To finish 2021 with a (big) bang, the newest issue of the CALAMEO Magazine is out now! We hope you enjoy reading the stellar Space issue below:
This edition is all about outer space. Inside, you’ll find our guide on worldbuilding, tips on how not to get lost in the black hole of Google Search, and an examination of the influence of outer space on popular culture. Plus, statistics about our universe and a new creative writing challenge. There’s something for everyone in the Space issue!
💡 TIP: Need to get caught up? You can find the complete archive of all CALAMEO Magazine issues on our site.
We are so pleased to bring you another CALAMEO Magazine, and we hope you enjoy the Space issue. We will see you in 2022, with more great digital publishing content!
Here on the blog, we show the details of different features that make Calaméo work for you. From virtual libraries to custom viewer themes, we’ve highlighted plenty of ways to bring your digital publications to the next level. But one tool that we haven’t talked about is the Calaméo API and how to use it.
Today we’re taking on the subject of Calaméo’s API. We’ll look at what API is and in particular ways that it can help simplify your digital publishing needs.
Short for Application Programming Interface, an API is the set of protocols that allows a particular program to communicate with a different program. A main advantage of having programs communicate with each other via API is that it removes the need for people to intervene between them.
For example, your business may use software to manage the content of your digital publications and Calaméo to publish them online. By connecting your content management system to Calaméo’s API, you can avoid having to transfer files manually from your software to your Calaméo account for uploading. You can instead configure your software to publish to Calaméo directly.
💡 TIP: To make use of our API, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and code. If you’re not already comfortable with software development, we recommend discussing your specific needs with a professional for best results.
As a PREMIUM or PLATINUM user, you can publish up to 10 documents every 15 minutes or make up to 10,000 requests per hour with our API.
The Calaméo API in practice
It’s easy to see that making smart use of API can be a real timesaver. However, seeing where to get started may not be quite as easy. You might want to use Calaméo’s API if:
You use your own software for managing content
You use your own software for managing subscribers
You use your own monetization system
You want to monetize your publications on Calaméo
One of our API’s most valuable uses for our publishers is to create a system for selling their digital publications. First, make Subscriber lists to control reader access to their publications. Then, link your publication’s subscriber protections to an external payment program. A simple development will let you collect revenue for individual publications, a series or a period of subscriber access.
How to set up API access
The first step is to be sure you have a Calaméo account! If you don’t yet, you can sign up here for free.
Next, create an API key and set its access to the external software you want to connect. This is where you’ll need to begin developing your own code.
Once your API key is configured, all you need to do is consult our list of the Calaméo API’s methods and decide what you need to get done. The exact configuration for publishing, managing subscribers and monetizing content will depend on the programs used by your business.
To sum it up: No matter what you wish to accomplish with your digital publications, Calaméo’s API can be a great resource.
There’s a big change happening on Calaméo in 2021. That’s right—our new and improved “2021” viewer theme has launched. Find out everything you need to know about the “2021” theme!
What is the “2021” theme?
The “2021” theme is a new viewer interface for your publications on Calaméo. It should look familiar: we’ve based “2021” on the classic “Default” option. But the new theme offers you lots of improvements. First and foremost, our tech team has rebuilt the viewer for maximum comfort, usability and efficiency. You’ll notice that browsing is smoother, close reading is easier and—of course—that your publications look great.
What’s new?
Here are just a few of the updates you’ll enjoy in the “2021” theme:
More space for your documents in the viewer
Publisher’s choice of Book, Slide or Scroll mode
Improved navigation tools
Helpful Index mode to access thumbnails at a glance
Larger, streamlined buttons and icons
Intuitive zoom controls
New “Made with Calaméo” viewer watermark
Cohesive mobile experience
We think you’ll find “2021” simple to use, with the great features you’re used to like in-text search, custom logos and direct downloads. Check out an example below to see the new theme in action!
Can I still use the classic Calaméo themes?
If you are a PREMIUM or PLATINUM user, you can continue to use the classic Calaméo themes with your publications. To select a theme, go to the Design tab of your publication’s properties. Next, choose the theme you wish to use from the drop-down menu. Finally, click the green “PUBLISH” button to save your selection.
BASIC users do not have access to the classic Calaméo themes. However, BASIC users are free to define Book, Slide or Scroll mode for their publications in the “2021” theme.
What about changing the background?
Changing the viewer background is a feature exclusive to our PREMIUM and PLATINUM plans. As a result, BASIC users may not modify the background color or image in the “2021” theme.
PREMIUM and PLATINUM users should see no disruption to their existing publications and customization elements. You can make use of your custom logos, backgrounds and viewer themes as usual! For those planning to choose “2021” for upcoming publications, it’s important to be aware that your logo will be automatically resized in this theme. Therefore, we recommend using a horizontal version of your logo, in .PNG format with a transparent background.
Please note that BASIC users will no longer be able to display custom backgrounds for their publications.
What else do I need to know?
We’re delighted to be bringing the “2021” theme to all of our users and we hope that you find it modern, practical and fun. While you’re getting to know the new theme, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns! You can write to us at contact@calameo.com or visit our Help Center to submit a request. Plus, stay tuned for details about more changes coming to viewer themes right here on Calaméo.
