IMG.LY vs DesignCombo Alternative

IMG.LY vs. DesignCombo

Looking to embed professional-grade video and design editing directly into your platform? IMG.LY provides the flexibility, scalability, and customization to match your vision, making CreativeEditor SDK a powerful alternative to DesignCombo.

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. DesignCombo at a Glance

Primary Use Case

End-to-end creative editing SDK for photo, video, and design. Provides pre-built editors, modular SDK components and headless integration options for workflows including social, marketing, print-on-demand and automated content creation.

React-based SDK for video and graphic editors built on the Remotion framework. Enables teams to assemble custom editing experiences from modular components for SaaS video/design tools.

IMG.LY supports both interactive editing and headless automation; DesignCombo offers a component framework requiring deeper customization.

Target Audience

Product and engineering teams needing a production-ready creative editing SDK that integrates into existing apps and workflows, enabling both visual creator experiences and scalable content generation.

Developer teams with strong React expertise building bespoke video and design tools where custom editor architecture is a priority.

IMG.LY targets both creators and developers; DesignCombo focuses on deep technical customization via React.

Technical Approach

Modular SDK architecture including UI components, engine API and templating system. Runs on Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter and Node.js. Enables real-time editing and automation.

Framework built on Remotion’s React composition model. Works exclusively within React/browser environment.

IMG.LY offers cross-platform infrastructure; DesignCombo emphasizes browser/React architecture.

Creative Automation

Headless mode and engine APIs support batch processing, data-merge workflows and programmatic rendering of personalized content at scale.

Strong focus on programmatic rendering via React/Remotion extending to large-scale video generation using cloud infrastructure.

IMG.LY supports both interactive editing and automation; DesignCombo specialises in code-driven automation.

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Template system designed for both end-users and automation: smart placeholders, brand constraints, role-based permissions, and API-driven personalization. Same templates apply to interactive editors and batch workflows.

Templates manifest as React components with props for dynamic behaviour. Ideal for programmatic generation of content, but interactive template editing UI must be built.

IMG.LY unifies interactive template editing and automated workflows; DesignCombo emphasises code-based templating.

Advanced Video Editing

Full-featured video editing engine with timeline-based control, transitions, trimming, keyframe animations, effects, audio synchronization, text overlays, and multi-format export. Frame-accurate editing with 60fps real-time preview and GPU acceleration for professional-grade workflows across web, mobile, and desktop environments.

Built around Remotion’s declarative video composition model, allowing programmatic definition of scenes, animations, and transitions through React components. Interactive editing requires significant development to implement interfaces, timeline control, and playback synchronization.

IMG.LY provides complete interactive video editing out of the box. DesignCombo enables code-driven video generation and requires building interactive editing interfaces manually.

Advanced Design Editing

Comprehensive design capabilities with support for vector and raster editing, layout grids, typography tools, shapes, masks, blending modes, layer management, and precise alignment controls. Enables creation of print-ready, social, and marketing materials with features like CMYK export, bleed, and smart snapping.

Provides modular React components and APIs to build custom design interfaces for editing text, shapes, and images on a canvas. No built-in layout system, asset management, or export tooling. Developers must assemble all design interactions, rendering logic, and editing constraints manually.

IMG.LY includes a full design editor with layout and vector tools. DesignCombo provides primitives for building custom design tools from scratch.

AI Capabilities

Built-in generative and analytic AI tools: background removal, text-to-image/video, style transfer, variant creation. Supports custom AI models via plugin API and accessible both in UI and via headless workflows.

No native AI components; developers can integrate third-party AI services manually but all orchestration must be built.

IMG.LY includes integrated AI; DesignCombo requires custom AI integration.

User Interface

Ships with a production-ready, configurable UI: drag-and-drop tools, panels, asset browsers and live preview. Full theming and layout control allow branding consistency.

Does not include a UI by default. Developers have to build all interface elements using the provided React components.

IMG.LY includes the UI; DesignCombo requires building the UI from primitives.

White-labelling

Fully unbranded SDK: complete control over colours, fonts, icons and layout so the editing experience fits the host application seamlessly.

White-labelling achieved because developers build the UI entirely, branding is fully controlled but also fully implemented by the team.

Both allow branding control; IMG.LY offers branding out of the box.

Interactive Editing

Designed primarily for interactive editor experiences with visual controls and real-time feedback, while also offering headless APIs for automation and batch generation.

Optimised for programmatic generation and code-defined workflows. Interactive editing requires significant UI development effort.

IMG.LY supports both interaction and automation; DesignCombo emphasizes programmatic generation.

Component Architecture

SDK modules let you include only what’s needed (photo, design, video) and combine them seamlessly, while preserving efficient bundle size and performance.

Architecture splits into npm packages where developers compose state, timeline and UI logic manually, choosing how components interconnect.

Both modular; IMG.LY supplies ready modules, DesignCombo demands full assembly.

React Integration Depth

Integrates via SDK components in React apps with standard props and callbacks, without imposing deep coupling or requiring major architectural changes.

Built around React paradigms: editing logic, state management and rendering all happen through React components and hooks. Requires deeper React architecture alignment.

IMG.LY is easier to integrate into existing React apps; DesignCombo is React-native by design.

Cross-Platform Support

Multi-platform support across Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, Electron and Node.js. Common engine ensures consistent rendering and supports offline workflows where applicable.

Built for the web browser via React. Can be wrapped in mobile or desktop containers but lacks dedicated native mobile SDKs.

IMG.LY supports native mobile and desktop; DesignCombo is primarily browser-based.

Customisability

Extensive customization through theming APIs, configuration settings and plugins. Tools may be enabled/disabled, logic injected, workflows extended without modifying core SDK.

Unlimited code-level control: every part of the editor can be replaced or extended via React, but the team must build significant parts themselves.

IMG.LY balances customization and stability; DesignCombo offers total control at the cost of more development effort.

Extensibility

Designed with extensibility in mind: plugin architecture, engine API, backend integration points, asset workflows, AI plugin support, cross-platform from browser to server.

Fully extensible via React/TypeScript: teams create new components, integrate external libraries and extend functionality manually.

IMG.LY provides structured extensibility; DesignCombo focuses on developer-led extensibility.

Ease of Integration

Low barrier to entry: JavaScript/TypeScript developers can integrate quickly. Documentation, examples, ready SDKs across frameworks and full REST + WebSocket APIs for backend workflows.

Integration via React application architecture: connects to state management (Redux, Zustand), routing and data layers. Backend integration must be built manually.

IMG.LY supports both frontend and backend integration with less friction. DesignCombo requires deeper architecture work.

Rendering Approach

Real-time editing through client-side rendering (60fps) and optional server-side rendering for bulk workflows and automation. Uses WebAssembly and native APIs (WebGL, Metal, Vulkan) depending on platform.

Uses Remotion-based rendering: declarative React components describe scenes, rendering may occur in browser or in server/cloud (e.g., Lambda). Performance depends on browser or server infrastructure.

IMG.LY supports interactive and automated rendering across platforms; DesignCombo emphasises browser/Remotion infrastructure.

Mobile Performance

Native SDK for iOS and Android with touch-friendly controls, gesture support, optimized memory and GPU usage. Maintains responsive editing even on mid-range devices.

Web-based performance relies on browser and WebGL; developers must optimise mobile UX and gestures manually.

IMG.LY offers optimized mobile editing; DesignCombo is constrained by browser/mobile wrappers.

Scalability

Made for production at scale: client-side editing distributes compute among devices; server-side rendering and automation pipelines scale workforce. Trusted in high-volume deployments.

Scalable for rendering tasks (via distributed servers), but interactive scaling depends on browser performance and architecture built by the team.

IMG.LY ready for large-scale creator apps; DesignCombo capable of scale but depends heavily on custom architecture.

Storage & Data Ownership

Flexible storage architecture: client-side only, self-hosted or cloud deployments. Data remains under customer control; optional server workflows.

Data persistence and export workflows are custom built by the developer. No built-in storage or asset pipeline.

IMG.LY supports full control of data flow; DesignCombo leaves storage and ownership to the implementer.

Asset Management

Built-in asset library system with search, filtering, tagging, and integrations (e.g., Getty Images, Unsplash, Airtable). Custom asset sources via API supported.

No built-in asset library; developers must build asset upload, search, filtering and browsing functionality themselves.

IMG.LY offers asset management; DesignCombo requires custom asset infrastructure.

Extensive File Format Support

Broad design and media format support: import PSD, AI, INDD, SVG, PNG, JPEG, video formats; export PNG, JPEG, WebP, PDF, MP4 and print-ready CMYK workflows.

Browser/React environment format support: mostly web formats (PNG, JPEG, WebM, MP4) and developer-implemented export options.

IMG.LY supports professional formats; DesignCombo supports typical web-based formats and requires custom export.

Production Readiness

Proven across enterprise apps and major creative workloads. Continuous updates, quality assurance, security compliance and cross-platform validation built in.

Framework stability provided, but production readiness depends heavily on the implementation quality and team expertise.

IMG.LY is enterprise-grade out of the box; DesignCombo demands rigorous custom implementation.

Offline Capabilities

Full offline editing and export support when SDK is initialized. Ideal for mobile and desktop applications with limited connectivity.

Limited offline support: browser caching is possible, but full offline workflows and offline sync require custom development.

IMG.LY supports full offline workflows; DesignCombo offers limited offline capabilities.

Clear Pricing Model

Enterprise licensing based on usage, scale and platform support. Transparent terms and an evaluation option.

Custom commercial pricing plus significant development investment.

IMG.LY offers predictable enterprise licensing; DesignCombo’s cost includes development overhead.

Community & Support

Onboarding, solution engineers, documentation, examples and enterprise support. Powers over 500 million creations per month.

Community-driven documentation and examples. Focused on React developer base, with less emphasis on enterprise support.

IMG.LY offers large-scale adoption and dedicated enterprise support; DesignCombo relies on developer community.

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. DesignCombo

What makes IMG.LY the best DesignCombo alternative?

Advanced Video and Design Editing

Headless Integration & UI Customization

Cross-Platform SDK Suite

AI & Creative Automation

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY vs. DesignCombo at a Glance

Features

IMG.LY

DesignCombo

Notes

Primary Use Case

Target Audience

Technical Approach

Creative Automation

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Advanced Video Editing

Advanced Design Editing

AI Capabilities

User Interface

White-labelling

Interactive Editing

Component Architecture

React Integration Depth

Cross-Platform Support

Customisability

Extensibility

Ease of Integration

Rendering Approach

Mobile Performance

Scalability

Storage & Data Ownership

Asset Management

Extensive File Format Support

Production Readiness

Offline Capabilities

Clear 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

Creative Automation

Variable Data Printing

Photo Prints