Bubble.io API Connector: How to Integrate Any External Service
The API Connector is Bubble’s bridge to the entire internet. Every tool with a REST or GraphQL API — Stripe, OpenAI, SendGrid, Slack, Zoom, HubSpot — can be called from Bubble workflows and display data in Bubble pages.
The API Connector: Bubble’s Most Powerful Feature
The API Connector allows your Bubble app to send HTTP requests to any external service and use the response in your workflows and UI. This turns Bubble from a self-contained tool into an orchestration layer for the entire software ecosystem. Instead of waiting for Bubble to natively support a new tool, you connect to it yourself in minutes.
Two Modes: Action vs. Data
API Connector calls configured as Actions run inside workflows — they send data, trigger events, and process responses. Calls configured as Data can be used directly as a data source in pages and repeating groups, returning external data for display. Most integrations use both modes.
Setting Up an API Call — Step by Step
Authentication: Private key in header
Header key: Authorization
Header value: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY ← mark as private
// “Private” means this value is never exposed to the browser
Method: POST
URL: https://api.sendgrid.com/v3/mail/send
Body: JSON with dynamic parameters in <brackets>
// Parameters in <angle brackets> become inputs in Bubble workflows
{
“to”: [{“email”: “<to_email>”}],
“subject”: “<subject>”,
“template_id”: “<template_id>”
}
Click “Initialize call” with test data filled in. Bubble fires the real API call, reads the response JSON, and creates a type definition from the response fields. After initialisation, you can reference result’s email, result’s id, etc. in your workflows.
In any workflow, add action → “Plugins” → your API call name. Pass dynamic values to the parameters. Use result’s [field] in subsequent steps. For GET calls, set as Data source in repeating groups to display external data directly.
The Eight API Integrations Every Bubble SaaS Should Have
Stripe
Subscriptions, Connect, Checkout, Customer Portal, and webhooks. The complete billing layer. Use API Connector for calls; use Bubble’s backend workflows for incoming webhooks.
SendGrid / Postmark
Transactional email for invitations, billing alerts, password resets, and activity notifications. Dynamic templates managed in SendGrid — update email copy without touching Bubble.
OpenAI
GPT-4o for AI-powered features: content generation, classification, summarisation, chat. Pass user input as a message, display the response. AI features in Bubble take under an hour to build.
Slack
Post to a customer’s Slack channel when key events happen in your app. Store the webhook URL per workspace. Fire a POST from any workflow. Zero authentication complexity for outgoing messages.
Calendly / Cal.com
Embed scheduling for onboarding calls, support sessions, or marketplace bookings. Webhooks notify Bubble when events are created or cancelled — trigger follow-up workflows automatically.
DocuSign / HelloSign
E-signature for contracts, NDAs, service agreements, and onboarding documents. Generate a signing URL via API, redirect user to sign, receive webhook on completion, store signed document.
Mixpanel / Amplitude
Product analytics: track events, user properties, and funnel data. Send a POST to the tracking endpoint on key user actions. Segment your analytics by workspace, plan, and role.
Zapier / Make Webhooks
Expose outbound webhooks from your app. Store a webhook URL per workspace, POST to it on key events. Your customers get instant access to 5,000+ tools without you building any of them.
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