<!-- source: https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/api | Generated 2026-10-15 from structured site content; language: en. -->

# API (application programming interface)

> A defined interface through which one piece of software can use the functions or data of another.

Also known as: API, REST API, application programming interface. Category: E-commerce and workflow.

An application programming interface (API) is a defined way for software systems to exchange data and call each other's functions. Web APIs, often REST APIs over HTTP with JSON, connect a photo studio with shops, PIM, DAM and ERP systems.

## How PhotoRobot uses it

PhotoRobot provides APIs at two levels: the [Cloud API](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cloud-api) for integrating the whole studio workflow with customer systems, and an API in each robot's control unit, which controls only machine movement and is available on request.

## See on photorobot.com

- [System integration and API connectivity](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/system-integration)

## Related terms

- [PhotoRobot Cloud API](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/cloud-api): PhotoRobot's REST API for integrating the studio with catalogue, DAM, PIM and e-commerce systems.
- [Webhook](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/webhook): An HTTP request one system sends to another automatically when an event happens.
- [Export feed](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/export-feed): A machine-readable XML or JSON list of items and image URLs that other systems read automatically.
- [Control unit](https://www.photorobot.com/glossary/control-unit): The computer inside or beside every PhotoRobot that drives its motors, triggers cameras and connects it to the network.

## Where this term appears on photorobot.com

Mentioned on 75 pages. Most relevant:

- [PhotoRobot System Integration & Rich API Connectivity](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/system-integration): Explore the detailed summary for PhotoRobot customers on the system integration and rich API connectivity of PhotoRobot systems.
- [Introducing the PhotoRobot Developer Portal & Cloud API V2](https://www.photorobot.com/blog/developer-portal-cloud-api-v2): …photography workflows for modern enterprise using the PhotoRobot Developer Portal & API V2 for cloud integrations.
- [How to Make a Simple 3D Model with Apple Object Capture API](https://www.photorobot.com/tutorials/object-capture-how-to-make-a-3d-model): See how to make a simple 3D model using Apple’s Object Capture API integrated with PhotoRobot’s Control & Automation software.
- [PhotoRobot CASE 850 Portable Studio User Guide](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/case-850-user-guide): Advanced integrators may alternatively control the unit directly through its API.
- [PhotoRobot Control System - Overview for System Offers](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/control-system-overview): …Licenses Firmware Updates Service Interface Access for Remote Diagnostics System Cloud API with PhotoRobot _Controls (for the integration into customer systems if the customer’s own control system…
- [CASE 1300](https://www.photorobot.com/robots/case-1300): …several automatic product-positioning lasers, high motor-power, remote control, API, reflection boards and flag holders - all in easily portable form - for high-productive studio work - or on the go.
- [PhotoRobot Control Units - Technical Documentation](https://www.photorobot.com/controller): The cloud system has an API for easy integration with the customer’s other systems, and the robot’s control unit also features an API for integration with third-party systems.
- [PhotoRobot PWS](https://www.photorobot.com/pws): …offline keys, generation limits; license release/transfer, expiry/suspension, hybrid & API licenses (keys never sent in plaintext).
- [PhotoRobot Workflow Demonstration - Video Recap](https://www.photorobot.com/videos/workflow-demonstration-recap): Judge for yourself the levels of productivity thanks to full software integration of robots, cameras, lights, post-processing, APIs, and publishing.
- [PhotoRobot Controls Software Solution Overview & Pricing](https://www.photorobot.com/manuals/software-overview-and-pricing): Refer to the PhotoRobot System Integration & API Summary for an overview of the integration process.