# API Key Setup

An API key is optional but strongly recommended. Without one, all search features still work via anonymous access, but with lower rate limits and quota.

```bash
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env and set: ANYSEARCH_API_KEY=your_api_key_here
```

```bash
# Linux / macOS
export ANYSEARCH_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

# Windows CMD
set ANYSEARCH_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

# Windows PowerShell
$env:ANYSEARCH_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"
```

> Tip: Create a free API key at anysearch.com/console/api-keys. Priority order: CLI flag > .env file > environment variable > anonymous access.