IMG.LY vs PixiJS Alternative

IMG.LY vs. PixiJS

Building creative editing tools for your users that go beyond low-level rendering? See why CreativeEditor SDK is the go-to choice when you need fully featured creative editing capabilities, not just a graphics renderer.

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. PixiJS at a Glance

Primary Use Case

End-to-end creative editing SDKs for photo, video, and design. Provides full-featured editors, modular SDK components, and headless integration options for a range of creative applications including social media, marketing, print-on-demand, and content creation workflows.

High-performance 2D rendering engine for displaying graphics using WebGL and Canvas. Designed for building browser-based games, interactive ads, data visualizations, and custom visual experiences from scratch.

IMG.LY provides turnkey creative editing solutions. PixiJS is a rendering engine requiring full custom development to build editing tools.

Target Audience

Product teams and enterprises needing complete creative editing SDK that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. Used by SaaS platforms, social and marketing apps, and print businesses requiring production-ready tools.

Game developers, creative coders, and engineers building custom interactive experiences from the ground up. Popular with indie game studios, digital agencies creating interactive campaigns, and developers building bespoke visualizations.

IMG.LY targets teams and developers needing production-ready yet highly customizable creative editing capabilities. PixiJS targets developers with deep technical expertise building custom rendering solutions from the ground up.

Technical Approach

Comprehensive SDK with modular UI, headless API, and templating system. Supports Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, and Node.js. Built for high performance.

Open-source JS rendering library using WebGL with Canvas fallback. Provides scene graphs and sprite handling but lacks editing logic.

IMG.LY offers complete creative editing infrastructure. PixiJS provides low-level rendering primitives that must be assembled into higher-level features.

Editing Features

Comprehensive creative editing capabilities including image adjustments, filters, text and sticker overlays, transformations, timeline-based video editing, and full design tools for layout, templates, typography, and print-ready export (CMYK, bleed, margins).

None built-in. PixiJS provides sprite rendering, texture management, basic interaction events (click, touch), and transform handling. All editing features like cropping, adjustments, filters, text, drawing tools, timelines must be custom-built from scratch using low-level APIs.

IMG.LY ships with complete editing toolsets across photo, video, and design. PixiJS requires months of development to build basic editing functionality.

Advanced Design Editing Capabilities

Offers professional-grade creative functionality, including layer management, RAW image editing, batch processing APIs, multi-track video timelines, as well as advanced design tools with grid systems, alignment guides, snap-to controls, print-ready export, and brand enforcement options.

Focused on performance-oriented rendering through WebGL shaders, filters, and particle systems. Provides extensive control over visual effects and blending, but no native creative editing or design tools.

IMG.LY delivers advanced creative capabilities across image, video, and design workflows. PixiJS focuses on rendering performance and low-level control.

Audio/Video Support

Provides a full-featured video timeline with transitions, visual effects, and support for text and audio overlays. Audio capabilities include multi-track editing, captions, animations, and precise synchronization.

No audio or video playback features. PixiJS is for 2D graphics only. Possible to use HTML5 video/audio elements separately and synchronize with PixiJS rendering manually if needed. Community sound plugin available but limited.

IMG.LY provides complete video/audio editing capabilities. PixiJS has no audio/video support and requires external solutions.

Creative Automation

Built-in automation through template-based batch processing, API workflows, variable data merging, and server-side rendering. Automatic generation of thousands of personalized designs/videos from templates by merging data sources programmatically.

No automation features. Custom automation systems using JavaScript have to be build manually, same as integration of data sources and implementation of rendering pipelines.

IMG.LY includes turnkey automation workflows. PixiJS requires building them from scratch.

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Template creation and editing with smart placeholders, brand constraints, and role-based permissions. Supports data-driven personalization and automation through APIs for large-scale creative workflows.

No template system. Developers must code template logic manually.

IMG.LY provides creation, editing and API-driven template automation. PixiJS requires custom implementation.

AI Capabilities

Built-in AI tools for background removal, text-to-image generation, style transfer, and text-to-video creation. Supports integration of custom models (e.g., via fal.ai) and makes AI features accessible both in the editor and through APIs.

No AI features. Developers can integrate third-party AI services by fetching results via APIs and rendering them using PixiJS, but all integration work is manual. No built-in AI tooling or UI.

IMG.LY includes production-ready AI tools with UI integration. PixiJS requires custom AI service integration.

User Interface

Full-featured editing UI with drag-and-drop tools, configurable panels, timeline editing, asset libraries, and live preview. Fully customizable to match any brand.

No built-in UI. PixiJS provides rendering only, developers must build all controls and interfaces manually.

IMG.LY ships with a complete, customizable editor UI. PixiJS requires building everything from scratch.

White-labeling

Fully white-label: complete control over branding, colors, fonts, and theming.

Not applicable. PixiJS has no UI. Branding depends on what you build.

Both can be build from scratch. IMG.LY also offers pre-built solutions that can be fully customized.

Customizability

Deep customization via configuration, theming APIs, and plugin architecture. Enable/disable tools, inject custom logic, and extend workflows while maintaining production stability.

Total flexibility at the code level. Build any visuals or interactions with JS and WebGL. No prebuilt features or structure.

IMG.LY balances customization with production-ready reliability. PixiJS offers freedom but zero built-in features.

Extensibility

Built for extensibility through a modular plugin system and comprehensive APIs. Developers can add custom tools, panels, and integrate backend systems through APIs like background removal, vectorization, and creative automation. The SDK’s architecture supports deep customization without modifying the core, ensuring long-term stability.

Fully extensible at the code level with JavaScript and TypeScript. Supports community plugins for effects, particles, and UI frameworks, but all integrations and higher-level functionality must be implemented manually.

IMG.LY combines plugin-based extensibility with powerful APIs for AI, asset handling, and automation. PixiJS offers code-level extensibility but lacks built-in creative APIs.

Ease of Integration

Low barrier to entry; frontend developers can integrate with JavaScript/TypeScript knowledge. Comprehensive documentation, code examples, integration guides for all frameworks, and solution engineering support available.

Moderate to steep; requires solid JavaScript knowledge, understanding of WebGL concepts (textures, shaders, batching), scene graphs, and game loop architecture. Excellent documentation for the rendering engine, but building editing tools requires advanced skills.

IMG.LY is accessible to frontend developers with standard web skills. PixiJS requires deeper technical knowledge and significant development time for editing features.

Platform Support

Cross-platform SDK for Web, iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, Electron, and Node.js. Unified creative engine ensures consistency and offline support.

Web browsers only. Can be wrapped for mobile/desktop, but lacks native bindings.

IMG.LY supports true native mobile/desktop with offline capabilities. PixiJS is browser-only and requires wrappers for mobile/desktop deployment.

Mobile Performance

Optimized for mobile with gestures, adaptive quality, and 60fps editing on mid-range devices. Offline-first architecture.

Excellent WebGL rendering, but mobile UX and gestures must be coded manually.

IMG.LY is optimized for mobile editing. PixiJS performs well but requires extra dev work.

Rendering Approach

Real-time rendering optimized for creative workflows (60fps). Optional server-side rendering for automation.

Hardware-accelerated WebGL rendering optimized for sprites and particles.

IMG.LY optimizes for editing; PixiJS for rendering performance.

Offline Capabilities

Full offline editing and export once SDK is loaded. Users create, edit, and export content without internet connection. Essential for mobile apps and environments with unreliable connectivity. All processing happens on-device.

Works offline for rendering once loaded, PixiJS is client-side JavaScript. However, asset loading, data persistence, and export functionality must be implemented with offline support in mind.

IMG.LY provides complete offline editing capabilities. PixiJS rendering works offline but features requiring data handling need custom offline implementation.

Scalability

Designed for production applications serving millions of users. Client-side rendering distributes load across user devices. Optional server-side rendering for automation. Powers 500+ million creations monthly across consumer and enterprise apps.

Excellent rendering performance: handles thousands of sprites at 60fps even on mobile. Performance depends on developer optimization. No built-in scalability features for multi-user editing or cloud processing.

IMG.LY scales from individual users to enterprise deployments. PixiJS scales rendering performance but requires building application scalability yourself.

Storage & Data Ownership

Flexible architecture supporting client-side processing (data stays on device) and optional server-side deployment. Self-host on your infrastructure or use cloud deployments. Full offline editing capabilities ensure data privacy and GDPR compliance.

Operates entirely in the browser with no built-in storage, export, or data management features. File handling, export pipelines, and storage integration must be implemented separately.

IMG.LY handles storage flexibly; PixiJS leaves it to the developer.

File Format Support

Supports a wide range of professional file formats for seamless creative workflows. Import: PSD, AI, INDD, SVG, PNG, JPEG, video formats, and custom fonts. Export: PNG, JPEG, WebP, PDF, MP4, and print-ready formats with CMYK support.

No import/export features. PixiJS renders creations programmatically. Loads images as textures from URLs, but no file format parsers, importers, or export functionality. All file handling has to be implemented manually.

IMG.LY enables full compatibility with professional design and media formats. PixiJS requires custom implementation for all file operations.

Asset Management

Built-in asset library system with search, filtering, tagging, and organization. Integrations with Getty Images, Unsplash, Airtable, and custom sources via API. Users browse and insert assets through visual interface.

None. Developers load sprites and textures programmatically via URLs or base64. Must build custom asset browsers, upload systems, and organization tools if needed.

IMG.LY offers ready-made asset libraries. PixiJS does not.

Production Readiness

Proven in production across enterprise apps. Regular updates, QA, and support.

Stable engine used in games and visual apps. App stability depends on your code.

IMG.LY is production-ready out of the box. PixiJS stability depends on implementation.

Pricing Model

Enterprise licensing based on usage and platform. Free trial available.

Free and open-source under MIT license.

IMG.LY offers enterprise licensing with support. PixiJS is free but requires heavy dev investment.

Community & Support

Dedicated engineers, SLAs, and professional onboarding. Extensive docs and tutorials.

Large open-source community (45K+ stars), active Discord, but no SLAs.

IMG.LY offers enterprise-grade support. PixiJS provides community-only help.

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. PixiJS

What makes IMG.LY the best PixiJS alternative?

End-to-End Creative Editing SDK

Deep Customization

Cross-Platform Consistency

Headless Automation & Creative Workflows

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY vs. PixiJS at a Glance

Features

IMG.LY

PixiJS

Notes

Primary Use Case

Target Audience

Technical Approach

Editing Features

Advanced Design Editing Capabilities

Audio/Video Support

Creative Automation

Templating & Dynamic Editing

AI Capabilities

User Interface

White-labeling

Customizability

Extensibility

Ease of Integration

Platform Support

Mobile Performance

Rendering Approach

Offline Capabilities

Scalability

Storage & Data Ownership

File Format Support

Asset Management

Production Readiness

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

Print Personalization

Apparel Designer