Getting Started with CloviCharts¶

CloviCharts generates production-ready chart images server-side and returns a CDN-hosted URL in a single API call. It supports 15 chart types and adds an optional AI-written annotation directly onto the rendered image — so recipients understand the key finding without any manual explanation. Built for developers who need a reliable chart API and for analysts who want to go from a CSV file to a shareable chart in under two minutes.

What This Tool Does¶

CloviCharts removes the need to bundle a chart library in every application or maintain a separate BI tool for simple reporting. Send a JSON payload, receive a PNG URL. The optional AI annotation reads your actual data values and writes one factual summary sentence — trend direction, peak value, largest change — rendered directly onto the image. Charts work anywhere a URL or image tag is accepted: emails, PDFs, Slack, Notion, or your own product.

Quick Start¶

Create a free account. No credit card required. You receive a working API key within 90 seconds of registering.
Send a POST request to /api/chart with your chart type, data labels, and dataset values. Add "ai_annotation": true to include an AI summary on the image.
Use the URL returned in the response. Paste it into an email, embed it in a document, or pass it to a PDF generator. Paid plans store chart URLs permanently on a CDN; free-tier URLs expire after 24 hours.

Core Features¶

Server-Side Rendering¶

CloviCharts renders charts on the server using a Node Canvas engine — no browser, no client-side library, no SSR conflicts. Your backend posts JSON and receives a PNG or SVG URL, typically within 400ms. It works in cron jobs, email pipelines, serverless functions, and PDF generators without any installation on your end.

AI Narrative Annotation¶

Add "ai_annotation": true to any request and CloviCharts reads your actual numeric values to generate one factual sentence — trend direction, peak value, and largest change. The sentence renders as a caption bar at the bottom of the chart and is also returned as plain text in the API response. If the AI call fails, your chart still returns and the annotation field is omitted.

Batch Generation¶

The batch endpoint accepts up to 10 chart specifications in one request and renders them in parallel. A 10-chart report completes in roughly the time it takes to render the slowest single chart. Charts in the same batch can be different types with separate data and annotations. Available on Pro and above.

CSV and Spreadsheet Import¶

The no-code dashboard lets analysts upload a CSV or Excel file (up to 10 MB). CloviCharts auto-detects column types, recommends a chart type based on data shape, and generates a high-resolution PNG — no code required. Override the recommendation, add a title, and download or share the result.

Scheduled Chart Refresh¶

Define a chart spec and a cron schedule. CloviCharts re-renders the chart automatically and optionally POSTs the new chart URL to a webhook — making it simple to push updated charts into Slack, Notion, or any downstream system without manual steps.

Tips for Best Results¶

Store your API key in an environment variable. It is shown only once at creation. If you lose it, revoke it from the dashboard and generate a new one.
Use the batch endpoint for reports. A single batch call is faster than multiple serial requests and counts each chart individually against your quota.
Pass per-request hex colors. Include "options": { "colors": ["#hex1","#hex2"] } to override the default palette without a saved theme.
Set a quota hard cap. In Usage and Billing, choose a hard cap that rejects requests at your limit rather than enabling automatic overage billing.

Frequently Asked Questions¶

How long do chart URLs stay valid? Free plan URLs expire after 24 hours. Paid plans store charts on a CDN permanently until you delete them.

Does AI annotation count as an extra chart? No. A request with "ai_annotation": true counts as one chart. There is no separate AI charge on any plan.

Can I apply my brand colors and logo? Saved custom theme profiles are available on the Business plan. Any plan can pass a per-request hex color array to override the default palette without a saved theme.

What happens when I reach my monthly limit? Free plan requests above 50/month return a 429 error. On paid plans you choose automatic overage billing or a hard cap that rejects requests at the limit.

Is my data used to train AI models? No. Chart data is used only to render the image and generate the annotation. It is not stored beyond your chart history and is not shared with third parties.

Usage Limits by Plan¶

Feature	Free	Pro	Business
Price	$0/month	$29/month	$79/month
Charts per month	50	3,000	15,000
AI annotations per month	10	500	2,000
Batch API	No	Yes (10/call)	Yes (10/call)
CDN-hosted URLs	24h expiry	Permanent	Permanent
CSV/Excel import	No	Yes	Yes
Scheduled refresh	No	Yes	Yes
Custom themes + white-label	No	No	Yes

Annual plans save the equivalent of two months. Overages on paid plans are $0.008 per chart when overage billing is enabled.