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

# Authentication

> After completing this quick start guide you'll have generated and tested an authentication token that can be used in all subsequent requests to the Categorization.dev API.

## How to Create an Account

Navigate to the [Categorization.dev Dashboard](https://categorization.dev/login) and simply follow the steps to log in or create a new account.

## Retrieving a Token

After you've logged in to the dashboard, follow these steps to get a token:

1. Click **API Keys**.
2. Select **New**.
3. Assign a name for the token. This helps in future referencing. You can also add notes to describe its use-case, then select **Save**.

A new token will be displayed in text format with a **copy to clipboard** button. Use this button to copy the token and secure it in a safe place.

<Tip>
  Remember that you can view the logs and track the number of requests made on the dashboard.
</Tip>

## Testing the Token

Once you have your token, you can test it using the Terminal. Set up the environment by entering and executing the following command. Replace `<TOKEN>` with the token you've copied from the Categorization.dev dashboard:

```bash theme={null}
export CATEGORIZATIONAPI_TOKEN="<TOKEN>"
```

This step eliminates the need to copy and paste the token each time it's in use. You are now ready to make a call to the Categorization.dev Usage service. Use the following command to proceed:

```bash theme={null}
curl -H "x-api-key: $CATEGORIZATIONAPI_TOKEN" https://categorization.dev/api/usage | jq .
```

The response should look like this:

```json theme={null}
{
    "plan": "API",
    "remaining": "14823"
}
```

This command will return the number of remaining requests under your token.

<Note>
  Keep in mind that most examples in this documentation assume that you have set the `$CATEGORIZATIONAPI_TOKEN` variable.
</Note>

## Wrapping up

Congratulations! You have successfully authenticated with the Categorization.dev API using a generated token.