# External API integration

{% hint style="info" %}
Looking for one-click integrations? Check the [Apps and Integrations](https://docs.codewords.ai/apps-and-integrations) page for 3,000+ supported apps that connect without any API key setup.
{% endhint %}

### Overview

You can connect your external apps directly to CodeWords workflows using your own API keys. This enables secure, customized integrations between CodeWords and the tools you already use — even if they're not in the one-click integrations library.

### 1. Getting your app's API key

An API key acts like a secure pass that allows CodeWords to communicate with your app safely.

**To get your API key:**

1. Log in to the app you want to connect.
2. Go to **Settings** **→** **API** (or a similar section).
3. Copy your existing API key, or generate a new one if needed.

**Pro Tip:** Treat your API key like a password, keep it private, and never share it publicly.

### 2. Connect your app to CodeWords

Now that you have your app's API key, it's time to securely link it to CodeWords.

**Here's how to connect:**

1. Log in to your **CodeWords** account.
2. Navigate to **Account → Keys**.
3. Click **Add Variable** to store your API key securely.
4. Enter a unique variable name (for example: `ASANA_API_KEY`).
5. Paste your API key and click **Save**.

Cody will automatically handle the connection setup and ensure your credentials are securely stored.

<figure><img src="https://3096686217-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FC0KQHHlFG9y1F0pBotb8%2Fuploads%2FD36StuOJqTCXaaqeaSIx%2Fkeyvalue.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=2b26b36e-58f4-44b3-bffd-abfe99121c76" alt="Saving your external api key on CodeWords Secrets"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **3. Build your workflow**

With your API key connected, you're ready to create your first integrated workflow.

**How to use your API key with Cody:**

* Tell Cody that you'd like to create a workflow using your connected app and that the API key is saved as `VARIABLE_NAME` in your environment variables.
* Cody will automatically reference the app's documentation and handle the integration setup for you.
* If the API documentation isn't publicly available, simply paste the relevant Markdown or text into your chat with Cody — it will use that to complete the integration.

### FAQs

<details>

<summary>How do I add my API key to CodeWords?</summary>

Go to Account → Keys → Add Variable, enter a unique variable name (e.g., ASANA\_API\_KEY), paste your key, and click Save. CodeWords stores it securely and uses it when building workflows.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How does Cody use my API key?</summary>

When you ask Cody to build a workflow with your app, it automatically references your saved variable, connects securely, and sets up the integration without exposing your key.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if my app's documentation isn't public?</summary>

Simply paste the relevant API documentation or Markdown into your chat with Cody. It will read and use that information to complete the integration accurately.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is my API key safe in CodeWords?</summary>

Yes. All keys are encrypted and stored securely within your environment. They are never shared, exposed, or transmitted outside your workspace.

</details>


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