IMG.LY vs. React Native Editor Alternative

IMG.LY vs. React Video Editor

For a production-ready editor that scales from user-driven video creation to full creative automation across web, mobile, and backend. See why IMG.LY CreativeEditor SDK is the most powerful alternative to React Video Editor.

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. React Video Editor at a Glance

Primary Use Case

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

React toolkit providing production-ready video editing components for web applications. Offers three products: RVE Pro (full source code template), RVE Packaged (npm package), and RVE AI Agents (upcoming as of Nov 2025). Designed for rapid MVP development and launching video editing features.

Both enable video editing in applications. IMG.LY provides broader capabilities across video and design with equal-weight automation. React Video Editor focuses specifically on React web applications with pre-built components.

Target Audience

Enterprise development teams building social media apps, content automation tools, web-to-print platforms, marketing technology, digital asset management systems, e-commerce businesses, and e-learning platforms. Serves organizations requiring both user-facing editing interfaces and automated content generation at scale. Powers high-volume platforms processing millions of monthly creations.

Solo developers, freelancers, startups, and React-focused teams building web-based video editing applications. Teams needing transparent pricing and rapid time-to-market. Companies wanting full source code control or packaged npm solutions for video features.

Both serve development teams. IMG.LY targets enterprise organizations needing cross-platform solutions and automation. React Video Editor focuses on indie developers and startups building React web apps exclusively.

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.

Component-based React architecture built on Next.js, Remotion, Tailwind CSS, and Media Bunny. Provides either full source code access (RVE Pro) or pre-packaged npm module (RVE Packaged). Uses Remotion for video rendering with options for cloud Lambda, server-side Next.js, or AWS Lambda deployment.

Both offer flexible integration approaches. IMG.LY provides significantly broader platform coverage with native mobile and server-side options. React Video Editor focuses exclusively on React web environments.

Advanced Video Editing

Multi-track editing for video, images, audio, and overlays with frame-accurate timeline control. Includes animated text captions, video speed controls, dual camera support, transitions, effects, filters, blur, and audio mixing. Aspect ratio presets for social media platforms. Works identically through visual editor or programmatic APIs for automation workflows.

Timeline-based video sequencing with multi-track support. Caption and subtitle support via manual entry or SRT file upload. Customizable animation templates, transition system, and 3D transformation effects with perspective controls. Greenscreen removal and automated subtitle generation included.

Both provide timeline-based multi-track video editing. IMG.LY supports web, mobile, desktop, and programmatic APIs with social media presets. React Video Editor focuses on web-based editing with AI features for subtitles and greenscreen.

Advanced Design Editing

Vector graphics support, text manipulation with advanced typography, layout systems with smart layouts, and flexible canvas management. Role-based templates enable controlled editing workflows. Supports both web design and commercial print production with pixel-perfect output.

Standard design capabilities for video projects including text overlays, shape tools, and basic graphic elements. Focuses on design elements supporting video creation rather than standalone graphic design workflows.

IMG.LY offers production-ready design editor for both video and standalone graphic design. React Video Editor provides design tools focused on video editing contexts only.

File Format Support

Imports and exports JPEG, PNG, SVG, WebP, PDF/X, MP4, and native template formats. Supports direct import of Adobe InDesign (IDML) and Photoshop (PSD) files for integration with existing design workflows. Ensures consistent rendering and format parity across both interactive and automated pipelines.

Video format export via Remotion. Supports standard web image formats for assets. Focuses on video output formats rather than comprehensive creative file format support.

IMG.LY provides broader format support including Adobe file imports and PDF export. React Video Editor focuses on video formats via Remotion with standard web image support.

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 through role-based permissions.

Custom animation templates with pluggable media adapters. Templates support variable content through component-based React architecture. Designed for both user editing and programmatic population.

Both support template-based workflows. IMG.LY provides adaptive layouts working identically across UI and API contexts. React Video Editor offers React component-based templates with animation focus.

Creative Automation

Full headless mode for programmatic editing without UI. CreativeEngine runs in Node.js for server-side automation enabling mass personalization and automated content generation from any data source. Design templates on client, generate variations programmatically on server. Handles video generation, design scaling, and batch processing at scale.

Architecture supports automated video generation through Remotion and server-side rendering. Can be deployed on AWS Lambda or Next.js server routes for programmatic video creation. Designed for both interactive editing and backend automation workflows.

Both support creative automation. IMG.LY offers more comprehensive server-side automation with dedicated Node.js engine and headless APIs. React Video Editor provides automation through Remotion and serverless deployment options.

AI Capabilities

Modular plugin architecture integrates text-to-image generation, style transfer, image variants, background removal and replacement, object manipulation, text-to-graphics, text-to-speech, and image-to-video. Pre-configured integrations with Anthropic, OpenAI, 11labs, and Fal.ai. Supports bring-your-own-model capability for any third-party AI API. Works across both interactive editing and programmatic automation.

AI-ready architecture with automated subtitle generation and greenscreen removal built in. RVE AI Agents product in development for expanded AI capabilities. Designed to integrate with AI services for enhanced video editing workflows.

Both provide AI capabilities. IMG.LY offers comprehensive modular plugin system with multiple pre-integrated AI services. React Video Editor includes specific AI features with more capabilities coming via AI Agents product.

Asset Management

Built-in libraries for stickers, icons, overlays, and fonts. Connects directly to Getty Images, Unsplash, and Airtable. Custom asset sources integrate seamlessly. Suitable for DAM integration with support for organizational brand colors, typography, and media resources. All assets remain under user control with fully on-premise browser operation.

Local file uploads via IndexedDB for client-side storage without server requirements. Media Bunny integration for cloud asset management. Supports custom asset libraries through pluggable media adapters.

Both support custom asset integration. IMG.LY provides more extensive third-party integrations including Getty Images and DAM systems. React Video Editor uses IndexedDB for local storage with Media Bunny cloud option.

User Interface

Production-ready interface with timeline-based editing, adjustment tools, filters, effects, and intuitive controls. Component-based architecture includes Canvas, Dock, Canvas Menu, Inspector Bar, Navigation Bar, and Canvas Bar. Visual theme generator using three base colors with built-in dark/light modes. Fully customizable or build entirely custom UIs using headless API.

Component-based React architecture providing production-ready video editing interface. Built with Tailwind CSS for styling and theming. Modular components allow customization and brand-specific styling. Full source code access (RVE Pro) enables complete UI customization.

Both offer production-ready customizable interfaces. IMG.LY provides comprehensive component architecture across all platforms. React Video Editor delivers React-specific components with Tailwind theming.

White-labeling

Complete white-labeling with no IMG.LY branding visible. Custom theming, UI reorganization, custom icons, and text with internationalization support. Match editor precisely to brand guidelines with customized color libraries. Suitable for resellers requiring seamless brand integration. Fully custom UI implementations via headless mode.

Full white-labeling supported with brand-specific styling through Tailwind theming system. Component-based architecture allows complete visual customization. Source code access (RVE Pro) enables unlimited branding control.

Both support complete white-labeling. IMG.LY provides white-labeling across all platforms with extensive customization options. React Video Editor offers white-labeling through React component customization and source access.

Interactive Editing

Real-time visual editing across web browsers, native mobile apps, and desktop software. Frame-accurate timeline control with immediate preview. Responsive editing on all supported platforms with smooth user experience. Works identically whether deployed client-side or customized through headless APIs.

Real-time browser-based video editing with interactive timeline and preview. Immediate feedback for all editing operations including effects, transitions, and transformations. Auto-save functionality ensures work preservation during editing sessions.

Both provide interactive real-time editing. IMG.LY delivers interactive editing across web, mobile, and desktop platforms. React Video Editor focuses on browser-based interactive editing with auto-save.

Component Architecture

Separation of CreativeEngine (core rendering and logic) from CreativeEditor (UI layer). Modular architecture with Canvas, Dock, Canvas Menu, Inspector Bar, Navigation Bar, and Canvas Bar components. Each component configurable via dedicated Order APIs. Custom component registration using builder components.

Component-based React architecture emphasizing developer experience. Modular well-organized codebase with clear separation of concerns. Uses modern React patterns for component composition and reusability. Full TypeScript support for type safety.

Both use modular component architectures. IMG.LY separates engine from UI across all platforms with extensive configuration APIs. React Video Editor provides React-specific component patterns and TypeScript support.

Cross-Platform Support

Web (JavaScript, React, Angular, Vue.js, Svelte, Next.js), native mobile (iOS, Android), cross-platform mobile (React Native, Flutter), desktop (Electron, MacCatalyst, macOS), and server (Node.js). Same C++ rendering engine ensures consistent output across all platforms.

React-based web applications including Next.js, Vite, and other React frameworks. Desktop support via Electron for web-based deployment. Server-side rendering through Next.js SSR and AWS Lambda for video generation.

Both support web and desktop via Electron. IMG.LY offers significantly broader platform coverage including native mobile apps and multiple web frameworks. React Video Editor focuses exclusively on React web ecosystem.

Customizability

Fully customizable UI, theming, toolbar elements, asset libraries, and editing workflows. Code-based configuration allowing full programmatic control. Component ordering via Order APIs. Build entirely custom UIs via headless APIs while leveraging core editing functionality. Internationalization and role-based permissions. Export configurations and color spaces.

Component-based customization through React architecture. Theming system using Tailwind CSS for visual customization. Full source code access (RVE Pro) provides complete control over functionality and appearance. Pluggable architecture for custom features and integrations.

Both offer extensive customizability. IMG.LY provides architectural-level customization across all platforms with unlimited flexibility. React Video Editor offers complete customization through source code access or component-level configuration.

Extensibility

Comprehensive plugin system for adding custom functionality. Register custom components, integrate third-party AI services, connect to custom asset sources, and extend export capabilities. Modular architecture facilitates adding new features without modifying core SDK. Fully extensible via plugin system.

Modular architecture with pluggable media adapters and component extensibility. Open architecture allows integration of custom features and services. Source code access (RVE Pro) enables unlimited extensions and modifications.

Both provide extensibility mechanisms. IMG.LY offers comprehensive plugin system working across all platforms. React Video Editor provides extensibility through modular architecture and source code access.

Ease of Integration

Free 30-day trials with comprehensive documentation including in-depth guides, tutorials, sample code, and API references. Documentation organized by platform with quickstart guides. Demo repositories for React, React Native, Cordova, Flutter, Ionic, Ruby, Rails, Angular, and Vue.js. Platform-specific integration examples.

Comprehensive documentation with integration guides and API reference. Self-service approach with email support from founder. Demo environment available for evaluation. GitHub repository access for open-source version.

Both provide comprehensive documentation. IMG.LY offers more extensive multi-platform documentation with dedicated demo repositories. React Video Editor provides focused React-specific documentation with founder support.

Flexible Rendering Approach

Flexible rendering architecture: client-side mode leverages device GPUs for interactive editing with local data, while server-side rendering via the CE.SDK Renderer supports automated generation on Node.js infrastructure. A unified engine guarantees consistent, pixel-identical output across browsers and backend workflows. The choice depends on the use case—not technical limitations.

Remotion for video rendering with flexible deployment options. Cloud rendering via Remotion Lambda, server-side rendering through Next.js, or AWS Lambda deployment. Organization selects rendering approach based on scale and infrastructure requirements.

Both offer flexible rendering. IMG.LY provides client-side and server-side options across all platforms with unified engine. React Video Editor uses Remotion with cloud, server, or Lambda rendering for web contexts.

Mobile Performance

Delivers performance across native iOS, native Android, React Native, and Flutter using same C++ rendering engine. Optimized for modern mobile devices with responsive editing and smooth preview. Cross-platform engine prioritizes consistent rendering quality and feature parity across all mobile platforms.

Web-based architecture not optimized for native mobile performance. Can run in mobile browsers but designed primarily for desktop web browsers. Mobile access through responsive web design rather than native mobile apps.

IMG.LY provides native mobile apps with optimized performance. React Video Editor focuses on desktop web browsers with responsive design for mobile browser access.

Production Readiness

Production-ready, matured in demanding environments powering 500M+ creative productions monthly. Targets fully white-labeled, production-ready editing solutions for enterprise deployment. Regular feature updates maintain production stability. Deployed in high-volume commercial applications across web-to-print, martech, DAM, content creation, e-commerce, and e-learning.

Production-ready code designed to save months of development time. Used by organizations building video editing features for SaaS applications. Modular codebase emphasizing reliability and maintainability. Suitable for MVP development and production deployments.

Both are production-ready. IMG.LY proven at massive scale (500M+ monthly creations) in enterprise environments. React Video Editor provides production-ready code for rapid deployment in React applications.

Scalability

Server-side rendering via Node.js supports automation workflows at scale with mass personalization and batch processing. Architecture handles high-volume creative production (500M+ monthly) with no performance degradation at scale. Multi-tenant architectures supported through backend role implementations. Cloud deployment flexibility allows horizontal scaling.

Architecture designed for scalable video generation through Remotion Lambda and serverless deployment. Horizontal scaling through cloud infrastructure. IndexedDB client-side storage minimizes server requirements for user content. Suitable for growing applications with increasing video generation demands.

Both support scalability. IMG.LY proven at massive scale with extensive automation capabilities. React Video Editor provides scalable architecture through Remotion Lambda and serverless deployment.

Storage & Data Ownership

Full user data ownership with editor working client-side. All assets, images, and data remain under user control with fully on-premise running in browser. No required data transmission to IMG.LY servers. Server solutions run on user-controlled infrastructure with optional third-party integrations. Complete ownership of created content and templates.

IndexedDB client-side storage with no server required for core functionality. Self-hosted or cloud-deployed based on organization preference. Data ownership maintained through deployment on organization-controlled infrastructure. Optional Media Bunny integration for cloud asset management.

Both provide full data ownership. IMG.LY emphasizes zero data exfiltration with on-premise browser operation. React Video Editor uses IndexedDB for client-side storage with flexible deployment options.

Offline Capabilities

Full offline editing and exporting after initial SDK load. Permanent internet connection not necessary for editor to run. Template editing, design manipulation, and export all function offline. Custom local asset libraries work offline while third-party integrations require connectivity. Special offline licenses available.

Client-side architecture with IndexedDB storage supports offline editing after initial load. Auto-save functionality works offline. Export requires Remotion rendering which may need server connection depending on deployment approach.

Both support offline editing capabilities. IMG.LY provides complete offline functionality with special offline licenses. React Video Editor offers offline editing with IndexedDB storage, rendering depends on deployment method.

Clear Pricing Model

Usage-based enterprise licensing determined by usage, magnitude, platforms, and capability requirements. Free evaluation period accessible. Cost-effective alternative to building in-house.

Tiered pricing with Indie, Startup, and Enterprise levels. One-time purchase with 12 months of updates included. Transparent fixed pricing with volume discounts. Requires separate Remotion licensing (free for small organizations, paid for larger teams).

Both offer clear pricing structures. IMG.LY uses enterprise licensing customized to usage and platforms. React Video Editor provides transparent fixed-tier pricing with one-time purchase model.

Community & Support

Comprehensive documentation with in-depth guides, tutorials, sample code, and API references for all platforms. Support levels vary by license type from ticket-based to dedicated enterprise support with SLA-backed response times. GitHub repositories with integration examples. Support Desk with release notes and technical FAQs.

Comprehensive documentation with integration guides and API reference. Email support with personal responses from founder. Open-source version on GitHub for community support. Priority support available with Startup and Enterprise tiers.

Both provide documentation and support. IMG.LY offers more comprehensive multi-platform documentation with tiered support including enterprise SLA. React Video Editor provides focused documentation with direct founder support.

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. React Video Editor

What makes IMG.LY the best React Video Editor alternative?

Cross-Platform & Multi-Workflow Editing

Headless Automation & Scalable Rendering

Enterprise-Grade Extensibility & AI Plugin System

Frame-Accurate Editing Across Web, Mobile & Automation

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY vs. React Video Editor at a Glance

Features

IMG.LY

React Video Editor

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

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