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

# Authentication

The API uses Personal Access Tokens (PATs) for authentication.

Generate a PAT in the Fieldnode UI. A PAT is bound to the user who created it and carries that user's access permissions.

A PAT always starts with `pat_`.

Use the PAT directly as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header:

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.lab.fieldnode.dev/v1/parts \\
    -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
    -H 'Authorization: Bearer pat_your_personal_access_token'
```

Keep your PAT secret and rotate it if it is exposed.