What is Kleido?
Kleido is a locksmith app for looking up automotive key codes and bitting data. It covers 3,700+ vehicle series with 1.6M+ verified bitting codes, visual key profiles, depth charts, and Lishi tool matches. Kleido runs on the web today, with native iOS and Android apps in development.
How do I look up a car key code?
To look up a car key code in Kleido, select the make, model, and year — Kleido returns the matching vehicle series with its bitting codes, key blanks, Lishi tool, and visual key profile. You can also search by a known bitting pattern directly if you already have a partial code.
Who is Kleido for?
Kleido is for automotive locksmiths, mobile key technicians, and locksmith apprentices who need fast access to key codes in the field. Compared to other popular locksmith apps, Kleido is mobile-first: the interface is optimized for phone and tablet use on-site, not a desktop workstation.
How does Kleido compare to other locksmith apps?
Kleido is mobile-first and priced for individual locksmiths, where most established locksmith software targets shops with desktop workstations at $500+/year. Kleido's database covers 3,700+ vehicle series with visual key profiles, and new data is added from community contributions.
How much does Kleido cost?
Kleido Pro is $9.99/month or $99.99/year, with a 3-day free trial. The paid plan unlocks full key code search, visual key profiles, cutting progressions, and Lishi tool matches across all 3,700+ vehicle series.
Is there a free version of Kleido?
Kleido offers a 3-day free trial with full Pro access. After the trial, continued access to the 1.6M+ bitting database requires a Pro subscription at $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
Can I use a VIN to decode a car key?
Yes — Kleido supports VIN lookup to identify the vehicle series and its key codes without manually selecting make, model, and year. Enter the VIN and Kleido returns the matching bitting series, Lishi tool, and compatible key blanks. VIN decoding uses the NHTSA database.
Does Kleido work offline?
Kleido is currently a web app and requires an internet connection. Native iOS and Android apps are in development; for now, plan lookups when you have cellular or WiFi coverage.
How do locksmiths decode automotive keys?
Automotive locksmiths decode keys using one of three methods: reading the bitting from an existing key, using a Lishi decoder to read the lock directly, or looking up the VIN-linked key code through a database. For a locked vehicle with no working key, the Lishi decoder combined with a database like Kleido is the fastest path.
What is a Lishi tool?
A Lishi tool is a single-piece decoder pick used by locksmiths to read a lock's cuts without disassembling it. Each Lishi tool is built for a specific key profile — there are hundreds across makes and years. Kleido shows which Lishi fits each vehicle series and the exact cut count it handles.
What is a bitting code?
A bitting code is the numeric pattern that defines the depth and spacing of cuts on a key. Automotive manufacturers each use their own set of depth and space values, and a locksmith uses the code to cut an exact duplicate or replacement key. Kleido indexes 1.6M+ bittings across 3,700+ vehicle series.
What is a key blank?
A key blank is an uncut key that matches a specific lock profile before any bitting is applied. Locksmiths cut the blank to match a vehicle's bitting code. Kleido lists compatible key blanks for every vehicle series it covers.