---
title: Pathfix keys
slug: pathfix-keys
docTags: 
createdAt: 2020-05-22T05:42:17.000Z
---

Pathfix allows you to authorize your users and access the data on their behalf.  For this purpose, there are 2 types of Keys provided and referenced by Pathfix:

1. Public Key
2. Private Key



## Public Key

The public key is provided by Pathfix to associate each application with the integrations chosen. 

This is the application identifier in Pathfix that allows us to identify which application to check for the integration settings within Pathfix.


- Click on `Keys` on the left nav bar
- Click-to-copy the `Public Key`



![](https://archbee-doc-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/E6H_--BmYJWG_yGaOUOxt/VQkjja8grUzQ-Di22g9rP_image.png "Image: Public Key")







## Private Key

There are times when you will need extra layer of security while accessing this data. This is where the Pathfix Private Key comes into play. 



The private\_key is also application based and is an added layer of protection that you can apply to your calls to the provider. This can be found in the `Keys` section





![](https://archbee-doc-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/E6H_--BmYJWG_yGaOUOxt/BfCp6z197aD1ryWPMsI6b_image.png "Image: Private Key")





### Using the Private Key

Simply include the private\_key in the query string parameter, like so:

`https://labs.pathfix.com/oauth/method/[provider]/call?public_key=[pathfix public key]&user_id=[your app user id]&private_key=[pathfix private key]`



### When to use the Private Key

Use the private key when additional security is required. These are some scenarios where you can include it:

- When testing API calls in Postman
- When using server-to-server calls
- When you get an error - IP Blocked

You can choose to include the private\_key by default to all your calls.



### When NOT to use the Private Key

DO NOT use the Private Key when making calls to Pathfix API using JavaScript client code. 

See more on security setting for Pathfix at[JavaScript Origins firewall](docId:5r9FHmqxIW1cqac0Y9ew9)and [IP firewall](docId\:NV96VP-2bxhbG-N5DTtKy) 





Need additional help? Reach out to us at support\@pathfix.com