Creating API Keys

This article will go over how to create API keys and navigate the API portal.

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The PurpleAir API uses two different API keys, a read key and a write key, which need to be used to make specific API calls. If you want to use the PurpleAir API, you can create your own API keys here: PurpleAir Develop.

API keys are issued per user, not per sensor.

Please review our article about the API Online Dashboard.

Create API Keys

  • After signing in, click “API Keys” on the left-hand side of the page.
  • Click on “Add” in the top right-hand corner of the page.



  • You will see an auto-populated project name, which you can rename anytime. You can have several projects and API keys. If you already have multiple projects, be sure to select the appropriate project.
  • Select “Read” for the “Type,” select “Enabled” under “Status,” and leave the fields “Label,” “Host restrictions,” and “Referer restrictions” blank.
  • Click “Add.”
  • To create a “Write” key, repeat the process but select “Write” under “Type.”

Manage Projects

  • On the left-hand side of the page, click on “Projects.” Here you can edit and add projects, view each project’s usage, and archive projects.
  • To add a project, click “Add” in the top right-hand corner of the page. Choose a project name, and click “Add.”
  • To edit a project name, click the green icon with a pen next to the project you want to update.
  • To archive a project, select the yellow icon with a briefcase,
  • To check usage, select the green icon with the graph.


Manage Users

  • Select “Users” on the left-hand side of the screen. Here you can edit the name and email of the user.

Manage Organizations

  • Select “Organization” on the left-hand side of the screen. Here you can edit the organization’s name and view the organization’s usage.
  • The “TopUp Account” button will allow you to add credits to your account. Credits will be used to make API calls. We will be implementing a payment system for making API calls in the future.

Learn More

Learn more about our API Guidelines.
Learn more about Making calls with the PurpleAir API
Learn more about the PurpleAir API.