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Chartly Documentation

Instant chart images. Zero servers.

Chartly transforms any Chart.js configuration into cached PNG or SVG images via a simple REST API. Built on Cloudflare's global infrastructure for reliability and speed.

What is Chartly?​

Chartly is a chart rendering service that:

  • Converts Chart.js configs to images: Send any valid Chart.js configuration and get back a perfect PNG or SVG
  • Works everywhere: Use in emails, PDFs, Slack bots, reports, dashboards, or any platform that displays images
  • Built for developers: Powerful chart API with comprehensive integration support
  • Global edge network: Powered by Cloudflare's infrastructure with sub-second response times worldwide
  • Zero setup: No servers, no dependencies, no complex installation

Quick Start​

Get your first chart in under 2 minutes:

1. Generate Your Free Trial Key​

Visit chartly.dev to generate your free trial API key. You'll get a key that looks like:

trial_abc123...xyz789

Optional: Create an account to manage your API keys, access higher limits, and get additional features. You can find your keys anytime in your dashboard.

2. Generate Your First Chart​

curl -X POST "https://api.chartly.dev/v1/chart/create" \
  -H "X-Api-Key: trial_abc123...xyz789" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "chart": {
      "type": "bar",
      "data": {
        "labels": ["Jan", "Feb", "Mar", "Apr", "May"],
        "datasets": [{
          "label": "Revenue ($k)",
          "data": [12, 19, 15, 25, 22],
          "backgroundColor": "rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.8)"
        }]
      }
    },
    "format": "png",
    "width": 600,
    "height": 400
  }'

Response:

{
  "url": "https://api.chartly.dev/v1/chart/abc123xy"
}

3. Access Your Chart​

Your chart is now available at the returned URL! You can:

  • Open the URL in your browser to view the chart
  • Embed it in emails, Slack messages, or web pages
  • Share the link with others
  • Use it anywhere images are supported

Key Features​

🚀 Multiple Integration Methods​

  • URL Parameters: Perfect for emails and Slack integrations
  • JSON POST: Ideal for server-side code and complex configurations
  • Signed URLs: Secure, time-limited URLs for public access

📊 All Chart Types Supported​

  • Bar, line, pie, doughnut, radar, polar area, scatter, bubble
  • Mixed chart types and complex configurations
  • Full Chart.js 4.4 compatibility

🤖 AI Agent Ready​

  • Comprehensive API integration
  • Give Claude, GPT-4, or any LLM the power to create charts
  • Perfect for data analysis workflows

🔒 Privacy & Security​

  • Smart caching with configurable expiration
  • API key and signed URL authentication
  • No sensitive data logging
  • Secure chart generation and storage

⚡ Global Performance​

  • Cloudflare's edge network
  • Built-in caching for repeated requests
  • Sub-second response times worldwide

Common Use Cases​

📧 Email Reports​

Generate charts for automated email reports and newsletters.

📱 Slack & Discord Bots​

Create dynamic charts in chat applications.

📄 PDF Generation​

Include charts in automated PDF reports.

🤖 AI & Automation​

Let AI agents create charts from data analysis.

📊 Dashboards​

Power real-time dashboards with dynamic chart generation.

📈 No-Code Tools​

Integrate with Zapier, Make.com, and other automation platforms.

Next Steps​

Trial Limits​

Your trial API key includes:

  • ✅ 100 chart renders
  • ✅ 30-day expiration
  • ✅ All chart types and formats
  • ✅ Full API access

Upgrade to a paid plan for higher limits and additional features.

Need help? Check out our troubleshooting guide or contact support.