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.

​
SSH Key Import Process

To import an existing SSH public key:

1

Navigate to SSH Keys

Navigate to the SSH Keys page from the sidebar

2

Initiate Import

Click “Import Key” button

3

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
4

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
5

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:

Common Public Key Locations

Your public key is typically located at:

~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
~/.ssh/id_ecdsa.pub

Display and copy your public key:

# For RSA keys
cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

# For Ed25519 keys (recommended)
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

# For ECDSA keys
cat ~/.ssh/id_ecdsa.pub

# Copy to clipboard (macOS)
pbcopy < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

# Copy to clipboard (Linux with xclip)
xclip -sel clip < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

​
Public Key Format Requirements

Understanding the correct format for import:

​
Valid Key Formats

ssh-rsa AAAAB3NzaC1yc2EAAAADAQABAAABAQC0WGP1EZykEtv5YGC9nMiPFW3U3DmZNzKFO5nEu6uozEHh3JLi9bii user@example.com

​
Format Validation

Public Key Requirements:

A valid public key must:

  • Begin with a key type: ssh-rsa, ssh-ed25519, or ssh-dss
  • Contain a long base64-encoded string of characters
  • Be on a single line with no line breaks
  • Optionally end with a comment (usually email address or description)

​
Supported Key Types

The platform supports industry-standard SSH key types:

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

​
GitHub SSH Keys

1

Access GitHub SSH Keys

Go to GitHub → Settings → SSH and GPG keys

2

Copy Public Key

Copy the public key content from GitHub

3

Import to Platform

Paste the key in the import dialog

4

Use Descriptive Name

Name it something like “github-personal-key”

​
GitLab SSH Keys

1

Access GitLab SSH Keys

Go to GitLab → User Settings → SSH Keys

2

Copy Public Key

Copy the public key content from GitLab

3

Import to Platform

Paste the key in the import dialog

4

Use Descriptive Name

Name it something like “gitlab-work-key”

​
Import Validation and Errors

​
Common Import Issues

​
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

1

Identify Source

Include the source service or system in the name

2

Specify Purpose

Indicate what the key will be used for

3

Add Context

Include environment or project information

4

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

​
Security Precautions

Security Reminders:

  • Only import keys you control and trust
  • Verify key integrity before import
  • Use keys from secure, trusted sources
  • Keep private keys secure and never share them
  • Monitor key usage across all platforms

​
Troubleshooting Import Issues

​
Validation Problems

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

1

Verify Import Success

Check that key appears in SSH keys list

2

Test with VM Deployment

Use imported key for new VM deployment

3

Test SSH Connection

Connect to VM using imported key

4

Validate Functionality

Confirm normal SSH operations work correctly

​
Import vs. Creation Comparison

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

Importing existing SSH keys allows you to use your established keys while keeping your private key secure on your local machine. This is often the preferred method for users who already have a key management system in place.

When importing keys from services like GitHub or GitLab, use descriptive names that indicate both the source and purpose. This makes it easier to manage multiple keys and understand their intended use.