# Test the Signable API

The Signable API operates in two modes: test and live. Use test mode while developing your integration to explore the API without affecting real data in your account.

## Prerequisites

Ensure you have:

- Completed the [Authentication guide](/authentication)
- Access to the Signable web app to create API keys


## Test mode behaviour

Test mode is a read-only simulation of the API.

| Request type | Behaviour in test mode |
|  --- | --- |
| GET | Returns real data from your account |
| POST, PUT, DELETE | Returns a simulated success response without performing any changes |


This allows you to develop and validate your integration without creating, modifying, or deleting real data.

## Create a test key

To generate a test API key:

1. Follow the steps in [Create your API key](/authentication#create-your-api-key)
2. At step 3, toggle off the **Production key** switch
3. Confirm the key type displays **Test key**


Use this key for all requests during development.

## Test mode responses

All responses made with a test key include a `test` field set to `true`.

The following example shows the response from [DELETE template](/openapi/templates/deletetemplate) using a test key:


```json
{
  "http": 200,
  "message": "Sample Contract has been removed from your template list.",
  "template_id": "53890528",
  "template_fingerprint": "e0b3a9cbd4a6ff2cb57cfca161a39309",
  "template_title": "Sample Contract",
  "test": true
}
```

The `test: true` field indicates this was a simulated response. The template remains unchanged in your account.

## Related guides

- [Authentication](/authentication) — Create API keys and authenticate requests
- [Send your first envelope](/get-started) — Test your integration by sending an envelope