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API Keys

LaunchPulse API keys let you connect LaunchPulse to approved developer workflows, CLI usage, OpenClaw, and automation tools. Use API keys when you need programmatic access to LaunchPulse without signing in through the normal dashboard every time.
API keys are powerful. Treat them like passwords. Only create keys for tools and workflows you trust.

What API keys are used for

API keys can be used to connect LaunchPulse with:

LaunchPulse CLI

Use API keys to authenticate command-line workflows and developer tooling.

OpenClaw

Connect OpenClaw or Clawbot workflows to LaunchPulse where supported.

Automations

Run approved automation workflows without manually signing in each time.

Project workflows

Read project data, update projects, or trigger supported project actions.

Team operations

Support repeatable internal workflows that need controlled access to LaunchPulse.

Advanced integrations

Connect LaunchPulse to external systems where API access is enabled.

Creating an API key

To create a new API key, open the API Keys page from your LaunchPulse account settings. You will need to choose:
  • key name
  • expiration period
  • access scopes
  • whether the key is for CLI, OpenClaw, automation, or another workflow
1

Name the key

Give the key a clear name, such as OpenClaw automation, CLI local development, or Internal workflow runner.
2

Choose an expiration

Select how long the key should remain active. Shorter expiration periods are safer.
3

Select scopes

Choose only the permissions the key needs. Avoid giving broad access unless it is required.
4

Create the key

Click Create key and copy the key immediately. You may not be able to view the full key again later.
5

Store it securely

Save the key in a secure place, such as an environment variable or secrets manager.

API key scopes

Scopes control what an API key is allowed to do.
ScopeWhat it allowsUse when
Read projectsView project informationA tool only needs to inspect project data
Write projectsUpdate project informationA tool needs to edit or sync project data
Run iterationsStart supported build or automation iterationsA workflow needs to trigger LaunchPulse actions
Admin actionsPerform higher-risk account or workspace actionsOnly for trusted admin workflows
Use the smallest set of scopes needed. Do not enable admin actions unless the workflow truly requires it.
Use caseRecommended scopes
Read-only reporting toolRead projects
CLI project syncRead projects, Write projects
OpenClaw automationRead projects, Write projects, Run iterations
Internal workflow runnerRead projects, Write projects, Run iterations
Admin automationAdmin actions only when absolutely required
Start with read-only access first. Add write or run permissions only when the integration needs them.

Expiration periods

API keys should not stay active forever. Choose an expiration that matches the workflow:
ExpirationBest for
7 daysShort tests or temporary debugging
30 daysShort-term integrations
90 daysStandard automation or CLI workflows
180 daysLonger-running internal workflows
Custom / longer accessOnly for trusted production systems, if supported

API key table

After creating keys, the API Keys page shows a list of your active and expired keys.
ColumnMeaning
NameThe label you gave the key
PrefixThe visible beginning of the key, used to identify it safely
ScopesThe permissions attached to the key
Last usedWhen the key was last used
ExpiresWhen the key will stop working
StatusWhether the key is active, expired, or revoked
ActionsOptions such as revoke or manage the key

Security best practices

API keys can access your LaunchPulse account or projects, so handle them carefully. Do:
  • use clear key names
  • choose short expiration periods
  • use only the required scopes
  • store keys in environment variables
  • rotate keys regularly
  • revoke keys you no longer use
  • create separate keys for separate tools
  • check last-used activity
  • remove old or unused keys
Do not:
  • paste API keys into public chats
  • commit API keys to GitHub
  • share keys with other people
  • put keys inside public documentation
  • use one key for every workflow
  • give admin scopes to normal automation
  • keep old keys active forever
Never commit API keys to a repository. If a key is exposed, revoke it immediately and create a new one.

Example key names

Use names that make the purpose obvious. Good examples:
OpenClaw automation
CLI local development
Production workflow runner
Support operations sync
Staging project automation
Weak examples:
test
key
new key
launchpulse
admin

Using API keys safely

A typical workflow is:
Create key → choose limited scopes → copy key once → store securely → use in trusted tool → rotate or revoke when done
For local development, store the key in an environment variable:
LAUNCHPULSE_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"
For production workflows, use a secure secrets manager or your hosting platform’s encrypted environment variables.
Do not hard-code API keys directly into frontend code, mobile apps, public repositories, or shared files.

When to revoke a key

Revoke an API key when:
  • the key was exposed
  • the key was copied into the wrong place
  • a teammate or contractor no longer needs access
  • the tool using it is no longer active
  • the key has more scopes than needed
  • you are replacing it with a new key
  • the workflow has moved from testing to production
  • you do not recognize recent key activity

API keys for OpenClaw

LaunchPulse API keys can be used for OpenClaw-related workflows where supported. A typical OpenClaw key may need:
  • Read projects
  • Write projects
  • Run iterations
Use a clear name such as:
OpenClaw automation
For OpenClaw or LaunchPulseClaw workflows, only enable the scopes required by the specific agent or automation.

API keys for CLI

For CLI usage, API keys help authenticate local development and project operations. A CLI key may need:
  • Read projects
  • Write projects
If the CLI workflow triggers builds or iterations, it may also need:
  • Run iterations
Use a name such as:
CLI local development

API keys for automation

Automation keys are useful when a workflow needs to run without manual login. Examples include:

Project sync

Keep project information updated between LaunchPulse and another internal system.

Build workflow

Trigger supported LaunchPulse actions from an approved automation workflow.

OpenClaw agent workflow

Allow an agent to read or update approved LaunchPulse project information.

Internal operations

Connect LaunchPulse to internal dashboards, support workflows, or reporting tools.

Troubleshooting API keys

ProblemWhat to check
Key does not workConfirm the key is active and copied correctly
Permission errorCheck whether the key has the required scope
Key expiredCreate a new key or extend access if supported
Automation stopped workingCheck expiration, revoked status, and last-used activity
Tool cannot update projectsMake sure Write projects is enabled
Tool cannot run an iterationMake sure Run iterations is enabled
Security concernRevoke the key and create a new one

What the API Keys page looks like

Add a clean screenshot here showing the LaunchPulse API Keys page with safe demo data.

Suggested screenshot filename

Upload your screenshot to Mintlify as:
/images/api-keys-page.png
Then replace the note above with:
<Frame caption="Create personal API keys for CLI, OpenClaw, and approved automation workflows.">
  <img src="/images/api-keys-page.png" alt="LaunchPulse API Keys page showing key name, expiration, scopes, and key management table" />
</Frame>

Final checklist

Before using an API key, confirm:
  • the key has a clear name
  • the expiration is appropriate
  • only required scopes are enabled
  • the key is stored securely
  • the key is not exposed in frontend code
  • the key is not committed to GitHub
  • old keys are revoked
  • admin scopes are avoided unless truly needed

Next steps

LaunchPulseClaw

Learn how hosted Clawbots may use LaunchPulse workflows.

Custom Agents

Create project-level agents inside LaunchPulse.

LaunchPulse Skills

Learn about reusable build abilities coming soon.

Troubleshooting

Check common issues when something does not work as expected.