Understanding API Calls and Image Generation Credits

Available on: Pro and Max plans

Overview

SnapGlyph’s API uses two types of usage limits:

API Calls - Counted for every request to the API
Image Generation Credits - Counted when the API generates and returns a QR code image

Understanding how these work helps you optimize your integration and choose the right plan.

API Call Limits

Every request to the SnapGlyph API counts as one API call, regardless of the operation type.

Plan	Monthly API Calls
Pro	1,000
Max	10,000

What Counts as an API Call

Creating a QR code
Updating a QR code
Deleting a QR code
Listing your QR codes
Retrieving QR code data (JSON)
Retrieving QR code images (also uses image generation credits)
Any other API endpoint request

Example

If you make these requests in a month:

50 create requests
100 list requests
200 get requests (JSON only)
50 image generation requests

Total API calls used: 400

Image Generation Credits

Image generation credits are consumed when the API renders and returns an actual QR code image file. This is separate from (and in addition to) the standard API call.

Plan	Monthly Image Credits
Pro	200
Max	2,000

Credit Costs by Format

Format	Credits Used	Notes
SVG	1 credit	Vector format, no logo support
PNG	10 credits	Raster format, required for logos

Why PNG Costs More

PNG generation requires more server resources because:

Raster rendering at specified resolution
Logo compositing and positioning
Image compression and optimization
Higher memory usage for large sizes

SVG files are generated mathematically and don’t require the same rendering pipeline.

When Credits Are Used

Image generation credits are only consumed when you request an image format:

# Uses 1 API call + 1 image credit (SVG)
GET /api/v1/qr-codes/qr_abc123?format=svg

# Uses 1 API call + 10 image credits (PNG)
GET /api/v1/qr-codes/qr_abc123?format=png

# Uses 1 API call only (no image credits)
GET /api/v1/qr-codes/qr_abc123
GET /api/v1/qr-codes/qr_abc123?format=json

Combined Usage Example

Here’s how a typical integration might use both limits:

Operation	API Calls	Image Credits
Create 100 QR codes	100	0
List QR codes (10 pages)	10	0
Get 50 QR codes as JSON	50	0
Download 30 SVG images	30	30
Download 20 PNG images	20	200
Total	210	230

Optimizing Your Usage

Reduce API Calls

Cache responses: Store QR code data locally instead of fetching repeatedly
Use pagination efficiently: Request larger page sizes (up to 100) to reduce list calls
Batch where possible: Use bulk create endpoints instead of individual calls (Max plan)

Reduce Image Credits

Use SVG when possible: If you don’t need a logo, SVG uses 10x fewer credits than PNG
Cache images: Download once and store locally rather than fetching repeatedly
Generate on-demand: Only request images when actually needed

When to Use Each Format

Use Case	Recommended Format	Credits
Web display (no logo)	SVG	1
Print materials (no logo)	SVG	1
QR codes with logos	PNG	10
Social media sharing	PNG	10
Email attachments	PNG	10

Checking Your Usage

Monitor your usage in the SnapGlyph app:

Go to Settings > API
View your current month’s usage:
- API calls used / limit
- Image credits used / limit
Usage resets at the start of each billing cycle

Rate Limit Headers

API responses include headers showing your remaining limits:

X-RateLimit-Limit: 1000
X-RateLimit-Remaining: 790
X-RateLimit-Reset: 1704067200
X-ImageCredits-Limit: 200
X-ImageCredits-Remaining: 170

What Happens at the Limit

API Call Limit Reached

When you hit your API call limit:

Requests return 429 Too Many Requests
The response includes when the limit resets
Wait for reset or upgrade your plan

Image Credit Limit Reached

When you hit your image generation limit:

Image requests return 429 Too Many Requests
JSON/data requests continue to work (if API calls remain)
Wait for reset or upgrade your plan

Choosing the Right Plan

If you need…	Recommended Plan
Up to 1,000 API calls/month	Pro
Up to 200 image generations/month	Pro
Heavy API usage (up to 10,000 calls)	Max
High-volume image generation (up to 2,000)	Max
Bulk QR code creation	Max

Frequently Asked Questions

Do failed requests count against my limits?

No. Only successful requests (2xx status codes) count against your API call and image generation limits.

Can I buy additional credits?

Currently, limits are plan-based. If you need higher limits, upgrade to the Max plan. For enterprise needs beyond Max limits, contact us.

Do credits roll over?

No. Unused API calls and image generation credits do not roll over to the next month. Limits reset at the start of each billing cycle.

Does the web app use my API limits?

No. Using SnapGlyph through the web app or browser extension does not count against your API limits. Only programmatic API requests using your API key are counted.