Troubleshooting Parse Errors in HTTP API Messages with Clay

I'm working with an HTTP API Column and I'm generating the body of the message with a formula column. When I copy and past the output of my formula column into postman, the message works, but in Clay I'm getting a parse error. Is there a way to preview the exact HTTP API message being sent for a column so I can troubleshoot this?

19 comments

Andrew T.
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https://app.clay.com/workspaces/10648/workbooks/wb_RejaUaU5NegY/tables/t_HvEKQhPgxZ3e/views/gv_NiSEXhk5GHgW
Channeled
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Unfortunately, Clay doesn't have a built-in feature to preview the exact HTTP API message being sent. However, to troubleshoot your parse error, we can follow these steps: 1. Double-check your body formatting: • Ensure keys are surrounded by double quotes • Check for proper punctuation and syntax (commas, colons, brackets) • Look for hidden characters 2. Go to the parent column: • Right-click on the enriched column • Click "Go to Parent Column" 3. Review the HTTP API settings: • Check the Method, Endpoint, Query String, Body, and Headers To further assist you, could you please copy and paste the JSON you're using into the chat? This will help me troubleshoot the issue more effectively.
Sources: HTTP API with Clay HTTP API integration overview | Documentation | Clay University Go to Parent Column
Summiya B.
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Preview the Formula Output Create a Text Column and copy the Formula Column output there. Compare it with what works in Postman—look for differences. Use "Test Request" in Clay Open the HTTP API Column settings. Click Test Request → This will show you the exact request Clay is sending. Check for JSON Formatting Issues If your formula is generating JSON, wrap it in JSON.stringify() to ensure it’s properly formatted. JSON.stringify({ key: "value", anotherKey: "anotherValue" })
Andrew T.
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My formula is generating JSON, but I'm not seeing how to add the wrapper in the body.
Summiya B.
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Share screen shot or short video
Andrew T.
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Summiya B.
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Use "lightingapecifications(2)"
Andrew T.
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I still get: Expected ':' after property name in JSON at position 202 (line 6 column 3)
Andrew T.
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Summiya B.
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{ "properties": { "attributes_with_ai": "draft ai attribute opulated", "draft_of_ai_attribution": "time of generation utc", "lightingspecifications": "your_value_here" } } Hope so this works
Andrew T.
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The "lightingspecifications" is actually a dynamic set of value pairs I want to insert into the JSON Body.
Andrew T.
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Based on the formula field
Andrew T.
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Okay... I fixed it.
Summiya B.
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How
Andrew T.
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I generated the entire JSON body with a formula instead of generating part of the body.
Summiya B.
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Ok
LuisArturo
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Hey there Andrew thanks for reaching out, sorry for the delay here and thanks for jumping in Summiya! Just jumping in to check if you still needed help with this.
Andrew T.
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Hi LuisArturo - Thanks for checking on this. I was able to figure this out by building my entire JSON body in a formula.
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Troubleshooting Parse Errors in HTTP API Messages with Clay | Clay