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

# Authentication

> Learn what it takes to authenticate to the Square Cloud API.

First you need to get an API key from the [Developer Dashboard](https://squarecloud.app/en/account/security). You can use this API key to authenticate to the Square Cloud API.

```bash theme={null}
'Authorization': '<api_key>'
```

## API Usage

You can use the API key to authenticate to the Square Cloud API. You can use the API key in the `Authorization` header.
Remembering that the use of the API is subject to the [Terms of Service](https://squarecloud.app/legal) and the [Acceptable Use Policy](https://squarecloud.app/legal/policy).

<Card title="Limits and Restrictions" href="/en/api-reference/limitations-and-restrictions">
  Learn about the limits and restrictions of the Square Cloud API.
</Card>