API Key Generator
Generate a random API key with a customizable prefix and length, similar to the key formats used by services like Stripe or GitHub.
Recommended Settings
Pro Tips
- •Many API providers use a prefix (like sk_live_, pk_test_, or ghp_) to identify the key's type or environment at a glance, before any random characters
- •This key is generated for prototyping, mocking, or testing purposes - it isn't tied to any real service or backend
- •A random portion of 24-32 characters provides strong resistance against guessing, similar to real-world API key lengths
- •If you're building a real API, make sure your generated keys are also securely hashed before being stored in your database
Most Popular
Most users generate a 32-character key with a custom prefix matching their own service's naming convention
When to Use This Tool
Generate realistic-looking sample API keys for documentation or example code.
Generate a random key to use as an API credential for a personal project or internal tool.
Create random API keys for testing authentication flows without using real credentials.
Mock up what your own API's key format might look like before implementing key generation server-side.
How It Works
Take the custom prefix you specify (or leave it blank for no prefix)
Generate a cryptographically secure random string of the selected length using uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and digits
Combine the prefix and random string into the final API key
100% Private
Files never leave your device. All processing happens locally in your browser.
Lightning Fast
Powered by Web Crypto API (crypto.getRandomValues) for optimal performance on modern browsers.
Open Source
Built with verified, open-source libraries. Fully transparent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this key with a real service?
No. This tool generates a randomly formatted string that looks like an API key, but it isn't registered with or recognized by any real service. It's meant for prototyping, documentation examples, or your own custom authentication system.
Why do API keys often have a prefix?
Prefixes let developers and automated secret-scanning tools quickly identify what type of key it is (like a test vs. live key) just by looking at the string, without needing to check the value against a database.
Is my generated key sent to a server?
No. The key is generated entirely locally in your browser using JavaScript. It's never transmitted anywhere, including to this website's own servers.
How should I store API keys in my own application?
Store a hashed version of the key in your database (similar to password storage), and only show the raw key to the user once, at creation time - this limits damage if your database is ever compromised.
How long should an API key be?
Most production API keys use at least 24-32 random characters after any prefix, providing a large enough search space to resist brute-force guessing.