Integrations
Using integrations (Part 3)
Want your app to send emails, update CRMs, or pull in data from other tools? Integrations make it happen. This guide shows you how to set them up based on what you want your app to do, not just which service you’re using.
Step-by-step setup
Before picking an integration, start by asking: What do I want my app to do?Think problem-first, not tool-first.
Examples:- Send welcome emails to new users
- Sync your CRM with a company database
- Alert your team when someone submits a form
- Automatically generate content with AI
- Pull or update data from external services
Two ways to use integrations in Base44
Once you know your goal, there are two main ways to add integrations:Option 1: Find the service through the integration catalog
Option 1: Find the service through the integration catalog
If you know which service you want to use before starting to build your app (e.g. Resend, Slack, Zapier, or ElevenLabs):
- Go to the Integration Catalog in your dashboard
- Browse or search for the integration you want
- Click the integration to open its details
- Review the integration kit to see:
- What API keys or tokens you’ll need
- What functionality it provides
- Example prompts to get started
- Go to the third-party service (like Resend, OpenAI, Notion)
- Go to their developer page/ API portal
- Create and copy your API key
- Back in Base44, click “Use Integration”
- Paste your API key when prompted
- Type your first app prompt and start building
Ready-Made Integrations must be added before you start building your app, right at the first prompt. If your app is already created, these integrations won’t be available through the catalog (but you can still add similar functionality manually through chat).
Option 2: Ask for an integration mid-build
Option 2: Ask for an integration mid-build
Already working inside an existing app? You can add new integrations anytime.Just type what you want in the AI chat:This is called an instant integration.The Base44 AI will:
Example prompts:“Add an OpenAI integration that summarizes new inputs.”
“Connect this app to Resend to send a confirmation email when someone signs up.”“I want to pull in company data from Airtable.”
“Connect this app to Resend to send a confirmation email when someone signs up.”“I want to pull in company data from Airtable.”
- Guide you step by step
- Ask for your API key (you’ll just nede to copy/paste the API key)
- Create backend and frontend logic for you
- Wire everything together automatically
You must also have a Builder Plan or higher to use or build integrations. You will also need to have backend functions activated in your app.
Where to find your API key
Many integrations require an API key to authenticate your app with the external service.To get your API key:
- Log into the external service (e.g. OpenAI, Resend, Notion)
- Find the Developer settings or API section
- Click “Create Key” or “Generate Token”
- Copy the key
To store it in Base44:
- Paste it into the prompt when asked
- Or go to Dashboard → Secrets and save it securely
Never share your API key publicly. Treat it like a password.
Why can’t the AI just do this for me?
While Base44’s AI can set up the logic and API requests for your integration, it can’t automatically connect to your third-party accounts. That’s a good thing because it keeps your data safe. Most services (like OpenAI, Notion, Stripe, etc.) require you to manually provide an API key to prove you own the account and give permission.Think of your API key like a secure backstage pass. You create it, Base44 uses it behind the scenes, but it’s never visible to anyone else.
Troubleshooting tip: If an integration isn’t working, double-check that your key is saved correctly in Secrets.
Don’t forget backend functions
Most integrations rely on Backend Functions (BF) to securely run server-side code.| Scenario | Do I need to enable BF manually? |
|---|---|
| Using a Ready-Made Integration | ❌ No. Backend functions are enabled automatically |
| Using an Instant Integration | ✅ Yes, you must enable it in App Settings → Enable Backend Functions |
Test your integration before going live
- Use sandbox/test mode (e.g. Stripe test keys)
- Try real user flows and edge cases
- Validate input/output structure
- Monitor integration credit usage
- Preview the app and test:
- Loading behavior
- Failed API calls
- Response content
Quickchecklist
- I know what I want my app to do
- I picked the right integration type (Ready-Made or Instant)
- I added my API key
- Backend Functions are enabled (for Instant)
- I tested my app before going live
Common pitfalls to avoid
Setup mistakes
- Not using a Base44 Builder Plan or higher
- Backend Functions not enabled
- API keys not saved in Dashboard → Secrets
External service errors
- No credits or billing active in external service (e.g. OpenAI, Resend)
- Using test credentials in production
- Your service plan doesn’t support this feature
Integration logic failures
- Invalid payloads
- Wrong API endpoint
- Missing required parameters
- Hitting rate limits
Quality assurance gaps
- ❌ Not testing real flows
- ❌ Not checking app behavior after integration
- ❌ Ignoring error responses
Need more help?
- Join the Base44 Discord community for real-time support
- Or open a support request through this link or through Dashboard Menu → Help