# Plugins that connect to APIs

To connect to an [external API](#user-content-fn-1)[^1], you will in many cases use the [API Connector](#user-content-fn-2)[^2] to set up the authentication and the different calls.

There are many plugins however, that already have the authentication method and calls set up, that can save you some time. Before deciding to use the API Connector you may want to explore the plugin store to see if there's already a plugin that handles the calls you need.

## Finding API plugins

There are two simple ways to search for plugins that connect to an API:

### Searching for the API provider:

To **search** for relevant plugins:

1. Navigate to the *Plugins* section of the Bubble editor and click *Add plugin*.
2. Search for the API you want to connect to (i.e. Stripe)
3. Click the *Install* button

### Filter by plugin type

Plugins in the plugin store are categorized into **types**, and you can use these to filter out the plugins by whether they are related to an API or not:

<figure><img src="https://34394582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M5sbzwG7CljeZdkntrL%2Fuploads%2FCNwBKarZBx43Os5JIPLf%2Fplugin-types.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f0ea40d9-e76f-409b-9e54-77fcb7d013f9" alt=""><figcaption><p>By selecting the <strong>API</strong> plugin type you can filter the search results for plugins that are related to different API services.</p></figcaption></figure>

* Navigate to the *Plugins* section of the Bubble editor and click *Add plugin*.
* Under *Types* on the left-hand side menu, click *deselect all*
* Select the *API* type
* You can further filter results by checking relevant boxes under *Category* or use the search function

[^1]: External APIs are applications and services you can connect to to share data and actions.\
    \
    Article: [ Introduction to APIs](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1091/help-guides/integrations/api/introduction-to-apis)\
    Article:[ What is RESTful API?](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1091/help-guides/integrations/api/introduction-to-apis/what-is-a-restful-api)

[^2]: The API Connector is Bubble's tool for setting up and making outgoing API requests.\
    \
    Article: [The API Connector](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1091/help-guides/integrations/api/the-api-connector)\
    Reference: [The API Connector](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1091/core-resources/api/the-api-connector)