API keys¶
API keys allow external systems — such as the Autodesk Vault sync plugin, a webshop integration, or an ERP connector — to access MatStream without a personal user account.
When to use API keys¶
Use an API key when an external system or automated process needs to read from or write to MatStream. Common use cases:
- Autodesk Vault sync — the Vault plugin uses an API key to authenticate with MatStream and sync part data
- ERP integrations — an ERP system reads released BOM data from MatStream via the API
- Automation scripts — a script that creates or updates entities automatically
API keys are workspace-scoped — each key belongs to a specific workspace and can only access data within that workspace.
Creating an API key¶
To create an API key:
- Navigate to Administration → API keys
- Click New API key
- Enter a descriptive name for the key — for example, Vault sync plugin or ERP integration
- Optionally set an expiry date
- Click Save
The key is displayed once immediately after creation.
Copy the key immediately
An API key is shown only once when created. Copy it immediately and store it securely — for example in a password manager or secrets vault. If you lose an API key, you must revoke it and create a new one.
Never store API keys in source code or configuration files that are committed to version control.
Revoking an API key¶
To revoke an API key:
- Navigate to Administration → API keys
- Find the key you want to revoke
- Click Revoke
The key is invalidated immediately. Any system using that key will lose access until a new key is provided and configured.
Rotating an API key¶
API keys do not rotate automatically. To rotate a key:
- Create a new API key with the same name and settings
- Update the external system with the new key
- Verify the external system is working correctly with the new key
- Revoke the old key
Rotate keys regularly — especially if you suspect a key may have been exposed.
Next steps¶
- Users & groups — manage user access and permissions
- Syncing with Vault — configure the Autodesk Vault integration using an API key