This Glossary of Terms is designed to provide clear definitions of the terminology used throughout PassKit. We are committed to maintaining a comprehensive and evolving resource. If you find a term that requires clarification or is missing, please reach out to us at support@passkit.com. Your feedback will help us improve this glossary for everyone.

A set of protocols and tools that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. PassKit provides APIs to integrate digital passes into apps, websites, and other systems.

A unique code used to authenticate API requests. PassKit provides API keys to developers for secure integration with the platform.

A digital wallet app on Apple devices (iPhone, Apple Watch) that stores and organizes digital passes such as boarding passes, event tickets, loyalty cards, and coupons.

An app linked to a digital pass, allowing users to access additional features or information. For example, a loyalty pass might link to a brand's app for more details.

The process of verifying a user's identity, often through a username, password, or multi-factor authentication (MFA). PassKit ensures secure authentication for account access.

A secure token used to authenticate API requests or user access to digital passes. Examples include JSON Web Tokens (JWT) and OAuth tokens.

The process of granting or restricting access to specific features or data within the PassKit platform.

The server-side infrastructure that powers the creation, management, and distribution of digital passes. PassKit's backend is designed for scalability and reliability.

A machine-readable code used in digital passes for quick scanning. Wallet Passes supports 4 barcode formats: QR Codes, PDF417, Aztec and Code128.

For more details, refer to Enabling and Using Barcode Passes.

A Bluetooth device that triggers proximity-based actions or notifications for digital passes when a user is nearby.

The visual identity of a business, including logos, colors, and fonts. PassKit allows businesses to customize digital passes to match their branding.

A coordinated effort to create and distribute digital passes for a specific purpose, such as a marketing promotion or event.

A digital file used to sign and secure digital passes. PassKit requires certificate to ensure the authenticity of passes.

For more details, refer to Adding a Certificate.

A digital pass that offers discounts, promotions, or special deals to customers.

The process of designing and generating a digital pass using PassKit's tools or APIs. This includes defining fields, branding, and behavior.

For more details, refer to Introduction to Data Collection and Pass Creation.

The process of connecting PassKit with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to deliver personalized digital passes and track user interactions.

CSS, which stands for Cascading Style Sheets, is a fundamental technology used in web development. CSS is a style sheet language that controls the presentation and visual appearance of a web page. It works alongside HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), which provides the structure of the web page. Essentially, HTML defines what is on the page, and CSS defines how it looks.

PassKit allows you to customize the CSS of the PassKit Data Collection Page.

A centralized interface where users can manage their digital passes, view analytics, and access tools. PassKit's dashboard is designed for ease of use and efficiency.

Also referred to as a Data Collection Form or Enrollment Form.

A web page designed to collect user information, such as name, email, or preferences. PassKit supports the optional use of data collection pages, seamlessly integrating them into the pass issuance process. You can either use PassKit's built-in Data Collection Forms for a hassle-free solution or integrate your own custom forms.

For more details, refer to Introduction to Data Collection Forms.

The process of identifying and resolving issues or errors in the creation, distribution, or functionality of digital passes.

Deep linking is a technique that enables users to navigate directly to specific content or functionality within an app from a digital pass in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. For example, a pass might include a deep link that opens a specific page in a retail app, such as a loyalty rewards section or a product detail page, providing a seamless and personalized user experience. This eliminates the need for users to manually search or navigate through the app, enhancing engagement and convenience.

The process of linking a user's device to a digital pass, enabling real-time updates and notifications.

A virtual representation of a physical pass, such as a loyalty card, ticket, or coupon. Digital passes are stored in mobile wallets like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

The process of delivering a digital pass to users, often via email, SMS, QR codes, or a website.

For more details, refer to Introduction to Distribution Methods.

A digital pass that can be updated in real-time with new information, such as loyalty points, expiry date or event details.

The process of signing up or registering for a program, service, or digital pass. PassKit supports enrollment through forms, APIs, or integrations with other systems.

A web form used to collect user information during the enrollment process. PassKit allows businesses to customize enrollment forms to gather specific data.

For more details, refer to Introduction to Data Collection Forms.

A digital pass used for event entry, containing details like event name, date, time, and venue.

The date when a digital pass becomes invalid. PassKit allows businesses to set expiration dates for passes.

A data element within a digital pass, such as a customer name, balance, or expiration date. PassKit allows businesses to customize fields for different pass types.

The process of delivering a digital pass to a user, often via email, SMS, or a website link.

The use of GPS or other location-based technologies to trigger actions or notifications for digital passes.

The digital wallet app on Android devices that stores and organizes digital passes, such as loyalty cards, event tickets, boarding passes, and more.

A service primarily focused on enabling payments using credit/debit cards, bank accounts, or other payment methods. It is integrated with Google Wallet but specifically handles transactions rather than storing digital passes.

A high-performance, open-source framework for remote procedure calls (RPC). PassKit recommends use of gRPC for efficient communication between services.

For more details, refer to The Benefit of Interacting with PassKit over gRPC.

A digital pass that can be shared among multiple users, such as a family ticket or group membership.

The top section of a digital pass, often used to display a logo or title.

A large, prominent image used at the top of a webpage or digital pass to capture attention and convey a brand's message or identity.

Protocols used for transmitting data over the internet. PassKit uses HTTPS to ensure secure communication.

A small graphic or symbol used to represent a feature, category, or action. In PassKit, icons may be used on digital passes or in the dashboard interface.

The process of connecting PassKit with other systems, such as CRMs, POS systems, or mobile apps.

For more details, refer to Introduction to Integrating Passes.

The process of revoking or deactivating a digital pass, rendering it unusable. PassKit allows businesses to invalidate passes for security or expiration purposes.

The process of creating and distributing a digital pass to a user. This includes designing the pass, assigning data, and delivering it via a distribution link or API.

The organization or business that creates and distributes digital passes.

A lightweight data format used to structure data for digital passes. PassKit uses JSON to define pass content and behavior.

A secure token format used for authentication and authorization. PassKit may use JWTs to validate API requests or user access.

A unique identifier or code used to authenticate and secure digital passes.

A notification triggered when a user enters or exits a specific geographic area. Apple Wallet supports location-based notifications for digital passes.

A visual representation of a brand, typically displayed on digital passes, websites, and emails. PassKit supports logo customization to maintain brand consistency.

A digital pass used for loyalty programs, allowing customers to earn and redeem points or rewards.

A digital pass that grants access to exclusive benefits, such as gym memberships or club access.

A digital wallet app on a smartphone that stores digital passes, payment methods, and other virtual items.

A technology that allows devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances. PassKit supports NFC for contactless interactions.

For more details, refer to Enabling and Using NFC Passes.

A message sent to a user's device to provide updates or reminders related to a digital pass.

An authentication protocol used to securely authorize access to PassKit APIs and services.

The ability for digital passes to function without an internet connection, such as displaying a barcode or NFC data.

A unique URL used to distribute a digital pass to users. This link can be shared via email, SMS, or social media.

A unique URL used to direct users to an enrollment form or page where they can sign up for a digital pass.

A unique identifier assigned to each digital pass for tracking and management purposes. The PassKit Pass ID is a 22 character randomly generated string of alphanumeric characters.

A pre-designed layout for a digital pass that can be customized with specific content and branding.

A unique identifier for a specific type of pass (e.g., loyalty, coupon, event ticket). It is used to differentiate pass types in Apple Wallet.

The PassKit Pass URL (also known as the PassURL or Pass Link) is the specific link that allows a user to add a digital pass (like a coupon, event ticket, membership card, etc.) to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app. It's the final destination in the pass distribution process.

For more details, refer to Introduction to Distributing Passes.

The PassKit Portal is the central web-based application (web app) where users can create, manage, and distribute digital passes, such as loyalty cards, event tickets, coupons, and more. Accessible at app.PassKit.com, the portal provides a comprehensive suite of tools for designing passes, setting up data collection forms and welcome emails, integrating with third-party systems, managing team members, accessing developer credentials, and configuring payment methods.

A cryptographic standard used to sign and encrypt digital passes. PassKit uses PKCS#7 to ensure the security and authenticity of passes.

The file format used for digital passes in Apple Wallet. PassKit generates .pkpass files for distribution.

A user's personal image or avatar, often displayed in their account or on their digital pass.

A real-time message sent to a user's device to update or notify them about changes to a digital pass.

A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a scanner, or smartphone, to access information or trigger actions. Essentially, it’s nothing more than a way to automatically input data—like a URL, text, or other information—into a device without the need for manual typing.

The ability to update a digital pass with new information, such as changing balances or event details, in real-time.

The process of using a digital pass, such as a coupon or loyalty reward, to claim a benefit.

The date and time associated with a specific event or action in a digital pass, such as an event start time or coupon expiration.

An architectural style for designing networked applications. It relies on a stateless client-server communication model and uses standard HTTP methods to interact with resources.

A collection of tools, libraries, documentation, and code samples that developers use to build applications for a specific platform, framework, or service.

For more details, refer to Why do you recommend using SDK's?

A digital file used to authenticate and secure digital passes.

A unique identifier for each digital pass, used to track and manage individual passes.

A feature in PassKit that allows businesses to create dynamic links for distributing and managing digital passes.

For more details, refer to Introduction to SmartPass links.

A Team Member is a user within your organization who requires access to your PassKit account. Each Team members can be assigned specific roles, with varying level of access and permissions tailored to their responsibilities.

The PassKit Platform fee is determined by the number of Team Members in your account. For more details, refer to the PassKit Pricing Model.

A secure identifier used to authenticate API requests or user access to digital passes.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity. Essentially, it adds an extra layer of security beyond just a username and password.

For more details, refer to Enabling 2FA for Your PassKit Account.

The rate at which a digital pass is updated with new information. PassKit supports real-time or scheduled updates for dynamic passes.

A unique identifier chosen by a user to log in to their account. In PassKit, usernames are used to access the dashboard or other platform features.

The individual who receives and uses a digital pass.

The process of verifying the authenticity and integrity of a digital pass.

The time frame during which a digital pass is valid and can be used. PassKit allows businesses to set start and end dates for passes.

The practice of maintaining different versions of a digital pass template or API for compatibility and updates.

A mechanism for sending real-time notifications from PassKit to external systems when specific events occur.

For more details, refer to Subscribe to PassKit Webhooks.

An automated email sent to new users or customers when they sign up for a service or join a program. With PassKit's optional Welcome Email feature, recipients receive an email automatically after their pass is issued. This email includes a prominent button that links directly to the unique URL of their digital pass, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience.

For more details, refer to Enabling the Welcome Email.

A digital wallet app that stores and organizes digital passes, such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

A geographic area defined for location-based notifications or actions related to digital passes.