# Authentication and access for the AWS Toolkit for JetBrains
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You don't need to authenticate with AWS to start working with the AWS Toolkit for JetBrains. However, most AWS resources are managed through an AWS account. If you've already set up an AWS account and authentication method, see the [Connecting to AWS](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/toolkit-for-jetbrains/latest/userguide/account-connect.html) topic in this User Guide to get started connecting to your AWS account.

The following topics contain additional details and set up instructions for each AWS credential type and authentication method that's compatible with the AWS Toolkit for JetBrains.

**Topics**
+ [AWS IAM Identity Center](identity-center.md)
+ [IAM credentials](setup-credentials.md)
+ [AWS Builder ID](builder-id.md)
+ [Updating firewalls and gateways](endpoints.md)