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Start an AI model run with one HTTP call, then receive the result by callback or polling. This quickstart uses Background Removal ($0.045/request).

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1. Get a key

Sign in at app.runflow.io/settings/api-keys, create a key, and export it: 
export RUNFLOW_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"

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2. Run the model

curl -X POST https://api.runflow.io/v1/models/runflow/background-removal/runs \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $RUNFLOW_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "input": {
      "image_url": "https://public.runflow.io/images/models/runflow/background-removal/examples/1/before.webp"
    },
    "callback_url": "https://your-server.com/webhook"
  }'

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3. Read the response

The API returns the run record immediately: 
{
  "id": "01J0...",
  "status_code": "queued",
  "model": "runflow/background-removal"
}
Use the id to either poll GET /v1/runs/{id} or wait for the callback at callback_url. See Callbacks for the async pattern.
Got an id? You’re done.

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What’s next

Browse models

Browse the full catalog.

Authentication

Bearer tokens, key rotation.

Callbacks

Handle the async result.

Errors

Status codes and the error envelope.