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

# Getting Credentials

## Types of Credentials

There are two types of credentials: **Sandbox** and **Production** credentials. The sandbox credentials are for use in the sandbox environment during testing, while the production credentials are set up when going live.

## Structure of Credentials

The API credentials include:

* **Client ID (`client_id`)**: Public identifier for your integration.
* **Integration Title (`sender`)**: The name assigned to your integration.
* **Secret Key (`senderKey`)**: The private key used strictly on your backend server to generate the cryptographic signature for each API request.

## Getting Credentials

Please follow these steps to set up your API credentials:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Creating a new integration">
    <ol type="a">
      <li>
        In the developer portal, on the sidebar menu under "Workspace", select
        the option "Integrations" where you will manage integrations and API keys.
      </li>

      <li>
        Begin by creating your first integration by clicking the "Create
        Integration" button. We recommend creating one integration for each of
        the projects or brands you are connecting.
      </li>

      <li>
        You need to create separate integrations for both sandbox and live
        accounts in their respective environments.
      </li>
    </ol>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generating API Credentials">
    <ol type="a">
      <li>
        Within the Integration settings, generate the required
        credentials for the integration.
      </li>

      <li>
        These credentials consist of a Client ID, Integration Name, and Secret Key. Make
        sure to save these credentials securely. Treat your Secret Key like a password. Never expose it in frontend code, client apps, or public logs.
      </li>

      <li>
        This key serves as your authentication mechanism when signing API
        requests.
      </li>

      <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/1ab1a139aeb84c42a32fd7a4bd04afa7?sid=f25cf088-a7cd-4755-b81f-5d1bb7df7e8e" title="Loom video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen />
    </ol>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Using the credentials">
    You are now ready to integrate the Niobi Payments API into your application.
    Proceed to the [Authentication Basics](/authentication/basics) guide to learn how to sign your first request.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Next Step

<Card title="API Authentication Basics" icon="key" href="/authentication/basics">
  Learn how to use your Client ID and Secret Key to cryptographically sign API requests.
</Card>