Design. Build. Plug into Skype.
Skype Accessories (the Skype Desktop API)
Formerly known as Public API
Skype Accessories enhance the Skype experience for Skype users. They can be hardware products or software applications,
but they’re all created by developers who use the Skype Desktop API, a text-based protocol, to interact with Skype software.
Ready to start developing applications with the Skype Desktop API? Everything you’ll need to get started is below.
| The resources here are subject to the Skype API Terms and conditions. By starting any download you acknowledge that you have read and accept these terms. |
Skype Desktop API Reference
The Reference Manual contains Desktop API protocol description and IPC transport methods for communication between Desktop API based client applications and Skype desktop clients.
Tools and Downloads
- Tracer
- Skype4COM
- Logo & UI assets (login required)
Certification
If you’re distributing hardware that uses the Skype Desktop API, you might choose to submit your product to Skype for quality testing. To learn more, visit the certification pages.
Marketing
To access the links below, you must register with Skype Developer.
- Branding use and guidelines
- Skype Shop product submission guidelines
- Skype App Directory product submission guidelines
Support Forum
You can ask questions and share tips about the Desktop API in the Desktop API support forum.
If you'd like to post a question, you'll need to register your Skype name with Skype Developer, and join the Desktop API for Software program or Desktop API for Hardware program. There is no cost to join.
News
Keep up on the latest and greatest with the Desktop API and Skype Developer with the Skype Developer News.
Skype Encoding Camera Specification
If you’re developing applications or devices that send real-time streaming video over the Internet, you can view—and preview—that video in Skype using the Skype Transport Stream Format and Skype Extension Unit (XU). These specifications enable you to add video calling capabilities to your applications or create real-time streaming video devices, such as webcams that connect directly to the Internet, to send your data to any Skype user.
To learn more, visit the Skype Encoding Camera Specification page.