---
title: "Before you start"
slug: "before-you-start"
abstract: ""
---
# Before you start

Using the [GraphQL](https://doc.sitecore.com/ch/en/developers/cloud-dev/graphql-apis.html "GraphQL APIs") Preview and Delivery APIs, you can deliver content to any app on any channel.

> [!tip]
> For an overview of GraphQL concepts, see [Introduction to GraphQL](https://graphql.org/learn/).

## Authentication

You must authenticate with an API key. The key must be included in HTTP requests as an HTTP header with the name `X-GQL-Token`. To obtain an API key, use either the:

- [Content Hub interface](https://doc.sitecore.com/ch/en/developers/cloud-dev/create-an-api-key-from-the-manage-page.html "Create an API key from the Manage page").
- [Token API](https://doc.sitecore.com/ch/en/developers/cloud-dev/token-api.html "Token API").

After you obtain a key, in the Integrated Development Environment (IDE), on the **HTTP HEADERS** tab, add the API key using the following format (replacing the example API key):

```json
{
    "X-GQL-Token":"aEtSNzBsTaEtSNzBMA"
}

```

## GraphQL IDE

You can send requests to the GraphQL server using GraphQL IDEs. There is an IDE for the [Preview API](https://doc.sitecore.com/ch/en/developers/cloud-dev/preview-api.html "Preview API") and one for the [Delivery API](https://doc.sitecore.com/ch/en/developers/cloud-dev/delivery-api.html "Delivery API").

> [!tip]
> To help get you started, we have compiled several examples.