APIs Overview - ComfyUI

ComfyUI offers several API options depending on where you want to run your workflows and how much infrastructure you want to manage. This page helps you choose the right approach.

Which API Should I Use?

	Cloud API	ComfyUI Server API
Where it runs	Comfy Cloud (managed GPUs)	Your own machine
GPU management	Handled for you	You manage your own hardware
Models	Pre-installed and managed by Comfy	You download and manage locally
Authentication	`X-API-Key` header (Comfy Cloud account)	None (local) or API key for Partner Nodes
Base URL	`https://cloud.comfy.org`	Your server URL (e.g. `http://localhost:8188`)
Protocol	REST + WebSocket	REST + WebSocket
Pricing	Subscription-based (Creator/Pro tiers)	Free (your own compute)
Best for	Quick integration, no infrastructure	Full control, custom hardware & models

Both APIs use the same workflow format (API format), so you can develop and test workflows locally and move them to the cloud without changes.

Getting Started

Cloud API

Run workflows on Comfy’s managed infrastructure. No GPU setup required.

ComfyUI Server API

Run ComfyUI as a server on your own machine and call it via API.

Partner Node API Integration

Use paid Partner Nodes in headless or API-driven workflows.

Prerequisites

Before using any API, you’ll need:

An API key (see Getting an API Key)

Overview

Cloud API Overview

​Which API Should I Use?

​Getting Started