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

# List agent models

> List the currently available agent models and the aliases that resolve to them.

The `model` parameter on [POST /jobs/agent](#operation/agentEditJob) accepts any
value listed under `availableModels[].id` or `aliases[].id`. Aliases let you target
the latest
recommended model for a given tier without chasing version bumps — for example,
passing `claude-opus` always routes to whichever Claude Opus version Descript
currently recommends.

The catalog changes as models launch and retire, so this endpoint's live response
is the source of truth — the example below is an abridged illustration, not the
full list.

Cost tiers are coarse buckets — `low`, `medium`, `high` — useful for showing
users a relative price/performance signal. Exact pricing is reported per job via
the `ai_credits_used` field on [GET /jobs/{job_id}](#operation/getJob).

When `model` is omitted on `POST /jobs/agent`, the request defaults to `auto`, which
selects a recommended model for your account. `auto` is a `medium`-cost option. For an
`auto` request, `result.resolved_model` on [GET /jobs/{job_id}](#operation/getJob) reports
`auto`; for an explicit model or alias it reports the canonical id that ran.




## OpenAPI

````yaml GET /agent/models
openapi: 3.0.0
info:
  description: Descript API documentation.
  version: '1.2'
  title: Descript API
  x-logo:
    url: assets/descript-logo.svg
    altText: Descript
  license:
    name: Proprietary
    url: https://www.descript.com/terms
servers:
  - url: https://descriptapi.com/v1
security: []
tags:
  - name: Getting started
    description: "The Descript API lets you programmatically create projects, import media, and edit your projects — all without opening the app.\n\nTo learn more, visit [descript.com/api](https://descript.com/api).\n\n## Create an API token\n\n1. In Descript, open **Settings** and select **API tokens** from the sidebar. Then click **Create token**.\n\n![Navigate to Settings > API tokens and click Create token](assets/token1.png)\n\n2. Give your token a name and select the Drive it should be associated with. Click **Create token**.\n\n<img src=\"assets/token2.png\" alt=\"Name your token and select a Drive\" width=\"500\" />\n\n3. Copy your token and store it in a safe place. You won't be able to view it again. If you lose it, you'll need to generate a new one.\n\n<img src=\"assets/token3.png\" alt=\"Copy and save your API token\" width=\"500\" />\n\n> **Warning:** Treat your API token like a password. Anyone with your token can make API requests on your behalf using your account permissions. Never share your token publicly or commit it to source control.\n\nInclude the token as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header of your API requests.\n\n## Import media into a new project\n\nYou can create a new project, import media, and place the media into a composition all in one API request using the [import endpoint](#operation/importProjectMedia). This step also transcribes and processes the media so that it's ready for you or the agent to edit.\n\nTo import files, pass in public or pre-signed URIs. Currently, the API does not support uploading a file directly. To test the API with an example file, use the demo video included in the sample request below.\n\nImporting and processing is an asynchronous job, so the response payload will contain a `job_id` for you to [query the status of the job](#operation/getJob) and information about the newly created project. Note that `project_id` and `project_url` are returned immediately alongside `job_id`, but opening the project in Descript will not always show the API's processing state in real time. To prevent unintended changes, we recommend that you do not make any changes to the project until the job has stopped.\n\n\n\n**Request**\n\n```bash\ncurl -X POST https://descriptapi.com/v1/jobs/import/project_media \\\n  -H \"Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN\" \\\n  -H \"Content-Type: application/json\" \\\n  -d '{\n    \"project_name\": \"My First Video\",\n    \"add_media\": {\n      \"demo.mp4\": {\n        \"url\": \"https://test-files.descriptapi.com/demo-video.mp4\"\n      }\n    },\n    \"add_compositions\": [\n      {\n        \"name\": \"Demo Video\",\n        \"clips\": [\n          { \"media\": \"demo.mp4\" }\n        ]\n      }\n    ]\n  }'\n```\n\n**Response**\n\n```json\n{\n  \"job_id\": \"project-media-import-9d635d5b\",\n  \"drive_id\": \"c9c5c47e\",\n  \"project_id\": \"e2f89ce6\",\n  \"project_url\": \"https://web.descript.com/e2f89ce6\"\n}\n```\n\n## Check for import completion\n\nPoll the [job status endpoint](#operation/getJob) using the `job_id` from the last step to check whether the import job is finished processing. When it is, you'll see `job_state: \"stopped\"`. You can then check the `results` object to see its full results.\n\nYou can also pass in a `callback_url` as a part of the first import request, and we'll ping you when the job has stopped with the same response payload.\n\n**Request**\n\n```bash\ncurl https://descriptapi.com/v1/jobs/project-media-import-9d635d5b \\\n  -H \"Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN\"\n```\n\n**Response**\n\n```json\n{\n  \"job_id\": \"project-media-import-9d635d5b\",\n  \"job_type\": \"import/project_media\",\n  \"job_state\": \"stopped\",\n  \"project_id\": \"e2f89ce6\",\n  \"project_url\": \"https://web.descript.com/e2f89ce6\",\n  \"result\": {\n    \"status\": \"success\",\n    \"media_status\": {\n      \"main.mp4\": {\n        \"status\": \"success\",\n        \"duration_seconds\": 69.477006\n      }\n    },\n    \"created_compositions\": [\n      { \"id\": \"f8e5088a-4d53-4aab-9d4f-c6624b7d7622\", \"name\": \"Demo Video\" }\n    ]\n  }\n}\n```\n\n## Prompt for edits with Agent Underlord\n\nOnce your media is imported, you can use the [agent edit endpoint](#operation/agentEditJob) to prompt Underlord for edits, just as you would in the app. Because it's an API, conversation and follow up questions aren't practical. So we recommend framing your edits as a one-shot prompt with all the information the agent needs.\n\nEditing can take some time, so the response also returns a `job_id` that you can use to [check the status of the job](#operation/getJob). You can also pass in a `callback_url` as a part of an agent request, and we'll ping you when the job has stopped.\n\n**Request**\n\n```bash\ncurl -X POST https://descriptapi.com/v1/jobs/agent \\\n  -H \"Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN\" \\\n  -H \"Content-Type: application/json\" \\\n  -d '{\n    \"project_id\": \"e2f89ce6\",\n    \"prompt\": \"Add studio sound and captions\"\n  }'\n```\n\n**Response**\n\n```json\n{\n  \"job_id\": \"project-agent-edit-e2f89ce6\",\n  \"drive_id\": \"c9c5c47e\",\n  \"project_id\": \"e2f89ce6\",\n  \"project_url\": \"https://web.descript.com/e2f89ce6\"\n}\n```\n\n## Wait for the agent to complete its job\n\nPoll the [job status endpoint](#operation/getJob) using the `job_id`. When the agent job completes successfully, the response includes a summary of what it accomplished (see the `result.agent_response` field). Use the project URL to open the project in Descript and review Underlord's changes.\n\n**Request**\n\n```bash\ncurl https://descriptapi.com/v1/jobs/project-agent-edit-e2f89ce6 \\\n  -H \"Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN\"\n```\n\nOnce the agent job is successfully complete, you’ll see a response from the agent with a brief summary of what it accomplished. You can then use the project url to review its changes directly in Descript.\n\n**Response**\n\n```json\n{\n\t\"job_id\":\"project-agent-edit-e2f89ce6\",\n\t\"job_type\":\"agent\",\n  \"project_id\":\"YOUR_PROJECT_ID\",\n\t\"project_url\":\"https://web.descript.com/e2f89ce6\",\n\t\"job_state\":\"stopped\",\n\t\"created_at\":\"2026-02-09T05:42:27.554Z\",\n\t\"stopped_at\":\"2026-02-09T05:43:15.296Z\",\n\t\"drive_id\":\"1df135a5-dc4a-4dc3-8f7d-681cfbe961e4\",\n\t\"result\":{\n\t\t\"status\":\"success\",\n    \"agent_response\":\"Done! I've applied Studio Sound to enhance your audio quality and added classic karaoke-style captions to your video.\",\n\t\t\"project_changed\":true,\n\t\t\"media_seconds_used\":0,\n\t\t\"ai_credits_used\":32\n  }\n}\n```\n"
  - name: Using the CLI
    description: >
      The CLI wraps the API into a simple to use command line tool with
      interactive flows for setting up authentication, importing, and prompting
      the agent. It also has built-in polling for job completion.


      ## Requirements


      Before installing the CLI, you'll need **Node.js 24 or higher**. Visit
      [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org/) to download and install the latest LTS
      version for your operating system.


      ## Install and set up


      First, install the latest version of the CLI using npm.


      ```bash

      npm install -g @descript/platform-cli@latest

      ```


      Next, configure the CLI with your API key.


      ```bash

      descript-api config set api-key

      ```


      ![Setting up the CLI](assets/cli-set-up.gif)



      ## Import media


      Use the `import` command to create a project by passing a project name and
      the link to any media you want to upload, or run `descript-api import` for
      interactive mode. The CLI shows live progress and outputs the project ID
      when done.


      ```bash

      descript-api import \
        --name "My First Project" \
        --media "https://test-files.descriptapi.com/demo-video.mp4"
      ```


      ![Interactive CLI import](assets/cli-import.gif)


      ## Use the agent


      Use the `agent` command to edit a project by passing in the project id and
      an Underlord prompt.


      ```bash

      descript-api agent \
        --project-id YOUR_PROJECT_ID \
        --prompt "Remove filler words and add Studio Sound to all clips"
      ```


      You can also ask Underlord create a new project from a prompt alone by
      writing the script for you!


      ```bash

      descript-api edit --new \
        --prompt "Write a script about how to make great coffee"
      ```


      ## All commands


      Run `descript-api help` to see the full list of available commands and
      options.
  - name: API Endpoints
    description: Import media, edit projects with AI, and query jobs and projects.
  - name: Direct file upload
    description: >
      Instead of providing a public URL, you can upload files directly from your
      local machine using the [import endpoint](#operation/importProjectMedia).
      The flow has three steps: request signed upload URLs, PUT your file bytes,
      then poll for completion.


      ## Step 1 — Request upload URLs


      Call the import endpoint with `content_type` and `file_size` instead of
      `url` for each media item you want to upload directly.


      **Request**


      ```bash

      curl -X POST https://descriptapi.com/v1/jobs/import/project_media \
        -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN" \
        -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
        -d '{
          "project_name": "My Upload Project",
          "add_media": {
            "recording.mp4": {
              "content_type": "video/mp4",
              "file_size": 52428800
            }
          },
          "add_compositions": [
            {
              "name": "Main",
              "clips": [
                { "media": "recording.mp4" }
              ]
            }
          ]
        }'
      ```


      The response includes an `upload_urls` object keyed by media reference ID.
      Each entry contains a signed `upload_url` (valid for 3 hours), plus
      `asset_id` and `artifact_id` for the created asset.


      **Response**


      ```json

      {
        "job_id": "project-media-import-a1b2c3d4",
        "drive_id": "c9c5c47e",
        "project_id": "e2f89ce6",
        "project_url": "https://web.descript.com/e2f89ce6",
        "upload_urls": {
          "recording.mp4": {
            "upload_url": "https://storage.googleapis.com/bucket/...",
            "asset_id": "d4e5f6a7-1234-5678-9abc-def012345678",
            "artifact_id": "a1b2c3d4-5678-9abc-def0-123456789abc"
          }
        }
      }

      ```


      ## Step 2 — Upload the file


      PUT the raw file bytes to the signed URL. Use `Content-Type:
      application/octet-stream`.


      ```bash

      curl -X PUT \
        -H "Content-Type: application/octet-stream" \
        --data-binary @recording.mp4 \
        "https://storage.googleapis.com/bucket/..."
      ```


      The import job detects the upload automatically and begins processing.


      ## Step 3 — Poll for completion


      Check the job status the same way as a URL-based import — poll the [job
      status endpoint](#operation/getJob) with the `job_id`, or provide a
      `callback_url` in the original request.


      ```bash

      curl https://descriptapi.com/v1/jobs/project-media-import-a1b2c3d4 \
        -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN"
      ```


      When the job reaches `job_state: "stopped"`, check `result.status` for
      success or failure.


      ## Mixing URL imports and direct uploads


      You can combine URL-based and direct upload media items in a single
      request. Items with `url` are fetched server-side; items with
      `content_type` and `file_size` return signed upload URLs.


      ```bash

      curl -X POST https://descriptapi.com/v1/jobs/import/project_media \
        -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN" \
        -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
        -d '{
          "project_name": "Mixed Import",
          "add_media": {
            "intro.mp4": {
              "url": "https://example.com/intro.mp4"
            },
            "recording.mp4": {
              "content_type": "video/mp4",
              "file_size": 52428800
            }
          }
        }'
      ```


      The response will include `upload_urls` only for the direct upload items.


      ## Required fields


      | Field | Type | Description |

      |-------|------|-------------|

      | `content_type` | string | MIME type of the file (e.g., `video/mp4`,
      `audio/wav`) |

      | `file_size` | integer | File size in bytes |

      | `language` | string | *(optional)* ISO 639-1 language code for
      transcription. Auto-detected if omitted. |
  - name: Authentication
    description: >
      The Descript API uses personal API tokens to authenticate requests. Tokens
      are scoped to a specific Drive and inherit your permissions on that Drive.


      To create a token, see the [Getting
      Started](#section/Getting-started/Create-an-API-token) guide.


      > **Warning:** Treat your API token like a password. Anyone with your
      token can make API requests on your behalf using your account permissions.
      Never share your token publicly or commit it to source control.


      ## Using your token


      Include the token as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header of your
      API requests.


      **Example**


      ```bash

      curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN"
      https://descriptapi.com/v1/status

      ```
  - name: Rate Limiting
    description: >
      The Descript API implements rate limiting to ensure fair usage and protect
      service availability.

      When you exceed the rate limit, the API returns a `429 Too Many Requests`
      response.


      ## Rate Limit Headers


      When a rate limit is exceeded, the response includes the following
      headers:


      | Header | Description |

      |--------|-------------|

      | `Retry-After` | Number of seconds to wait before retrying the request |

      | `X-RateLimit-Remaining` | Number of requests remaining in the current
      window |

      | `X-RateLimit-Consumed` | Number of requests consumed in the current
      window |


      ## Handling Rate Limits


      When you receive a `429` response, use the `Retry-After` header to
      determine how long to wait before retrying.

      This approach is more efficient than using fixed delays or exponential
      backoff alone.
  - name: Edit in Descript
    description: >
      > **Note:** The Edit in Descript integration requires contacting Descript
      for access. [Reach out to us](https://descript.com/api) to get started.


      Edit in Descript API enables partners to give their users the ability to
      transfer audio or video content to Descript for editing.


      Edit in Descript buttons work by generating one-time use, public Import
      URLs to the Descript import UI that users

      can be automatically sent to. On that page, they can make a few simple
      selections before kicking off a Partner cloud

      storage to Descript cloud storage transfer. This will redirect them to a
      Descript Project ready for editing.


      Partners can initiate the request by securely sending an information
      schema backend-to-backend to the Descript API

      using a token, in exchange for the Import URL to redirect the user.
      Partners do not need to store this schema, as

      Descript will do so and use it to start fetching the files when the user
      confirms the action


      1. When a user clicks `Edit in Descript`, partner's backend service makes
      POST request to:
          `https://descriptapi.com/v1/edit_in_descript/schema` with an authorization bearer token header and JSON schema body
      2. Descript responds with either an Import URL or an error

      3. Partner redirects the user's browser to the URL returned in step 2 or
      display an error message and link to help documentation


      ### Partner User Experience

      Some guidelines for partners as you consider this integration:

      * We recommend placing the `Edit in Descript` option next to your download
      options
        * If you offer multiple download options, such as combined vs. split audio/video files, we recommend placing
      this integration clearly in context with each option, or only the
      supported option, to help users understand

      what will be exported.
        * Each time you request an import link, a new one is generated. Import links expire after 3 hours. After using an
      import link, the only way to find an imported Project again is in
      Descript.
        * If an import link has expired or the contents of the schema has changed, please request a new import link with
      the updated schema. This will create a new Descript Project when used.

      * We will provide Descript-branded assets to fit your proposed placement
      of the `Edit in Descript` CTA and ask

      that you don't edit the assets beyond what we provide. We are happy to
      work with you on getting you the right

      assets for your placement.

      * Partners should provide error-handling for the POST request, at minimum
      displaying a generic error message and

      linking to a help article (we can provide a link for this if you prefer).

      * Progress will be conveyed to the user in the Descript side of the user
      experience.


      ### Descript User Experience

      When users are directed to a Descript Import URL, they'll be asked to
      either create an account or login in order

      to proceed.


      Next, they will be presented with a few options about how they'd like to
      import the data, such as where the new

      Descript Project should be created.


      They'll then be redirected to the Project, where they can monitor the
      progress of the import and start editing.
  - name: Export from Descript
    description: >
      Users of Descript currently have three options to export their edited
      content. They can export files in various

      formats, share a Descript link, or use our [one-click cloud
      export](https://help.descript.com/connect-with-us/hosting-partners)

      to publish directly to a partner.


      ### Roundtrip Metadata

      If Project data previously came from a partner via an Edit in Descript
      schema then any Descript Export pages

      will include `<meta/>` tags which contains the `partner_drive_id` and
      `source_id` provided when originally

      importing into Descript. This allows partners to deduplicate data
      returning back to partner systems after

      editing in Descript. Both partner and source properties are included on
      all public Descript Export pages.


      ```

      <meta property="descript:partner"
      content="9121bf3a-60fe-4a31-ad59-ed32df610cc3" />

      <meta property="descript:source"
      content="409148bd-81aa-4af6-a9c3-29b761506f3a" />

      ```
paths:
  /agent/models:
    get:
      tags:
        - API Endpoints
      summary: List agent models
      description: >
        List the currently available agent models and the aliases that resolve
        to them.


        The `model` parameter on [POST /jobs/agent](#operation/agentEditJob)
        accepts any

        value listed under `availableModels[].id` or `aliases[].id`. Aliases let
        you target

        the latest

        recommended model for a given tier without chasing version bumps — for
        example,

        passing `claude-opus` always routes to whichever Claude Opus version
        Descript

        currently recommends.


        The catalog changes as models launch and retire, so this endpoint's live
        response

        is the source of truth — the example below is an abridged illustration,
        not the

        full list.


        Cost tiers are coarse buckets — `low`, `medium`, `high` — useful for
        showing

        users a relative price/performance signal. Exact pricing is reported per
        job via

        the `ai_credits_used` field on [GET /jobs/{job_id}](#operation/getJob).


        When `model` is omitted on `POST /jobs/agent`, the request defaults to
        `auto`, which

        selects a recommended model for your account. `auto` is a `medium`-cost
        option. For an

        `auto` request, `result.resolved_model` on [GET
        /jobs/{job_id}](#operation/getJob) reports

        `auto`; for an explicit model or alias it reports the canonical id that
        ran.
      operationId: listAgentModels
      responses:
        '200':
          description: Available agent models and aliases
          content:
            application/json:
              schema:
                type: object
                required:
                  - availableModels
                  - aliases
                properties:
                  availableModels:
                    type: array
                    description: >
                      Canonical model ids currently advertised by the public
                      agent API,

                      each tagged with a coarse cost tier.
                    items:
                      type: object
                      required:
                        - id
                        - cost
                      properties:
                        id:
                          type: string
                          description: >-
                            Canonical model id to pass as `model` on `POST
                            /jobs/agent`.
                          example: claude-opus-4.8
                        cost:
                          type: string
                          enum:
                            - low
                            - medium
                            - high
                          description: Relative cost tier for this model.
                          example: high
                  aliases:
                    type: array
                    description: >
                      Friendly aliases that resolve to one of the
                      `availableModels` at

                      request time. Pass any alias `id` as `model` and the agent
                      job

                      result's `result.resolved_model` (on

                      [GET /jobs/{job_id}](#operation/getJob)) will report the
                      canonical

                      id that actually ran.
                    items:
                      type: object
                      required:
                        - id
                        - resolvesTo
                        - description
                        - cost
                      properties:
                        id:
                          type: string
                          description: Alias id callers can pass as `model`.
                          example: claude-opus
                        resolvesTo:
                          type: string
                          description: Canonical model id this alias currently resolves to.
                          example: claude-opus-4.8
                        description:
                          type: string
                          description: Human-readable description of the alias's intent.
                          example: Tracks stable Anthropic Claude Opus
                        cost:
                          type: string
                          enum:
                            - low
                            - medium
                            - high
                          description: >-
                            Relative cost tier of the model this alias resolves
                            to.
                          example: high
              examples:
                default_models:
                  summary: Abridged example — call the endpoint for the current list
                  value:
                    availableModels:
                      - id: auto
                        cost: medium
                      - id: claude-opus-4.8
                        cost: high
                      - id: claude-haiku-4.5
                        cost: low
                    aliases:
                      - id: claude-opus
                        resolvesTo: claude-opus-4.8
                        description: Tracks stable Anthropic Claude Opus
                        cost: high
        '401':
          description: Unauthorized - missing or invalid authentication token
          content:
            application/json:
              schema:
                $ref: '#/components/schemas/Error401'
        '429':
          $ref: '#/components/responses/Error429Response'
      security:
        - bearerAuth: []
components:
  schemas:
    Error401:
      type: object
      properties:
        error:
          type: string
          example: unauthorized
        message:
          type: string
          example: Missing or invalid authentication token
      required:
        - error
        - message
    Error429:
      description: >
        Rate limit exceeded response. When this error is returned, the response
        includes headers

        to help you implement proper retry logic:

        - `Retry-After`: Number of seconds to wait before retrying

        - `X-RateLimit-Remaining`: Requests remaining in current window

        - `X-RateLimit-Consumed`: Requests consumed in current window
      type: object
      properties:
        error:
          type: string
          description: Error code indicating rate limit was exceeded
          example: rate_limit_exceeded
        message:
          type: string
          description: Human-readable error message
          example: Too many requests
      required:
        - error
        - message
  responses:
    Error429Response:
      description: |
        Too many requests - rate limit exceeded.
        Use the `Retry-After` header to determine when to retry.
      headers:
        Retry-After:
          description: Number of seconds to wait before retrying the request
          schema:
            type: integer
          example: 30
        X-RateLimit-Remaining:
          description: Number of requests remaining in the current rate limit window
          schema:
            type: integer
          example: 0
        X-RateLimit-Consumed:
          description: Number of requests consumed in the current rate limit window
          schema:
            type: integer
          example: 100
      content:
        application/json:
          schema:
            $ref: '#/components/schemas/Error429'
          examples:
            rate_limit:
              summary: Rate limit exceeded
              value:
                error: rate_limit_exceeded
                message: Too many requests. Please try again later.
  securitySchemes:
    bearerAuth:
      type: http
      scheme: bearer
      description: >-
        Personal API token created in Descript Settings → API Tokens. See the
        Authentication section for details.

````

## Related topics

- [Track and understand your media minutes and AI credits](/billing-payments-plans/track-and-understand-your-media-minutes-and-ai-credits.md)
- [Underlord (Beta): Your AI co-editor in Descript](/getting-started/underlord-beta-your-ai-co-editor-in-descript.md)
- [Connect Descript to any AI assistant (custom MCP)](/api-and-mcp/mcp-custom.md)
- [Connect Descript to Zapier](/api-and-mcp/zapier.md)
- [Generative image and video models in Descript](/generative-media/models.md)
