> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dripart-feat-openapi-i18n.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# APIs Overview

> An overview of the different ways to interact with ComfyUI programmatically

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))