> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.webscrapingapi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.webscrapingapi.com/webscrapingapi/getting-started/access-the-api.md). # Access the API To unlock the full power of **WebScrapingAPI**, you have to [**register**](https://app.webscrapingapi.com/register) for a new account. Once you confirm your account, you will be able generate an API key, required to authenticate your requests. ### The API key The API key for WebScrapingAPI is available after registration, inside the Dashboard, by navigating to the WebScrapingAPI tab in the left panel. In our documentation, we will refer to the API key by using the following syntax:**``** Passing the API key as a parameter is **required** in order to authorise your requests. Failing to pass an API key or passing an invalid API key will result in an error. {% hint style="warning" %} **Attention required!** Please note that your API key will directly impact the usage on your subscription plan. In order to prevent unauthorized access to your WebscrapingAPI account, make sure you **store your API key in a secure location** and never include it in any public scripts or files. {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.webscrapingapi.com/webscrapingapi/getting-started/access-the-api.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.