> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.activenow.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.activenow.io/en/api-documentation/authentication.md).

# Authentication

Every request to the ActiveNow API is authenticated with your school's API key. You pass the key in the `Authorization` header, which lets an external system act on your school's data without a user logging in.

## Where to get an API key

You create API keys in the ActiveNow admin panel.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Open the API settings

Go to *Settings → API*.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Create a new key

Under *API Keys*, click *Create new key*. Copy the generated key right away — it starts with `sk_`.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## How to authenticate a request

Add the key to the `Authorization` header as a Bearer token:

```
Authorization: Bearer sk_...
```

Example request that creates a participant:

```bash
curl https://app.activenow.io/api/v1/participants \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_..." \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"first_name": "Jan", "last_name": "Kowalski", "email": "jan@activenow.io"}'
```

If the key is invalid or missing, the API returns a `401 Unauthorized` response.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Treat your API key like a password — never put it in front-end code or public repositories. If a key leaks, delete it under *Settings → API* and create a new one.
{% endhint %}


---

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