What are sub-keys and how do I create them?

A sub-key is an extra API key you issue for a single site or client, separate from your master key. Each one can carry its own monthly credit cap and its own allowed domains, so you can hand sites their own key and manage them independently. Sub-keys are an Unlimited-plan feature.

A master key starts with sk_live_; a sub-key starts with sk_sub_. Both connect the plugin the same way.

What they are for

• Give each site or client its own key instead of sharing the master key everywhere.
• Cap how many credits a single site can use per month.
• Lock a single site's key to its own domains.

Create a sub-key

You need the Unlimited plan to create or edit sub-keys.

1. Sign in to your dashboard and open the API keys page.
2. Create a new sub-key and give it a label, so you remember which site it is for.
3. Optionally set a monthly credit limit and a list of allowed domains for it.
4. Save, then copy the new sk_sub_ key and connect it on that site.

Plans

Creating and editing sub-keys requires the Unlimited plan. If you move to a plan without sub-keys, any sub-keys you already made keep working and you can still delete them - you just can't create or edit them until you upgrade again.

See also

• Can I use one API key on multiple sites?
• How do I restrict my key to specific domains?
• Where do I find my API key?