Calaméo Magazine #8: The Space issue

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.

Upgrade your account for API privileges.

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.

Complete documentation of our API is available in our Developer Resources. Need more help? You can reach us any time at contact@calameo.com.

Choosing a white label publishing platform for your online documents can have many benefits for your business. Read on to learn more about digital publishing in white label and the solutions offered by Calaméo.

What is white label publishing?

White label, or private label, describes a product that does not have branding attached to it before use. This can include the company name, product name, logo and any other features that connect it to the maker. In most cases, users of white label products then add their own branding to make it their own.

A white label publishing platform lets users upload and share documents without outside branding and advertising. For example, Calaméo’s digital publishing platform offers a white label feature for professional users. When you publish in white label, Calaméo logos do not appear on the publication viewer. In addition, viewer menus don’t display third-party content.

The end result? No mention of Calaméo anywhere inside the viewer.

Why should I choose a publishing platform with white label?

There are many good reasons to select a white label publishing platform for your online documents.

Discretion

First, you remove any distractions from the publication viewer and keep all the focus on your documents. Rather than call attention to tools your business uses, white label provides a discreet solution.

Rebranding

Next, the best white label publishing platforms will allow you to rebrand the document viewer as your own. Why settle for a neutral reading experience when you can take your publications to the next level? Plus, adding your company’s own logo is simple with Calaméo. Thanks to our awesome Elements feature, it only takes a few clicks to upload and apply a logo to your digital publications.

Flexibility

In fact, the biggest advantage of a white label publishing platform is flexibility. Because the solution is meant to be adapted to your needs, look for tools that enable you to customize your publications. For instance, Calaméo’s custom theme feature lets you define practically every detail of the viewer, from color and design to languages and behaviors. Go ahead—make it your own!

How can I publish in white label?

If you’re ready to start publishing your online documents in white label, then it’s time to join Calaméo. Signing up is free and easy, and you can explore all of the ways that digital publishing on Calaméo is best in class right away with our BASIC plan.

Go pro

Publishing in white label is a feature of our platform’s PLATINUM plan. Created specially for professional users, the PLATINUM offer on Calaméo is packed with essential options like custom account URL and direct downloads. Once you upgrade to PLATINUM, you’ll automatically enjoy a white label publication viewer. In other words, there’s no box to check or submenu to navigate—just your documents, ready to go in white label.

Embed

However, to avoid referencing Calaméo in the publication URL, you should embed it in your website or blog. By opting for an embed in “Publication” view, you can share via your own URL. Check out our Complete Guide to Embeds for an illustrated tutorial and extra tips.

💡 TIP: Use the “shareurl” parameter in the embed code to specify your own URL for your readers to share.

What will my publications look like in white label?

Most important of all is how your documents actually look with a white label publishing platform. Here’s an example of a publication in our white labeled viewer on Calaméo:

And here are examples that show off company branding and custom viewer themes:

Interested in finding out how publishing in white label works for your documents? Request your 14-day free PLATINUM demo today and put our professional features to the test.