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

# Authentication

> Learn how to authenticate your API requests

Pica authenticates your API requests using API keys. Include your API key in the `x-pica-secret` header of your requests:

```bash theme={null}
x-pica-secret: YOUR_API_KEY
```

<Note>
  Need an API key? Sign up for a [Pica account](https://app.picaos.com) to get started right away.
</Note>

### Environments

From the dashboard, you can create two different types of API keys that correspond to two distinct environments:

<ResponseField name="Sandbox" type="environment">
  Build out your end-to-end UX safely using test credentials
</ResponseField>

<ResponseField name="Production" type="environment">
  Launch your new UX confidently using isolated live credentials
</ResponseField>

## Connector Scoping

Connectors are scoped to Environment and cannot be moved between environments once created. Both Sandbox and Production environments include unlimited Connections and unlimited API calls. All testing should be done in the Sandbox environment.