Use Make for Custom API Integrations

Can you use Make for custom API integrations?

Quick Answer: Yes. Make's HTTP module sends requests to any REST API, and its JSON module parses responses. Teams can connect to APIs without pre-built integrations by configuring HTTP method, headers, authentication, and body. Make also supports GraphQL, SOAP, and webhook-based APIs.

Using Make for Custom API Integrations

Make (formerly Integromat) provides an HTTP module that connects to any API endpoint, extending its capabilities far beyond the 3,000+ pre-built apps (mid-2026). As of April 2026, the HTTP module is available on all plans including the free tier.

HTTP Module Capabilities

Make a Request

Methods: GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE
Authentication: API key, Bearer token, OAuth 2.0, Basic auth, custom headers
Body types: JSON, form data, raw, multipart (file uploads)
Response parsing: Automatic JSON parsing with field mapping

Make an API Key Request

Simplified version for APIs requiring only an API key in headers or query parameters.

Make an OAuth 2.0 Request

Full OAuth 2.0 flow support with automatic token refresh.

Building a Custom API Integration

Step 1: Configure the HTTP Module

Add an HTTP "Make a request" module to the scenario
Enter the API endpoint URL
Set the method (GET, POST, etc.)
Add headers (Authorization, Content-Type)
Configure the request body if needed

Step 2: Parse the Response

Make automatically parses JSON responses. Map response fields to subsequent modules using the visual data mapping interface.

Step 3: Handle Pagination

For APIs that return paginated results, use Make's Repeater module or recursive scenarios to fetch all pages automatically.

Step 4: Error Handling

Add error handler modules to manage API rate limits (retry with delay), authentication failures (refresh token), and unexpected responses (log and alert).

Advanced API Features

GraphQL: Send GraphQL queries and mutations via the HTTP module with JSON body
SOAP/XML: Use the XML module to build and parse SOAP envelopes
Webhooks: Create custom webhook endpoints in Make to receive data from any external system
Client certificates: Attach TLS client certificates for mTLS-secured APIs

Practical Example: Custom CRM Sync

Trigger: New row in Google Sheets (incoming lead data)
HTTP module: POST to custom CRM API with lead data
Parse response: Extract the created contact ID
HTTP module: POST to Slack webhook with contact confirmation
Error handler: If CRM API returns 429 (rate limit), wait 60 seconds and retry

When to Use HTTP vs. Pre-Built Modules

Use pre-built modules when available (they handle auth, pagination, and error codes automatically)
Use HTTP modules for internal APIs, niche SaaS products, or when pre-built modules lack specific endpoints
Consider the Make Custom App feature to package HTTP configurations as reusable modules shared across scenarios