## Getting Your API Key

1. Go to the [HeyGen API dashboard](https://app.heygen.com/home?from=&nav=API)  
2. Click to generate your API key.

## Configuring Your API Key

### Environment variable (recommended)

```bash
export HEYGEN_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"
```

### `.env` file

If your project uses a `.env` file (common with Node.js, Python, or frameworks like Next.js):

```bash
HEYGEN_API_KEY=your-api-key-here
```

### Claude Code

If you’re using Claude Code or any terminal-based workflow, set the key in your shell before starting:

```bash
export HEYGEN_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"
claude  # or whatever command starts your session
```

Alternatively, add it to your shell profile (`~/.bashrc`, `~/.zshrc`) so it persists across sessions:

```bash
echo 'export HEYGEN_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
```

### HeyGen Skills (in Claude)

When using HeyGen through the Skills integration in Claude’s computer environment, the API key is read from the environment. Make sure `HEYGEN_API_KEY` is set before the skill executes any API calls.

## Using the Key in Requests

All HeyGen API requests authenticate via the `X-Api-Key` header. The base URL for all endpoints is `https://api.heygen.com`.

```curl
curl -X GET "https://api.heygen.com/v3/avatars" \
  -H "X-Api-Key: $HEYGEN_API_KEY"
```

### Quick verification

You can verify your key is working by fetching your account info:

```curl
curl -X GET "https://api.heygen.com/v1/user/me" \
  -H "X-Api-Key: $HEYGEN_API_KEY"
```

A successful response with `"code": 100` confirms your key is valid. The `billing_type` and corresponding billing field (`wallet`, `subscription`, or `usage_based`) show your current balance and billing model.

## Security Best Practices

- **Never commit your API key to version control.** Add `.env` to your `.gitignore`.
- **Never expose the key in client-side / browser code.** Always call the API from a backend or server environment.
- **Rotate your key periodically** via the API dashboard.
- **Monitor usage** in your [API dashboard](https://app.heygen.com/home?from=&nav=API)