> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.datafetcher.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a custom request

Custom requests allow you to connect to any REST or GraphQL API directly in Airtable without writing code. You can configure the request URL, method, headers, body, authorization, pagination, and more using an interface similar to popular API clients like Postman or Insomnia.

## How to create a custom request

1. On the create request screen, under **Application**, select **Custom**.
2. Enter the complete request **URL** in the URL input field. You can find this in your target API's documentation - it consists of a base URL plus the specific endpoint path.

For example, use this URL to fetch CoinGecko crypto prices:

```
https://api.coingecko.com/api/v3/coins/markets?vs_currency=usd
```

<Note>
  You can paste a cURL command directly into the URL input field, and Data Fetcher will automatically import all the request settings.
</Note>

### Configure request options

Set up any additional options your API requires:

* [**Method**](/custom-requests/set-request-method) - Choose GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, or HEAD
* [**Parameters**](/custom-requests/set-request-parameters) - Add query parameters to modify the API response
* [**Authorization**](/custom-requests/request-authorization) - Configure authentication (Bearer token, Basic auth, OAuth, etc.)
* [**Headers**](/custom-requests/set-request-headers) - Add custom headers required by your API
* [**Body**](/custom-requests/add-request-body) - Include request body data for POST, PUT, or PATCH requests
* [**Pagination**](/advanced-options/pagination) - Set up automatic handling of paginated responses

### Complete the setup

1. Enter a descriptive name for your request in the input field at the top of the screen.
2. Select your **Destination Table and View** where the imported data should go. By default, this uses your current table and view.
3. Click **Save & Run** in the bottom right corner.

## Configure field mapping and run

When you first run a request, the Response Field Mapping window opens. This is where you tell Data Fetcher how to match API response fields with your Airtable fields.

**Field selection:**

* Click field names to select or deselect them for import
* Only selected fields will be imported when the request runs

**Field mapping:**

* Map each selected field to either an **Existing field** in your table or create a **New field**
* Choose the appropriate field types for new fields

Once you're satisfied with the mapping, click **Save & Run** in the bottom right corner.

Your request will execute and import data into your Airtable base according to your configuration. You can click **Run** anytime to import the latest data.

## Next steps

Now that you have created a request, explore these key features:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Schedule requests" icon="clock" iconType="regular" href="/essentials/markdown">
    Run automatically at intervals, even when you're not using Airtable
  </Card>

  <Card title="Add trigger" icon="zap" href="/essentials/settings">
    Run requests instantly when your base data changes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Write and merge data" icon="arrows-rotate" href="/create-requests/write-and-merge-data">
    Control how records are created and updated in your table
  </Card>
</CardGroup>