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

# Getting Started with Coinbase App

To get started with Coinbase App, [create an API key](#creating-api-keys) on the [Coinbase Developer Platform](https://portal.cdp.coinbase.com) (CDP).

<Info>
  API Key authentication should only be used to access your own account. To securely access the accounts of other Coinbase users, use [Coinbase App (OAuth2)](/coinbase-app/introduction/welcome).
</Info>

## Creating API Keys

<Info>
  **Optional API Key File Download**

  For enhanced security, API key files are no longer automatically downloaded. If you need to reference your API key via file path in your code, click the **Download API key** button in the modal to save the key file. Otherwise, you can copy the key details directly from the modal and use them as environment variables (recommended for better security).
</Info>

To create a CDP API key:

1. Navigate to the [CDP Access page](https://portal.cdp.coinbase.com/projects/api-keys).
2. Select the **API Keys** tab.
3. Click the **Create API key** button.
4. Enter an API key nickname and click **Create API key**.
5. Secure your private/public key pair in a safe location.

Use the **Configure** button to regenerate a key (by deleting and recrating), or building an allowlist (by clicking edit and API restrictions).

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  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/coinbase-prod/Nwe99SJqMKlRkcv5/coinbase-app/images/cdp-key-create.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Nwe99SJqMKlRkcv5&q=85&s=6c4d4bfc110e6df0c94ed7b0f4552b75" width="750" alt="" data-path="coinbase-app/images/cdp-key-create.png" />
</Frame>
