# API scope and limits

The Gamma API focuses on content generation and workspace management. This page clarifies what falls within the current API scope and how to handle common use cases that sit outside it.

### Quick reference

* The API creates gammas but does not edit existing ones.
* Generation is asynchronous: create, then poll until complete.
* Export URLs are temporary -- download files promptly.
* Image URLs can be included in `inputText` but must be publicly accessible.
* Submit feature requests on our [Canny board](https://meetgamma.canny.io).

### What the API covers

| Capability                             | Endpoint                          |
| -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Generate a gamma from text             | `POST /generations`               |
| Generate from an existing template     | `POST /generations/from-template` |
| Poll generation status and get results | `GET /generations/{id}`           |
| List available themes                  | `GET /themes`                     |
| List workspace folders                 | `GET /folders`                    |

{% hint style="info" %}
The API focuses on generation — each call produces a new, fully styled gamma. All generation is asynchronous: start a generation with `POST /generations`, then poll for the result with `GET /generations/{id}`. See [Poll for results](https://developers.gamma.app/guides/async-patterns-and-polling) for the full workflow.
{% endhint %}

### Working outside the current scope

#### Updating content after generation

The API creates gammas but does not modify existing ones. To update content, generate a new gamma with the revised input.

#### Waiting for generation to complete

The API uses an asynchronous polling model. After creating a generation, poll `GET /generations/{id}` until the status is `completed` or `failed`. See [Poll for results](https://developers.gamma.app/guides/async-patterns-and-polling) for implementation patterns across platforms.

#### Exporting files

A completed generation includes an `exportUrl` for downloading the output. This URL is signed and expires after approximately one week.

#### Providing your own images

You can include image URLs directly in your `inputText`. Gamma fetches and re-hosts them during generation. See [Image URL best practices](https://developers.gamma.app/guides/image-url-best-practices) for URL requirements and troubleshooting.

#### Generating charts and structured content

Charts, tables, and infographics can be prompted for through your input text. Results vary across runs — for more predictable layouts, use the template-based generation endpoint. See [Charts and structured content](https://developers.gamma.app/guides/charts-and-structured-content).

### Related

* [Generate from text](https://developers.gamma.app/guides/generate-api-parameters-explained) for the full parameter reference
* [Poll for results](https://developers.gamma.app/guides/async-patterns-and-polling) for the polling workflow
* [Image URL best practices](https://developers.gamma.app/guides/image-url-best-practices) for including your own images
* [Get Help](https://developers.gamma.app/reference/get-help) for support channels