# Quick Start

Blueink API is a cloud-based eSignature solution that allows you to integrate 
eSignature functionality into your App, internal tools, AI agents, or other eSignature automated workflows. 

This guide will walk you through the process of getting started with the Blueink API.

## Step 1: Create a Blueink API Account {#step-1}

If you don't yet have a Blueink Account, you can create an API trial account by visiting the 
[Blueink API Plans](https://www.blueink.com/esignature-api/plans-and-pricing) page. 
You can send unlimited test Envelopes / Bundles with your API trial account.

If you already have a Blueink Account and don't see "API" as a menu option, please contact
Blueink Support via in-app chat, or via our [Contact Us page](https://www.blueink.com/contact-us). 
Our support team would be happy to activate API Trial features on your account so you can try out the API.

## Step 2: Navigate to API Page {#step-2}

From the `Blueink Dashboard` page, click on the `API` tab in the sidebar.

<Thumbnail
  src="/img/api-installation_step-1.png"
  alt="Navigate to API Page"
  className="no-shadow"
/>

## Step 3: Create an API Key {#step-3}

From the API page, click the `Add API Key` button.

- Enter a label for the API key and click the `Submit` button.

<Thumbnail
  src="/img/api-installation_step-2.png"
  alt="Create API Label"
  className="no-shadow"
/>

- Save the API key (it is only shown once) to use it in your integration.

<Thumbnail
  src="/img/api-installation_step-3.png"
  alt="Copy API Key"
  className="no-shadow"
/>

> **Warning**
>
>
> Please copy the API key and store it in a secure location. An API key identifies your App and allows it to make calls to the Blueink API on your behalf, including sending documents for eSignature. It should never be exposed publicly in client-side code (e.g. javascript source files that are downloaded to a browser) or committed into source control (e.g. a github repo).
>

You can view and manage your API keys in the Blueink API page, in the "Private API Keys" section.

<Thumbnail
  src="/img/api-installation_step-4.png"
  alt="Copy API Key"
  className="no-shadow"
/>

## Step 4: Start Building your Integration  {#step-4}

You can now start building your integration. Please see documentation below for next steps.

If you are using a supported languages, you can get started quickly by using one of our client SDKs.

#### Blueink SDKs

- [Python SDK](/docs/libraries/python)
- [JavaScript SDK](/docs/libraries/javascript)
- [PHP SDK](/docs/libraries/php)

#### Other Resources

- [API Overview](/docs/esignature-api/) - for documentation on authentication, pagination, etc.
- [Guides](/docs/guides/) - for narrative guides on common use cases with the Blueink API.
- [API Reference](/docs/api/) - for detailed documentation on all API endpoints and operations.
- [Postman Collection](https://www.postman.com/blueink/blueink-public-workspace/collection/t4tnyus/blueink-api-v2) - a collection of Blueink API requests that you can use to test and explore the API.