IMG.LY vs Canva Connect API Alternative

IMG.LY vs. Canva

For full customization, automation, and data ownership, there’s only one choice—see why IMG.LY CreativeEditor SDK is the best alternative to Canva Connect API.

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY’s solution engineers did a deep dive on our business case and helped us implement a custom print kiosk UI.

André Albrecht

Digital Solution Manager

Brother

Our customers create over a million personalized postcards each year choosing from over hundreds of templates with IMG.LY’s SDK. It’s the only solution that allows us to build our own specialized, on-brand UI that integrates seamlessly with our platform.

Jeanine Zaalberg

Product Manager

Swiss Post

Our app has photo-editing at the very core of its experience and the editor has been invaluable in making that vision happen. There are no other tools on the market up to the quality of PE.SDK.

Toby Green

Lead Developer

Elbi

IMG.LY vs. Canva API at a Glance

Primary Use Case

Creative editing SDK for photo, video, and design. Delivers production-ready editors, modular SDK components, and headless rendering options for building custom-branded creative applications across social, marketing, and content creation workflows.

API platform that embeds Canva’s design environment into third-party products, allowing users to access Canva’s interface, templates, and assets without leaving the host application. Geared toward teams seeking to leverage Canva’s existing ecosystem rather than building their own editing experience.

IMG.LY enables fully custom, white-label creative solutions. Canva Connect API extends Canva’s branded ecosystem into partner platforms.

Target Audience

Product teams and enterprises seeking a complete creative editing SDK that integrates seamlessly under their own brand. Serves SaaS platforms, social apps, and businesses demanding production-ready tools without dependence on external platforms.

Organizations aiming to add design capabilities by tapping into Canva's established platform, templates, and asset library. Attracts teams preferring to integrate existing Canva functionality rather than constructing or maintaining custom editing infrastructure, accepting Canva branding as integral to the integration.

IMG.LY targets teams demanding fully white-labeled, production-ready editing. Canva Connect API targets teams leveraging Canva's ecosystem with visible Canva branding.

Technical Approach

Comprehensive SDK with modular UI, headless API, and templating system. Supports Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, and Node.js with WebAssembly-powered performance. Native rendering engines optimized per platform handle complex operations with client-side processing and optional server-side capabilities.

RESTful API and JavaScript SDK facilitating integration of Canva's design editor into external applications. Architecture depends on Canva's cloud infrastructure for all design creation, editing, and asset management.

IMG.LY provides complete creative editing infrastructure with both client-side and server-side options. Canva Connect API acts as an integration layer to Canva's cloud platform.

Editing Features

Fully-featured, customizable editor UI with image adjustments, filters, text and sticker overlays, transformations, timeline-based video editing, and full design tools for layout, templates, typography, and print-ready export (CMYK, bleed, margins). All features function within a white-labeled interface.

Access to Canva's design editor with creative tools spanning text editing, image adjustments, filters, shapes, graphics, layouts, and templates. Users operate within Canva's interface embedded in external applications, leveraging Canva's familiar experience.

IMG.LY delivers a complete professional editing environment across photo, video, and design with full brand control and customizable workflows. Canva Connect API integrates Canva’s familiar editing interface, limited to Canva’s branded environment.

Advanced Video Editing Features

Professional-grade video editing with multi-track timelines, transitions, effects, keyframe animation, color grading, speed ramping, audio mixing, and frame-accurate editing.

Simplified video editing suitable for social and marketing content; trimming, transitions, text overlays, and effects with limited advanced control.

IMG.LY delivers professional video editing. Canva Connect API offers accessible, lightweight video creation.

User Interface

Fully-featured, configurable editor UI with drag-and-drop tools, timeline, asset libraries, and live preview. Fully customizable look and feel including control over colors, fonts, layouts, and terminology to match any brand.

Embeds Canva’s standard interface with Canva branding. Limited ability to customize beyond basic styling or integration framing.

IMG.LY provides a fully branded, customizable editor UI. Canva Connect API retains Canva’s branding and interface.

User Experience

Designed for both novices and professionals. Progressive disclosure and contextual controls simplify complexity. Experience can be tailored for casual users or power users through configurable UI modes.

Simplified, guided workflows optimized for non-designers. Emphasizes ease of use and quick results over deep creative control.

IMG.LY balances usability with power. Canva Connect API prioritizes accessibility for non-designers.

White-Labeling

100% white-labeled; no IMG.LY branding. Organizations present editing tools as native features of their own product.

Canva branding is mandatory. The embedded editor retains Canva’s logo, interface, and attributions.

IMG.LY is fully white-label. Canva Connect API requires visible Canva branding.

Customizability

Deep customization via configuration, theming APIs, and plugin architecture. Enable/disable tools, extend workflows, and modify UI components safely across SDK updates.

Limited customization; organizations can enable/disable certain Canva features but cannot alter Canva’s interface or workflows.

IMG.LY offers deep customization; Canva Connect API operates within Canva’s constraints.

Extensibility

Modular plugin system and APIs for custom tools, filters, effects, and AI integrations across Web, iOS, and Android.

No custom tool or plugin support beyond what Canva exposes via API.

IMG.LY supports extensible, custom functionality. Canva Connect API is limited to Canva’s built-in features.

Integration

Simple integration for Web, mobile, and backend via SDKs and APIs. Full documentation, code samples, and REST/GraphQL APIs for connecting with DAMs, CDNs, auth systems, analytics, and storage.

RESTful API and JavaScript SDK with OAuth 2.0. Primarily bridges external apps to Canva’s cloud environment.

IMG.LY integrates across platforms; Canva Connect API bridges to Canva’s cloud.

Platform Support

Cross-platform SDK for Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, Electron, and Node.js. Includes offline support.

Web-based integration only. No native mobile SDKs or offline mode.

IMG.LY supports native and offline; Canva Connect API is cloud-only.

Mobile App Integration

Native SDK for iOS and Android with platform-optimized gestures, rendering, and offline capability.

Embeds Canva’s web interface in mobile apps via web views.

IMG.LY offers native mobile SDKs; Canva Connect API relies on web embedding.

Rendering Approach

Real-time, platform-optimized rendering (WebGL, Metal, Vulkan) at 60fps. Optional Node.js server-side rendering.

Server-side rendering entirely on Canva’s cloud infrastructure.

IMG.LY supports hybrid client/server rendering. Canva Connect API renders in the cloud.

Extensive Export & Output Options

Extensive export control with granular settings for resolution, format, color profile, and compression. Supports exporting at custom dimensions, multiple quality presets, and print-ready PDFs with CMYK, bleed, and crop marks. Batch export workflows handle multi-variant generation from templates.

Standard export options for common formats such as PNG, JPEG, PDF, PPTX, MP4, and GIF. Focused on typical digital and presentation outputs with limited customization for professional print workflows.

IMG.LY supports fine-tuned professional exports, including batch and print-ready workflows. Canva Connect API offers standardized exports optimized for simplicity.

Supported File Formats

Broad import/export support including PSD, AI, INDD, SVG, PNG, JPEG, WebP, GIF, MP4, PDF, and HEIC, plus custom scene file formats for editable design states. Also supports vector formats and CMYK color workflows for print-ready outputs.

Supports upload and export of PNG, JPEG, PDF, SVG, MP4, and GIF. Does not support layered or professional design formats such as PSD, AI, or INDD.

IMG.LY enables professional import/export pipelines for print and creative apps. Canva Connect API targets standard web and marketing formats.

Offline Capabilities

Full offline editing and exporting after SDK load. Works without internet connectivity.

Requires active internet connection for all operations.

IMG.LY supports offline workflows; Canva Connect API is online-only.

Mobile Performance

Optimized for 60fps editing on mid-range devices with native rendering and caching.

Performance depends on device and network quality via web view.

IMG.LY provides native performance; Canva Connect API depends on connectivity.

Scalability

Scales from single users to millions. Client-side rendering reduces backend load; optional cloud rendering supports automation.

Scales via Canva’s cloud with rate limits based on API tier.

IMG.LY scales independently; Canva Connect API scalability tied to Canva’s infrastructure.

Storage & Data Ownership

Data stays within client infrastructure (on-prem or cloud). No IMG.LY data storage by default.

All assets and designs stored on Canva’s servers. No self-hosting option.

IMG.LY supports full data control; Canva Connect API hosts all data in Canva’s cloud.

Asset Management

Integrates external DAMs, CDNs, or stock providers (e.g., Getty, Unsplash, Airtable).

Access to Canva’s internal asset library only.

IMG.LY integrates external libraries; Canva Connect API limits to Canva’s assets.

Asset Libraries

API-driven access to custom or third-party libraries. Developers define permissions, contexts, and content sources.

Provides Canva’s stock library of images, videos, and templates. No external DAM integration.

IMG.LY allows multiple content sources; Canva Connect API limits to Canva’s ecosystem.

AI Capabilities

Built-in tools for background removal, text-to-image, style transfer, text-to-video. Supports custom AI model integration.

Includes Canva’s AI tools (Magic Design, Background Remover, Text-to-Image) via embedded editor.

IMG.LY supports extensible AI integration; Canva Connect API limited to Canva’s AI suite.

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Advanced template system with smart placeholders, programmatic data insertion, and dynamic layout generation.

Autofill and Brand Templates APIs support simple dynamic design generation (in preview).

IMG.LY provides advanced templating; Canva Connect API supports basic data-driven editing.

Creative Automation

Automation via APIs for batch design generation, variable data merging, and AI-assisted workflows.

Automation through Autofill and Brand Templates (preview) with limited flexibility.

IMG.LY supports enterprise-scale automation; Canva Connect API limited automation scope.

Localization & Multi-Language Support

Fully localized editor with RTL support, custom terminology, and dynamic language configuration.

Follows Canva account language settings with limited integration-level control.

IMG.LY provides full localization control; Canva Connect API relies on Canva’s defaults.

Compliance & Certifications

Enables organizations to maintain compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.) via self-hosting and custom data control.

Compliance depends on Canva’s enterprise certifications and policies.

IMG.LY enables custom compliance; Canva Connect API relies on Canva’s measures.

Production Readiness

Proven in large-scale enterprise deployments with regular updates and QA.

Production-ready through Canva’s enterprise platform and API stability.

Both are production-ready; IMG.LY offers more deployment flexibility.

Pricing Model

Transparent enterprise licensing based on usage and platform with startup-friendly tiers.

Enterprise pricing available upon request, dependent on usage and feature access.

IMG.LY offers clear pricing tiers; Canva Connect API requires custom enterprise agreements.

Community & Support

Enterprise SLAs, dedicated engineers, onboarding, and architectural consulting. Comprehensive documentation and active developer community.

Enterprise support through Canva’s customer success teams and documentation.

IMG.LY offers dedicated engineering support; Canva Connect API provides enterprise support via Canva.

Customizability

Fully modular, white-label solution with plugin support for tailored workflows.

Limited customization; primarily integrates Canva's existing features into external platforms.

Notes

IMG.LY allows deep customization; Canva Connect API offers limited UI customization options.

White-labeling

Completely white-label, allowing seamless integration with your branding.

Canva branding is mandatory, limiting white-labeling.

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Versatile API to modify templates programmatically, allowing dynamic text, image replacement, resizing.

No programmatic template modification, templates are static.

Custom Workflows

Fully customizable workflows; integrate with any CMS, DAM, PIM, e-commerce platforms.

Fixed workflows tied to Canva’s ecosystem; no ability to modify the editing process or integrate deeply with external systems.

Creative Automation

Supports dynamic content insertion, batch processing, and generative AI for automation.

Limited support via Autofill API which populates templates with form data.

Extensibility

Fully extendable via a plugin system to add unique features.

Limited / no support for custom plugin outside of Canva’s platform.

Platform Support

Cross-platform support for Web, iOS, Android, and server-side; includes offline capabilities.

Web-based, online-only, no offline support.

Privacy

Client side processing and offline support ensures data control and privacy compliance.

Requires hosting data on Canva’s servers, no on-premise option.

Openness & File Compatibility

Can import Photoshop (PSD), InDesign (INDD), and Illustrator (AI) files, and export scene files for saving work-in-progress.

No ability to import external design files (e.g., PSD, AI, INDD). Only exports finished designs as PDFs, PNGs, etc.

Storage & Data Ownership

Full control over design storage, can be hosted on your servers or infrastructure, ensuring data privacy and ownership.

User designs are stored on Canva’s servers; users must have a Canva account to create or edit designs.

Web2Print Designer

Elevate your Web2Print application with best-in-class Design Editor.

Learn More Open Showcase

Creative Automation

Automate & scale content creation with ease.

Learn More Open Showcase

Variable Data Printing

Enable mass-personalization in your design & print workflows.

Learn More Open Showcase

Photo Prints

Provide seamless design experience and inspire users with easily personalized templates.

Learn More Open Showcase

Print Personalization

Streamline personalization for your print products.

Learn More Open Showcase

Apparel Designer

Whether t-shirts, hoodies or caps, build for any use case, deploy on any platform.

Learn More Open Showcase

FAQs

What is the best Canva Connect alternative?

IMG.LY is a great alternative to Canva Connect API, offering a highly customizable design and editing experience that can be embedded into apps. It supports features like flexible template management, and seamless integration with existing workflows, making it a strong choice for businesses looking to offer design tools within their platforms.

How is IMG.LY different from Canva Connect API?

IMG.LY offers a comprehensive SDK that enables businesses to integrate design and video editing capabilities directly into their platforms, providing full customization and control over the user experience. In contrast, Canva is a standalone design tool with a fixed set of features and limited customization options.

Can IMG.LY be used to build a Canva-like experience?

Yes, IMG.LY’s SDK allows developers to create a Canva-like experience within their own application, offering complete UI customization, template support, and multi-user collaboration features.

Does IMG.LY offer a plugin system for extending functionality like Canva?

Yes, IMG.LY is fully extensible via a plugin system, allowing businesses to add unique features tailored to their specific use cases. This level of extensibility is not available in Canva, which offers a fixed set of features.

Can IMG.LY integrate with third-party asset libraries like Canva?

Yes, IMG.LY allows integration with external asset providers like Unsplash and Getty Images.

Does IMG.LY offer pre-made templates like Canva?

Yes, IMG.LY offers pre-made templates but businesses can create and manage their own template libraries.

Which solution is better for enterprises looking for a white-label editor?

IMG.LY is the better choice for enterprises looking for a white-label editor because it allows full branding and UI customization, whereas Canva does not offer a fully white-label solution.

What are the customization options in IMG.LY vs Canva?

IMG.LY offers deep customization, including UI modifications, feature toggles, and branding. Canva has limited customization, mainly around design elements but not its core interface.

Can IMG.LY handle print-ready designs as Canva does?

Yes, IMG.LY supports high-resolution exports, including CMYK color profiles and print-ready PDFs, making it suitable for print applications.

IMG.LY vs. Canva

What makes IMG.LY the best Canva Connect alternative?

Full Customization & White-Labeling

Extensibility & Plugin System

Openness & Interoperability

Creative Automation & Headless Mode

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY vs. Canva API at a Glance

Features

IMG.LY

Canva Connect API

Notes

Primary Use Case

Target Audience

Technical Approach

Editing Features

Advanced Video Editing Features

User Interface

User Experience

White-Labeling

Customizability

Extensibility

Integration

Platform Support

Mobile App Integration

Rendering Approach

Extensive Export & Output Options

Supported File Formats

Offline Capabilities

Mobile Performance

Scalability

Storage & Data Ownership

Asset Management

Asset Libraries

AI Capabilities

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Creative Automation

Localization & Multi-Language Support

Compliance & Certifications

Production Readiness

Pricing Model

Community & Support

IMG.LY

Canva

Customizability

Notes

White-labeling

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Custom Workflows

Creative Automation

Extensibility

Platform Support

Privacy

Openness & File Compatibility

Storage & Data Ownership

Everything you need

Key Capabilities

Editing

Adjustments

Effect & Blur

Element Snapping

Blend Modes & Grouping

Undo & Redo

Printing

Cutout Lines

CMYK/ Spot color support

Templating

Design Templates

Text Variables

Placeholders & Lockable Designs

Configurable Presets

Customizability

Build Custom UIs

Theming

Media Libraries

Toolbar Customization

Internationalization

Export Options

Check Out Other Use Cases

Web2Print Designer