---
title: "APIs Overview"
description: "An overview of the different ways to interact with ComfyUI programmatically"
icon: "list"
---

ComfyUI offers several API options depending on where you want to run your workflows and how much infrastructure you want to manage. This page helps you choose the right approach.

---

## Which API Should I Use?

| | Cloud API | ComfyUI Server API |
|---|---|---|
| **Where it runs** | Comfy Cloud (managed GPUs) | Your own machine |
| **GPU management** | Handled for you | You manage your own hardware |
| **Models** | Pre-installed and managed by Comfy | You download and manage locally |
| **Authentication** | `X-API-Key` header (Comfy Cloud account) | None (local) or API key for Partner Nodes |
| **Base URL** | `https://cloud.comfy.org` | Your server URL (e.g. `http://localhost:8188`) |
| **Protocol** | REST + WebSocket | REST + WebSocket |
| **Pricing** | Subscription-based (Creator/Pro tiers) | Free (your own compute) |
| **Best for** | Quick integration, no infrastructure | Full control, custom hardware & models |

Both APIs use the same workflow format ([API format](/development/api-development/workflow-api-format)), so you can develop and test workflows locally and move them to the cloud without changes.

---

## Getting Started

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Cloud API" icon="cloud" href="/development/cloud/overview">
    Run workflows on Comfy's managed infrastructure. No GPU setup required.
  </Card>
  <Card title="ComfyUI Server API" icon="server" href="/development/comfyui-server/comms_overview">
    Run ComfyUI as a server on your own machine and call it via API.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Partner Node API Integration" icon="key" href="/development/comfyui-server/api-key-integration">
    Use paid Partner Nodes in headless or API-driven workflows.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

---

## Prerequisites

Before using any API, you'll need:

- An API key (see [Getting an API Key](/development/api-development/getting-an-api-key))