Connecting Your Alpaca Account
Alpaca is built specifically for algorithmic trading, making the API connection process very straightforward. Alpaca provides distinct API keys for Live Trading and Paper Trading (simulated trading). You can connect either environment to our platform.
Follow the steps below to generate your unique API Key ID and Secret Key.
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Step 1: Log in to Alpaca
Navigate to the Alpaca Web Dashboard and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you will need to sign up and complete the onboarding process.
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Step 2: Select Your Environment (Live or Paper)
Depending on whether you want to trade with real money or test your strategies, select either your Live Account or Paper Account from the top-left dropdown menu on the dashboard.
Note: API keys are environment-specific. A Paper Trading key will not work for Live Trading, and vice versa.
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Step 3: Locate the API Keys Section
On the right-hand side of your dashboard overview, look for the panel labeled “Your API Keys”. Click on the View or Generate API Key button.
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Step 4: Generate New Keys
If you haven’t generated keys before, click Generate New Key. If you already have keys but lost the secret, you will need to click Regenerate Key (be aware that regenerating will invalidate your old key).
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Step 5: Securely Copy Your Credentials
A pop-up window will appear displaying your new credentials. You will need to copy two items:
- API Key ID
- Secret Key
Security Warning: Your Secret Key will only be displayed once. If you close this window without copying it, you will have to regenerate a new key pair.
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Step 6: Connect to Our Platform
Return to your account settings on our platform. Select whether you are connecting a Live or Paper account, paste your API Key ID and Secret Key into the respective integration fields, and click Connect.