Claude Code connects to Claude using your Anthropic account. There are two ways to sign in. Pick whichever fits you; most individual designers use Option A.
Option A: Sign in with your Claude subscription (simplest)
If you have a Claude Pro or Max plan, you don't need an API key at all. Right after you install Claude Code (Lesson 3), you'll run the claude command, a browser window opens, and you sign in with the same Claude.ai account you already use. That's it: nothing to copy, store, or bill separately.
Claude Code is included with Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans. Note: the free Claude.ai plan does not include Claude Code. If you're on Pro or Max, you can skip straight to Lesson 2; you'll sign in during setup.
Option B: Use an API key (usage-based billing)
Prefer pay-as-you-go billing, or on a team that provisions keys through the Console? Create an API key instead:
Create an Anthropic Account
- Go to console.anthropic.com in your web browser
- Click "Sign up" in the top right
- Create an account using your email and password
- Check your email for a verification link and click it
Generate Your API Key
- Once logged in, find "API Keys" in the left menu
- Click "Create Key"
- Name it something like "Claude Code for Design"
- Click "Create"
- Copy your key immediately and save it somewhere safe (like a password manager)
Your API key is like a password. Never share it with anyone, post it in Slack/email/public docs, commit it to GitHub, or store it in plain text files in your projects.
Ready to sign in
- Chose how you'll sign in: Claude subscription or an API key
- If using an API key: generated it and stored it somewhere safe, out of any code files
- If using a subscription: nothing to do yet, you'll sign in during setup
Next up: getting Node.js installed so the prototypes you build have somewhere to run.