YouTip

# Google Maps API Key * * * Before starting this tutorial, you need a free Google Maps API key. * * * ## Ready to Begin? Before starting this tutorial, you need to obtain a specific API key from Google. We can get the API key for free by following these steps. Visit [https://code.google.com/apis/console/](https://code.google.com/apis/console/) and log in with your Google account. After logging in, you’ll see the following interface:  Click the "Create Project" button. In the list of services, locate **Google Maps API v3**, then click "off" to enable it. In the next step, select "I Agree..." and click the "Accept" button. Now you should see Google Maps API v3 turned "on" in the service list. Next, click "API Access" in the left-side menu. In the right panel, you’ll see the prompt "Create an OAuth 2.0 client id...". Click "Create an OAuth 2.0 client id...", which will open a form requiring you to enter your project name and project image or logo, then click the "Next" button. Then, we need to select the application type ("Web application"), fill in your website URL, and click the "Create Client Id" button. Finally, you’ll obtain the required API key, as shown in the figure below:  **Note:** Save your API key! (You must use this API key when developing all Google Maps applications on the specified URL you entered.)