# What are seed words？ **Seed words are** a form of private key. They were first proposed by BIP39 to help users remember complicated private key strings. Seed Words are typically a collection of 12, 15, 18, or 21 words. These words are all taken from a fixed collection, and the generation order is also based on an algorithm. If anyone gets hold of your seed words, enters it into a wallet, and sets a password (they do not have to have your original password), they can enter your wallet and have full control over it, compromising your digital assets. After creating your wallet, you must backup your seed words as you will only have that chance to back it up. After this your wallet will never display your mnemonic phrase, so make sure you back it up and keep it safe! --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.onto.app/basics/data-management/what-are-seed-words.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.