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What are integrations?

Integrations connect your Base44 app to external tools and services without writing backend code. They are ideal whenever you want your app to go beyond the basics, such as automating tasks, launching your first MVP, keeping your team in sync, or connecting with the tools you already use. There are 2 types of integrations in Base44:
  • Built-in integrations are ready to use by default, with no extra setup required.
  • External integrations connect your app to third-party services and require you to activate backend functions in your app settings. You can set these up manually, or use Connectors.
With both types, you can power up your app without any backend coding.

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Built-in integrations

Some integrations come preinstalled in Base44 and are available to use immediately. They do not require a paid plan, extra setup, or separate API keys. With these core integrations, you can add AI, messaging, file handling, and advanced logic to any app with no additional configuration needed. Base44 built-in integrations include:
  • Invoke LLM: Generate AI responses from the built-in language model using detailed prompts. Supports JSON schema outputs, file attachments for added context, and can search the web for up-to-date information.
  • SendEmail: Send emails to your contacts with customizable sender names and rich HTML content for formatting.
  • UploadFile: Allow people to upload files to your app. Get back a file URL you can use with other integrations, workflows, or app features.
  • GenerateImage: Create images from detailed text prompts. The tool returns a URL to the generated image.
  • ExtractDataFromUploadedFile: Pull structured data from uploaded files (CSV, PNG, JPG, JPEG, PDF) using JSON schemas. This is perfect for importing data in bulk.

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External integrations

External integrations let you connect your Base44 app to third-party services like Stripe, Twilio, or Google APIs. These integrations allow you to add advanced features such as payments, SMS, or maps from trusted providers. Unlike core integrations, external integrations require you to set up API keys and credentials before use. Examples of external integrations:
  • Sending welcome emails to new users of your app using your email service
  • Syncing your existing CRM with your app database
  • Alerting your team when someone submits a form
  • Generating content with AI tools
  • Pulling or updating data from external sources
Important:
  • You need a Builder plan or higher to use external integrations.
  • You must activate backend functions to use external integrations (see below).
You can set up external integrations manually (see steps below) or use Connectors to plug in tools you already use in just one click. Learn more about Connectors

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Activating backend functions

To use external integrations and connect your app to third-party APIs, you need to activate backend functions in Base44. Activating backend functions lets you unlock advanced features like payments, messaging, and custom workflows from trusted providers, all directly from your dashboard.
To activate backend functions:
  1. Go to your app’s editor.
  2. Click Dashboard.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Click App Settings.
  5. Click Activate next to Backend Functions.
Activating backend functions in your Base44 app

Activating backend functions in your Base44 app

Tip: Each backend function has a code file you can edit, view, and test. You can also check logs for each function. To manage your functions, go to Dashboard → Code → Functions.

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Choosing an integration

You can add integrations in 2 ways: from the Integrations Catalog before you start building, or directly in the chat while you are building your app.

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New apps

If you are building a new app, select an integration from our catalog before you write your first prompt. The integration will be built into your app from the start. You can browse the Integration Catalog for public (everyone), private (just you), or workspace (your team) integrations.
You must be logged in to access the integrations catalog.
Integration Catalog in Base44 listing available integrations.

Integrations Catalog showing available integrations in Base44

To add a catalog integration for a new app:
  1. Log into Base44.
  2. Go to the Integrations Catalog in your dashboard.
  3. Select the integration and review what it provides.
  4. Generate an API key from the service’s Developer / API page and paste it into Base44 when prompted.
  5. Enter your first prompt to start building with that integration
Adding an integration to your first prompt, from the Intagration Catalog in Base44

Adding an integration to your first prompt, from the Intagration Catalog in Base44

Tips:
  • If a service you need isn’t in the catalog, you can still connect it using our External API feature using backend functions. This lets you connect your app to any third-party service that provides an API, even if it’s not officially supported in our catalog.
  • Looking for native support? Submit or upvote it on our Feedback board.

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Apps you have already built

You can add any integration at any time while building your app. Just describe what you want in the AI chat. It doesn’t have to be in the catalog.
Before you add your integrations, you need to activate backend functions in your app’s dashboard (see above).

Examples of prompts for the AI chat to set up an integration

Add an OpenAI integration that summarizes new inputs

Connect to Resend to send a welcome email when a user signs up

Pull in company data from Airtable
When you request an integration in the AI chat, Base44 guides you step by step, asks you for the required API key, and automatically connects both the backend and frontend logic, so you can get up and running fast.
Connecting an integration to your Base44 app using the AI chat

Connecting an integration to your Base44 app using the AI chat

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Getting your API keys

Most integrations require an API key, which acts like a private password between your app and the external service. Your API key proves ownership and keeps your connection secure. Base44 stores your key safely as a Secret, so your app can use it without ever exposing it to anyone else.
Never share your API key publicly. Treat it like a password.
To get your API key:
  1. Log into the external service (e.g. OpenAI, Resend, Notion).
  2. Find the Developer, API, or Integrations section.
  3. Click Create API Key or Generate Token and copy it.
  4. Paste your API key in Base 44. The way you do this depends on how you are setting up your integration:
    • If using the AI chat: Enter your API key in the AI chat when prompted.
      Adding your API key in the AI chat in Base44

      Adding your API key in the AI chat in Base44

    • If setting up manually: Save it as a secret:
      a. Click Dashboard in your app’s editor.
      b. Click Secrets.
      c. Click Add Secret.
    Adding secrets in the app dashboard of Base44

    Adding secrets in the app dashboard of Base44

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Testing your integration

Before publishing your app, run a quick test to make sure everything works as expected. To test your integration:
  1. Use sandbox or test mode (for example, Stripe test keys).
  2. Try real user flows and edge cases.
  3. Check that inputs and outputs match your expectations.
  4. Monitor integration credit usage.
  5. Preview your app to catch slow loading, failed API calls, or missing data.

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FAQs

Click on a question below to learn more about using integrations.
If you run into issues, check the following:
  • Your API key is correct and saved in Secrets.
  • Backend Functions are activated (for instant integrations).
  • You have enough active credits in the external service.
  • You’re using live credentials, not test ones.
  • Your API request includes the correct endpoint, payload, and parameters.
  • You haven’t hit the service’s rate limits.
To check your balance:
  1. Click your profile icon at the top right of your workspace.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Click Workspace to view used and remaining credits for the current billing cycle.
You can also view your remaining credits while working on an app by clicking the Base44 logo at the top-left. Learn more about credits in Base44.
No, you cannot update the Users entity directly from a backend function. The Users entity is managed by Base44 to maintain secure and consistent authentication. You can only update custom fields that you add to the Users entity (for example, custom profile data), but you cannot update core fields like email or password.
You can enable backend functions for all new apps by default.To enable backend functions for future apps:
  1. Click your profile icon at the top right of your workspace.
  2. Click Settings.
  3. Click the Account tab.
  4. Click the Enable backend functions for new apps by default toggle.
If you see a 403 error when trying to use backend functions, it usually means backend functionality is not available for your app or workspace.Common causes and how to fix them:
  • Plan requirement: Backend functions are only available on Builder tier or higher plans. Double-check that your workspace member and app owner have the right plan assigned.
  • Feature not enabled: Even if your plan is eligible, you must enable backend functions in your app’s dashboard. Go to App Settings and make sure Backend Functions are switched on.
  • Still having trouble? After checking both above, open the Troubleshooting Issues article for more advanced tips or contact Base44 support for direct assistance.
There are 2 types of API keys you may need to regenerate or update:
  • Third-party service keys: Regenerate your key in that service’s developer portal (e.g. OpenAI, Resend, Notion), then update it in Dashboard → Secrets.
  • Your Base44 account API key:
    1. Click your profile icon at the top right of your workspace.
    2. Select Settings.
    3. Click Account.
    4. Click Regenerate next to API Key.
Once regenerated, your Base44 API key updates across all of your Base44 apps automatically. If you’ve added your Base44 key in another service, make sure to update it there as well.
Base44 account settings showing API key regeneration option.
The integrations remain in your app, but they won’t work until you upgrade again to a Builder plan or higher.
Yes. You can create custom integrations, reuse them across multiple apps, and share them with teammates in your workspace.If you set your integration to Public and it’s approved, it will appear in the catalog for all users, and you’ll earn 250 credits. Learn more about creating integrations.
Yes, you can add as many integrations as your workflow requires, connecting to different external services for different parts of your app.
For security reasons, external services like Stripe, OpenAI, or Notion don’t let third parties (even Base44) access your credentials automatically. Instead, you need to:
  1. Log in to the service.
  2. Go to the API or developer section.
  3. Generate your key.
  4. Paste it into Base44 as a Secret.
Once added, your app can use that key behind the scenes safely and without code.
Why this matters: API keys are like passwords for services. Keeping them private and user-controlled keeps your data safe and ensures only you authorize access.
It’s not currently possible to grant full permissions to a repository. However, you can export your application as a ZIP file and then import it into your own repository if needed.
Yes, you can add PayPal checkout to your Base44 app in just a few steps. First, activate backend functions in your app settings. Then, ask the AI chat to add a PayPal integration and enter your PayPal Client ID and Client Secret from your PayPal Developer account. Once set up, your customers will be able to pay securely with PayPal right inside your app.
File size limits depend on the file type:
  • Videos (.mp4, .webm): 100 MB maximum
  • Images (.gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png): 40 MB maximum
  • PDFs: 10 MB maximum
  • Other file types: 5 MB maximum
Still need help? Join our Discord and get real-time support from the Base44 team and community.