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API Overview

CafePress Web Services provides programmatic access to the CafePress Platform. It enables programmers to build custom applications, tools, and services that leverage the CafePress platform in new ways. The power of these APIs lies in making these applications possible independently of the CafePress user interface. Your application doesn't need to change every time the CafePress User Interface Changes. You can choose to present the data in an entirely new way - in a way that best meets your user's needs.

The Search XML API was introduced in November 2005 and the Content API was introduced in September 2006.

Supported Protocols:

CafePress Web Services supports the XML/HTTP Protocol.  With the XML API, the request interface is an XML document. Each request is composed of XML elements that specify the request parameters (e.g., the properties of a Product to be created and additional processing instructions). With the XML API, your application builds the request as an XML string, sets a number of HTTP headers, and sends the request to CafePress using the HTTP/HTTPS protocol. After processing the request, the CafePress server sends a response back to your application, also via HTTP/HTTPS. This response consists of an XML document containing the data that resulted from the original request. Your application then parses the XML to extract the data.

The API call uses a REST-full interface. Send either a HTTP GET or HTTP POST to the API [http://api.cafepress.com/api_name] with the parameters applicable for that API.

Supported Use Cases

Search APIs

An API Key is needed to access these APIs.

  • Search the CafePress Design & Product Catalogue
  • Get a list of Designs and/or Products in a Store
  • Get the details of a specific Product

    Content APIs

    An API Key is needed to access these APIs. The user needs to be authenticated as well in order to access his account information.

  • Upload a Design to the authenticated member's account.
  • Update an existing design in the authenticated member's account.
  • Create a new product in a store
  • Create a product in create and buy flow
  • Get all images from the authenticated member's account
  • Get a list of Base Merchandise available through CafePress

    API License Agreement And Usage

    In order to use the CafePress APIs you must have fully completed the CafePress Affiliate Program registration process. Additionally the use of the Alpha Content API is governed by the terms of the Alpha Content API Agreement. Content APIs are available only upon request and acceptance. Request an API key at dn@cafepress.com.

    System Requirements

    CafePress Web Services are simple raw XML/HTTP based APIs. As long as you have internet connectivity you can access them.

    Glossary

    Suppose you have an image that you want to put on a t-shirt and sell it or purchase it for yourself. Your can either apply the raw IMAGE or manipulate it further using SVG to create a DESIGN. Once your design is complete, you can select a piece of MERCHANDISE, such as a t-shirt or a mug and apply the design to it to create a buyable PRODUCT.

    Image A Raster Image
    Design It could be either a raw image or a derivative created by manipulating it by using SVG. You can have a design based only on a raw Raster image, a vector graphics like text based designed or a combination of all.
    Merchandise Base Merchandise offered by CafePress.com
    Product A designed Merchandise that can be bought or sold. 
    Shop Also called Store
    Tag Keywords used to describe a design. Tags are used by the CafePress Search Engine.
    Member A user who has setup an account with CafePress.



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