IMG.LY vs Fabric.js Alternative

IMG.LY vs Fabric.js

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 Fabric.js.

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. Fabric.js at a Glance

Primary Use Case

Cross-platform SDK with dual-purpose architecture: embeds interactive visual editors for user-facing applications and provides headless automation for programmatic asset generation. Handles video production, graphic design, and print workflows through unified technical foundation. Organizations deploy for consumer-facing creative tools and backend content pipelines using identical infrastructure. Templates execute consistently whether users edit through interfaces or systems generate outputs via automation APIs.

JavaScript canvas library providing object-oriented abstraction over HTML5 Canvas 2D API. Developers build custom graphics applications, interactive visualizations, and design tools from canvas primitives. Handles shapes, paths, text, images, and SVG manipulation with event handling and animations. Used as low-level foundation requiring custom implementation of editors, workflows, and UI components.

IMG.LY provides complete production-ready platform for both user-facing editing and backend automation. Fabric.js provides low-level canvas primitives requiring extensive custom application development.

Target Audience

Product teams at print-on-demand platforms, marketing automation tools, e-commerce personalization services, and digital asset management systems. Enterprise development teams building white-labeled creative tools for end customers. Organizations seeking production-ready SDK eliminating months of development time while maintaining brand control and infrastructure ownership.

Web developers building custom canvas applications from ground up. Requires JavaScript expertise to construct editing interfaces and functionality. Appeals to engineering teams needing granular control over implementation and willing to develop custom solutions. Used by organizations like Meta and Microsoft as foundation for proprietary graphics systems.

IMG.LY targets enterprises seeking production-ready solutions with comprehensive dual-purpose capabilities. Fabric.js targets developers willing to build complete custom applications from low-level primitives.

Technical Approach

SDK architecture offering three operational modes: deploy production-ready UI components, construct custom interfaces with engine APIs, or execute headless for automation. Cross-platform engine maintains rendering consistency across browsers, mobile applications, and Node.js servers. Organizations select deployment architecture and maintain infrastructure control without external service dependencies.

JavaScript library wrapping HTML5 Canvas 2D context with object-oriented interface. Extends native canvas with event handling, animations, layering, and node management. Developers implement all editing features, UI components, and workflows using library primitives. Supports Node.js server-side rendering with additional canvas backend packages (node-canvas or skia-canvas). Framework-agnostic with bindings for React, Vue, Svelte, and Angular.

IMG.LY offers more comprehensive SDK with production-ready UI, custom modes, and headless operation across all platforms. Fabric.js offers low-level canvas library requiring extensive custom development.

Advanced Design Editing

Complete design editing suite with vector graphics, text manipulation, layout systems, and print-ready output. CMYK and Pantone color space handling for commercial printing. Collage composition, web-to-print templates, professional typography, adaptive layouts, and role-based permissions. Exports PNG, JPEG, TGA, binary, and PDF formats for digital and print distribution.

Canvas drawing primitives for shapes, text, and images. Developers implement design editing features using node system and transformation APIs. No built-in design editor, templates, typography controls, or print workflows. Requires building UI components, selection tools, property panels, and export functionality. Polotno represents example of design editor built on Fabric.js foundation.

IMG.LY offers production-ready design editor with comprehensive print workflows and commercial color support. Fabric.js provides only basic canvas primitives requiring complete custom editor development.

File Format Support

Import: Images (PNG, JPEG, JPG, GIF, WebP, SVG, BMP); Video (MP4, MOV with codec requirements); Audio (MP3, M4A, MP4, MOV); Templates (IDML InDesign, PSD Photoshop, Scene native format); Lottie animations (JSON). Export: Images (PNG, JPEG, WebP, TGA); Video (MP4); Print (PDF); Scene and Archive (ZIP) formats. Supports transparent backgrounds, custom resolution, compression levels, and file metadata.

Import: Images via browser Image API, SVG via built-in parser. Export: PNG, JPEG, SVG via canvas toDataURL and toBlob methods. JSON serialization for canvas state (with limitations for event handlers, images, and filters). Developers implement additional format support using external libraries and custom code.

Both support standard image formats. IMG.LY offers significantly more comprehensive format support including professional template import (InDesign, Photoshop), video, audio, and advanced export options. Fabric.js provides basic canvas export only.

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Adaptive template infrastructure with intelligent layout algorithms adjusting to variable content dimensions and aspect ratios. Placeholder-based architecture populated through visual editors or programmatic APIs using identical template specifications. Role-based access controls enable collaborative template development. Templates maintain consistency across interactive editing and automation execution using unified definitions.

No built-in template system. Developers build template functionality by managing application state and reconstructing canvas elements. Supports JSON serialization of stage for basic applications, but serialization cannot save event handlers, images, or filters. Complex applications require separate state management and canvas reconstruction from data.

IMG.LY provides sophisticated template system with adaptive layouts, intelligent algorithms, and full programmatic control. Fabric.js has no template capabilities requiring complete custom implementation.

Creative Automation

Equal-weight automation alongside embedded editing using unified SDK. Headless Node.js operation enables programmatic generation without UI dependencies. Same SDK powers user-facing editors and backend automation without additional components. Integrates with databases, CRM platforms, and marketing systems for data-driven asset generation. Templates function identically whether rendered through UI or API. Organizations control infrastructure deployment.

No built-in batch processing, template population, or data integration. Supports Node.js server-side rendering with canvas backend packages (node-canvas or skia-canvas). Developers implement automation by programmatically creating and manipulating canvas nodes, then exporting to image formats. Requires custom code for automation workflows.

IMG.LY offers production-ready unified SDK with comprehensive equal-weight editing and automation capabilities. Fabric.js supports basic server-side canvas rendering requiring extensive custom automation development.

Advanced Video Editing

Timeline-driven composition with multi-track support enabling frame-accurate video manipulation. Processes MP4 files directly in browsers via WebCodecs without transcoding overhead. Unified timeline combines video segments, image overlays, audio channels, and graphic elements. Scene-based organization with template-driven workflows supports both interactive timeline editing and programmatic video assembly through automation APIs.

No video editing capabilities. Developers have built prototype video editors using Fabric.js for canvas overlay manipulation, integrating external libraries for video processing. Library lacks timeline management, video codecs, audio handling, or export functionality. Video features require significant custom development.

IMG.LY provides complete professional video editing for interactive and automation workflows. Fabric.js has no video capabilities and requires building all functionality from scratch.

AI Capabilities

Extensible AI framework integrating custom models alongside built-in intelligence. Smart layout algorithms optimize designs for visual appeal and readability. Plugin architecture connects proprietary or third-party AI services for specialized workflows. AI functions as creative assistant while preserving manual control over outputs.

No built-in AI capabilities. Developers integrate AI services through custom implementations. Library focuses on canvas rendering without AI-powered features. Teams implement AI functionality separately and connect through custom code.

IMG.LY offers sophisticated AI-powered design assistance with extensible plugin architecture for unlimited custom integration. Fabric.js provides no AI capabilities requiring complete custom implementation.

Asset Management

Federated architecture integrating embedded libraries with external services directly. Getty Images, Unsplash, and Airtable connect without middleware. Organizations extend default libraries with custom sources while maintaining data governance. Manages video and design assets through unified interface. Client-side architecture keeps media under application control.

No built-in asset management. Developers implement asset libraries by managing image loading, caching, and organization in application code. Loads images and videos via standard browser APIs. Teams build custom asset browsers, upload handlers, and media management systems.

IMG.LY offers comprehensive enterprise-grade asset management with direct third-party integrations and custom source support. Fabric.js provides no asset management requiring complete custom implementation.

User Interface

Production-ready modular UI components for user-facing editors. Canvas interactions with timeline controls, filter palettes, effect adjustments, and audio mixing. Component architecture allows panel reorganization, control replacement, or complete custom UI development. Headless mode bypasses UI entirely for automation. Single SDK supports visual applications and invisible backend systems.

No built-in user interface. Developers build all UI components including toolbars, panels, controls, and property editors. Library handles canvas rendering and object manipulation, not interface construction. Teams implement complete editing interfaces using web frameworks and custom code.

IMG.LY provides comprehensive production-ready UI with full customization or headless operation for automation. Fabric.js provides no UI components requiring building complete interface from scratch.

White-labeling

Zero-branding architecture with no vendor identification in interfaces or outputs. Visual customization includes complete UI restructuring beyond cosmetic theming. Internationalization support for global deployments. Headless mode eliminates UI entirely for custom implementations. Organizations achieve exact brand alignment including custom color systems matching corporate guidelines.

No branding by default as library provides no UI. Developers build completely custom interfaces with full control over appearance and branding. All visual elements constructed by development teams using library as rendering foundation. White-labeling inherent to low-level library approach.

Both enable complete white-labeling. IMG.LY provides sophisticated zero-branding architecture with optional headless mode and full UI customization. Fabric.js has no built-in UI requiring custom interface construction.

Interactive Editing

Canvas-first interactions with instantaneous visual feedback during manipulation. Timeline navigation, zoom, and playback without server dependencies. Real-time effect preview using GPU acceleration. Consistent behavior across browsers, mobile devices, and desktop applications. Direct manipulation matching professional creative tools.

Real-time canvas editing with immediate visual feedback in browser. Direct manipulation through drag, resize, and transform operations. Touch-optimized for tablet and mobile browser use. Performance depends on browser canvas implementation and device capabilities. Interactive editing limited to web browser environments.

Both provide real-time interactive editing with immediate feedback. IMG.LY offers significantly broader cross-platform deployment including native mobile and desktop. Fabric.js focuses exclusively on browser-based canvas manipulation.

Multi-Layer Editing

Unlimited layer depth for video clips, graphics, audio, and effects with composition control. Blending modes, opacity controls, and z-axis management enable visual effects. Grouping and parent-child relationships create reusable hierarchies. Lock and visibility controls for complex project management. Layer system consistent across web, mobile, and desktop deployments.

Layer-based canvas system with element stacking and z-index control. Grouping capabilities for organizing related elements. Basic blending and opacity controls for composition. Layer management through programmatic API or custom UI controls. Layer functionality optimized for web-based graphics workflows.

Both support multi-layer editing with stacking and grouping. IMG.LY offers more sophisticated unlimited depth with advanced blending controls across all platforms. Fabric.js provides web-optimized layer system with basic blending only.

Component Architecture

Decoupled engine and editor layers enabling three integration patterns: full UI deployment, custom UI development, or headless operation. Granular component registration injects custom functionality without SDK modification. Order APIs control component layout programmatically. Plugin framework extends capabilities while maintaining upgrade compatibility. Selective component adoption using only required elements.

Object-oriented architecture with canvas primitives as building blocks. No component system for UI, developers construct interfaces separately. Library provides rendering and object manipulation, not modular component framework. Developers integrate library into applications using framework-specific patterns and custom architecture.

IMG.LY offers comprehensive enterprise-grade modular architecture with full plugin extensibility and upgrade compatibility. Fabric.js provides basic canvas primitives without component or plugin framework.

Cross-Platform Support

Platform-spanning architecture covering web frameworks (React, Angular, Vue, Svelte, Next.js), native mobile (iOS, Android), cross-platform mobile (React Native, Flutter), desktop (Electron, macOS), and backend (Node.js). Unified codebase adapts to platform conventions while maintaining functional consistency. Templates render identically on client devices or backend servers.

Web-focused JavaScript library for browsers with HTML5 Canvas support. Server-side rendering via Node.js with canvas backend packages. No native mobile SDKs for iOS or Android. No React Native or Flutter support. Desktop support limited to Electron applications running web technology. Mobile requires WebView for native app integration.

IMG.LY offers significantly more comprehensive cross-platform deployment including native mobile, desktop, and full server support. Fabric.js focuses on web browsers and Node.js only with no native mobile capabilities.

Customizability

Granular configuration across UI presentation, functional workflows, and architectural patterns. Toolbar reorganization, asset library customization, and workflow modifications through code-based APIs. Print features include CMYK and Pantone handling. Role-based permissions for multi-tenant deployments. Headless APIs bypass default interfaces for completely custom implementations.

Complete customization through code as library provides only rendering primitives. Developers control entire implementation including interface design, feature set, and workflows. Customization occurs at code level building on canvas API foundation. No default UI or workflows to customize, only low-level canvas manipulation.

IMG.LY provides more sophisticated architectural customization with comprehensive configuration options across all layers. Fabric.js offers complete implementation control requiring low-level canvas programming from scratch.

Extensibility

First-class plugin framework enabling custom functionality without SDK source modification. Extension points cover UI components, export formats, asset sources, and processing pipelines. Organizations integrate proprietary or third-party APIs while maintaining upgrade compatibility. Modular architecture supports selective feature loading for optimized bundles.

Extension through custom code integration. No formal plugin system or extension architecture. Developers add functionality by building on canvas API and integrating external libraries. Open architecture based on standard web technologies. Extensibility through code rather than plugin framework.

IMG.LY supports comprehensive enterprise-grade plugin system with architectural extension and upgrade compatibility. Fabric.js extends through custom code integration only without formal plugin architecture.

Ease of Integration

Platform-specific documentation with functional code samples across React, Angular, Vue, Flutter, React Native, and server frameworks. Pre-built editor implementations reduce initial setup to configuration. Evaluation includes production SDK access for comprehensive assessment. Multi-tier documentation serves quick-start through advanced implementation scenarios. SDK distribution through standard package managers (npm, CocoaPods, Maven).

Documentation covering canvas manipulation, object model, and rendering. NPM package installation for web and Node.js. Code examples demonstrate canvas operations and object manipulation. Framework integrations require developer implementation. Lower-level library demands more development time but provides complete control.

IMG.LY offers significantly more comprehensive documentation with pre-built implementations across all platforms reducing development time. Fabric.js provides basic canvas library documentation requiring extensive custom development for complete applications.

Flexible Rendering Approach

Dual rendering architecture supporting workflow requirements: client-side processing for user editing leverages device GPUs while maintaining local data, server-side rendering enables automation on organization-controlled Node.js infrastructure. Unified engine produces pixel-identical output whether rendering in browsers during interactive sessions or on servers during batch generation. Architectural selection based on use case.

Client-side rendering in browsers using Canvas 2D API. Server-side rendering via Node.js with canvas backend packages (node-canvas or skia-canvas). Rendering approach depends on canvas backend capabilities. No unified rendering engine, behavior varies between browser and server environments based on backend implementation.

IMG.LY offers more sophisticated unified rendering flexibility with identical output across client-side and server-side execution. Fabric.js renders in browsers or Node.js with behavior varying by canvas backend implementation.

Mobile Performance

Native SDKs for iOS and Android with cross-platform framework support (React Native, Flutter). Editing capabilities match desktop experiences with consistent rendering. Performance optimization targets contemporary devices while supporting older hardware. Codec management and memory optimization for mobile constraints maintain responsive editing.

Browser-based mobile support through responsive design when used in mobile web browsers. Touch-optimized for tablets and smartphones. Performance depends on browser canvas implementation and device capabilities. No native mobile apps, runs in mobile browsers only. Mobile performance limited by web browser constraints compared to native implementations.

IMG.LY provides comprehensive native mobile SDKs with desktop-equivalent performance across iOS, Android, React Native, and Flutter. Fabric.js delivers browser-based mobile experience only with performance dependent on browser capabilities.

Production Readiness

Production-deployed in enterprise environments generating 500M+ creative outputs monthly. Continuous release cycles maintain compatibility while introducing capabilities. Multi-tier support from community resources to dedicated engineering assistance. Organizations deploy without infrastructure concerns as SDK manages complexities internally.

Production-ready open-source library used in commercial applications. Active development with regular updates. MIT license permits commercial use without restrictions. Community support through GitHub, documentation, and developer forums. Used by major companies as foundation for custom graphics systems.

Both production-ready for commercial deployment. IMG.LY provides more comprehensive enterprise-scale solution with dedicated support tiers and proven large-scale output. Fabric.js provides stable open-source foundation for custom applications.

Scalability

Dual scaling approach: distributed client-side rendering where user devices contribute processing capacity, and centralized server-side automation on organization-managed Node.js infrastructure. Template-driven workflows generate unlimited variations whether users create individually or automation produces millions. Architecture handles both interactive editing at scale (millions of users) and batch automation workloads.

Scalability through client-side distribution as rendering occurs in user browsers. Server-side rendering scales through Node.js infrastructure provisioning. No built-in batch processing or template automation, developers implement scaling architecture. Horizontal scaling possible through standard web application patterns.

IMG.LY offers more comprehensive scalability through both distributed client-side editing and additional centralized automation infrastructure. Fabric.js scales via browser distribution only with custom implementation required for automation scenarios.

Storage & Data Ownership

Zero exfiltration architecture keeps all content within application boundaries during editing. Client-side processing eliminates external storage requirements for user editing. Server deployment preserves organizational control over infrastructure and data location. Asset integrations (Getty, Unsplash) activate only when configured. No required data transmission to vendor servers.

Content remains in browser or application under developer control. No external service dependencies for rendering or storage. Developers manage asset storage, loading, and caching in application code. Data ownership fully under application control as library operates entirely client-side or on developer infrastructure.

Both keep content under application control with no external dependencies. IMG.LY offers complete sophisticated client-side/server-side operation with full infrastructure independence. Fabric.js operates entirely on developer-controlled infrastructure.

Offline Capabilities

Complete editing functionality without network connectivity after initial SDK delivery. Local rendering, export, and template manipulation work independently of internet access. Asset libraries operate offline when using embedded or custom sources. Valuable for mobile applications and intermittent connectivity scenarios with full feature preservation.

Full canvas manipulation offline after library load. Rendering and object manipulation work without internet connection. Canvas exports to image formats function offline. Offline capability inherent to client-side library with no external dependencies. Developers implement asset management and storage for offline scenarios.

Both support offline operation after initial load. IMG.LY provides fuller offline capabilities with complete independence across all features including templates. Fabric.js provides basic offline canvas manipulation with developers managing asset availability.

Clear Pricing Model

Usage-based enterprise licensing adapts to platform combinations, deployment scale, and feature requirements. Evaluation period provides production SDK access for comprehensive assessment before commitment. Licensing structure accommodates diverse deployment scenarios and organizational scales. Transparent pricing approach based on actual usage patterns.

Free and open-source under MIT license. No licensing fees for personal or commercial use. No usage restrictions or attribution requirements. Organizations use library without costs, paying only for development resources and infrastructure. Community-driven development with optional commercial support from third parties.

IMG.LY offers comprehensive enterprise licensing covering all capabilities across all platforms. Fabric.js provides free open-source library under MIT license with no usage restrictions.

Community & Support

Platform-specific documentation covering web, mobile, desktop, and server integration. Enterprise licensing includes dedicated support with SLA commitments. Solution architects assist with complex integrations and performance optimization. Support desk provides release notes, technical FAQs, showcases, and comprehensive API documentation.

Documentation covering canvas manipulation and API reference. Community support through GitHub issues and discussions. Active open-source project with contributor community. No official commercial support, organizations rely on community resources or third-party consultants. Framework integrations documented through examples and community contributions.

Both provide documentation and support channels. IMG.LY offers significantly more comprehensive multi-platform documentation with additional dedicated solution architects and enterprise SLA support. Fabric.js offers open-source community support only without official commercial support channels.

Turnkey Solutions for Different Use Cases

Pre-built editors for video, social, and marketing content.

Requires manual setup and customization for specific use cases.

Plugin System

Robust plugin system allowing developers to extend functionality and add custom features.

No dedicated plugin system; requires custom coding to extend functionality.

Framework & Platform Support

Cross-platform support including Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, macOS, Electron, and Node.js.

JavaScript-based, primarily used in web applications.

Advanced Templating Workflows

Full API access to modify templates programmatically with placeholders and constraints, allowing dynamic text, image replacement, resizing.

Basic templating system; lacks native API-driven dynamic content support.

AI-Powered Editing

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

No built-in AI-powered editing capabilities.

Advanced Image Editing

Provides professional-grade image editing features, including layering, blending, and effects.

Offers basic image and vector manipulation but lacks advanced photo editing tools.

Openness & File Compatibility

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

Primarily supports SVG, JSON, and canvas-based rendering.

Asset Libraries

Easily integrates third-party libraries like Unsplash and Getty Images for streamlined asset management.

No built-in asset library integration; requires manual implementation.

Scalable Solutions & Engineering

A mature company with a larger engineering and support team, providing dedicated solution engineers and faster feature delivery.

Open-source project with community support; lacks dedicated enterprise engineering support.

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