IMG.LY vs. Fotor SDK Alternative

IMG.LY vs. Fotor SDK

Need to embed advanced visual editing directly into your products across web, mobile, and backend automation? See why IMG.LY is a great alternative to Fotor SDK when flexibility, infrastructure control, and at-scale automation matter.

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. Fotor SDK at a Glance

Primary Use Case

Cross-platform SDK embedding visual editing directly into applications with parallel server automation capabilities. Handles graphic design, video production, and commercial print workflows through unified architecture. Supports both interactive user editing in applications and programmatic batch generation through APIs. Single template system drives user-facing editors and headless automation equally.

Cloud-based REST API and embeddable web SDK for AI-powered image processing and design creation. Two products: OpenAPI for backend server-to-server processing, and Photo Editor SDK for embedded user-facing editing on websites. Focuses on AI enhancement, photo editing, and design template customization. Token-based consumption model without API rate limits.

Both enable embedded editing and automation. IMG.LY provides fuller cross-platform SDK for building complete editing applications. Fotor SDK specializes in AI-powered photo processing with separate API and web SDK products.

Target Audience

Companies building web-to-print systems, marketing platforms, digital asset management solutions, and content creation tools requiring embedded editing. Teams needing white-labeled creative interfaces alongside automated generation workflows. Enterprises handling millions of monthly productions with custom integration requirements across multiple platforms.

E-commerce businesses optimizing product photography, marketing teams automating creative asset production, social media platforms enabling user content creation, and design workflow integrators. Organizations seeking AI-powered editing without building in-house AI teams.

Both target businesses needing creative editing capabilities. IMG.LY serves development teams building custom multi-platform applications. Fotor SDK focuses on teams needing AI photo processing.

Technical Approach

Unified rendering engine deployable across web frameworks, native mobile platforms, desktop applications, and Node.js servers. Three modes: complete editor UI, custom interface through APIs, or headless operation. Rendering occurs client-side in browsers and apps or server-side through Node.js based on organizational infrastructure choices.

REST API with asynchronous task-based processing for backend integrations. Embeddable JavaScript web SDK for frontend user editing. Bearer token authentication with server-side API key management. JSON request/response format with webhook support for real-time notifications. Temporary token exchange system secures client-side SDK access.

IMG.LY provides unified cross-platform engine with flexible rendering locations. Fotor SDK separates backend API processing from frontend web embedding with token-based architecture.

Advanced Design Editing

Layer-based composition with vector graphics, advanced typography, and intelligent layout systems. Supports web graphics and print production workflows. Template constraints configured through role permissions controlling element editability. Editing capabilities identical whether users interact visually or APIs manipulate programmatically. Design tools work consistently across all deployment platforms.

AI-powered photo enhancement including upscaling, skin retouching, restoration, and colorization. Background removal with AI replacement options. 100+ AI filters and artistic effects. Drag-and-drop design interface with customizable templates across social media, ads, and poster formats. Basic editing includes cropping, red-eye removal, stickers, blur, and aperture adjustment.

Both provide comprehensive design editing. IMG.LY offers fuller design capabilities across platforms with print production support. Fotor SDK specializes in AI-driven photo enhancement with extensive template library.

AI Capabilities

Modular plugin system connecting text-to-image generation, style transfer, background manipulation, object addition and removal, and image-to-video conversion. Pre-integrated services include Anthropic, OpenAI, 11labs, and Fal.ai. Bring-your-own-model architecture supports custom AI integration. Features operate in interactive editing and headless automation contexts across all platforms.

Text-to-image generation across artistic styles including photorealistic, anime, 3D cartoon, oil painting, and cyberpunk. Image-to-image style transfer and artistic transformations. AI upscaling, skin retouching, headshot generation, face swapping, photo restoration, and colorization. AI background generation and replacement. Content safety detection with harmful content flagging.

Both provide AI capabilities. Fotor SDK offers more extensive built-in AI photo enhancement features as core product. IMG.LY provides broader AI integration flexibility through plugin architecture with bring-your-own-model support.

File Format Support

Handles JPEG, PNG, SVG, WebP, PDF/X, and native template formats across all platforms. Direct Adobe InDesign (IDML) and Photoshop (PSD) import preserves design integrity. Multiple export formats maintain quality for screen and print production. Format handling remains consistent across interactive editing and automated pipeline workflows.

API accepts URL-based image references and Base64-encoded data. Web SDK supports JPG, JPEG, PNG, SVG, WEBP, HEIC, and HEIF inputs. Export formats include JPG across all tools, PNG for editor and design, PDF for design and collage. Transparent PNG available in paid versions. Specific API-level format specifications not publicly detailed.

Both support standard web image formats. IMG.LY provides broader format coverage including Adobe file imports and consistent cross-platform handling. Fotor SDK focuses on common photo formats with API flexibility for data transmission.

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Layouts adapt automatically to varying content dimensions and aspect ratios. Placeholders filled through interactive editing or API population for programmatic workflows. Template definitions function identically for user customization and server batch generation. Creators define editability granularity and constraints at element level through permissions system.

Offers design templates across preset sizes for social media, banners, cards, and posters. Templates customizable through drag-and-drop interface with text, layout, sticker, and background modification. Brand kit support enables consistent branding elements. Template dimensions configurable in enterprise plans. AI-assisted template selection helps users discover appropriate designs.

Both support template-based workflows. IMG.LY provides adaptive layouts working across UI and API contexts with granular control. Fotor SDK offers pre-designed template library with drag-and-drop customization.

Creative Automation

CreativeEngine operates headlessly in Node.js enabling complete programmatic control without user interface. Automates mass personalization, batch processing, and data-driven generation from databases and marketing systems. Templates designed once deploy for both interactive editing and automated production. Organizations choose client-side user editing or server-side generation using identical template architecture.

Asynchronous task-based API enables backend automation workflows. Submit processing tasks programmatically, receive taskId, query completion status, retrieve results. Webhook notifications eliminate polling for real-time automation. Token-based model supports unlimited API calls. Automation applies to AI enhancement, background removal, restoration, and generation features.

Both enable creative automation. IMG.LY offers more comprehensive headless engine with complete programmatic control across all features. Fotor SDK provides task-based API automation focused on AI photo processing workflows.

Advanced Video Editing

Timeline-based multi-track composition handles video, audio, images, and overlays with frame precision. Social media aspect ratios, animated captions, speed controls, transitions, effects, and filters included. Video capabilities accessible through interactive timeline editor or programmatic APIs. Consistent video handling across web browsers, native mobile applications, and server rendering.

Video editing and enhancement mentioned with effect addition and video ad production support. Image-to-video conversion available. AI video styles include realistic, anime, fantasy, Ghibli, 3D, and cinematic options. Limited technical documentation available for video capabilities. Appears newer and less developed than image processing features.

IMG.LY provides comprehensive production-ready video editing across platforms. Fotor SDK includes basic video capabilities with AI style options but appears less mature than image features.

Asset Management

Bundled libraries provide common design elements with connections to Getty Images, Unsplash, and Airtable. Plugin architecture integrates custom asset sources. DAM integration supports organizational brand assets, typography collections, and media libraries. On-premise browser operation keeps assets under organizational control without external transmission requirements.

Stock photos and design assets accessible through design maker. Asset library integrated within template customization workflow. Enterprise plans support brand kit integration for consistent organizational branding. External DAM system integration possible but specific capabilities not detailed in documentation.

Both support asset management. IMG.LY provides broader third-party integrations with DAM system compatibility. Fotor SDK includes stock asset library within design workflow with brand kit support.

User Interface

Production-ready editor with configurable components including Canvas, Dock, Inspector Bar, Navigation Bar, and Canvas Bar. Theme generator builds custom color schemes from base colors with automatic dark and light mode support. Organizations deploy provided interface, extensively customize components, or construct entirely custom UIs through headless APIs while retaining rendering engine.

Embeddable web-based photo editor and design maker interfaces for direct user editing on websites. Drag-and-drop editing with visual tools for photo enhancement and template customization. Browser-based operation requires no software installation for end users. Enterprise plans enable UI customization including feature selection and design modifications.

Both offer production-ready embedded interfaces. IMG.LY provides comprehensive component architecture across all platforms with extensive customization. Fotor SDK delivers specialized web-based editors for photos and designs with enterprise customization.

White-labeling

Zero SDK branding visible to end users with complete UI theming, custom icons, text, and internationalization. Precise brand guideline matching through customized color libraries and interface reorganization. Reseller-suitable with fully custom UI implementations via headless mode. Organizations control all visual aspects presented to their users.

Flexible branding options retain Fotor branding or fully customize to organizational brand. Enterprise plans remove Fotor logo, customize available features and UI design, enable organizational login systems, and integrate custom payment processing. White-label capabilities vary by subscription tier.

Both support white-labeling. IMG.LY provides complete white-labeling across all tiers with extensive customization options. Fotor SDK offers white-label features in enterprise plans with logo removal and UI customization.

Interactive Editing

Real-time visual editing with instant preview across web, native mobile apps, and desktop platforms. Frame-accurate control with immediate rendering eliminates manual refresh delays. Responsive performance maintained on all supported devices. Interactive capabilities available whether using provided UI or custom-built interfaces through headless access.

Browser-based real-time photo editing and design customization with immediate visual feedback. Changes render instantly without processing delays. Embedded editor provides responsive editing experience within host websites. Real-time AI processing for enhancements and effects with visual preview before applying.

Both provide real-time interactive editing. IMG.LY delivers interactive editing across web, mobile, and desktop platforms. Fotor SDK focuses on browser-based interactive photo editing with AI processing preview.

Component Architecture

Engine-UI separation with CreativeEngine handling rendering and logic while CreativeEditor provides configurable interface components. Each component features dedicated configuration APIs for ordering and custom element registration. Plugin system extends capabilities without core modification. Headless API grants direct engine access for custom implementations across platforms.

Web SDK provides embeddable JavaScript components for photo editor and design maker integration. Component-based template system with customizable elements. API architecture separates backend processing services from frontend presentation. Enterprise plans enable component-level feature selection and UI modifications.

Both use modular architectures. IMG.LY separates rendering engine from UI across all platforms with comprehensive plugin system. Fotor SDK provides web component embedding with API backend separation.

Cross-Platform Support

JavaScript, React, Angular, Vue.js, Svelte, Next.js for web. Native iOS and Android with React Native and Flutter for cross-platform mobile. Electron and macOS for desktop. Node.js for server-side headless automation. Unified C++ engine maintains output consistency across all platforms. Single license covers selected platform deployments.

Primary focus on web integration through JavaScript SDK. REST API accessible from any platform with HTTP support including server applications and serverless environments. No native mobile SDKs currently offered. Consumer Fotor apps exist separately for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS but are distinct from developer SDK.

Both support web platforms. IMG.LY offers significantly broader coverage including native mobile apps and multiple frameworks. Fotor SDK focuses on web embedding with platform-agnostic API access.

Customizability

Complete control over UI elements, theming, toolbars, asset libraries, and workflows through code-based configuration. Component positioning APIs enable interface reorganization. Internationalization supports any language implementation. Headless APIs allow entirely custom editing experiences while leveraging rendering infrastructure. Export settings and color space configurations adapt to requirements.

Enterprise plans enable extensive customization including feature selection, UI design modifications, workflow adaptation, and brand element integration. Design dimensions configurable for specific output requirements. API allows choosing specific AI features to integrate into workflows. Basic and developer plans have standard customization within provided interfaces.

Both offer customizability. IMG.LY provides architectural-level customization with self-service APIs across all tiers. Fotor SDK delivers customization primarily through enterprise plans with custom development support.

Extensibility

Comprehensive plugin system registers custom components, integrates third-party services, connects asset sources, and extends export formats. Open modular architecture adds features without SDK core modification. Consistent plugin API patterns work across all platforms. Developers build extensions leveraging engine capabilities while adding specialized functionality.

API-based architecture allows custom integration of specific features into existing workflows. Enterprise plans support custom feature development to fit organizational requirements. Webhook configuration extends automation capabilities. Standard plans work within provided feature sets. Platform extensibility through API integration rather than plugin architecture.

Both provide extensibility. IMG.LY offers comprehensive cross-platform plugin system with consistent APIs. Fotor SDK provides API-based integration with custom development available in enterprise plans.

Ease of Integration

Free 30-day evaluation with comprehensive platform-organized documentation including quickstart guides, tutorials, sample code, and API references. Demo repositories demonstrate integration patterns for React, Angular, Vue.js, mobile frameworks, and server environments. Documentation covers all supported platforms with specific implementation examples accelerating development.

Free trial provides tokens upon registration for immediate testing. Documentation emphasizes quick onboarding with ready-to-use code snippets. Simple REST API with detailed endpoint documentation. SDK integration requires server-side authentication proxy to secure API keys. Developer portal manages API keys, monitors token balance, and tracks usage.

Both provide integration support. IMG.LY offers extensive multi-platform self-service documentation with demo repositories. Fotor SDK emphasizes rapid API onboarding with code snippets and developer portal management tools.

Flexible Rendering Approach

Flexible rendering deployment: client-side editing uses device GPUs and keeps data local, while server-side rendering with the CE.SDK Renderer powers automated pipelines on organization-controlled Node.js infrastructure. The unified engine ensures pixel-identical output in both environments. Choose client-side for user-facing editing and server-side for automation—same SDK, same results.

Cloud-based server-side processing for all API operations with asynchronous task execution. Browser-based client-side rendering for embedded SDK editor interface. Processing happens on Fotor infrastructure with results delivered via URLs. Organizations rely on Fotor cloud services rather than controlling rendering infrastructure.

IMG.LY provides client-side and server-side rendering options under organizational infrastructure control. Fotor SDK uses cloud-based Fotor infrastructure for processing with client-side embedded editor.

Mobile Performance

Native iOS and Android SDKs deliver optimized performance using unified C++ rendering engine. React Native and Flutter enable cross-platform mobile development. Responsive editing with smooth preview across mobile devices. Feature parity between mobile and desktop ensures consistent capabilities across platforms.

No native mobile SDKs currently available. Browser-based responsive web interface accessible on mobile devices. Consumer Fotor mobile apps for iOS and Android exist separately but are distinct products from developer SDK. Mobile performance depends on browser capabilities and device specifications.

IMG.LY provides native mobile SDKs with optimized performance across iOS and Android. Fotor SDK offers mobile browser access without native mobile development kits.

Production Readiness

Production-ready SDK proven through 500M+ monthly creative productions across web-to-print, marketing technology, content creation, and e-commerce platforms. Regular updates maintain stability while expanding capabilities. High-volume commercial deployments handle both user-driven editing and automated batch generation at enterprise scale.

Production API and SDK serving e-commerce and marketing industries. Production-ready AI processing with content safety detection. Enterprise plans include dedicated support and collaborative assistance.

Both are production-ready. IMG.LY proven at documented massive scale (500M+ monthly creations) across diverse applications. Fotor SDK deployed at major e-commerce platforms with extensive AI processing infrastructure.

Scalability

Node.js server deployment scales horizontally for automated workflows handling mass personalization and batch generation. Proven architecture maintains performance at 500M+ monthly creations without degradation. Client-side rendering distributes processing eliminating central bottlenecks. Multi-tenant implementations supported through backend permission systems. Cloud deployment allows elastic scaling.

Token-based model supports unlimited API calls without rate limits as long as tokens available. Asynchronous task processing handles high volumes. Enterprise plans offer dedicated GPU allocation for consistent performance. Cloud infrastructure scales processing across user base. Specific performance SLAs and concurrent processing limits not publicly disclosed.

Both support scalability. IMG.LY proven at documented massive scale with distributed architecture options. Fotor SDK provides token-based unlimited calls with cloud scaling and enterprise GPU allocation.

Storage & Data Ownership

Complete data ownership with client-side editor operation keeping assets under organizational control. On-premise browser execution prevents required external data transmission. Server deployments run on organization-controlled infrastructure. Optional third-party integrations configurable based on data policies. Organizations maintain full ownership of creative content and templates.

Processing happens on Fotor cloud infrastructure with results delivered via URLs. Organizations download and store results on their own systems. Uploaded content processed on Fotor servers then returned. Data retention and backup policies not publicly detailed. Enterprise plans may offer additional data control options.

IMG.LY emphasizes on-premise operation with complete data control. Fotor SDK processes content on cloud infrastructure with organizations storing downloaded results.

Offline Capabilities

Complete offline operation after initial SDK load for editing, template manipulation, and export. No permanent internet connection required for core functionality. Local asset libraries function offline. Third-party integrations require connectivity only when accessing external services. Special offline licenses available for air-gapped deployment environments.

Cloud-based architecture requires internet connectivity for API processing and SDK editor access. Asynchronous task processing depends on server connection. Offline capabilities not disclosed in documentation. Platform designed for connected cloud operation rather than offline scenarios.

IMG.LY provides complete offline editing and export capabilities. Fotor SDK requires connectivity for cloud-based processing and editor functionality.

Clear Pricing Model

Usage-based enterprise licensing customized to usage patterns, magnitude, platform selections, and capability requirements. Free evaluation period enables assessment before commitment. Monthly or yearly payment options available. Positioned as cost-effective compared to in-house development investments.

Token-based consumption pricing without API rate limits. Free trial includes free tokens. Enterprise custom pricing offers dedicated GPU and unlimited credits. One-time credit purchases range across volume tiers. Simple transparent pricing without hidden fees or integration charges.

Both use consumption-based models. IMG.LY provides enterprise licensing customized to requirements. Fotor SDK uses transparent token-based pricing with defined credit costs and subscription tiers.

Community & Support

Documentation portal organized by platform with guides, tutorials, sample code, and API references. GitHub repositories provide integration examples. Support tiers range from ticket-based for standard licenses to dedicated enterprise support with SLA-backed response times. Direct support team access for license holders. Regular updates maintain compatibility.

Email support, developer portal manages API keys and token balance. Documentation portal covers API reference, getting started guides, authentication, and webhook configuration. Paid plans include priority technical support. Enterprise plans provide collaborative support with dedicated assistance.

Both provide comprehensive support. IMG.LY offers multi-platform documentation with tiered support including enterprise SLA. Fotor SDK provides API-focused documentation with email support and enterprise collaborative assistance.

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.

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Variable Data Printing

Enable mass-personalization in your design & print workflows.

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Photo Prints

Provide seamless design experience and inspire users with easily personalized templates.

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Print Personalization

Streamline personalization for your print products.

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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. Fotor SDK

What makes IMG.LY the best Fotor SDK alternative?

Truly Cross-Platform

Design Once, Scale Everywhere

Infrastructure & Data Ownership

Full Design & Print Workflow Support

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY vs. Fotor SDK at a Glance

Features

IMG.LY

Fotor SDK

Notes

Primary Use Case

Target Audience

Technical Approach

Advanced Design Editing

AI Capabilities

File Format Support

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Creative Automation

Advanced Video Editing

Asset Management

User Interface

White-labeling

Interactive 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

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

PDF/X Export

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