Frequently Asked Questions

Using the APIs

1. What is the difference between the Picasa Button API and the Picasa Web Uploader API?
2. Who should use the Picasa APIs?
3. Why is Google offering this service? What's in it for developers?
4. How do I promote my button on Picasa?
5. Are there any example projects using the Picasa Button API?
6. What is the difference between the Picasa Button API and the Picasa Web Albums GData API?
7. I have a feature request. Where should I send my request?

What is the difference between the Picasa Button API and the Picasa Web Uploader API?

The Picasa Button API enables 3rd party developers to create custom buttons that users can install directly into the Picasa client UI. Once a button is installed, the user can select images in Picasa and click the button to export the images to a desktop application or web site.

The Picasa Button API enables you to create buttons that embed into Picasa as well as send images to a desktop application. If you want to send the images to a web service, you use the Picasa Web Uploader API in combination with the Button API.

Who should use the Picasa APIs?

The Picasa APIs are for use by any third-party developer who wants to add custom buttons to Picasa that export images to a desktop application or web site/service.

Why is Google offering this service? What's in it for developers?

Google is offering the Picasa Button API to enable partners to integrate their applications and web sites with Picasa directly. By making it easy for Picasa users to export images to your application or web site, you provide a better experience for users and increase usage for your service.

How do I promote my button on Picasa?

Today, you can promote your Picasa button on your own web site with a link for users to install it within the Picasa client. To assist you in doing this, we provide a snippet of JavaScript code to detect whether a user already has Picasa installed on their machine.

Coming soon, we will be adding a button directory into Picasa that will increase the exposure for your button, as well as your application or service directly within Picasa.

Are there any example projects using the Picasa Button API?

Yes, the documentation includes Button API samples as well as Web Uploader API samples.

What is the difference between the Picasa Button API and the Picasa Web Albums GData API?

The Picasa Button API (along with the Picasa Web Uploader API) is used to make custom buttons that can be embeded in the Picasa client UI and can be used to export images from the client to another desktop application or web site.

The Picasa Web Albums Data API is used to send and receive images and meta-data with the Picasa Web Albums web site.

You can use these APIs to integrate your application or web site with either the Picasa client, the Picasa Web Albums web site, or both!

I have a feature request. Where should I send my request?

We have a Google Group set up for this and other support requests. Please post your requests on the group.