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

# Quickstart

> Make a Mint API request and retrieve your first asset.

Working with an AI agent? Copy this instruction:

```text Agent instruction theme={null}
Set up this project with the Mint API. Follow https://docs.mint.gg/developers/ai-agent-skill and ensure the mint-api skill is installed, then use the mint-api skill to add a minimal server-side 3D Model generation flow that fits this project's framework. Read MINT_API_KEY only from the server environment; never expose or log it. If the key is missing, tell me to create one at https://platform.mint.gg and set it in the server environment—do not ask me to paste it into chat. Use the default auto workflow, poll with bounded backoff until a terminal status, handle errors and billing_required, then use operation.resource.type and operation.resource.id to retrieve the asset and its file manifest. Do not run a paid test generation without my explicit permission.
```

## 1. Set your API key

The Mint API is available to all subscribers. Create a key in [**Developer settings**](https://platform.mint.gg):

```bash theme={null}
export MINT_API_KEY="your_api_key"
```

Keep this key in trusted server code. Never expose it in a browser or commit it to source control.

## 2. Generate a 3D Model

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.mint.gg/v1/models:generate \
  -X POST \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $MINT_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "prompt": "A small hand-painted treasure chest"
  }'
```

Save the operation `id` from the response.

## 3. Check progress

Replace `op_123` with your operation ID:

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.mint.gg/v1/operations/op_123 \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $MINT_API_KEY"
```

Start with a 2-second wait, multiply the wait by 1.6 after each check, and cap it at 15 seconds. Stop after 30 minutes and treat the operation as timed out in your app.

## 4. Get the 3D Model

When the operation succeeds, use the model ID in `resource.id`:

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.mint.gg/v1/models/model_123 \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $MINT_API_KEY"
```

That's it—the 3D Model is now part of your Mint account.

<Tip>
  Mint uses the `standard` preset and `auto` workflow by default. See [3D Models](/developers/3d-models) when you need image guidance, another preset, or Preview review.
</Tip>