---
name: zapier-choose-your-path
description: >
  Use when asking which Zapier developer path fits a goal, the difference between Zapier MCP and the SDK,
  how to connect to Zapier, or where to find a developer product in the docs.
  Routes to the canonical documentation for each path.
license: MIT
compatibility: >
  Applies to docs.zapier.com public documentation.
metadata:
  author: zapier
---

# Choose your Zapier developer path

docs.zapier.com groups developer products into four paths:

| Path | Products | Use it to |
|---|---|---|
| **Use Zapier in your tools** | Install Zapier, Zapier MCP, Zapier SDK (with the SDK CLI) | Use Zapier's 9,000+ apps from an AI client, your own code, or a terminal |
| **Build a Zapier integration** | Developer Platform (Platform UI and Platform CLI) | Build a private integration for your own team, or a public one for the App Directory |
| **Embed Zapier** | Powered by Zapier, White Label | Offer Zapier automation inside your own product |
| **API reference** | Public API specs served from api.zapier.com | Look up endpoints, schemas, and specs |

## Product selection

| If your goal is... | Use | Path |
|---|---|---|
| Get to a first action and are not sure where to start | Install Zapier | Use Zapier in your tools |
| Connect Claude, ChatGPT, or Cursor to apps without writing code | Zapier MCP | Use Zapier in your tools |
| Call apps from your own Node.js or TypeScript code | Zapier SDK (open beta) | Use Zapier in your tools |
| Run app actions from a terminal | Zapier SDK CLI (called "Zapier CLI" on the Install page) | Use Zapier in your tools |
| Make an app integration that Zapier users can use | Platform UI or Platform CLI | Build a Zapier integration |
| Embed Zapier where users have their own Zapier accounts and pay Zapier, unless you sponsor their usage | Powered by Zapier | Embed Zapier |
| Embed automation where users need no Zapier account and your product pays Zapier | White Label | Embed Zapier |
| Look up endpoints, schemas, and specs | API reference | API reference |

## Critical rules

- **Two different CLIs:** The SDK CLI (`@zapier/zapier-sdk-cli`) works with the SDK. The Platform CLI builds integrations.
- **MCP sign-in creates the server:** In most listed MCP clients, including Claude, Cursor, and ChatGPT, Zapier creates the server during sign-in. Only unlisted clients and custom code need a server created first.
- **OAuth v1:** Only the Platform CLI supports OAuth v1. The Platform UI does not.
- **Node.js versions:** The SDK and SDK CLI need Node.js 20 or later. Platform CLI integrations run on Node.js 22.
- **White Label is in limited access:** Contact whitelabel@zapier.com.

## Canonical documentation

- [Install](https://docs.zapier.com/install): starting point
- [MCP quickstart](https://docs.zapier.com/mcp/get-started/quickstart): connect your AI client
- [SDK quickstart](https://docs.zapier.com/sdk/quickstart): setup for Node.js 20 or later
- [Integration quickstart](https://docs.zapier.com/integrations/quickstart/build-integration): make an integration
- [Powered by Zapier](https://docs.zapier.com/powered-by-zapier): embed approaches
- [White Label](https://docs.zapier.com/white-label/getting-started): surfaces and billing
- [API reference overview](https://docs.zapier.com/api-reference/overview): public API specs

Related skills: `zapier-mcp-guide`, `zapier-sdk-guide`, `zapier-integrations-guide`, `zapier-embed-guide`, `zapier-workflow-concepts`, `zapier-troubleshooting-router`. This skill routes only. For the difference between MCP and SDK, use `zapier-sdk-guide`. For installing packages or running commands, use the official operational skills.