> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://lava.so/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Welcome to Lava

export const providerCountLabel = "185+";

## What is Lava?

Lava is a usage and monetization platform purpose-built for AI.
We help teams manage AI costs, track customer usage, and launch flexible subscription and usage-based pricing plans.
Whether you're still building or ready to monetize, Lava gives you the tools to accelerate development and avoid maintaining custom usage and billing infrastructure.

### Managed vs unmanaged

Lava supports two ways to use the gateway: **managed** (Lava holds and bills provider usage for you) and **unmanaged** (bring your own key — you supply your own provider API key; Lava still meters usage and can apply service fees). Both work through the same proxy — just pass your secret key or a forward token in the `Authorization` header.

### Core Capabilities

* **AI gateway:** Access {providerCountLabel} AI providers via Lava's AI gateway. Easily switch between models while automatically tying into Lava's usage analytics and billing capabilities.
* **Cost tracking:** Track costs incurred by model provider, product feature, and customers.
* **Usage-based pricing:** Price by API request, tokens, characters, or cost markups.
* **Subscriptions:** Charge recurring fees with included usage credits. Handle subscription cancellations, downgrades, and upgrades.
* **Overages:** Charge customers for usage exceeding included limits.
* **Prepaid credit bundles:** Offer prepaid credits with configurable exchange rates.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Gateway Quickstart" icon="code" href="/get-started/quickstart-track">
    Make your first request in 5 minutes with step-by-step guide
  </Card>

  <Card title="Monetize Quickstart" icon="dollar-sign" href="/get-started/quickstart-charge">
    Configure pricing and embed checkout to start earning revenue
  </Card>
</CardGroup>