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

# Quickstart

> Start generating your first procedure using Proced AI API

## Accessing the API

With all plans, you gain full access to the Proced AI API, enabling you to generate procedure Powered by AI.

<Info> Procedures created via API or website count towards the same quota limit, impacting your total available procedures. </Info>

## Authentication

All requests to the Proced AI API must include an Authorization header with your API key. If using Client SDKs or Zapier, this header is set automatically; otherwise, include it manually in each request. API keys can be restricted to specific routes, disabled or deleted as needed.

To get your API key, [create an account](https://proced.ai/auth/signup), log in, and click on **"API Keys"** in the bottom left corner of the console.

<Frame>
  <img height="200" src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/procedai/api-reference/images/api_key.png" />
</Frame>

<Warning>
  Your API key is a secret. Do not share it or expose it in client-side code (browsers, apps). Load it securely from an environment variable or key management service on your backend server.
</Warning>