How do I build private API docs for partners?

To build private API docs for partners, think in terms of authenticated, restricted, versioned documentation with controlled distribution and usage tracking.

1) Decide what “private” means

Common models:

• Auth-gated docs: partners log in to view docs
• Invite-only portal: only approved partner accounts can access
• Per-partner docs: each partner sees only relevant endpoints/keys/config
• Offline docs: PDFs or exports shared via secure channel
• Staging + docs portal: docs plus sandbox environment behind login

For most API programs, the best option is an authenticated docs portal.

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2) Put docs behind identity and access control

Use:

• SSO / OAuth / SAML if partners have enterprise identity
• Magic links / email login for simpler partner access
• RBAC to control who can see what
• Audit logs to track access

Key security practices:

• Never expose secrets in examples
• Use masked API keys
• Separate sandbox and production credentials
• Add IP allowlisting if needed
• Rate-limit login and docs access

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3) Generate docs from your API spec

Use an OpenAPI spec as the source of truth if possible.

Typical setup:

• Write/maintain API spec in OpenAPI 3.x
• Generate docs with:
  • Redoc / Redocly
  • Swagger UI
  • Stoplight
  • ReadMe
  • Mintlify
• Host on a private portal or app route

This makes docs:

• versioned
• consistent
• easier to update
• testable

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4) Add partner-specific content

Partners usually need more than endpoint references. Include:

• Getting started
• Auth instructions
• Sandbox access
• Rate limits
• Webhook setup
• Error codes
• SDKs / code samples
• Changelog
• Migration guides
• Partner-specific endpoints or fields

If different partners need different docs, consider:

• feature flags
• conditional rendering
• separate sections by role/partner
• templated docs with partner metadata

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5) Protect examples and interactive tools

If you include “try it” features:

• Use sandbox-only requests
• Pre-fill sample tokens, never real ones
• Don’t expose internal endpoints
• Validate CORS and CSRF if the docs portal has interactive auth

For code samples:

• Use fake but realistic values
• Mark secrets clearly as placeholders

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6) Choose a hosting architecture

Typical options:

Simple

• Static docs site
• Behind auth proxy
• Example: Nginx/Cloudflare Access/Auth0 in front of static Redoc/Swagger

More robust

• Docs app integrated into your portal
• Backend checks user permissions
• Renders partner-specific content server-side

Enterprise

• Dedicated partner portal
• SSO + RBAC + audit logs
• Analytics + support ticket integration

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7) Make access easy, but controlled

A good partner docs experience includes:

• Account activation workflow
• Clear onboarding steps
• Search
• Version switcher
• Status page links
• Support/contact info
• Downloadable Postman collection
• Sample apps

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8) Keep docs current

Set up a docs workflow:

• API changes require spec updates
• CI checks for broken examples
• Publish docs automatically on merge/tag
• Deprecation notices and versioning policy

Useful checks:

• Validate OpenAPI spec in CI
• Lint for missing descriptions
• Run sample requests against sandbox
• Check markdown links

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9) Track usage and feedback

Add:

• Page analytics
• Most-viewed sections
• Search queries
• “Was this helpful?” buttons
• Feedback form tied to partner account

This helps you improve onboarding and spot confusing areas.

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10) Recommended stack examples

Fastest to launch

• OpenAPI spec
• Redocly or Swagger UI
• Auth via Cloudflare Access, Auth0, or Okta
• Hosted behind your domain

Best partner portal experience

• ReadMe or Mintlify
• SSO
• RBAC
• Support widgets
• API changelog
• Sandbox keys

Custom build

• Next.js/React portal
• OpenAPI rendering library
• Backend authorization middleware
• Partner-specific doc personalization

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A practical blueprint

1. Define partner roles and access rules
2. Create/update OpenAPI spec
3. Build docs site from spec
4. Put site behind login
5. Add sandbox auth and examples
6. Add versioning/changelog
7. Add analytics and feedback
8. Automate publishing in CI/CD

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If you want the simplest secure answer

Use:

• OpenAPI
• ReadMe/Mintlify/Redocly
• SSO or invite-only login
• Sandbox-only examples
• RBAC
• Audit logs

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a reference architecture,
2. a tool comparison for private API docs, or
3. a step-by-step implementation example for your stack.