Getting Started
Test vs. Live Environments
The test environment is a separate server with its own keys, data, and simulated fulfillment.
FileForms has two environments, each with its own base URL, database, and API keys:
| Live | Test | |
|---|---|---|
| API base URL | https://api.fileforms.com/v1 | https://api.staging.fileforms.dev/v1 |
| Dashboard | https://apps.fileforms.com | https://staging.fileforms.dev |
| API key prefix | sk_live_ | sk_test_ |
| Payments | Live Stripe | Stripe test mode |
| State filings | Really submitted | Never reach a state |
Test mode is a separate server, not a key flag
A sk_test_ key only works against the test base URL, and a sk_live_ key
only works against the live one. There is no sandbox flag on the live API —
the environments are fully separate deployments with separate data. Nothing
you create in test exists in live, and vice versa.
What behaves differently in test
- Orders and data are real records in the test environment — the API behaves identically, so your integration code doesn't change between environments except for the base URL and key.
- Filings are never actually submitted to a state. Fulfillment runs against sandbox systems, and the automation that performs real state filings is disabled.
- Filing statuses do not auto-advance. A test order won't progress to
filedon its own. To exercise your status-change handling, use test webhook deliveries — or ask your FileForms contact to advance a specific test filing. - Payments use Stripe test mode. Prepaid balance top-ups and end-user checkouts accept Stripe test cards (e.g.
4242 4242 4242 4242). - Webhooks behave identically — same signatures, same retry schedule, same delivery inspection. Test your webhook consumer entirely in the test environment.
Getting test credentials
Sign up at staging.fileforms.dev to create a test account and organization — it's a separate signup from live. Then create your API key the same way as in live (Settings → Developers), after completing test billing setup with a Stripe test card.
Going live
- Complete billing setup in the live dashboard (Settings → Billing).
- Create your live API key (Settings → Developers).
- Point your integration at
https://api.fileforms.com/v1with thesk_live_key. - Re-create your webhook endpoints in live — endpoints and signing secrets do not carry over from test.
- Review your pricing and auto top-up settings before placing real orders.