# Generate a GitLab API Token
If your GitLab is self-hosted or you simply prefer to connect using a token, you'll first need an access token:
1. In GitLab, navigate to [Access tokens](https://gitlab.com/-/user_settings/personal_access_tokens) in your User settings and click **Add new token.**
2. Enter a **Token name** and the latest allowable **Expiration date** (typically one year from token creation)**.**
3. Under **Select scopes**, select `api` or `read_api` .
4. Click **Create token,** then copy the token that appears.\
5. Back in Violet, navigate to Apps and select **Gitlab**. Create a new connection, and toggle on **Show other authentication options**. Enter your token and click **Connect with API token.**
6. Once connected, configure your integration, then click **Create.** You're done!
**Gitlab**. Create a new connection, and toggle on **Show other authentication options**. Enter your token and click **Connect with API token.**
