APIs are atomic operations that can be performed on any platform, using practically any programming language. They can run on a frontend as well as backend with no limitations. This can be performed one-by-one as well as in batches (e.g. up to 300 requests/operations in a second), can be a small unit in an application or part of a larger workflow, can be triggered programmatically or manually.
The SDK, in contrast, is an experience that can be embedded in web applications and is intended for the end-user’s interaction (w/ GUI). The SDK provides many functions that go far beyond atomic API operations. APIs are for developers.
SDKs are for end users.
Sign-up following the links above, creating your profile. Purchase the needed amount of credits and follow our comprehensive documentation to get started. Reach out to us if you need any help.
Credits are a universal unit that is used to charge for APIs and SDK usage on Picsart. Each developer is given 50 credits for free upon signup. The balance can be refilled, by making a purchase. The more you buy, the bigger discount you get and the more credits are given per US dollar. When an API call is made, the system checks for the “cost” of that triggered endpoint and charges a corresponding amount. There are endpoints such as /remove-background, that will cost, for example, 8 credits, and there are also endpoints such as /balance or /effects (lists the existing effect names) that will cost 0 credits (utility, helper methods are free of charge). Similarly, when operations are made in SDK, for example, export is performed, a corresponding number of credits will be charged from the balance.
A ‘preview’ is a specific type of API call that gives the users an idea of what the final edit would look like with a smaller image and lower resolution than what the final image will look like.
For certain APIs, e.g. Effects and Masks, there is preview functionality that can be used. Calls made to ‘preview’ APIs are not charged.
At the moment Remove Background, Effects, Text to Image (Generative AI) and Upscale (only for the print use case - adjusts the image DPI) are available for Editor SDK. We are working on adding more APIs to the Editor SDK.
