Build apps with the ClickUp API

The ClickUp API lets you build custom apps that automate work, connect tools, and extend what you can do in your workspace. This guide walks you through every step, from getting access tokens to sending your first API request.

Use this how-to when you want to integrate ClickUp with another platform, build internal tools, or create smarter workflows powered by your own code.

Understand how the ClickUp API works

The ClickUp API is a RESTful interface that lets you read and update data in your workspace. With it, you can manage tasks, Lists, Spaces, and more programmatically.

Core concepts include:

• Endpoints: URLs that represent specific resources or actions.
• HTTP methods: Such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE.
• Authentication: Tokens that prove who you are and what you can access.
• Rate limits: Controls to keep the API fast and stable for everyone.

Before writing code, review the official reference to understand available endpoints and required fields in each request.

For the full technical reference, see the official documentation on the ClickUp API help center page.

Create an app in your ClickUp workspace

To connect safely, you first create an app configuration in your workspace. This defines how your app authenticates and what it can access.

Step 1: Open ClickUp settings

1. Log in to your workspace.
2. Click your avatar to open the workspace menu.
3. Navigate to the settings area where advanced tools and integrations are managed.

Only members with the right permissions can manage these options. If you do not see the API or apps section, contact a workspace admin.

Step 2: Register a new ClickUp app

1. Find the section related to apps or API access.
2. Select the option to create or register a new app.
3. Give your app a clear name so workspace members recognize it.
4. Add an optional description that explains what the app does.

Use a meaningful name such as “Reporting Dashboard Integration” or “CRM Sync for Sales” so you can track tokens later.

Step 3: Configure app details

When creating your ClickUp app, you may need to configure:

• Redirect URL: Where users are sent after granting access, if you use OAuth.
• Scopes or permissions: The specific data types and actions your app needs.
• Owner: The workspace or member responsible for the integration.

Always request the minimum necessary access so your app stays secure and easier to approve.

Authorize access to the ClickUp API

Every request to the ClickUp API must be authenticated. Depending on your use case, you can use personal tokens or app-level authorization based on OAuth flows.

Get a personal access token in ClickUp

A personal token is tied to your individual account. It is useful for:

• Testing new integrations.
• Running scripts for your own work.
• Building internal tools for a limited audience.

1. Go to your profile or security settings.
2. Find the section for API or personal tokens.
3. Create a new token and copy it somewhere secure.

Treat your token like a password. Do not share it, commit it to public repositories, or send it in unsecured channels.

Use OAuth for multi-user ClickUp apps

If you are building a public integration or any app that multiple users can authorize, use OAuth-based flows where supported. The basic pattern is:

1. Your app redirects the user to a ClickUp authorization page.
2. The user grants permission to your app.
3. ClickUp redirects back to your redirect URL with a temporary code.
4. Your app exchanges that code for an access token.

Store tokens securely and design your app to refresh or revoke access as needed.

Send your first ClickUp API request

After you have a token, you can start sending requests to the ClickUp API to read and update data.

Set up your HTTP client

You can use tools such as:

• Command-line tools like curl.
• REST clients such as Postman.
• Code libraries in languages like JavaScript, Python, or Ruby.

Regardless of the tool, you will include your ClickUp token in the request headers.

Include authentication headers

Most requests will include a header similar to:

• Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_TOKEN>

Check the specific requirement in the documentation. If the API uses a different header name or format, follow that exact pattern when calling ClickUp endpoints.

Call a basic endpoint in ClickUp

To verify that your setup works, call a simple endpoint, for example to list available workspaces, Spaces, or Folders for your account. In your REST client:

1. Set the method to GET.
2. Enter the endpoint URL from the official docs.
3. Add your authorization header.
4. Send the request and inspect the response.

If the request is valid, the response will return structured JSON data with details such as IDs, names, and other attributes.

Use ClickUp data in your custom app

Once you can read data, you can start building features that interact with your workspace.

Create and update tasks with the ClickUp API

Common actions include:

• Creating tasks when an event occurs in another platform.
• Updating task statuses based on external system changes.
• Assigning tasks to specific users automatically.
• Adding comments or attachments programmatically.

When calling these ClickUp endpoints:

• Follow required and optional fields in each API method.
• Validate IDs for Lists, Folders, and Spaces you reference.
• Log responses so you can debug issues quickly.

Automate workflows between ClickUp and other tools

You can use the API to keep different systems in sync, such as:

• Syncing customer data to tasks or documents.
• Sending time tracking data into ClickUp for reporting.
• Triggering notifications in chat tools when tasks change.

When designing workflows, avoid unnecessary API calls and cache data where possible to respect rate limits.

Secure and maintain your ClickUp integration

Security and reliability are essential when working with workspace data.

Protect tokens and credentials

• Store tokens in environment variables or a secrets manager.
• Rotate credentials regularly and revoke unused tokens.
• Limit app permissions to the minimum needed in ClickUp.

Handle errors from the ClickUp API

Always check response codes and messages. Common patterns include:

• 4xx errors for authorization or validation issues.
• 5xx errors for temporary service problems.

Implement retry logic where appropriate and surface clear error messages in your app.

Next steps for building with ClickUp

With access configured and your first call completed, you are ready to design richer experiences around your workspace data.

Next, you can:

• Explore advanced endpoints for views, custom fields, and time tracking.
• Design reusable modules in your codebase for common ClickUp operations.
• Document how your app uses the API for teammates and stakeholders.

If you want expert help planning a broader integration strategy, you can read more resources from specialists at Consultevo and combine them with the official ClickUp API reference.

By following these steps, you can safely connect your systems, automate workflows, and build powerful apps that use ClickUp as a central hub for work management.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

Get Help

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