# Create an SSH Key Pair

## Prerequisite

To create an SSH key pair on zenConsole, you need first to retrieve the generated public key on your local computer. See [**Retrieve Generated Public Key**](/welcome/elastic-compute/security/ssh-key-pair.md) for details.

## Procedures

1. Go to **SSH Key Pair** > **Create an SSH Key Pair**.<br>

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/I0bmg1qDQuJhfdmXh0DN" alt="" width="558"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
2. Enter up to 5 public SSH keys into an SSH key pair. Pay attention to the format.\
   A public key file is usually named "id\_rsa.pub" in "/.ssh" folder and begins with "ssh-rsa". Be careful not to use your private key.
3. Label your key pair.
4. *<mark style="color:green;">(Optional)</mark>* Add a note if you need.
5. Click **Confirm**.
6. *<mark style="color:green;">(Optional)</mark>* If you don't need the key pair any more, Click **Delete** in **Actions** in the list page.

## Result

You can select **SSH Key Pair** login credential while creating an instance afterwards.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/IrsGW2LTbiwPSWpxStee" alt="" width="467"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

You can now access this instance using the SSH key pair without requiring a password.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.console.zenlayer.com/welcome/elastic-compute/get-started/manage-network-security/create-an-ssh-key-pair.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
