> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://langchain-5e9cc07a-preview-replic-1777387319-d2edaf0.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create an account and API key

To get started with LangSmith, you need to create an account. You can sign up for a free account in the [LangSmith UI](https://smith.langchain.com). LangSmith supports sign in with Google, GitHub, and email.

## API keys

LangSmith supports two types of API keys. You can use both types of token to authenticate requests to the LangSmith API, but they have different use cases:

* [**Personal Access Tokens (PATs)**](/langsmith/administration-overview#personal-access-tokens-pats) inherit the permissions of the user who created them. Use PATs for personal scripts or tools.
* [**Service keys**](/langsmith/administration-overview#service-keys) can be scoped to specific [workspaces](/langsmith/administration-overview#workspaces) or the entire [organization](/langsmith/administration-overview#organizations). Use service keys for applications and production services.

### Create an API key

To log traces and run evaluations with LangSmith, you will need to create an API key to authenticate your requests.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open API Keys settings" icon="settings">
    Navigate to the [Settings page](https://smith.langchain.com/settings) and select the **API Keys** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the key type" icon="key">
    For service keys, choose between an organization-scoped and workspace-scoped key. If the key is workspace-scoped, you must specify the workspaces.

    [Enterprise](/langsmith/pricing-plans) users can also [assign specific workspace roles](/langsmith/administration-overview#workspace-roles-rbac) to service keys, which adjusts their permissions independently of any user.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set expiration" icon="calendar">
    Set the key's expiration. The key becomes unusable after the number of days chosen, or never, if that is selected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the key" icon="circle-check">
    Click **Create API Key.**

    <Note>
      LangSmith will display the API key only once, so make sure to copy it and store it in a safe place.
    </Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Delete an API key

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open API Keys settings" icon="settings">
    Navigate to the [Settings page](https://smith.langchain.com/settings) and scroll to the **API Keys** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the key" icon="search">
    Find the API key you need to delete from the table. Toggle **Personal** or **Service** as needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Delete the key" icon="trash">
    Select the trash icon <Icon icon="trash" iconType="solid" /> in the **Actions** column and confirm deletion.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Configure the SDK

After setting `LANGSMITH_API_KEY`, you may need the following additional environment variables.

`LANGSMITH_ENDPOINT` controls which LangSmith server the SDK sends data to. It defaults to `https://api.smith.langchain.com` (US cloud). Set it only if you are on a different deployment:

* EU instance: `LANGSMITH_ENDPOINT=https://eu.api.smith.langchain.com`
* AWS-hosted US instance: `LANGSMITH_ENDPOINT=https://aws.api.smith.langchain.com`

`LANGSMITH_WORKSPACE_ID` is required only if your API key is scoped to more than one [workspace](/langsmith/administration-overview#workspaces):

`LANGSMITH_WORKSPACE_ID=<Workspace ID>`

## Using API keys outside of the SDK

See [instructions for managing your organization via API](/langsmith/manage-organization-by-api).

***

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