API keys authenticate requests to the REST API and the MCP server.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.openwhispr.com/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Creating a key
- Open the OpenWhispr desktop app
- Go to Integrations > API Keys
- Click Create API Key
- Give it a name and select the scopes you need
- Copy the key — it starts with
owk_live_and is only shown once
Creating keys via the API
AI assistants can create their own keys programmatically using the agent setup flow. You can also manage keys via the API:POST /v1/keys/create— create a new keyGET /v1/keys/list— list active keysPOST /v1/keys/{id}/revoke— revoke a key
owt_ prefix).
Scopes
Each key has specific permissions. Choose only what you need.| Scope | Access |
|---|---|
notes:read | List, get, and search notes. List folders. |
notes:write | Create, update, and delete notes. Create folders. |
transcriptions:read | List and get transcription history. |
usage:read | Read usage statistics and plan details. |
Limits
- Max 5 API keys per user
- Keys can optionally have an expiration date
- Keys can be revoked at any time from the desktop app
Key format
owk_live_ for identification. Only the SHA-256 hash is stored server-side — the raw key cannot be recovered after creation.
Best practices
- Use separate keys for different integrations so you can revoke one without affecting others
- Set expiration dates for keys used in temporary automations
- Use the minimum scopes needed — a read-only dashboard doesn’t need
notes:write