> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fortifiedid.se/access/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fortifiedid.se/access/key-components/authenticators.md). # Authenticators Overview of authenticators and authentication flow building blocks in Fortified ID Access. This section introduces the authenticators in Fortified ID Access and shows how they fit together in authentication flows. Authenticators are the components that perform or coordinate authentication. They can validate credentials directly, control multi-step flows, or manage protocol-specific behavior for standards such as `SAML` and `OIDC`. Together, these building blocks help you create authentication journeys that match your security and user experience requirements. ## Main authenticator areas


Introduction The core authenticator model and configuration pattern.	Introduction
Common configuration Configuration shared by authenticator types.	Common configuration
Web Authenticator API The browser-facing API used by web authenticators.	Web Authenticator API
Flow control Authenticators that coordinate multi-step authentication flows.	Flow control
Credential validators Authenticators that validate passwords, eIDs, passkeys, and similar credentials.	Credential validators
Protocol managers Protocol-aware authenticators for standards such as SAML and OIDC.	Protocol managers
User interface Configuration and usage guidance for the authenticator user interface.	User interface

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