> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.summerengine.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> Set up your Summer Engine account and API access

## Creating Your Account

Summer Engine requires an account to access AI features and sync your projects.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign up">
    Visit [summerengine.com](https://summerengine.com) and create a free account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify email">
    Check your email and click the verification link.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in through Summer Engine">
    In Summer Engine, open any project and navigate to the 'Chat' menu in the sidebar. This will open a deeplink to authenticate your account automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Authentication Process

Summer Engine uses a streamlined authentication system:

1. **Open a Project**: Create or open any project in Summer Engine
2. **Access Chat**: Click on the 'Chat' menu in the sidebar
3. **Automatic Authentication**: Summer Engine will open a secure deeplink to authenticate your account
4. **Return to Summer Engine**: Once authenticated, you'll be redirected back to Summer Engine with full access

## API Key Setup

For advanced integrations and API access:

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash Terminal theme={null}
  # Set your API key as an environment variable
  export SUMMER_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"
  ```

  ```javascript JavaScript theme={null}
  // Use in your applications
  const summer = new SummerAPI({
    apiKey: process.env.SUMMER_API_KEY
  });
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## Account Tiers

<Card title="Hobby (Free)" icon="gift">
  * Limited agent use and AI asset creations
  * Local MCP workflows stay free
  * Community support
</Card>

<Card title="Pro ($20/mo)" icon="crown">
  * Extended agent usage and higher AI asset creation limits
  * Local MCP workflows stay free
  * Asset search across the library
  * Priority support
</Card>

See [Pricing](/essentials/pricing) for full plan details including Pro+ and Ultra tiers.

## Troubleshooting

**Can't sign in?**

* Check your email and password
* Ensure your account is verified
* Try resetting your password

**API key not working?**

* Verify the key is correctly set
* Check your account tier supports API access
* Ensure the key hasn't expired

Need help? Contact us at [founders@summerengine.com](mailto:founders@summerengine.com).

For billing, subscription changes, or payment updates, see [Account & Billing](/essentials/account-billing).