# Authentication (/docs/get-started/authentication)

> How to obtain an OmniDimension API key and configure it for the SDK.



To use the OmniDimension SDK, you need an API key. Generate and manage your
keys from the [API management dashboard](https://omnidim.io/api-management).

## Setting up your API key [#setting-up-your-api-key]

We recommend storing your API key as an environment variable for security:

<Tabs items="[&#x22;Linux / macOS&#x22;, &#x22;Windows (cmd)&#x22;, &#x22;Windows (PowerShell)&#x22;]">
  <Tab value="Linux / macOS">
    ```bash
    export OMNIDIM_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab value="Windows (cmd)">
    ```bat
    set OMNIDIM_API_KEY=your_api_key_here
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab value="Windows (PowerShell)">
    ```powershell
    $env:OMNIDIM_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

Once the variable is set, the SDK reads it automatically:

```python
import os
from omnidimension import Client

api_key = os.environ.get('OMNIDIM_API_KEY', 'your_api_key_here')
client = Client(api_key)
```