# API Reference

URL: https://smartcut.dev/docs/api

> SmartCut API documentation with interactive examples

The SmartCut API provides server-to-server cutting optimization capabilities for your applications.

:::tip[Prefer an LLM client?]
The same v3 optimisation API is available over the [Model Context Protocol](/docs/mcp) — submit jobs, fetch layouts and generate exports from Claude, Cursor or your own agent, using the same API key.
:::

## API Versions

Choose the version that best suits your needs:

### V3 - Latest <Badge type="tip" text="Current" />

The most recent version with the latest features and optimizations.

<a href="/api-docs/v3" target="_blank">View V3 Documentation →</a>

### V2 - Stable <Badge type="info" text="Stable" />

Mature and well-tested version, recommended for production use.

<a href="/api-docs/v2" target="_blank">View V2 Documentation →</a>

### V1 - Legacy <Badge type="warning" text="Legacy" />

Original version, maintained for backward compatibility only.

<a href="/api-docs/v1" target="_blank">View V1 Documentation →</a>

## Quick Start

### Authentication

All API requests require an API key. Include it in the Authorization header:

```javascript
const response = await fetch('https://api.smartcut.dev/v3/calculate', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Authorization': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    // Your request data
  })
})
```