API Call Guide for Make.com

Learning how to send an API request in make.com lets you connect almost any web service to your scenarios, so you can automate tasks that go far beyond standard app integrations.

What Is an API Call in Make.com?

An API call is a request sent from one system to another over HTTP, usually to read, create, update, or delete data. Inside make.com, you use the HTTP app to build these requests and plug them into your automation flows.

In simple terms, an HTTP module in a scenario contacts a target service, sends the required parameters, and then receives a response that you can map to other modules.

Preparing to Use API Calls in Make.com

Before you build your first request in make.com, gather the key details from the service you want to connect to. These details are almost always found in that service’s API documentation.

Core Requirements from the API Docs

• Base URL – The root address of the API, for example https://api.example.com.
• Endpoint path – The specific path for the resource you want, such as /v1/users.
• HTTP method – Usually GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, or DELETE, depending on the operation.
• Authentication – API key, bearer token, OAuth 2.0, or another security method.
• Headers – For example, Content-Type: application/json or custom headers for auth.
• Query or body parameters – The data you need to send with the request.

With this information ready, you can configure the HTTP module in a make.com scenario confidently and avoid trial-and-error requests.

Step-by-Step: Basic HTTP GET Call in Make.com

The following steps outline how to create a simple GET request in make.com using the HTTP app. This pattern is reusable for many services that offer REST APIs.

1. Create a New Scenario in Make.com

1. Sign in to your make.com account.
2. Click Create a new scenario from your dashboard.
3. On the canvas, click the + icon to add your first module.

2. Add the HTTP Module

1. Search for the HTTP app in the module list.
2. Select the Make a request (or similarly named) action.
3. Place it as the first module or after an existing trigger module.

3. Configure the Request URL and Method

1. Set the Method to GET if you are only retrieving data.
2. Enter the URL using the base URL and endpoint path from the API documentation, for example:
   https://api.example.com/v1/users.
3. If the endpoint uses query parameters, either append them to the URL (e.g., ?page=1) or use the dedicated query parameter fields if available.

4. Add Headers and Authentication

1. In the Headers section, add mandatory headers such as:
   • Content-Type: application/json (if required by the API).
   • Any custom headers mentioned in the documentation.
2. For authentication, do one of the following depending on the API:
   • Enter an API key header such as Authorization: ApiKey YOUR_KEY.
   • Use a Bearer token header such as Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN.
   • Set up an OAuth 2.0 connection if supported by the HTTP app or by a dedicated app module.

5. Test the HTTP Request in Make.com

1. Click OK or Save to close the HTTP module settings.
2. Run the scenario once using the Run once button in the toolbar.
3. After execution, open the HTTP module’s output bubble to inspect the response.

Look for the response status code and body. A 2xx status usually indicates success, while 4xx or 5xx codes indicate client or server errors that you should address.

Handling Responses from Make.com HTTP Calls

Once an API call completes, make.com exposes the response for mapping into downstream modules. This includes the body, headers, and status code.

Inspecting the HTTP Response

• Status code – Confirms whether the request succeeded.
• Headers – May contain rate-limit details, pagination links, or content type.
• Body – Often in JSON format with fields you can map to other modules.

If the body is JSON, make.com typically parses it automatically so you can select fields directly in the mapping panel without manual parsing.

Using Response Data in Later Modules

You can connect additional modules after the HTTP step to process the returned data, for example:

• Creating records in a database or spreadsheet.
• Sending notifications based on specific response values.
• Triggering follow-up API calls when conditions are met.

Use filters and routers to branch your scenario logic depending on the values returned by the API.

Advanced API Techniques in Make.com

For more complex workflows, make.com offers advanced features that help you build dynamic and scalable integrations around your API calls.

Using Variables and Mapping

You can insert variables from previous modules into your HTTP request:

• Map IDs or user data into the URL path or query parameters.
• Build JSON request bodies with dynamic values pulled from triggers.
• Combine text and variables in headers or parameter fields.

This lets each request adapt to data flowing through your make.com scenario instead of relying on hard-coded values.

Pagination and Iteration

Many APIs return partial data with pagination. In make.com you can:

• Use an iterator module to loop through lists returned by an API.
• Chain multiple HTTP calls using offset or page parameters.
• Apply aggregators if you need to combine multiple responses into a single structure.

Always check the API documentation to see how pagination works (page numbers, cursors, or limit/offset patterns).

Error Handling and Retries

Reliable automation in make.com requires robust error handling around your API calls.

• Use error handlers on the HTTP module to catch failed requests.
• Enable retries with delay for transient network or server issues.
• Route errors to logging modules, notifications, or monitoring tools.

For persistent errors, store diagnostic details (status codes, error messages) in a database or sheet to simplify troubleshooting.

Security Best Practices for Make.com API Calls

When you work with sensitive data, make.com offers options to keep credentials safe and requests secure.

• Use built-in connections instead of storing secrets directly in fields whenever possible.
• Prefer HTTPS endpoints to protect data in transit.
• Limit access to scenarios and connections to the minimum necessary roles.
• Rotate API keys and tokens periodically according to your provider’s recommendations.

Always follow the security guidelines in the external API’s documentation in addition to your internal policies.

Learning Resources for Make.com API Workflows

To deepen your understanding of HTTP modules and API design in make.com, review the official tutorial on building requests, examples, and best practices provided by the platform.

You can find detailed guidance and screenshots in the original tutorial here: How to make an API call tutorial.

If you want help designing complex workflows, performance-focused scenarios, or integrating multiple APIs at scale, consult an automation specialist. For example, Consultevo offers services around automation architecture, scenario optimization, and integration strategy.

Conclusion: Build Flexible Integrations with Make.com

API calls in make.com give you a powerful way to connect almost any online service to your workflows. By understanding the basics of HTTP methods, URLs, headers, authentication, and response handling, you can design scenarios that retrieve and update data reliably across your tools.

Start with simple GET requests, gradually introduce dynamic mapping, pagination, and error handling, and you will be able to create flexible, production-ready automations using the HTTP app in make.com.