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

# Quick Start

> Create your first provider credential and project API key

This guide walks you through the fastest path to set up access: create a provider credential, then create a project key.

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
    A[Open API Keys] --> B[Create Provider Credential]
    B --> C[Verify Credential Drawer]
    C --> D[Create Project Key]
    D --> E[Validate Expiry + Budget]
```

## Step 1: Open API Keys

1. Sign in to Bud Admin.
2. Open **API Keys** from the left navigation.
3. Confirm you can see **Provider** and **Projects** tabs.

## Step 2: Create a Provider Credential

1. In **Provider**, click **Add Credentials**.
2. Choose a provider from the provider list.
3. Click **Next**.
4. Enter:
   * **API key name**
   * Provider-required fields (for example API key, base URL, org/project fields if required)
5. Click **Create**.

<Tip>
  Provider form fields are dynamic and come from the selected provider schema, so fields can differ by provider.
</Tip>

## Step 3: Validate Credential Details

1. Open the created row in **Credential List**.
2. In the drawer, verify secret fields are masked by default.
3. Use the eye icon to reveal values only when necessary.
4. Use copy action to copy individual credential values.

## Step 4: Create a Project API Key

1. Switch to the **Projects** tab.
2. Click **Create New Key**.
3. Set:
   * **Credential Name**
   * **Project**
   * **Set Expiry** (`30 days` or `60 days`)
   * **Set Max Budget**
4. Click **Create**.

## Step 5: Confirm Governance Fields

Open the new project key row and verify:

* Key is masked by default
* **Project name** is correct
* **Date of Expiry** is correct
* **Max Budget** is applied
* **Last Used** updates once the key is consumed

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="API Key Concepts" icon="book" href="/api-keys/api-key-concepts">
    Learn key types and governance design.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create Your First API Key" icon="graduation-cap" href="/api-keys/creating-first-api-key">
    Follow a full production-ready workflow.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Security Best Practices" icon="shield-halved" href="/api-keys/guides/security-best-practices">
    Apply secure handling and rotation controls.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>