---
title: What is the Data Library, and how do I add an API key?
question: data library and api keys
area: settings
order: 11
surface: desktop
audience: beginner
keywords: [data library, data sources, api key, save key, add key, keyed source, free source, paid, hide source, catalogue, encrypted, login, provider, licence]
related: [integrations, mcp-servers-and-agent-browser]
updated: 2026-07-21
---

# What is the Data Library, and how do I add an API key?

Open the full settings page and click **Data Library**. It is a catalogue of vetted data sources your agents can draw on. For sources that need a key or login, you save your own here so agents can use them, and you can hide any source you would rather your agents not use. The lead line reads:

> Every vetted data source your agents can draw on. Save your own API key or login for the keyed sources, and hide any you don't want in your searches. Keys are encrypted on this machine and never leave it.

## Finding a source

At the top is a **Search sources by name, provider, topic…** box, plus filters:

- **Cost**: all, free, needs key, or paid.
- **Country**: all, UK, US, EU, or GLOBAL.
- **Validated**: show only sources codus has verified.
- **My key set**: show only sources you have already added a key for.
- **Show hidden**: include sources you have hidden.

The list below is a table with columns **Source**, **Country**, **Access**, and **Licence**. A source may carry a small tag such as **unverified** or **licence-gated** so you know its status at a glance.

## Adding your key for a source

1. Find the source in the table.
2. Click **Add key** on its row (it reads **Edit key** if you already saved one).
3. Enter what the source needs. Most want an **API key**; some want a **Login / email** and **Password** instead.
4. Click **Save key**.

Your key is encrypted on your Mac and never uploaded, so it stays on your machine.

## Hiding a source

Click **Hide** on a source's row to keep it out of your agents' searches. It changes to **Unhide** so you can bring it back later. Turn on the **Show hidden** filter to see the ones you have hidden.

## How do I know it worked?

After you save a key, the row's button changes to **Edit key**, and the source appears when you turn on the **My key set** filter. A hidden source drops out of the normal list and only reappears with **Show hidden** on.

## Common problems

- **The table says "No sources match these filters".** Your filters are too narrow. Set **Cost** and **Country** back to **all**, and turn off **Validated**, **My key set**, and **Show hidden**.
- **It says "Loading the catalogue…" for a while.** codus is fetching the source list. Give it a moment; if it fails, a retry button appears.
- **This is not the service I meant to connect.** To connect a whole account like GitHub or Stripe, use Integrations instead. See [How do I connect GitHub, Stripe, and other tools?](integrations.md).