural language.

## Sign Up for Free

Create your account on our [dashboard](https://app.ledgerbeam.com) to access all features. New accounts automatically receive free credits for testing and development.

## Set Up Your Workspace

After signing up, you'll be guided through creating your workspace. This is where you'll manage your API keys, connect your data sources, view usage analytics, and configure your integration settings.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/ledgerbeam/wHmIjCZS8Kf8KqwR/images/settings-api-key.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wHmIjCZS8Kf8KqwR&q=85&s=cc3feb66a5bb2bd36660f3a675c71de6" style={{ borderRadius:"0.5rem" }} alt="" title="" width="995" height="450" data-path="images/settings-api-key.png" />
</Frame>

## Get Your API Key

Create an API key for your workspace. You can find it in the [API Keys section](https://app.ledgerbeam.com/settings/developer) of your dashboard.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/ledgerbeam/wHmIjCZS8Kf8KqwR/images/create-api-key.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wHmIjCZS8Kf8KqwR&q=85&s=4446f0a355d41746b48ada6b9cbe1324" style={{ borderRadius:"0.5rem" }} alt="" title="" width="553" height="440" data-path="images/create-api-key.png" />

### Using Your API Key

Include your API key in the `API-KEY` header of your requests:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.ledgerbeam.com/v1/chats/messages \
  -H "API-KEY: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "resource_id": "your_resource_id",
    "content": "What are my top customers this month?"
  }'
```

## Security Best Practices

* **Keep your API key secure** - Never expose it in client-side code or public repositories
* **Use environment variables** - Store your API key in secure environment variables
* **Rotate keys regularly** - Generate new keys periodically for enhanced security
* **Monitor usage** - Check your dashboard regularly for unusual activity
* **Secure your data connections** - Use encrypted connections and store credentials securely

## Rate Limits

Account creation is free. Paid plans include higher limits and priority processing. Check your current plan in the [dashboard](https://app.ledgerbeam.com/settings/billing).

## Need Help?

* **Documentation**: Explore our [API reference](./api-reference/introduction) for detailed examples
* **Support**: Contact us at [support@ledgerbeam.com](mailto:support@ledgerbeam.com)
* **Community**: Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/ledgerbeam) for developer discussions