IMG.LY vs FFMPEG.js Alternative

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. FFmpeg.js at a Glance

Primary Use Case

SDK enabling in-app content editing and large-scale automated asset generation. Supports video creation, graphic design, and commercial print workflows. Handles both user-driven editing and backend automation through a single engine that serves interactive and headless use cases.

Browser-based port of FFmpeg command-line tool using Emscripten and WebAssembly for client-side video and audio transcoding. Processes media files entirely in the browser without server uploads. Executes FFmpeg commands through JavaScript API using same syntax as desktop FFmpeg. Modern ffmpeg.wasm variant uses pure WebAssembly for improved performance over older asm.js approach.

IMG.LY provides SDK for visual editing and automation across video, design, and print. ffmpeg.js offers command-line transcoding in browsers with no visual editing interface.

Target Audience

Social media apps, print businesses offering custom design tools, marketing platforms personalizing video and static design campaigns, e-learning apps creating video lessons, and enterprises handling both creative work by employees and systematic generation by servers. Organizations seeking production-ready SDK with flexible deployment options across web, mobile, desktop, and server platforms. Teams requiring both user-facing editing capabilities and backend automation from unified architecture.

Developers building web applications requiring client-side media processing without server infrastructure. Teams implementing browser-based video converters, audio format tools, or media compression utilities. Organizations prioritizing user privacy by processing sensitive media locally rather than uploading to servers. JavaScript developers familiar with FFmpeg CLI syntax seeking to implement transcoding workflows entirely in browsers.

IMG.LY targets developers building creative applications with visual editing and automation capabilities. ffmpeg.js serves developers implementing command-line media processing workflows in browsers.

Technical Approach

Single SDK supporting three integration modes: ready-to-use editor, custom UI via APIs, or headless automation. Works across web browsers, native mobile apps, desktop software, and Node.js servers without modification. Rendering happens client-side on device GPUs or server-side on Node.js infrastructure depending on workflow needs.

JavaScript library compiled from FFmpeg source code using Emscripten toolchain. Runs entirely in browser JavaScript runtime without native code or server components. Uses Emscripten MEMFS (memory file system) to handle input and output files. Supports synchronous execution and Web Worker mode for background processing. Newer ffmpeg.wasm uses pure WebAssembly while original ffmpeg.js uses asm.js transpilation.

IMG.LY offers flexible deployment with cross-platform SDK and rendering choice. ffmpeg.js provides browser-only execution with JavaScript/WebAssembly compilation requiring no server infrastructure.

Advanced Video Editing

Timeline editor combining multiple video tracks, images, graphics, and audio with frame-level precision. Trimming, transitions, effects, text overlays, and color adjustments work identically whether users manipulate timelines visually or APIs assemble sequences programmatically. WebCodecs handles MP4 processing directly in browsers. Exports video at resolutions from SD through 4K across all supported platforms.

No visual editing interface or timeline features. Executes FFmpeg command-line operations for video transcoding, format conversion, codec changes, resolution adjustments, and basic filters. Processes videos by passing FFmpeg arguments through JavaScript API (e.g., "-i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 output.mp4"). Supports cutting, concatenating, and applying filters but requires writing FFmpeg commands manually without visual feedback.

IMG.LY provides comprehensive timeline-based visual editing across platforms for interactive and programmatic workflows. ffmpeg.js offers command-line transcoding operations only with no visual editing capabilities.

Advanced Design Editing

Canvas tools handle vector graphics, text styling, image manipulation, and precise layouts for digital and print. Professional print support includes CMYK and Pantone color spaces. Multi-page documents, typography controls, adaptive layouts, and collage assembly work through visual editor or programmatic generation. Design capabilities serve both interactive user sessions and automated template rendering.

No design editing capabilities. Focuses exclusively on video and audio processing through FFmpeg command set. Cannot create graphics, manipulate text, handle vector shapes, or process design layouts. Limited to media file transcoding and filter application without graphic design functionality.

IMG.LY offers full design editing with print color spaces and layout tools. ffmpeg.js provides no design capabilities, focusing solely on video/audio transcoding.

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. Supports direct import of Adobe InDesign (IDML) and Photoshop (PSD) files for seamless integration with existing design workflows. Ensures consistent rendering and format parity across both interactive and automated pipelines.

Supports extensive video and audio formats matching desktop FFmpeg capabilities including MP4, WebM, AVI, MOV, FLV, MKV for video and MP3, AAC, Opus, Vorbis, WAV for audio. Format support depends on build configuration (ffmpeg-webm.js includes VP8/Opus, ffmpeg-mp4.js includes H.264/AAC). Codec availability constrained by browser limitations and WebAssembly compatibility. No support for design formats like PSD, IDML, or print-specific outputs.

IMG.LY handles creative formats across video, design, and print including Adobe file imports. ffmpeg.js supports extensive video/audio formats but no design or print formats.

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Templates adjust layouts automatically based on content size and aspect ratio. Users fill placeholders through visual editors or APIs populate them programmatically. Same template works for both interactive editing and automated generation. Template creators control which elements remain editable.

No template system or dynamic layout capabilities. Works exclusively with command-line operations on static media files. Cannot create reusable content templates or adjust layouts based on input data. Developers must handle all layout logic, content positioning, and dynamic adjustments programmatically outside ffmpeg.js before transcoding.

IMG.LY provides template system with automatic layout adjustment for visual editing and API automation. ffmpeg.js has no templates, working only with static files through command operations.

Creative Automation

Programmatic APIs generate content at scale through Node.js servers running on your infrastructure. Connect databases, CRMs, and spreadsheets to populate templates automatically without user intervention. Same SDK and templates work for both user-driven editing sessions and headless batch generation. Automation scales horizontally across your server deployment handling unlimited concurrent rendering jobs.

Automation limited to command-line transcoding operations without template systems. JavaScript code can programmatically execute FFmpeg commands for batch processing files loaded into browser memory. Processing happens client-side in user's browser rather than server infrastructure. Browser memory constraints limit file sizes and concurrent operations. No template support or dynamic content generation, only media format conversion and filter application.

IMG.LY provides comprehensive automation with templates, server-side processing, and unlimited scalability. ffmpeg.js offers only client-side command-line operations with browser memory limitations.

AI Capabilities

Framework lets you plug in whatever AI models you need alongside automatic layout adjustment features built in. Layouts shift elements around to stay balanced when content sizes change. Plugin system connects your own AI tools or third-party services for specific tasks. AI helps but doesn't replace human decisions about what gets made.

No AI capabilities. Functions purely as command-line transcoding tool without content understanding, object recognition, or intelligent enhancement features. Applies filters and effects based on explicit commands without adaptive or AI-driven processing. Developers must implement separate AI services for intelligent content operations.

IMG.LY provides extensible AI framework for custom model integration with smart layout algorithms. Customer's Canvas currently lacks AI capabilities, relying on rule-based template logic and external AI integration if needed.

Asset Management

Connects directly to Getty Images, Unsplash, and custom asset sources through configurable integrations. Users browse and insert assets from connected libraries during editing sessions. APIs fetch and apply assets programmatically during automated generation. Asset connections work identically across interactive and headless workflows.

No asset management features. Works only with files loaded into browser memory through JavaScript. Cannot browse asset libraries, connect to stock photo services, or manage media collections. Developers must implement separate systems for asset storage, retrieval, and organization before passing files to ffmpeg.js for processing.

IMG.LY integrates with stock image services and custom asset sources for editing and automation. ffmpeg.js provides no asset management, requiring pre-loaded files in browser memory.

User Interface

Complete visual editor ships ready for deployment with canvas workspace, timeline controls, property panels, and tool palettes. Reorganize interface components, hide features, or build entirely custom UIs using engine APIs. Headless mode bypasses all UI for pure automation workflows. Single SDK serves applications needing visual editing tools and systems requiring invisible backend processing.

No user interface provided. Developers must build custom interfaces if visual editing needed, which ffmpeg.js cannot support since it only processes files through commands. JavaScript API accepts FFmpeg command strings and file data, returning processed outputs. All interaction happens through code without any visual components, toolbars, or editing controls.

IMG.LY provides production-ready visual editor with customization options plus headless capabilities. ffmpeg.js is command-line only with no UI and no visual editing support.

White-labeling

Complete interface customization through CSS variables, component reorganization, and custom UI implementation. Remove all IMG.LY branding and deploy under your own identity. SDK architecture separates engine from interface enabling full white-label deployment. Enterprise licensing permits commercial use under your brand without attribution requirements.

Open-source MIT license and LGPL/GPL permit free use without branding restrictions. No interface to white-label since no UI components provided. Developers build their own interfaces with complete control over branding and appearance. Library operates invisibly as processing engine without user-facing branded components.

IMG.LY offers customizable interface with white-label deployment under enterprise licensing. ffmpeg.js is open-source with no UI, enabling free use under your branding without restrictions.

Interactive Editing

Real-time visual manipulation with instant feedback as users drag elements, adjust timelines, apply effects, or modify properties. GPU acceleration ensures smooth performance across web browsers, native mobile apps, and desktop software. Changes appear immediately during editing without processing delays. Direct manipulation matches professional creative software responsiveness.

No interactive editing capabilities. Command-based processing takes seconds to minutes depending on file size and operation complexity. Users cannot see real-time previews or manipulate content visually. Each transcoding operation requires executing complete FFmpeg command and waiting for processing to finish. No direct manipulation interface or instant visual feedback.

IMG.LY offers real-time interactive editing with GPU acceleration across platforms. ffmpeg.js provides no interactive editing, only command-based processing with processing delays.

Component Architecture

Modular SDK structure allowing selective feature integration. Import specific capabilities like video engine, design tools, or template system independently. React, Vue, and Angular components wrap core functionality matching framework conventions. Architecture separates engine from interface enabling custom implementations while sharing core processing logic.

Single-purpose library with fixed API surface focused on FFmpeg command execution. No component modularity or framework-specific wrappers. Monolithic WebAssembly build includes all FFmpeg capabilities compiled together. Developers use raw JavaScript API regardless of framework. Architecture prioritizes FFmpeg feature completeness over modular integration patterns.

IMG.LY provides modular components with framework-specific wrappers for flexible integration. ffmpeg.js offers monolithic library with fixed API for command execution only.

Cross-Platform Support

Identical SDK deploys to React, Angular, Vue, Svelte web frameworks, native iOS and Android mobile, React Native and Flutter cross-platform mobile, Electron and native desktop apps, plus Node.js server automation. Templates and engine behavior remain consistent across all platforms. Single codebase adapts to each environment's conventions without platform-specific rewrites.

Browser-only execution requiring modern JavaScript runtime with WebAssembly support. Works in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers. Safari support limited or unavailable depending on SharedArrayBuffer requirements. Node.js support available through separate implementations. No native mobile or desktop SDKs. Cannot run on server infrastructure for scalable automation.

IMG.LY offers significantly broader platform coverage including web, native mobile, desktop, and server. ffmpeg.js works only in browsers with WebAssembly support, no native mobile or desktop capabilities.

Customizability

Full source access enabling deep customization of editor behavior, rendering pipeline, and feature set. Extensive theming system controls visual appearance without code changes. API surface enables custom tools, filters, and effects integration. Architecture supports modifications from surface styling through core engine extensions.

Open-source code permits unlimited modification under license terms. Developers can recompile FFmpeg with custom configurations, filters, or codec support. Limited customization surface since library wraps command-line tool without extensible architecture. Modifications require FFmpeg and Emscripten toolchain knowledge plus recompilation expertise.

IMG.LY provides comprehensive customization from theming through core engine modifications. ffmpeg.js permits source-level changes but requires specialized toolchain knowledge for recompilation.

Extensibility

Plugin system enables custom filters, effects, and tools without modifying core SDK. JavaScript APIs accept custom rendering logic, data sources, and processing pipelines. Extensibility spans from interface components through rendering behaviors. Architecture welcomes integration with external services, AI tools, and proprietary processing while maintaining SDK stability.

Limited browser-based extensibility due to WebAssembly compilation constraints. Cannot add custom FFmpeg filters or codecs without recompiling entire library. Extensibility restricted to pre-processing inputs and post-processing outputs in JavaScript. No plugin architecture or runtime extension mechanism. Custom capabilities require wrapper code around fixed FFmpeg functionality.

IMG.LY supports runtime plugins and custom integrations without SDK modifications. ffmpeg.js offers limited extensibility requiring recompilation for core functionality changes.

Ease of Integration

Framework-specific documentation with working examples across React, Angular, Vue, Flutter, React Native, and Node.js. Pre-configured editor reduces implementation to embedding components and handling events. Production SDK available during evaluation for realistic testing. Guides cover basic integration through advanced customization scenarios.

Requires understanding FFmpeg command-line syntax and Emscripten file system operations. Documentation covers API usage and MEMFS file handling. No visual components to integrate, only command execution logic. Developers must handle file loading, command construction, and output retrieval manually. Integration complexity depends on FFmpeg knowledge more than JavaScript framework familiarity.

IMG.LY provides framework-specific guides with pre-built components simplifying integration. ffmpeg.js requires FFmpeg CLI knowledge and manual file system handling with no pre-built UI components.

Rendering Approach

Client-side rendering uses device GPUs during user editing sessions for instant feedback. Server-side rendering on Node.js infrastructure generates automated outputs at scale. Organization chooses rendering location per workflow: interactive editing happens on user devices, batch automation runs on controlled servers. Same engine produces identical results regardless of execution environment.

Exclusively client-side rendering in browser JavaScript runtime. All processing occurs on user's device using CPU/WebAssembly execution without GPU acceleration. Files must fit in browser memory (typically limited to several hundred MB). Rendering performance significantly slower than native FFmpeg, often 2-3x longer for equivalent operations. No server-side rendering option for improved performance or larger files.

IMG.LY offers flexible client-side or server-side rendering with GPU acceleration and infrastructure control. ffmpeg.js renders only client-side with WebAssembly CPU processing and browser memory constraints.

Mobile Performance

Native iOS and Android SDKs leverage platform-specific GPU acceleration and media frameworks. Mobile optimization ensures responsive editing on smartphones and tablets. Memory management adapts to device capabilities preventing crashes on resource-constrained hardware. Performance matches expectations of mobile-native creative applications across budget and flagship devices.

Performance constrained by browser JavaScript runtime limitations and WebAssembly overhead. Mobile browser execution often struggles with large files or complex operations. Memory limits more restrictive on mobile browsers than desktop. Battery drain concerns from CPU-intensive processing. No native mobile optimization beyond general browser WebAssembly support. Desktop-class performance unrealistic on mobile devices.

IMG.LY provides native mobile SDKs with platform-specific optimization and GPU acceleration. ffmpeg.js runs in mobile browsers with significant performance and memory constraints.

Production Readiness

Generates 500M+ creative outputs monthly across enterprise deployments handling video, design, and print production. Continuous updates maintain compatibility while adding capabilities. Multi-tier support from documentation through dedicated engineering assistance. SDK architecture handles internal complexities enabling confident production deployment.

Experimental stability with browser compatibility dependencies on WebAssembly and SharedArrayBuffer support. Performance limitations make real-time processing challenging. Browser memory constraints restrict file sizes. Production use requires careful consideration of supported browsers, file size limits, and processing time expectations. Open-source MIT license enables production deployment without fees.

IMG.LY is production-ready at enterprise scale with 500M+ monthly outputs. ffmpeg.js is experimental with browser limitations requiring careful evaluation for production use.

Scalability

Client-side rendering distributes load across user devices for interactive editing. Server-side automation scales horizontally across Node.js infrastructure processing unlimited concurrent jobs. Template system enables generating unlimited variations from single definitions. Architecture handles both individual user creation and million-asset batch generation.

Limited by browser single-thread execution and memory constraints. Processing one file at a time in user's browser without parallel execution. Large files or complex operations may crash browser tabs. No server-side processing for improved scalability. Batch operations must happen sequentially in browser memory. Scalability constrained by client device capabilities rather than infrastructure deployment.

IMG.LY scales through distributed client-side rendering and horizontal server infrastructure. ffmpeg.js limited by browser single-thread execution and memory with no server-side scalability.

Storage & Data Ownership

Content remains within your application and infrastructure during all operations. Client-side processing keeps data on user devices. Server deployment gives complete control over data location and storage. No required external services or cloud dependencies. Organizations maintain full data ownership without third-party access.

All processing happens in browser memory using Emscripten MEMFS without external storage requirements. Files never leave user's browser during transcoding. No cloud service dependencies or external data transmission. Complete data privacy with local-only processing. Content exists temporarily in memory and can be saved locally without server uploads.

Both process content locally with complete data control. IMG.LY offers additional server-side processing on controlled infrastructure. ffmpeg.js operates entirely in browser memory without external dependencies.

Offline Capabilities

Client-side SDK operates fully offline once JavaScript bundles load. Users edit and generate content without internet connectivity. Server-side automation runs on internal networks without external dependencies. No cloud service requirements enable air-gapped deployment scenarios. Template rendering and content creation work identically online and offline.

Works completely offline after initial library loading. All processing happens locally in browser without network requests. Users can transcode media files without internet connectivity once page loads. No external service dependencies or API calls required. MEMFS operates entirely in memory without server communication. Ideal for privacy-sensitive workflows requiring no data transmission.

Both support full offline operation after initial loading. IMG.LY works offline across web, mobile, desktop, and server. ffmpeg.js operates offline in browsers only.

Clear Pricing Model

Enterprise licensing adapts to deployment platforms, usage scale, and feature requirements. Evaluation includes production SDK for thorough pre-commitment testing.

Open-source and free under LGPL 2.1+ license for library code. WebM build uses LGPL licensing. MP4 build uses GPL 2.0 due to patent-encumbered codecs. No subscription fees or usage limits. Commercial use permitted within license terms. Patent considerations apply for certain codecs in commercial applications.

IMG.LY offers enterprise licensing covering all platforms and capabilities. ffmpeg.js is free and open-source (LGPL/GPL) with codec patent considerations for commercial use.

Community & Support

Multi-platform documentation covering web, mobile, desktop, and server integration. Enterprise customers receive dedicated support with SLA commitments and solution architect assistance for complex implementations. Active development with continuous updates and compatibility maintenance.

Open-source project with GitHub repository and community discussions. No official commercial support or SLA guarantees. Documentation covers basic API usage and FFmpeg command syntax. ffmpeg.wasm variant has more active maintenance than older ffmpeg.js. Community support through GitHub issues and Stack Overflow. Developers rely on FFmpeg documentation for operation details.

IMG.LY provides comprehensive multi-platform documentation with enterprise support and SLAs. ffmpeg.js offers community support through open-source channels without commercial support options.

Turnkey Solutions for Various Use Cases

Built-in editors for video, print, UGC, and marketing workflows.

Low-level encoding only, no UI or editing flows.

Advanced Editing Features

Multi-track video and design editor with transitions, filters, and layout tools.

No visual editing features; focused on media transformation.

Platform Support

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

Web-based; runs in-browser via WebAssembly.

Real-Time Preview

Real-time preview during editing, including transitions and animations.

Not supported; must reprocess media to preview changes.

Extensibility

Plugin system for tools, automation, and integrations.

Extendable via command-line-style filter chains.

Templating System

Dynamic templates with layout rules, metadata mapping, and placeholders.

No templating capabilities.

Creative Automation

Headless API for batch video generation, auto-layout, and AI-driven design.

Can be scripted for batch processing, but with manual setup.

Video Editing

Advanced video editing options with transitions, cropping, trimming, overlays, and animations.

No UI; editing must be scripted using FFmpeg commands.

Design File Conversion

Import PSD, AI, and INDD files with editable layers.

Not supported.

Asset Libraries

Built-in Unsplash, Getty, and custom library integration.

No asset library or media management support.

Export Options

Flexible export formats, presets, resolutions, and compression settings.

Advanced export configuration, but no UX abstraction.

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 FFmpeg.js alternative for visual editing?

If you’re looking for a high-level SDK with a UI layer, editing tools, and automation capabilities, IMG.LY is a great alternative. It saves you from building an entire editor around FFmpeg by giving you everything out of the box.

What are the key differences between IMG.LY and FFmpeg.js?

FFmpeg.js is a browser-based port of FFmpeg for low-level media processing with no UI or design tools. IMG.LY provides a complete editor with a user interface, visual timeline, creative tools, and automation features.

Can I build a video editor with FFmpeg.js?

Technically yes, but you’ll need to build your own UI, layer system, interaction logic, and handle preview/render cycles manually. IMG.LY provides all of that out of the box.

Which is better for video export and processing?

FFmpeg.js gives you low-level control and advanced codec support. IMG.LY is better if you want to offer a complete editing experience with seamless export.

Does either support creative automation?

IMG.LY supports automated generation via APIs and templates. FFmpeg.js can batch-process media via scripts but lacks high-level templating or design logic.

Can I use either on mobile or desktop platforms?

IMG.LY supports web, mobile, and desktop SDKs. FFmpeg.js runs in-browser and is primarily web-only due to WASM constraints.

Do either offer a real-time preview of edits?

IMG.LY offers real-time, interactive previews during editing. FFmpeg.js requires you to process and re-export media to see changes.

IMG.LY vs FFmpeg.js

What makes IMG.LY the best FFmpeg.js alternative?

Turn-key Solutions

Extensibility & Plugin System

Creative Automation

Cross-Platform Support

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY vs. FFmpeg.js at a Glance

Features

IMG.LY

FFmpeg.js

Notes

Primary Use Case

Target Audience

Technical Approach

Advanced Video Editing

Advanced Design Editing

File Format Support

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Creative Automation

AI Capabilities

Asset Management

User Interface

White-labeling

Interactive Editing

Component Architecture

Cross-Platform Support

Customizability

Extensibility

Ease of Integration

Rendering Approach

Mobile Performance

Production Readiness

Scalability

Storage & Data Ownership

Offline Capabilities

Clear Pricing Model

Community & Support

IMG.LY

FFmpeg.js

Turnkey Solutions for Various Use Cases

Advanced Editing Features

Platform Support

Real-Time Preview

Extensibility

Templating System

Creative Automation

Video Editing

Design File Conversion

Asset Libraries

Export Options

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