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

# How the Generect API Works

> Why you need it and what it enables

The Generect API allows you to integrate the platform's capabilities directly into your products, internal systems, or automated workflows.\
In simple terms, it's a way to work with Generect data without manual actions in the UI, at scale and with full cost control.

The API is designed for companies that want to:

* automate lead and company search
* display data inside their own products
* enrich CRM systems with up-to-date information
* pay only for real value, not for "empty" results

## Key Principles of the Generect API

### Free preview → pay only for revealed data

You can show search results for free and pay only when you decide to reveal an email, phone number, or full profile.

### Database or Realtime — depending on your task

Use fast and cost-efficient data for large-scale workflows, or ultra-fresh data for precise outreach.

### No Data, No Charge

If data is not found, no credits are charged.

## Core API Capabilities and Business Scenarios

### Preview Search for Contacts and Companies

**What this gives you**\
The Preview API lets you find relevant contacts and companies and display basic information without revealing sensitive data (email, phone, LinkedIn URL).

You can:

* find contacts and companies by role, industry, and location
* display name, job title, company, and industry
* browse results without paying
* reveal detailed data only when it's truly needed

**Ideal for:**

* SaaS platforms
* internal CRM or admin panels
* AI SDR and automation tools
* preview → reveal business models

<Card title="Use Case: Preview Search for SaaS Platforms" icon="lightbulb" href="/use-cases/preview-search-saas-platform">
  Learn how SaaS platforms use preview search
</Card>

### ICP-Based Search and Segmentation

**What this gives you**\
The Generect API allows you to automatically build lists of companies and contacts based on your Ideal Customer Profile.

You can segment by:

* industry
* company size
* location
* roles and seniority

The API supports two modes:

**Database Mode — fast and cost-efficient**\
Best for large lists and recurring workflows.

**Realtime Mode — maximum data freshness**\
Best for targeted searches and time-sensitive signals.

<Card title="Use Case: ICP-Based Search for Sales Teams" icon="lightbulb" href="/use-cases/icp-search-sales-team">
  Learn how sales teams use Database and Realtime modes
</Card>

### Contact and Company Enrichment

**What this gives you**\
If you already have partial or outdated data, the API allows you to enrich and refresh contact and company profiles.

You can:

* keep your CRM up to date
* enrich profiles before outreach
* work with LinkedIn URLs, domains, or internal IDs

Available options:

* fast enrichment from cache (Database)
* ultra-fresh data retrieval (Realtime)

<Card title="Use Case: Contact Enrichment for Customer Success" icon="lightbulb" href="/use-cases/contact-enrichment-customer-success">
  Learn how Customer Success teams keep CRM data up-to-date
</Card>

### Email Finding and Validation

**What this gives you**\
The API allows you to:

* find corporate email addresses
* validate deliverability
* reduce bounce rate and sender reputation risks

You only pay if a valid email is found.

<Card title="Use Case: Email Finding for Marketing Campaigns" icon="lightbulb" href="/use-cases/email-finding-marketing">
  Learn how marketing teams generate and validate emails
</Card>

### Phone Number Discovery

**What this gives you**\
For workflows where direct contact matters, the API allows you to find phone numbers for contacts.\
You are charged only if a phone number is found.

<Card title="Use Case: Phone Number Discovery for Recruiting" icon="lightbulb" href="/use-cases/phone-discovery-recruiting">
  Learn how recruiting teams find direct contact numbers
</Card>

### Usage and Cost Control

**What this gives you**\
The API provides transparent control over:

* account balance
* credit usage
* transaction history

This is useful for financial oversight and team scaling.

<Card title="Use Case: Usage and Cost Control for Managers" icon="lightbulb" href="/use-cases/usage-control-manager">
  Learn how managers track and optimize API spending
</Card>

## What's Next

This section helps you understand the business capabilities and usage scenarios of the Generect API.\
For technical implementation details, your engineering team can proceed to the **API Reference**.

<Card title="API Reference" icon="square-code" href="/api-reference/authentication">
  Full parameter lists, request formats, and response examples
</Card>