IMG.LY vs Cloudinary Alternative

IMG.LY vs Cloudinary
Media Editor

The best Cloudinary Media Editor alternative for
a full-featured creative SDK that brings advanced design, video editing, and automation capabilities out of the box.

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. Cloudinary Media Editor at a Glance

Primary Use Case

Cross-platform SDK architecture serving two main contexts: embedding full-featured editors into apps for end-user creation, and running headless for backend automation. Supports video production and graphic design through one unified platform. Used by organizations to power both customer-facing tools and automated content workflows using the same infrastructure.

Browser-based JavaScript widget for basic image editing in web apps. Includes standard tools like crop, resize, rotate, overlays, and format conversion. Video editing is in Beta and limited to a single trim operation. Requires a Cloudinary subscription for asset storage and processing.

IMG.LY offers a comprehensive SDK for full creative editing and automation across all platforms. Cloudinary provides a lightweight browser-based editor that depends on its cloud platform.

Target Audience

Product and development teams embedding creative tools into applications across industries like marketing, e-commerce, and social platforms. Ideal for enterprises needing both user-facing editors and automation, while maintaining full infrastructure and data control.

Web developers adding basic editing to Cloudinary-powered apps. Suited for marketing teams and content creators who need quick browser-based edits without designer involvement.

IMG.LY targets enterprise-grade creative workflows. Cloudinary Media Editor suits existing Cloudinary users with simple editing needs.

Technical Approach

Embeddable SDK offering three modes: ready-made UI components, custom UI development via APIs, or headless automation. Runs across browsers, mobile, desktop, and Node.js servers with local or on-premise processing—no external dependencies required.

JavaScript widget integrated via native code. Requires a Cloudinary account and uploads to its cloud infrastructure. Editing is processed through Cloudinary’s APIs using transformation URLs. No standalone or headless functionality.

IMG.LY provides a flexible SDK with full control over infrastructure. Cloudinary relies entirely on its cloud platform.

Advanced Design Editing

Full-featured design suite supporting vector graphics, typography, layout systems, and collaboration. Enables complex compositions, adaptive layouts, and exports to PNG, JPEG, WebP, TGA, and PDF.

Basic editing tools: crop, resize, rotate, flip, overlays, and format conversion. No vector or text tools, layout control, or templates.

IMG.LY offers a professional design editor; Cloudinary provides only basic image manipulation.

Advanced Video Editing

Professional multi-track timeline with video, audio, graphics, and effects layers. WebCodecs processes MP4s directly in-browser. Supports both manual timeline editing and automated video assembly via APIs.

Video editing with basic trim only. No multi-track support, transitions, or effects. Cannot combine clips or automate editing.

IMG.LY delivers a full-featured video editor; Cloudinary offers only basic trimming.

File Format Support

Import: images, videos, audio, templates (InDesign, Photoshop), and animations (Lottie). Export: images, video, PDF, and ZIP archives. Supports transparency, custom resolution, compression, and metadata.

Imports from Cloudinary assets only. Exports standard formats (JPEG, PNG, WebP) through Cloudinary transformations. No PDF export or template import.

IMG.LY supports a much wider range of formats and professional templates. Cloudinary depends on platform-supported image formats.

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Intelligent, adaptive template system that adjusts layouts automatically. Templates can be edited visually or programmatically and support collaborative workflows with access control.

No template support. Editing is manual per asset. Transformations are saved as URLs; any automation must be handled outside the widget.

IMG.LY includes a powerful template system; Cloudinary Media Editor does not.

Creative Automation

Fully supports automated asset generation alongside manual editing. Headless Node.js operation enables API-based workflows that use the same SDK as the visual editor.

No automation or headless mode. Automation requires using Cloudinary APIs separately.

IMG.LY unifies automation and editing; Cloudinary separates them.

AI Capabilities

Extensible AI framework for smart layout optimization and custom AI integrations. Works as an assistant, enhancing design balance while allowing full manual control.

No AI features in the widget. Some AI tools (e.g., background removal) are only accessible via Cloudinary APIs.

IMG.LY offers built-in, customizable AI features. Cloudinary Media Editor does not include AI in the editing interface.

Asset Management

Connects directly to external libraries like Getty, Unsplash, and Airtable with full data governance. Unified interface for all asset types—no vendor data access.

Relies solely on Cloudinary DAM for storage and retrieval. No third-party integration within the widget.

IMG.LY supports federated asset management; Cloudinary depends on its DAM.

User Interface

Modular, production-ready UI components with full customization or headless operation. Supports both user-facing and backend workflows from one SDK.

Fixed widget with limited configuration. No custom UI or headless mode.

IMG.LY offers flexible UI architecture; Cloudinary provides a fixed widget.

White-labeling

Zero-branding SDK that allows complete rebranding, UI restructuring, and design system integration. Fully internationalized and headless-capable.

Branding and theming configurable within limits. Customization varies by subscription tier.

Both support white-labeling; IMG.LY allows deeper architectural control.

Interactive Editing

Real-time visual feedback with GPU acceleration across web, mobile, and desktop. Consistent, latency-free performance without server dependency.

Real-time editing for basic actions in browsers. Dependent on browser and network performance.

IMG.LY offers broader platform support; Cloudinary works only in browsers.

Multi-Layer Editing

Supports unlimited layers (video, graphics, audio) with blending, grouping, and hierarchy controls.

Single overlay layer only—no true multi-layer functionality.

IMG.LY provides professional layer management; Cloudinary supports only basic overlays.

Component Architecture

Modular SDK with plugin framework and customizable integration patterns (UI, custom, or headless).

Fixed widget architecture with no plugin or extension system.

IMG.LY offers an extensible SDK; Cloudinary does not.

Cross-Platform Support

Runs on web (React, Vue, Angular, Svelte), mobile (iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter), desktop (Electron, macOS), and backend (Node.js).

Web-only widget with no native or cross-platform mobile support.

IMG.LY supports all major platforms; Cloudinary is browser-only.

Customizability

Deep configuration for UI, workflows, and infrastructure. Full control through APIs and role-based permissions.

Customization through predefined widget options (feature toggles, localization, output settings).

IMG.LY provides full programmatic control; Cloudinary offers limited configuration.

Extensibility

Plugin-based system for extending UI, processing, and integrations while staying upgrade-safe.

No plugin system; extensions must be built externally.

IMG.LY supports true extensibility; Cloudinary does not.

Ease of Integration

Comprehensive documentation and SDKs for all major platforms. Pre-built editors available for quick setup via npm, CocoaPods, or Maven.

Simple to integrate in web apps via JavaScript. Requires a Cloudinary account and setup.

Both easy to integrate for web; IMG.LY supports more platforms.

Flexible Rendering Approach

Dual rendering modes: client-side (GPU) for privacy and performance, or server-side for automation. Ensures pixel-identical results across environments.

Browser-only rendering connected to Cloudinary servers. No local or headless rendering.

IMG.LY offers flexible local or server rendering; Cloudinary relies on cloud rendering only.

Mobile Performance

Native mobile SDKs with optimized performance and feature parity with desktop.

No mobile support; browser-only.

IMG.LY offers full native mobile editing; Cloudinary does not.

Production Readiness

Proven enterprise deployment generating 500M+ outputs monthly. Offers dedicated engineering support and SLAs.

Stable, production-ready widget for basic needs.

Both are production-ready, but IMG.LY serves enterprise workflows.

Scalability

Scales both interactively (client-side rendering) and automatically (server-side generation). Handles millions of assets or users simultaneously.

Scales via Cloudinary’s cloud infrastructure but lacks automation or batch processing.

IMG.LY scales across both manual and automated workflows; Cloudinary does not.

Storage & Data Ownership

Full on-premise or local deployment with zero data exfiltration. Assets never leave the organization’s control.

Requires uploading and processing via Cloudinary servers. Dependent on their infrastructure for storage.

IMG.LY ensures full data ownership; Cloudinary requires cloud storage.

Offline Capabilities

Fully functional offline after initial setup. Local rendering and exports without internet dependency.

Requires continuous internet connection; all processing handled by Cloudinary servers.

IMG.LY works offline; Cloudinary is cloud-dependent.

Clear Pricing Model

Usage-based enterprise licensing tailored to deployment and scale. Evaluation access included. Transparent pricing with documentation.

Included in Cloudinary subscriptions. Pricing tied to overall platform usage (transformations, storage, bandwidth).

IMG.LY offers flexible enterprise licensing; Cloudinary includes the editor in its paid tiers.

Community & Support

Extensive documentation and dedicated enterprise support, including solution architects and SLAs.

Documentation and support provided through Cloudinary’s standard channels. Tiered by plan level.

IMG.LY offers dedicated enterprise support; Cloudinary offers tiered platform support.

Full Customization & White-Labeling

Fully customizable, allowing complete control over UI, branding, and functionality.

Limited branding options in prebuilt UI.

Advanced Editing Features

Full-featured image, design, and multi-track video editor.

Basic photo and video editing (crop, rotate, trim, filters, stickers).

Multi-Layer & Media Support

Layered editing with text, image, video, vectors, and overlays.

No layer system; single-layer editing only.

Platform & Framework Support

Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, Electron, macOS.

Web-based only.

Extensibility

Plugin architecture allows adding custom tools and workflows.

Limited extensibility via Cloudinary transformations or widgets.

Templating System

Dynamic templates with placeholders, layout constraints, and automation.

No built-in templating system.

Creative Automation

Headless API for programmatic design generation and batch workflows.

Automation limited to media delivery and transformation APIs.

Advanced Video Editing

Multi-track timeline with overlays, transitions, effects, and audio support.

Basic trimming, cropping, and rotating.

Design File Conversion

Import PSD, INDD, AI files with editable layers.

No support for design file imports.

Asset Libraries

Built-in integrations with Getty, Unsplash, and custom libraries.

Cloudinary-hosted assets only.

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 Cloudinary Media Editor alternative?

If you’re building a creative platform, social design tool, or marketing content studio, IMG.LY is a great alternative to Cloudinary’s built-in editor. You’ll get full editing, automation, and UI control in one SDK.

What are the key differences between IMG.LY and Cloudinary’s Media Editor?

Cloudinary’s Media Editor is great for lightweight use cases like cropping, trimming, and simple filters. IMG.LY goes far beyond that with layered design, multi-track video editing, automation APIs, and full customization for SaaS and enterprise use.

Do both solutions support templating or creative automation?

Not directly. You can build dynamic assets via URL parameters, but you’ll need to custom-code any kind of user-facing template system. IMG.LY includes built-in support for dynamic templates, placeholders, and automated content generation.

Which solution offers better integration options for SaaS platforms?

IMG.LY is designed for seamless integration into SaaS tools, creative platforms, and custom workflows. It offers UI configuration, SDKs for multiple platforms, and a plugin system to tailor the editor to any use case.

Can I use both for cross-platform apps?

Cloudinary’s Media Editor is browser-based. IMG.LY supports cross-platform deployment across mobile, desktop, and web.

Does IMG.LY and Cloudinary Media Editor support layered design files like PSD or AI?

Only IMG.LY supports importing layered design files for editing. Cloudinary supports media storage and delivery, but no layered file editing.

Do both support advanced video editing?

Cloudinary supports basic trimming and effects. IMG.LY offers a full video editing timeline, with support for transitions, overlays, audio, and export.

Is the UI customizable on both platforms?

Cloudinary allows light branding. IMG.LY offers full UI customization and theming with white-label support.

Which platform is more scalable for building a full creative experience?

IMG.LY is purpose-built for scaling creative tools, from media editing and automation to full design workflows, making it a better fit for teams building next-gen content creation platforms.

IMG.LY vs Cloudinary Media Editor

What makes IMG.LY the best Cloudinary Media Editor alternative?

Fully-Featured Design Editor

Creative Automation & Headless Mode

Extensibility & Plugin System

Cross-Platform

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY vs. Cloudinary Media Editor at a Glance

Features

IMG.LY

Cloudinary Media Editor

Notes

Primary Use Case

Target Audience

Technical Approach

Advanced Design Editing

Advanced Video Editing

File Format Support

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Creative Automation

AI Capabilities

Asset Management

User Interface

White-labeling

Interactive Editing

Multi-Layer Editing

Component Architecture

Cross-Platform Support

Customizability

Extensibility

Ease of Integration

Flexible Rendering Approach

Mobile Performance

Production Readiness

Scalability

Storage & Data Ownership

Offline Capabilities

Clear Pricing Model

Community & Support

IMG.LY

Cloudinary Media Editor

Full Customization & White-Labeling

Advanced Editing Features

Multi-Layer & Media Support

Platform & Framework Support

Extensibility

Templating System

Creative Automation

Advanced Video Editing

Design File Conversion

Asset Libraries

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

Creative Automation

Variable Data Printing

Photo Prints

Print Personalization

IMG.LY vs Cloudinary
Media Editor