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ElevenLabs API Key Setup

Free

Easily configure your ElevenLabs API key.

by calesthio46.8k stars on calesthio/openmontage
Updated Aug 3, 2026
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Free · Opens the source repo

What ElevenLabs API Key Setup does

The ElevenLabs API Key Setup skill provides a straightforward workflow for users needing to configure their ElevenLabs API key. It first checks if an API key is already set up in the environment, ensuring that users do not have to go through the setup process unnecessarily. If a valid key is found, the skill informs the user that ElevenLabs is already configured and offers the option to rotate the key if desired. This initial validation step helps streamline the process, making it efficient for users who may have previously set up their API key but are unsure of its validity.

If the skill does not find a valid API key, it guides the user through the steps to create a new one. Users are directed to the ElevenLabs API keys page, where they can generate a new key, set permissions, and copy it for use. The skill emphasizes the importance of copying the key immediately, as it is only displayed once. This ensures that users have the necessary information to proceed without confusion.

Once the user provides the new API key, the skill validates it by making a request to the ElevenLabs API. If the validation succeeds, the key is securely stored in a .env file, allowing for easy access in future sessions. If the validation fails, the user is prompted to try again, ensuring that they can troubleshoot any issues with their API key setup. This skill is particularly useful for developers and designers working with ElevenLabs tools who need a reliable way to manage their API keys effectively.

When to use it

Use this skill when you need to set up or validate an ElevenLabs API key for accessing ElevenLabs tools.

When not to use it

This skill is not suitable if you are already familiar with the ElevenLabs API key setup process or if you do not require access to ElevenLabs tools.

What you can build with it

Setting Up a New API Key

When starting a new project that requires ElevenLabs tools, this skill guides you through creating and configuring your API key.

Validating an Existing Key

If you suspect your ElevenLabs API key is not working, this skill checks its validity and helps troubleshoot any issues.

Rotating an API Key

If you want to change your existing API key for security reasons, this skill allows you to easily replace it with a new one.

How to install ElevenLabs API Key Setup

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add calesthio/openmontage/setup-api-key --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by calesthio

ElevenLabs API Key Setup

Guide the user through obtaining and configuring an ElevenLabs API key.

Workflow

Step 0: Check for an existing API key first

Before asking the user for a key, check for an existing ELEVENLABS_API_KEY:

  1. Check whether ELEVENLABS_API_KEY exists in the current environment.
  2. If it's not in the environment, check .env for ELEVENLABS_API_KEY=<value>.
  3. If an existing key is found, validate it: 
    GET https://api.elevenlabs.io/v1/user
Header: xi-api-key: <existing-api-key>
  4. If existing key validation succeeds:
    • Tell the user ElevenLabs is already configured and working
    • Skip the setup flow
    • Ask whether they want to replace/rotate the key; if not, stop
  5. If existing key validation fails:
    • Tell the user the existing key appears invalid or expired
    • Continue to Step 1

Step 1: Request the API key

Tell the user:

To set up ElevenLabs, open the API keys page: https://elevenlabs.io/app/settings/api-keys

(Need an account? Create one at https://elevenlabs.io/app/sign-up first)

If you don't have an API key yet:

  1. Click "Create key"
  2. Name it (or use the default)
  3. Set permission for your key. If you provide a key with "User" permission set to "Read" this skill will automatically verify if your key works
  4. Click "Create key" to confirm
  5. Copy the key immediately - it's only shown once!

Paste your API key here when ready.

Then wait for the user's next message which should contain the API key.

Step 2: Validate and configure

Once the user provides the API key:

  1. Validate the key by making a request:

    GET https://api.elevenlabs.io/v1/user
Header: xi-api-key: <the-api-key>

  2. If validation fails:

  3. If validation succeeds, save the API key in a .env file:

    ELEVENLABS_API_KEY=<the-api-key>
    • If .env already has ELEVENLABS_API_KEY=..., replace that line
    • Otherwise add a new line for ELEVENLABS_API_KEY

  4. Confirm success:

    Done! Your key is stored as an environment variable in .env Keep the key safe! Don't share it with anyone!

Frequently asked questions about ElevenLabs API Key Setup

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