API Keys

Every API request to Backbone needs an API key. Here is how to create, use, and manage them.

Creating a Key

Head to API Keys in the sidebar and click Create API Key. You'll see the full key exactly once —copy it and store it somewhere safe.

Key Format

All API keys start with sk_:

sk_live_abc123def456...

Using Your Key

Include the key as a Bearer token in the Authorization header:

curl -X POST https://backbone.manfred-kunze.dev/api/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_your_api_key" \
  -d '{
    "model": "gpt-4o",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
  }'

Environment Variables

# Set the environment variable
export BACKBONE_API_KEY="sk_your_api_key"

Then use it in your code:

import os
from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(
    api_key=os.environ["BACKBONE_API_KEY"],
    base_url="https://backbone.manfred-kunze.dev/api/v1"
)

Managing Keys

In the API Keys page you can:

• Create new keys for different environments or services
• View key prefixes and creation dates
• Revoke keys that are no longer needed

Security Best Practices

• Rotate keys regularly —especially if team members leave
• One key per service —makes it easy to revoke without affecting other integrations
• Monitor usage —check the dashboard for unexpected activity
• Revoke immediately if a key is compromised

Error Responses

{
  "error": {
    "message": "Invalid API key",
    "type": "authentication_error",
    "code": "invalid_api_key"
  }
}