API design is a crucial component of modern software development, facilitating seamless communication between various applications. For Mac users, finding the right tools to design, develop, and manage APIs is essential for productivity and quality. Here, we present the 20 best API design software for Mac in 2024, including their introductions, features, pricing, and websites.
1. Apidog
Apidog is a comprehensive API design, development, and management platform that supports the entire API lifecycle, making it ideal for teams looking to streamline their API development process.
Features:
- Design-first approach with visual product interface
- Integrated testing and auto-generating documentation
- Collaboration features
- Supports various API specifications
- Pre-configured code for various frameworks ready for immediate deployment
Pricing: Free plan available; contact for pricing of premium plans
Website: Apidog
2. Postman
Postman is a widely used API development tool that simplifies the process of designing, testing, and sharing APIs.
Features:
- Intuitive UI
- Automated testing
- Mock servers
- Collaboration tools
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $14/user/month
Website: Postman
3. SwaggerHub
SwaggerHub is an API design and documentation platform that integrates seamlessly with the Swagger/OpenAPI specifications, providing an all-in-one solution for API development.
Features:
- OpenAPI support
- Collaborative editing
- API versioning
- Integrated documentation
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $75/user/month
Website: SwaggerHub
4. Insomnia
Insomnia is a powerful REST API client that also supports GraphQL, providing a clean and intuitive interface for designing and testing APIs.
Features:
- GraphQL support
- Environment variables
- Scriptable request workflows
- Plugin support
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $50/year
Website: Insomnia
5. Stoplight Studio
Stoplight Studio offers a visual interface for designing APIs, enabling users to create and edit OpenAPI and JSON Schema documents effortlessly.
Features:
- Visual API design
- OpenAPI and JSON Schema support
- Mock servers
- Integrated testing
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $8/user/month
Website: Stoplight Studio
6. Paw
Paw is a full-featured API client designed specifically for Mac, supporting REST, GraphQL, and SOAP APIs.
Features:
- Native Mac app
- Comprehensive request editor
- Dynamic values
- Extensions and integrations
Pricing: $49.99 for a one-time purchase
Website: Paw
7. API Blueprint
API Blueprint is a powerful API design tool that uses a markdown-based language to describe APIs.
Features:
- Markdown-based API description
- Tool and service integrations
- Collaborative features
- Detailed documentation generation
Pricing: Free
Website: API Blueprint
8. RAML Workbench
RAML Workbench is an API modeling tool that supports the RAML (RESTful API Modeling Language) specification.
Features:
- RAML support
- Visual editor
- Real-time collaboration
- API documentation generation
Pricing: Free
Website: RAML
9. Apiary
Apiary offers a comprehensive platform for designing, testing, and documenting APIs, supporting the API Blueprint format.
Features:
- API Blueprint support
- Mock servers
- Collaborative editing
- Integrated documentation
Pricing: Free plan available; contact for premium plan pricing
Website: Apiary
10. OpenAPI Generator
OpenAPI Generator is a versatile tool for generating API clients, servers, and documentation from OpenAPI specifications.
Features:
- Multi-language support
- Server and client generation
- Customizable templates
- Command-line interface
Pricing: Free
Website: OpenAPI Generator
11. Mockoon
Mockoon is a simple and fast tool for creating mock APIs, providing a straightforward interface for defining API endpoints and responses.
Features:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Quick setup
- Customizable responses
- Supports multiple environments
Pricing: Free
Website: Mockoon
12. Redocly
Redocly is an advanced tool for creating API documentation from OpenAPI specifications.
Features:
- OpenAPI support
- Customizable themes
- Interactive documentation
- CLI and SaaS options
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $75/month
Website: Redocly
13. Dredd
Dredd is an API testing tool that validates API documentation against the actual API implementation.
Features:
- Documentation validation
- Multiple API formats
- Automated testing
- CI/CD integration
Pricing: Free
Website: Dredd
14. Restlet Studio
Restlet Studio is a cloud-based API design tool that offers a visual editor for creating and managing APIs.
Features:
- Visual API editor
- OpenAPI and RAML support
- Integrated testing
- Documentation generation
Pricing: Free plan available; contact for premium plan pricing
Website: Restlet Studio
15. Balsamiq Mockups
Balsamiq Mockups is useful for creating UI/UX designs that can help visualize how an API might be used in an application.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Extensive component library
- Collaborative features
- Export options
Pricing: Plans start at $9/month
Website: Balsamiq Mockups
16. GraphQL Playground
GraphQL Playground is a powerful IDE for exploring and testing GraphQL APIs.
Features:
- GraphQL query editor
- Interactive documentation
- Real-time query execution
- Schema exploration
Pricing: Free
Website: GraphQL Playground
17. SoapUI
SoapUI is a functional testing tool for both SOAP and REST APIs, providing comprehensive testing capabilities.
Key Features:
- Test automation and scripting.
- Load and performance testing.
- Security testing for vulnerabilities.
Pricing: Open-source version available, with Pro version starting at $749/year.
Website: SoapUI
18. Firecamp
Firecamp is an API development suite that supports REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, and gRPC protocols.
Features:
- Multi-protocol support
- Intuitive interface
- Collaboration tools
- Request and response visualization
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10/month
Website: Firecamp
19. HoppScotch
HoppScotch is a lightweight and fast API request builder that supports REST, GraphQL, and WebSocket APIs.
Features:
- Minimalist design
- Multi-protocol support
- Environment variables
- Request history
Pricing: Free
Website: HoppScotch
20. Thundra
Thundra is an observability and debugging tool for serverless applications, which can also be used to monitor and manage APIs.
Features:
- Serverless observability
- API performance monitoring
- Real-time debugging
- Trace and log analysis
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $50/month
Website: Thundra
Conclusion
Choosing the right API design software is crucial for ensuring efficient and effective API development. Whether you're looking for a tool with advanced features, a user-friendly interface, or robust collaboration options, this list of the 20 best API design software for Mac in 2024 has something to suit your needs. Explore these tools today to elevate your API development process!
