# 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.**<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/SX5ggmBl6vlGN4b57gag" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
2. Enter a **Token name** and the latest allowable **Expiration date** (typically one year from token creation)**.**&#x20;
3. Under **Select scopes**, select `api` or `read_api` .
4. Click **Create token,** then copy the token that appears.\ <br>

   <figure><img src="/files/3c8fP59QSpRBMeIUJb3b" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
5. Back in Violet, navigate to Apps and select <img src="/files/BDMftrAhpR13LsaU19Pm" alt="" data-size="line"> **Gitlab**. Create a new connection, and toggle on **Show other authentication options**. Enter your token and click **Connect with API token.**

<figure><img src="/files/giJy03nOMgUUrhP2yKdm" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Once connected, configure your integration, then click **Create.** You're done!


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