IMG.LY vs CHILI GraFx
Looking for full customization, scalability, and enterprise-grade features? With IMG.LY, you get it all. See why CreativeEditor SDK is the best alternative to CHILI GraFx.
What makes IMG.LY the best CHILI GraFx alternative?
Full customization & white-labeling
A fully customizable, white-label solution where you control the UI, branding, and functionality.
Extensibility & plugin system
Supports custom plugins and extensibility, allowing businesses to tailor the editor to specific use cases.
Advanced print & digital design editing
Provides powerful design tools for print and digital media, enabling rich template-based customization and automation.
Cross-platform support
Runs on Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, macOS, Electron, and Node.js for maximum flexibility.
Trusted by 100+
industry leaders
What our clients say about us
Integrating IMG.LY’s editor meant we didn’t have to build or maintain a complex editing layer ourselves. That kept our team focused on our core AI ad engine and saved us countless development hours — while still giving our customers the ability to polish and customize creatives at scale.
Hikari Senju
CEO, Omneky
With IMG.LY we built a central creative portal that now powers over 140 dealer campaigns across multiple automotive brands. Before this, asset creation was slow and inconsistent.
Martin Röhr
Product Owner, Digitas
By embedding IMG.LY’s editor we were able to hit key RFP requirements and deliver a template-based creative experience that now serves 1,000+ customers. It helped us win more deals and exceed enterprise expectations without needing to hire dedicated design teams.
Rob Driscoll
Director of PM, Optimizely
Since integrating IMG.LY’s editor, we now deliver 30,000+ ad creatives per month, dramatically shorten time-to-launch, and help our clients cut design spend by up to $10,000 per month.
Logan Welbaum
Founder, Plai
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, SwissPost
From a developer’s perspective, the most powerful feature of the photo editor is the integration process. It was completely flawless, quick, and easy to integrate.
Stefano Fornari
CTO, Funambol
We compared IMG.LY SDK with other solutions and found that it would be the best fit for us since it provides all the features that are crucial for our use case.
Carem Pereira
SCRUM Manager, HP
IMG.LY vs. CHILI GraFx at a glance
| Feature | IMG.LY | CHILI GraFx | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Case | SDK enabling in-app content editing and large-scale automated asset generation. Supports commercial print workflows, graphic design, and video creation. Handles both user-driven editing and backend automation through a single engine that serves interactive and headless use cases. | Cloud platform automating multichannel content production through Smart Templates. Supports print, digital static and animated output. Templates are built in the browser-based GraFx Studio, and output is generated in the platform apps or headless through its API. | IMG.LY offers one SDK for editing and automation across video, design, and print. CHILI GraFx focuses on cloud-based template automation for marketing and publishing. |
| Target Audience | Designed for teams building creative tools and automation workflows. Used by print platforms, marketing systems, e-learning solutions, and enterprises combining user editing with automated content generation. | Built for marketing, brand, and design teams producing high volumes of print and digital assets. Supports distributed content creation through brand-managed templates. | IMG.LY targets developers and product teams integrating creative functionality. CHILI GraFx serves marketing organizations focused on template-based production at scale. |
| Technical Approach | Single SDK supporting three integration modes: ready-to-use editor, custom UI via APIs, or headless automation. Operates across web, mobile, desktop, and server environments under full infrastructure control. | Cloud-based SaaS platform hosted on Microsoft Azure with API-first design. The GraFx Studio editor engine embeds via the JavaScript Studio SDK. | IMG.LY provides flexible client-side and server-side deployment. CHILI GraFx is a cloud-based SaaS platform on Microsoft Azure whose editor engine embeds via the Studio SDK. |
| Advanced Design Editing | Canvas engine supporting vector graphics, typography, layout tools, and image manipulation for digital and print outputs. Includes CMYK and Pantone color support, adaptive layouts, and multi-page documents. Available for both interactive editing and automated generation. | GraFx Studio editor for creating templates with text, image, shape and barcode frames. Studio outputs print PDFs with CMYK and named spot colors, bleed, crop marks and overprint. | Both support professional print workflows. IMG.LY enables interactive design and automation with one engine. CHILI GraFx emphasizes brand-controlled template editing. |
| File Format Support | Imports and exports a wide range of creative and production formats including JPEG, PNG, SVG, WebP, PDF, PDF/X, MP4, and native template formats. Imports Adobe InDesign (IDML) and Photoshop (PSD) files with layers intact, so existing design work carries over, and exports designs back to IDML and to PSD (on the server). Ensures consistent rendering and format parity across both interactive and automated pipelines. | Imports JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, EPS, PSD and AI files as assets, and converts Adobe InDesign and Photoshop documents into templates through exporter plugins (Figma is experimental). Outputs PDF, JPG, PNG, GIF and MP4, with HTML output experimental. | IMG.LY supports modern print, digital and video formats. CHILI GraFx converts InDesign and Photoshop designs into templates and outputs print and digital formats. |
| Templating & Dynamic Editing | Templates automatically adapt when content changes. Supports both manual editing and programmatic population through APIs using the same structure. Access controls define editable regions. | Templates use Brand Kits, variables and constraints to control what end users can edit. Anchoring attaches frames to the page or to other frames, so designs adapt to different sizes. Layouts with inheritance hold format variants of the same design. | Both offer adaptive, data-driven templates. IMG.LY emphasizes flexibility across workflows; CHILI GraFx focuses on strict brand governance. |
| Creative Automation | Headless mode running on Node.js for automated asset generation using the same templates as in-app editors. Connects to databases, CRMs, and spreadsheets for personalized outputs. | Automation through the REST Environment API and data connectors. Data source batches export PDF, JPG, PNG, GIF and MP4 files. | IMG.LY unifies editing and automation under one SDK on any infrastructure. CHILI GraFx automates output through its hosted API. |
| AI Capabilities | Extensible framework for integrating custom AI models alongside built-in layout optimization. Smart layout features automatically rebalance designs when content changes. | GraFx Genie Smart Crop detects the subject area and point of interest of an image so a frame keeps the subject in view across formats. Genie also writes JavaScript Actions from plain-language prompts, and GraFx Labs (experimental) generates product images. | Both provide AI-driven layout assistance. IMG.LY supports custom AI integration; CHILI GraFx uses AI for smart cropping, Action scripts and experimental product images. |
| Advanced Video Editing | Timeline-based editor supporting multiple tracks for video, audio, images, and graphics with frame-accurate control. Enables programmatic video generation and interactive editing across web, mobile, and server environments. | Timeline animation of template frames (intro, emphasis and outro) in digital animated layouts, exported as MP4 or GIF. Image frames hold static images. | IMG.LY supports advanced video editing with automation. CHILI GraFx focuses on lightweight animation for marketing graphics. |
| Asset Management | Connects directly to Getty Images, Unsplash, and Pexels with optional custom asset source integration. Assets remain within the user’s infrastructure and under full data control. | GraFx Media manages assets on CHILI’s cloud and integrates with external DAMs such as Acquia DAM and Canto. Supports metadata preservation and brand compliance. | IMG.LY allows local or custom-managed assets. CHILI GraFx provides cloud-based asset storage with DAM integrations. |
| User Interface | Ships with a ready-to-deploy editor that can be customized or replaced using APIs. Headless mode available for automation without UI. | The open-source Studio UI is a ready-made end-user workspace for integrations, and its alpha UI options can hide configurable widgets. The template designer workspace cannot be embedded. | IMG.LY supports full UI customization and headless operation. CHILI GraFx provides configurable browser-based editing. |
| White-labeling | Delivered with no vendor branding. All interface elements and visual components can be fully customized or restructured. | GraFx Experience portals carry the customer logo, colors and login page, and the Studio UI can be themed with custom colors and font styles through its alpha UI options. | IMG.LY includes zero branding by default. CHILI GraFx supports branded portals and Studio UI theming. |
| Interactive Editing | Real-time, GPU-accelerated editing with instant feedback across web, mobile, and desktop. Consistent performance for drag, resize, and playback operations. | Real-time browser-based editing with immediate visual feedback in GraFx Studio. | Both offer interactive editing. IMG.LY supports cross-platform operation; CHILI GraFx edits in the browser. |
| Multi-Layer Editing | Supports unlimited stacking of video, image, audio, and graphic layers with blending, grouping, and masking. Layer system identical across all platforms and workflows. | Frames stack in layers with blend modes, opacity, drop shadows and image clipping masks. | Both stack layers with blending and masking: IMG.LY across video, image, audio and graphic layers, CHILI GraFx across frames with blend modes, opacity, drop shadows and clipping masks. |
| Component Architecture | Modular engine with separate editor and rendering components. Supports plugin extensions and three integration modes: full editor, custom UI, or headless automation. | Web applications (GraFx Studio, GraFx Experience, Media, Fonts, Brand Kits) on one platform, integrated through the Studio SDK, the REST Environment API and the Connector Framework. | IMG.LY offers modular architecture with extensible components. CHILI GraFx provides modular web applications connected by APIs. |
| Cross-Platform Support | Compatible with major web frameworks (React, Angular, Vue, Svelte, Next.js) and native mobile (iOS, Android), desktop (Electron, macOS), and server (Node.js). Templates render identically across all platforms. | Web-based platform whose apps run in the browser, with first-party support for Chromium-based browsers and best-effort support for Safari on macOS and iOS and for Firefox. | IMG.LY delivers true cross-platform deployment. CHILI GraFx runs through browser-based apps and its APIs. |
| Customizability | Full customization of toolbars, workflows, and permissions through APIs. Supports CMYK and Pantone for print and role-based configurations for multi-tenant systems. | Integrators can build their own end-user front end on the Studio SDK and Environment API in place of the Studio UI. Role-based access control sets what each user can see and do across the platform, per environment. | IMG.LY customizes toolbars, workflows and permissions through APIs. CHILI GraFx supports custom end-user front ends and role-based access per environment. |
| Extensibility | Plugin framework extending UI components, export formats, asset sources, and processing pipelines without altering SDK source. | Connector framework for integrations with external systems (DAM, PIM, CMS) and scripting in JavaScript for template automation. | IMG.LY offers plugin-based extensibility with version stability. CHILI GraFx provides connector-based integrations and scripting. |
| Ease of Integration | Comprehensive documentation with platform-specific guides and ready-to-use examples across web, mobile, and server environments. Full SDK access available during evaluation. | Documentation covering SDK usage, API integration, and connector development. Includes code samples and demo projects. | IMG.LY offers multi-platform documentation and sample integrations. CHILI GraFx provides detailed web integration resources. |
| Flexible Rendering Approach | Flexible rendering architecture: client-side mode uses device GPUs for interactive editing with local data, while server-side rendering via the CE.SDK Renderer supports automated generation on Node.js infrastructure. A unified engine guarantees consistent, pixel-identical output across browsers and backend workflows. The choice depends on the use case, not on technical limitations. | Much of the calculation, such as moving frames and showing animation, runs on the client, while final output is rendered by server routines on CHILI GraFx. | IMG.LY supports client- and server-side rendering under user control. CHILI GraFx renders final output on its own servers. |
| Production Readiness | Proven at enterprise scale generating over 500 million assets monthly. Continuous updates ensure backward compatibility. Offers multi-tier support and solution engineering assistance. | CHILI GraFx is a hosted platform serving clients around the world, with ongoing Studio releases. It offers support through a support portal and email, and backs the service with round-the-clock monitoring and ISO 27001 certification. | Both are production-ready. IMG.LY pairs continuous, backward-compatible updates with multi-tier support; CHILI GraFx ships ongoing Studio releases and offers portal and email support. |
| Scalability | Distributes processing between client devices and server infrastructure. Scales horizontally for both individual editing sessions and automated batch generation without performance loss. | Large variable-data runs through the Output API are split across several requests and merged afterwards. Capacity for concurrent editing sessions and output volume is not documented. | IMG.LY scales through distributed client and server workloads. CHILI GraFx splits large batch runs across several API requests. |
| Storage & Data Ownership | Processes and stores all data within user infrastructure. No mandatory external storage or cloud dependencies. Full control over data location and access. | Stores templates, assets and output in a data center region the customer selects, encrypted in transit and at rest; account data stays in West Europe. | IMG.LY provides full data control and local processing. CHILI GraFx stores content in hosted data center regions. |
| Offline Capabilities | Fully functional offline after initial SDK load. Supports local editing, rendering, and exporting for mobile and desktop applications. | Offline editing is not documented. | IMG.LY supports offline workflows. |
| Variable Data Publishing | Supports both manual data entry and automated data population through APIs. Batch generation on your own infrastructure, using the same template structure, bounded only by the servers you run. | Variable data printing from structured files (CSV, Excel, XML), databases and data connectors such as CSV and Google Sheets. Variable data sent through the Output API is PDF only, with per-request limits. | Both support variable data publishing. IMG.LY scales horizontally on infrastructure you run; CHILI GraFx provides structured VDP with batch limits. |
| Clear Pricing Model | Enterprise licensing based on deployment scale, features, and usage volume. Includes access to the full SDK during evaluation with no per-user limits. | Subscription with sandbox and production environments. | IMG.LY uses enterprise licensing covering all platforms and features. CHILI GraFx is sold as a subscription. |
| Community & Support | Platform documentation across web, mobile, desktop, and server SDKs. Offers enterprise SLAs and direct engineering support for integrations and optimization. | Documentation, support tickets by email or through a support portal that not every account can access, and training material in the CHILI publish Academy. | IMG.LY offers enterprise SLAs and direct engineering support. CHILI GraFx offers support tickets by email or through a support portal, documentation and Academy training. |
Key capabilities
Learn more about some of the functionalities of IMG.LY’s SDK.
Editing
Printing
Templating
Text variables.
Enable mass personalization and creative automation by embedding variables.
Placeholders & lockable designs.
Constrain templates to guide your users’ design and ensure brand consistency.
Configurable presets.
Enforce a consistent aesthetic across all creations by using preset filters, adjustments, fonts, and crop ratios.
Customizability
Build custom UIs.
Use the headless API powering all creative operations to implement an entirely custom UI.
Theming.
Theme the editor to match your app.
Media libraries.
Set up custom libraries that are easily sortable.
Toolbar customization.
Reposition toolbar elements, change icons, or rename tools to fit your use case.
Internationalization.
Add support for additional languages, and customize any button label.
Export options.
Export designs in JPG, PNG, or PDF with custom quality, page ranges, and dimensions.
Check out other use cases
Learn more about related solutions.
Apparel Designer
Whether t-shirts, hoodies or caps, build for any use case, deploy on any platform.
Get in touch
Contact our sales team to learn more about licensing options and get access to our AI plugins for CE.SDK.
FAQs
If you're looking for a comprehensive, customizable alternative to CHILI GraFx, IMG.LY's CreativeEditor SDK is a strong option. It offers advanced digital and print design editing, AI-powered automation, and multi-platform support.
IMG.LY supports both digital and print design workflows, AI-powered creative automation, and extensive third-party integrations. CHILI GraFx is a hosted platform for multichannel template automation, with print, digital static and animated output built in the browser-based GraFx Studio and generated in its apps or through its API.
Yes. CHILI GraFx produces print PDFs, digital static images (PNG, JPG) and animated MP4 and GIF output, with a print or digital intent set per layout of a Smart Template; HTML output is experimental. IMG.LY supports both print and digital design with extensive customization and automation capabilities.
Yes. CHILI GraFx automates output through its API and data connectors, and GraFx Genie adds Smart Crop and writes JavaScript Actions from prompts; generative product images sit in the experimental GraFx Labs. IMG.LY provides AI-powered automation, including dynamic content insertion, batch processing, and generative AI features.
IMG.LY supports Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, macOS, Electron, and Node.js, making it highly versatile. CHILI GraFx apps run in the browser.
IMG.LY integrates with third-party libraries like Unsplash and Getty Images for asset management. CHILI GraFx stores assets in GraFx Media and connects to DAM systems such as Acquia DAM, Bynder, Canto, Keepeek and Sitecore Content Hub through media connectors.
IMG.LY provides a plugin system for deep customization. CHILI GraFx is extended through its Connector Framework (custom media and data connectors), JavaScript Actions in templates, the open-source Studio SDK and its REST API.
IMG.LY supports translation and internationalization, including multi-language UI support, localization tools, and RTL text handling for global audiences. CHILI GraFx renders right-to-left and complex scripts, and its embeddable Studio UI accepts experimental translations for UI labels, variables and layouts plus a right-to-left layout.