> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.perceptis.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.perceptis.ai/perceptis-mcp-server/authentication.md).

# Authentication

The Perceptis MCP server supports two authentication methods depending on your client.

## Option 1: SSO (claude.ai web UI)

When connecting through the claude.ai web UI, no API key is needed. Go to [claude.ai/customize/connectors](https://claude.ai/customize/connectors), add `https://app.perceptis.ai/mcp/v1`, and sign in with **Google** or **Microsoft** when prompted. If you do not already have a Perceptis account, one is created automatically on the free tier so you can start using the MCP tools immediately.

See the [quickstart](/perceptis-mcp-server/quickstart-slide.md) for the full step-by-step flow.

## Option 2: API key (CLI, desktop, and headless clients)

For Claude Desktop, Cursor, Claude Code CLI, and other clients, authenticate with a bearer API key.

## Create an API key

1. Open [Developer Settings](https://app.perceptis.ai/developer-settings) in Perceptis.
2. Create a new API key.
3. Copy the plaintext key — it is shown only once.

Keys look like:

```
sk-live-per-<random>
```

Store the key in a secret manager or environment variable. Do not commit it.

## Pass the key

Send the key as a bearer token in every request:

```
Authorization: Bearer sk-live-per-YOUR_KEY
```

Revoked or invalid keys receive `401`.