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

# Authentication

> How to authenticate with the Butter AI API

The Butter AI API uses API keys to authenticate requests. You can view and manage your API keys in the [Butter AI Dashboard](https://app.getbutter.ai/settings/api-keys).

## Authentication Header

All API requests must include the following header:

```bash theme={null}
X-API-Key: <YOUR_API_KEY>
```

<Warning>
  Your API keys carry many privileges, so be sure to keep them secure! Do not share your secret API keys in publicly accessible areas such as GitHub, client-side code, and so forth.
</Warning>

## API Key Scoping

API keys are scoped to both a user and an organization. When you create an API key, it is tied to your user account and the currently selected organization. Requests made with this key will operate within that organization's context.