Authorization methods
Learn more about different authorization types and quickly set up auth helpers for your API in Postman.
Overview
This template gives you a hands-on way to explore and implement different API authorization methods using Postman. It includes examples and setup guidance for common auth types—so you can quickly configure secure requests for both internal APIs and external services.
Use it to test how your API handles auth, validate token flows, or just get familiar with the various built-in auth helpers available in Postman.
What are authorization methods?
Authorization methods define how a client is granted access to protected resources in an API—typically after it has already been authenticated. These methods ensure that only the right users or systems can access specific endpoints, data, or functionality.
Common methods include:
Basic Auth
OAuth 1.0 and OAuth 2.0
Bearer Token / JWTs
API Key
Hawk Auth
Digest Auth
Each method has its own workflow and security tradeoffs—this template walks you through all of them with interactive examples.
What does the template include?
Examples and configuration steps for:
Basic Authentication
OAuth 1.0
OAuth 2.0 (including token exchange)
Bearer Token and JWT
API Key
Hawk and Digest Auth
Code snippets and request examples for each method
Contextual documentation to explain setup, expected headers, and security considerations
This is a great starting point for comparing methods or validating the authentication layer of your API.
How to use the authorization methods template
Fork the collection into your Postman workspace
Explore each request and review the built-in authorization helpers
Follow the step-by-step instructions in each folder to configure headers, tokens, or credentials
Send requests to see how Postman handles each type of auth
Update variables or environments to point to your own API and test with live credentials
You can use this as a standalone toolkit, or alongside other templates like API Documentation or Integration Testing to simulate full request flows with secure access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of authorization are used in web applications?
There are various types of authorization commonly used in web applications and APIs. Some of the common types covered in the authorization methods template include: Role-based Authorization: This type of authorization grants access based on the user's assigned role or permissions within the system. Token-based Authorization: Token-based authorization involves the use of tokens, such as JWTs (JSON Web Tokens) or bearer tokens, to authenticate and authorize access to resources. OAuth Authorization: OAuth is an open standard authorization protocol used for delegated access, allowing third-party applications to access resources on behalf of the user. API Key Authorization: API Key authorization involves the use of an API key, a unique identifier, to authenticate and authorize access to APIs. Digest Authentication: Digest authentication is a challenge-response-based authentication mechanism that uses hashing to protect credentials during the authentication process. These are just a few examples of the different types of authorization. The authorization method template provides examples and guides for various types, helping you understand their implementation and usage.
What’s the difference between authentication and authorization?
Authentication confirms identity (e.g., “Who are you?”)
Authorization determines what access that identity has (e.g., “What are you allowed to do?”) This template focuses primarily on setting up authorization mechanisms for authenticated users or clients.
Learn more here.
Can I use this with internal APIs and services?
Yes—especially useful if you’re working with internal services that use API keys, tokens, or OAuth-based access across environments.
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