"Importing SSH Keys"

If you already have SSH keys that you use for other services (GitHub, GitLab, other cloud providers), you can import the public key to use with your virtual machines on our platform.

To import an existing SSH public key:

Navigate to SSH Keys

Navigate to the SSH Keys page from the sidebar

Initiate Import

Click "Import Key" button

Name Your Key

Enter a descriptive name for the key (maximum 50 characters):

Names must contain only letters, numbers, underscores, hyphens, and periods

Use descriptive names like "github-key" or "laptop-ssh-key"

Choose names that identify the key's source or purpose

Paste Public Key

Paste your public key content in the text area:

Key must begin with ssh-rsa, ssh-ed25519, or similar

Include the entire public key on a single line

Include optional comment if desired

Import Key

Click "Import Key" to add it to your account:

System validates key format automatically

Key is added to your account immediately

Available for VM deployment right away

Finding Your Public Key

Locate your existing public key on your system:

Linux/MacOS

Windows

Common Public Key Locations

Your public key is typically located at:

Display and copy your public key:

Public Key Format Requirements

Understanding the correct format for import:

Valid Key Formats

Format Validation

Supported Key Types

The platform supports industry-standard SSH key types:

RSA Keys

Ed25519 Keys

ECDSA Keys

RSA Key Support

Format: ssh-rsa

Recommended Size: 2048+ bits (4096 bits preferred)

Compatibility: Universal compatibility with all SSH clients

Security: Mature, well-tested algorithm

Use Case: Most common, works everywhere

Importing from Popular Services

GitHub SSH Keys

Access GitHub SSH Keys

Go to GitHub → Settings → SSH and GPG keys

Copy Public Key

Copy the public key content from GitHub

Import to Platform

Paste the key in the import dialog

Use Descriptive Name

Name it something like "github-personal-key"

GitLab SSH Keys

Access GitLab SSH Keys

Go to GitLab → User Settings → SSH Keys

Copy Public Key

Copy the public key content from GitLab

Import to Platform

Paste the key in the import dialog

Use Descriptive Name

Name it something like "gitlab-work-key"

Import Validation and Errors

Common Import Issues

Format Errors

Key Type Issues

Duplicate Keys

Name Conflicts

Best Practices for Key Import

Key Selection

Choose Strong Keys

Security Considerations

Prefer Ed25519 keys for new imports

Use RSA keys with 2048+ bits minimum

Avoid old or deprecated key formats

Verify key source and integrity

Organize by Purpose

Key Organization

Import separate keys for different purposes

Use descriptive names indicating source/purpose

Group related keys with consistent naming

Document key purposes for team usage

Naming Strategy

Identify Source

Include the source service or system in the name

Specify Purpose

Indicate what the key will be used for

Add Context

Include environment or project information

Use Consistent Format

Develop naming convention for consistency

Example naming patterns:

github-personal-2024

gitlab-work-project-alpha

laptop-development-key

ci-cd-deployment-key

Security Considerations

Key Reuse Benefits

Simplified Management

Proven Security

Security Precautions

Troubleshooting Import Issues

Validation Problems

Format Issues

Copy-Paste Issues

Key Format Problems

Common Problems:

Line breaks in the middle of key

Missing key type prefix

Extra whitespace or characters

Truncated or incomplete key

Solutions:

Copy key again from original source

Verify entire key is selected

Check for line wrapping issues

Use text editor to verify format

Testing Imported Keys

Verify Import Success

Check that key appears in SSH keys list

Test with VM Deployment

Use imported key for new VM deployment

Test SSH Connection

Connect to VM using imported key

Validate Functionality

Confirm normal SSH operations work correctly

Import vs. Creation Comparison

When to Import

When to Create New

Import Existing Keys When:

You already have secure, trusted keys

You want consistent access across platforms

You have established key management procedures

You're migrating from another platform

Finding Your Public Key#

Public Key Format Requirements#

Valid Key Formats#

Format Validation#

Supported Key Types#

Importing from Popular Services#

GitHub SSH Keys#

GitLab SSH Keys#

Import Validation and Errors#

Common Import Issues#

Best Practices for Key Import#

Key Selection#

Naming Strategy#

Security Considerations#

Key Reuse Benefits#

Security Precautions#

Troubleshooting Import Issues#

Validation Problems#

Testing Imported Keys#

Import vs. Creation Comparison#