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

# How to Access Your API Key

> Learn how to access and manage your Shovels API key from your account dashboard for authenticating API requests.

Your API key is required to authenticate all requests to the Shovels API.

## Accessing Your API Key

1. [Log into your Shovels account](https://app.shovels.ai/profile-settings/)
2. Navigate to the **Profile Settings** section
3. Your API key is displayed in the **API Key** field

## Using Your API Key

Include your API key in the header of every API request:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET "https://api.shovels.ai/v2/meta/release" \
  -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
```

## Free Trial API Access

New accounts receive **250 free requests** to explore our capabilities before committing to a paid plan.

<Info>
  During the free trial, each API call counts as **1 request**, regardless of how many records are returned. Paid plans use a credit-based system where each record returned counts against your credits.
</Info>

## Tracking Your Usage

You can view your API credit usage in the Profile Settings or by calling the `GET /v2/usage` endpoint. Credits operate on a 30-day rolling window.

## Need More Credits?

If you hit your limit and need more credits:

* Contact [sales@shovels.ai](mailto:sales@shovels.ai)
* Call us at [1-800-511-7457](tel:+18005117457)

## Related Articles

* [How do API credits work?](/docs/knowledge-base/api/basics/request-counts)
* [API credit limits](/docs/knowledge-base/api/basics/credit-limits)
* [API documentation](https://docs.shovels.ai/docs/shovels-api-introduction)