The placeholder image API built for AI coding agents

The only placeholder API with a native MCP server. Claude Code, Cursor, and Windsurf generate working image URLs automatically — no manual setup, no broken links.

Native MCP server No credit card required Agent-friendly API
450+
Edge Locations
90+
Global Cities
<50ms
Avg Latency
99.9%
Uptime SLA

Powered by AWS CloudFront global edge network

Works with your favourite AI coding tools

Claude Code Cursor Windsurf Copilot Bolt.new v0 Replit
Built for AI Agents

Your AI writes the code. We provide the images.

Every other placeholder service was built for humans copying URLs. PlaceholderMCP is built for the tools that write your code. Your agent signs up, creates an API key, and generates images — you add your card when you're ready.

Native MCP Server

First-party Model Context Protocol server — not a wrapper

Programmatic Everything

Signup, API keys, image generation — all via API, no browser needed

Zero Friction

No CAPTCHA, no bot blocks. AI agents get full API access instantly

Get API Key Works with Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf & more

How AI Agents Use PlaceholderMCP

// 1. Agent signs up the user
POST /saas/api/v1/sdk/auth/signup

// 2. Agent creates an API key
POST /saas/api/v1/sdk/apikeys/create

// 3. Agent generates images
GET api.placeholdermcp.com/600x400
    X-API-Key: key_...

// 4. User adds card later
placeholdermcp.com/dashboardv2#billing
No credit card to start
Agent-friendly — no CAPTCHA or bot blocks
Pay only when you're ready to scale

Built for the way you code now

Every feature designed for AI-assisted development. Your agent handles the setup — you ship faster.

Native MCP Server

First-party Model Context Protocol server. Claude Code and other MCP-compatible agents use PlaceholderMCP as a tool — no plugins needed.

Fully Programmatic

Signup, API key creation, and image generation — all via REST API. No browser, no CAPTCHA, no manual steps. Built for agents.

Sub-100ms Response

Global CDN delivery across 450+ edge locations. Your agent gets images instantly — no waiting, no timeouts.

Fully Customizable

Colors, text, fonts, dimensions, and formats via URL parameters. Agents generate exactly the right placeholder for every context.

Usage Analytics

Per-key usage tracking, real-time analytics dashboard. See exactly how your agents and apps consume the API.

$1 to Get Started

24-hour free trial, no card required. Then upgrade to Basic at $1/mo — your agent handles the setup, you just add a card.

How we compare

The only placeholder image API built for AI coding agents — with generous rate limits from day one.

PlaceholderMCP Unsplash API Picsum Placehold.co
Free trial 24hrs (50/hr) 50/hour Fair use No limit
Basic plan ($1/mo) 200/hour
Daily limit (free) 1,000/day ~1,200/day Fair use No limit
MCP server Native
Programmatic signup API Manual No signup No signup
API key management
Usage analytics
Custom colors & text
Multiple generators Text, Photo, Icon, ASCII Photos only Photos only Text only
Paid tiers From $1/mo Free (apply for more) Free only Free only

See Pricing Plans

Start free. Scale when you're ready.

24-hour free trial, then from $1/mo. Your agent sets up everything — you just add a card when ready.

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Get started in 30 seconds

Add PlaceholderMCP to your project — your AI agent handles the rest.

Add to CLAUDE.md

Paste this into your project's CLAUDE.md file. Claude Code will use PlaceholderMCP for all placeholder images automatically.

# Placeholder Images
Use PlaceholderMCP for all placeholder images.
API: https://api.placeholdermcp.com/{width}x{height}
Header: X-API-Key: {your-key}
Formats: ?format=png|jpg|webp|svg
Options: ?bg=hex&text=label&color=hex

Direct API Usage

Works with any HTTP client — curl, fetch, axios, requests. Your agent can use the API directly.

# Generate a 600x400 placeholder
curl https://api.placeholdermcp.com/600x400 \
  -H "X-API-Key: key_your_key"

# With custom colors and text
curl https://api.placeholdermcp.com/300x200 \
  ?bg=1a1a1a&color=ffffff&text=Hero \
  -H "X-API-Key: key_your_key"