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

# SDK keys - Python SDK

> Create, store, and revoke keys for the Python SDK

SDK access uses an **SDK key** from the Poelis app. The key is how `PoelisClient` authenticates.

## Create a key

1. Open **Settings → SDK Keys**
2. Select **Create SDK Key**
3. Copy the key immediately

<Warning>
  The key is shown only once, at creation time. Save it before you leave the page.
</Warning>

## What the key can access

SDK keys are **user-bound**. The key can access the workspaces, products, items, properties, and files that the user who created it can see in Poelis.

A [REST API key](/authentication) works differently. It can access every resource in the organization, and only an organization admin can create one.

Create a separate key for each person. A shared key ties every script to one user's permissions, and you cannot revoke it for a single person.

Write operations, such as [editing draft properties](/python-sdk/edit-properties), also require the **Editor** role on the workspace or product.

## Store it safely

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Save it once" icon="lock">
    Put the key in a password manager or an environment variable as soon as you create it
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keep it out of Git" icon="code-branch">
    Pass the key into PoelisClient at runtime. Leave it out of notebooks you commit and out of source control
  </Card>

  <Card title="One key per user" icon="key">
    Each person creates their own key, so access matches that person's role in Poelis
  </Card>

  <Card title="Revoke when you are done" icon="refresh">
    If a key is compromised or no longer needed, revoke it on the same SDK Keys page
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Use the key

```python theme={null}
from poelis_sdk import PoelisClient

poelis_client = PoelisClient(api_key="YOUR_SDK_KEY")
poelis = poelis_client.browser
```

Continue with the [Quick Start](/python-sdk/quickstart) if this is your first call.