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

# HTTP tools and credentials

> Connect your systems once and use them from AI agents, bots and automations.

## Credentials

A **credential** stores how to authenticate with an API so tokens don't live inside bots. Credentials are encrypted and never shown again.

They live in **Settings → Developers → Credentials**. Available types:

* **API key**: a key in a header or in the URL.
* **Bearer token**: a fixed token in the Authorization header.
* **Username and password** (Basic auth).
* **Secret headers**: several headers with secret values.
* **OAuth · Client credentials**: system to system, with client ID and secret; the token is requested and renewed automatically.
* **OAuth · Sign-in**: you connect an account and the token renews automatically.

Each credential shows its status (Ready, Error, Needs connection), where it's used and when it was last used. Deleting a credential in use tells you which steps or tools will stop authenticating.

## HTTP tools

An **HTTP tool** is a saved request to your system: AI agents use it during the conversation, and bots and automations call it from their **Call external system** step.

They live in **Automation → Agents → Tools**.

**1. Start from a preset**

Look up a value (GET with something the customer provides), Create a record (POST with JSON), Notify a webhook (Zapier, Make, n8n or your server) or From scratch.

**2. Describe what it does**

The name (lowercase, numbers and underscores) and the description are what the agent reads to decide when to use it.

**3. Set up the request and its parameters**

Method, URL, credential and the values that change on each call.

**4. Test it before saving**

Check the response and save. The card then shows calls and errors for the last 7 days.

Then turn it on in each agent that should use it.


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