> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://context7.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Manage API Keys

> Create and manage API keys for Context7 authentication

API keys authenticate your requests to Context7's documentation services. Use a key for the REST API, the SDKs, CI and other headless hosts, and gateways or proxies.

> [!TIP]
>
> To add Context7 to a coding agent, you do not need a key. Paste `Read https://context7.com/get-started.md and set up Context7` into your agent. It runs `npx ctx7 setup` for your client, and you sign in with OAuth in the browser. See [Installation](https://context7.com/docs/installation.md).

## Managing API Keys

Your keys are in the API Keys card of the [Context7 dashboard](https://context7.com/dashboard?tab=settings).

![API Keys card with the Access column for each key](https://mintcdn.com/context7/PDgQPLoRRpUR5WO0/images/dashboard/api-keys-card.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PDgQPLoRRpUR5WO0\&q=85\&s=05272bde87427dfd4d7245e4e8518254)

### Creating API Keys

**1. Open the create dialog**

Click **Create API Key** in the API Keys card.

**2. Name the key**

Enter a name (optional but recommended). Descriptive names like "Cursor", "Claude", "VS Code", or "Devin Desktop" help you identify the key later.

**3. Choose write access**

Every key can read the teamspace settings and usage through the management API. Tick **Write access** for a key that must change the teamspace or read personal data, like members and visitor questions (see [below](#write-access)). Leave it off for keys that only fetch docs or read settings.

**4. Copy the key immediately**

Keys are shown only once for security. The format is `ctx7sk-**********************`.

**5. Use the key**

Use it in your requests or MCP configuration:

```bash theme={null}
curl "https://context7.com/api/v2/context?libraryId=/vercel/next.js&query=routing" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

> [!WARNING]
>
> Store your API key securely. You won't be able to see it again after creation.

### Write access

The [Context7 Admin MCP](https://context7.com/docs/howto/admin-mcp.md) and the [management API](https://context7.com/docs/api-reference/teamspaces/list-teamspaces.md) (`/api/v2/teamspaces/*`) accept every API key, but a key is read-only there unless **Write access** was ticked when the key was created. The **Access** column of the API Keys card shows **Read only** or **Write access** for each key. A key reaches only its own teamspace.

A read-only key can read, with your role:

* the teamspace's libraries, rules and policies, and usage
* Docs7 and Ask site settings, builds and traffic totals

A key needs **Write access** to:

* read personal data: members and invitations, library requests, Ask questions, Docs7 reader searches, assistant questions and conversations, page feedback, feature requests, and the GitHub account behind a build
* change the teamspace: its members, libraries, rules and policies, spending limit, and Docs7 and Ask sites

![Create API Key dialog with Write access ticked](https://mintcdn.com/context7/PDgQPLoRRpUR5WO0/images/dashboard/api-key-write-access.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PDgQPLoRRpUR5WO0\&q=85\&s=29952098cccc1f135917ab8b13c1cd15)

A read-only key gets `403` with the error `write_access_required` when it tries to make a change or read personal data. The teamspace invite link also needs write access, because the link lets anyone join. You cannot add write access to an existing key: create a new key with **Write access** ticked. With the Admin MCP you can also sign in with OAuth and use no key.

### Revoking Keys

**1. Delete the key**

Click the delete button next to the key you no longer need.

**2. Confirm deletion**

Confirm in the modal. The key deactivates immediately — all requests using it will fail.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Revoking a key is permanent and cannot be undone. Update any applications using the key before
> revoking.


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