# ReelForge

> ReelForge is an API-first video rendering service. Submit JSON manifests describing assets, timeline layers, text overlays, and output settings. The API stitches, trims, and layers existing media URLs (video, image, audio) and renders text overlays. It does NOT generate AI video or audio from scratch. New accounts receive 50 free API credits to test the service before purchasing.

Important notes:

- All API calls require `Authorization: Bearer <API_KEY>`.
- Manifest fields (`version`, `output`, `assets`, `composition`) must be at the top level of the JSON body. Do NOT nest under a `manifest` key.
- Text style fields use strict snake_case only (`font_size`, `font_family`, `text_align`, etc.).
- Rendering is asynchronous; poll `GET /v1/jobs/:jobId` or provide `webhook_url` for completion notifications.
- Optional `metadata` object: flat key-value pairs (strings, numbers, booleans; max 10 keys, 500 chars each) echoed in webhook payload for automation (e.g. `{"make_scenario_id": "12345", "user_email": "test@test.com"}`).

## Documentation

- [API Reference (full markdown)](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md): Complete endpoints, parameters, and examples for `POST /v1/videos/render` and `GET /v1/jobs/:jobId`
- [OpenAPI Schema](https://api.reelforger.com/v1/openapi.json): Machine-readable JSON schema for request/response validation
- [Quick Start: Overview](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#reel-forge-public-api): Base URL, request format, and core workflow
- [Authentication](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#authentication): API key usage and dashboard key management
- [Video Primitives](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#working-with-video): Video layers, auto-stitch, trimming, layout options
- [Audio Primitives](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#working-with-audio): Audio layers, volume, fade-in/out, looping
- [Text Overlays](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#working-with-text): Text layers, positioning, styling (snake_case)
- [Cookbook: Simple Stitching](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#recipe-1-simple-stitching): Append clips back-to-back with `auto_stitch`
- [Cookbook: Audio + Video](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#recipe-audio-over-video): Voiceover with background music
- [Cookbook: Smart Trim](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#recipe-smart-trim): Extract segments from long videos
- [Cookbook: Split Screen](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#recipe-split-screen): Side-by-side or picture-in-picture layouts
- [Cookbook: Fact Drop](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#recipe-fact-drop): Text overlays with background video and music
- [Webhooks](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#webhooks): Per-job outbound webhooks, signature verification, event types
- [Error Handling](https://reelforger.com/docs/api.md#handling-errors): Synchronous errors, rate limits, and worker error codes

## Optional

- [Full API Context (llms-full.txt)](https://reelforger.com/llms-full.txt): Single-file flattened documentation for Cursor, Claude, or other AI tools