API Key Generator

About this tool

Generate cryptographically secure random API keys or tokens, with an optional prefix like sk_live_. Perfect for development and testing.

Example

Input: prefix sk_live_

Output: sk_live_8Kd2mZ...

Privacy

This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data is processed locally and never uploaded to a server.

How to use this tool

1. Choose the type of secret you want, such as an API key or token.
2. Enter an optional prefix like sk_live_ if your app expects one.
3. Pick the desired key length if the tool exposes that setting.
4. Generate the key, then copy it into your app's config or secret manager.

Step by step, what happens

1. The tool starts by using a cryptographically secure random source, not a predictable pattern.
2. It builds a new key from random characters that are suitable for API keys and tokens.
3. If you add a prefix, the tool places it at the start of the key and keeps the random part after it.
4. The finished value is shown for you to copy and use in development or testing.

Worked example

A common case is generating a Stripe-like secret for a local test environment.

Input: sk_live_

1. You enter sk_live_ as the prefix.
2. The tool generates a fresh random secret and keeps sk_live_ at the beginning.
3. You copy the result into your test app or environment variable.

Tips and common mistakes

• Use a prefix only if your service or app expects it, because some systems validate the exact key format.
• Do not reuse generated keys across environments, since development, staging, and production should have separate secrets.
• Store the result in a secrets manager or environment variable instead of hardcoding it in source files.
• If you need a real production secret, generate a new one and never share the same key between testing and live use.

Frequently asked questions