<!-- Markdown copy of https://docs.creatorain.com/get-started/quick-start/ -->
# Quick start

**Not live yet:** The sandbox host is not up yet, and the API is not open on production. The steps below are the calls as built. They will run once the sandbox opens.

You need a test key (`crp_test_...`) and a terminal. Set two variables once:

```sh
export CREATORAIN_API="https://sandbox.api.creatorain.com/v1"
export CREATORAIN_KEY="crp_test_..."
```

## 1\. Get a test key

A workspace owner creates keys in the app, under **Settings > API**. **(Not live yet)**

An AI agent with no key can ask its human for one. See [Agent quick start](/get-started/agent-quick-start/).

## 2\. Read your account

```sh
curl "$CREATORAIN_API/account" -H "Authorization: Bearer $CREATORAIN_KEY"
```

The answer has your account `status`, `counting_locations` and `blockers`. See [States and blockers](/guides/states-and-blockers/).

## 3\. Quote a store first, with a dry run

A dry run checks the request and quotes it. It writes no store.

```sh
curl -X POST "$CREATORAIN_API/locations?dry_run=true" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $CREATORAIN_KEY" \
  -H "Idempotency-Key: quickstart-dry-1" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"name":"Sexy Crab Duluth","address":"2416 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA 30096","videos_per_month":4,"accepted_terms":"network-2026-10"}'
```

The answer shows `price_per_video_cents` and the `deposit` quote. `deposit.charged` is always `false`.

## 4\. Add the store

Send the same body without `dry_run`, with a new `Idempotency-Key`. The store is created **on hold** (`state: on_hold`). Nothing books it until CreatoRain releases it.

## 5\. Watch it work

```sh
curl "$CREATORAIN_API/locations" -H "Authorization: Bearer $CREATORAIN_KEY"
curl "$CREATORAIN_API/visits" -H "Authorization: Bearer $CREATORAIN_KEY"
curl "$CREATORAIN_API/videos" -H "Authorization: Bearer $CREATORAIN_KEY"
curl "$CREATORAIN_API/bill/preview" -H "Authorization: Bearer $CREATORAIN_KEY"
```

On the sandbox, a simulator moves a store through its life in minutes. **(Not live yet)**

## Next

-   [Authentication and keys](/get-started/authentication/)
-   [Conventions](/guides/conventions/): ids, times, money, paging, idempotency.
-   [Going live](/get-started/going-live/)