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

# Quick Start

> Create your first AI voice agent in under 5 minutes.

## Prerequisites

All you need to get started:

* A [TalkifAI account](https://studio.talkifai.dev/signup) — free to create
* A **microphone-enabled browser** (Chrome or Edge recommended) — for testing voice agents
  \`

<Info>
  When you sign up, TalkifAI automatically creates a **default organization** for you and adds **free trial credits** to your account. No API keys or credit card required to start.
</Info>

***

## Step 1: Create Your First Agent

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Agent Builder">
    In the Studio sidebar, click **Agents → Create Agent**.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/talkifai-4f5d7891/mDR87jdh6rTU03S7/images/quickstart-agents-dashboard.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=mDR87jdh6rTU03S7&q=85&s=0aebe15c25dbf375a310876eb6333a8b" alt="Agents dashboard" width="1918" height="911" data-path="images/quickstart-agents-dashboard.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Architecture">
    Select the agent type based on what you need:

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/talkifai-4f5d7891/mDR87jdh6rTU03S7/images/quickstart-create-agent.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=mDR87jdh6rTU03S7&q=85&s=7dd02be60813e042904c270415452db5" alt="Create agent — architecture selection" width="303" height="310" data-path="images/quickstart-create-agent.png" />
    </Frame>

    | Type         | Best For                                            |
    | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Pipeline** | Voice agent — mix-and-match STT, LLM, TTS providers |
    | **Realtime** | Voice agent — lowest latency (OpenAI/Gemini native) |
    | **Text**     | Chat only — website chatbot, no microphone needed   |

    <Tip>
      Not sure? Start with **Pipeline** — it's the most flexible and works great for most use cases.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the Agent">
    Fill in the basics:

    * **Name**: e.g., "Customer Support Bot"
    * **System Prompt**: Instructions for your agent's behavior and personality
    * **LLM Model**: GPT-4o, Gemini 1.5 Pro, Claude, etc.
    * **Voice**: Choose a TTS voice (Cartesia, ElevenLabs, OpenAI TTS)
    * **Language**: Select the spoken language
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test in Browser">
    Click **Test Agent** to start a live voice conversation directly in your browser. No phone number required — your trial credits cover the test session.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate">
    Click **Activate** to make the agent live. You can now connect a phone number, embed it as a chat widget, or call it via API.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 2: Add Your Own API Keys (Optional)

By default, TalkifAI uses its own platform keys — you don't need to bring your own to get started. When you're ready for production or want full control:

1. Go to **Settings → Provider Keys**
2. Set your **Key Mode**:
   * `Platform Keys` — TalkifAI's built-in keys, billed from your credits (default)
   * `My Keys` — Your own provider keys, billed directly by the provider
   * `Hybrid` — Your keys with platform keys as fallback
3. Enter your provider keys (OpenAI, Google, Deepgram, Cartesia, etc.)

***

## Step 3: Make Your First API Call

Once your agent is active, you can trigger outbound calls programmatically.

### Get Your API Key

1. Go to **Settings → API Keys**
2. Click **Create API Key**
3. Give it a name (e.g., "My First Key")
4. Copy it immediately — it won't be shown again

### Start an Outbound Call

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.talkifai.dev/v1/calls \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "agentId": "your-agent-id",
    "to": "+12025550123"
  }'
```

### Response

```json theme={null}
{
  "success": true,
  "data": {
    "callId": "call_abc123",
    "status": "initiating",
    "agentId": "your-agent-id",
    "to": "+12025550123",
    "createdAt": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z"
  }
}
```

<Note>
  To make outbound calls you need a phone number connected to your agent. See [Telephony Setup →](/platform/telephony)
</Note>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connect a Phone Number" icon="phone" href="/platform/telephony">
    Set up inbound and outbound calling with your carrier.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Add Custom Functions" icon="webhook" href="/guides/custom-functions">
    Give your agent access to your APIs and databases.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Run Batch Campaigns" icon="layer-group" href="/platform/batch-calling">
    Automate outbound calls at scale.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Explore the API" icon="code" href="/api-reference/introduction">
    Full REST API reference for developers.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>