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

# Quickstart

> Create a key and make your first streamed request in a few minutes.

## 1. Create an API key

Open the [Tokenless dashboard](https://dashboard.usetokenless.com/access),
create a key, and save it in your environment:

```sh theme={"dark"}
export TOKENLESS_API_KEY="tkl_..."
```

Treat this value like a provider credential. Do not commit it or expose it in
browser code.

## 2. Call the router

Send a streaming Chat Completions request to the OpenAI-compatible endpoint:

```sh theme={"dark"}
curl https://api.usetokenless.com/openai/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKENLESS_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "tokenless-pro",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Explain model routing in one paragraph."}],
    "stream": true
  }'
```

Use `tokenless-max` or `tokenless-ultra-saver` when you want a different quality
and cost posture. The response remains OpenAI-shaped regardless of which
underlying provider wins.

## 3. Save the request ID

Model responses include an `X-Request-Id` header. Record it in application logs
and include it in support reports; it identifies the complete routed request.