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

# Quickstart

> Make your first API call in under 2 minutes

## 1. Create an API key

Go to the [API Platform dashboard](https://platform.cuttr.com/dashboard/api-platform) and click **Create Key**. Give it a name and optionally set an expiration date.

<Warning>
  Your key is displayed **once** after creation. Copy it immediately and store it somewhere secure — you won't be able to see it again.
</Warning>

Your key will look like this:

```
cuttr_a1b2c3d4e5f6...
```

## 2. Fund your wallet

Still in the dashboard, click a top-up amount (minimum \$5.00) to open a Stripe checkout. Once payment completes, your balance updates instantly.

<Tip>
  Enable **auto-refill** in the dashboard to automatically charge your saved card when your balance drops below a threshold. Never miss a request due to insufficient funds.
</Tip>

## 3. Make your first request

Test your key with the test endpoint:

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash cURL theme={null}
  curl -X GET https://api.cuttr.com/api/platform/v1/test \
    -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"
  ```

  ```javascript Node.js theme={null}
  const response = await fetch("https://api.cuttr.com/api/platform/v1/test", {
    headers: {
      "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY",
    },
  });

  const data = await response.json();
  console.log(data);
  ```

  ```python Python theme={null}
  import requests

  response = requests.get(
      "https://api.cuttr.com/api/platform/v1/test",
      headers={"X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"},
  )

  print(response.json())
  ```
</CodeGroup>

If everything is set up correctly, you'll get:

```json theme={null}
{
  "status": "working",
  "team_id": 42,
  "key_name": "my-first-key",
  "timestamp": "2025-01-15T10:30:00.000Z"
}
```

## What's next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Authentication" icon="key" href="/authentication">
    Deep dive into API key auth and security best practices.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Wallet & Billing" icon="wallet" href="/concepts/wallet">
    Understand how the prepaid wallet works.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test Endpoint" icon="flask-vial" href="/api-reference/endpoint/test">
    Try the test endpoint in the interactive playground.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Error Handling" icon="triangle-exclamation" href="/concepts/errors">
    Handle errors gracefully in your integration.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>