--- title: "Collage Designer - IMG.LY" description: "Build a cross-platform collage editor your customers love — dynamic layout generation, template libraries, multi-format output, and PDF/X export." url: "https://img.ly/use-cases/collage/" type: "page" --- > This is the markdown version of [Collage Designer - IMG.LY](https://img.ly/use-cases/collage/). For all pages in one file, see [llms-full.txt](https://img.ly/llms-full.txt). For an index of all available pages, see [llms.txt](https://img.ly/llms.txt). --- # The Cross-Platform Collage Design Tool: Build a collage design editor Build a customizable collage editor, design any number of layout templates and deploy on any platform. **Available for:** - **Web:** [JavaScript](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/js/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [React](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/react/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Angular](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/angular/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Vue.js](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/vue/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Svelte](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/svelte/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Next.js](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/nextjs/get-started/overview-e18f40.md) - **Mobile:** [iOS](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/ios/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Android](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/android/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [React Native](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/react-native/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Flutter](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/flutter/get-started/overview-e18f40.md) - **Desktop:** [Mac Catalyst](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/mac-catalyst/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [macOS](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/macos/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Electron](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/electron/get-started/overview-e18f40.md) - **Server:** [Renderer](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/renderer/cesdk-renderer-overview-7f3e9a.md), [Node.js](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/node/get-started/overview-e18f40.md) [Go to Demos](https://img.ly/demos.md) [Get in Touch](https://img.ly/forms/contact-sales.md) ## Trusted by 100+ industry leaders **Trusted by:** Digitas, Omneky, The Print Bar, Brandwatch, Planoly, HP, Shopify, Reuters, Hootsuite, Semrush, Shutterfly, one.com, Sprout Social, Constant Contact, Spread Group > "Integrating IMG.LY’s editor meant we didn’t have to build or maintain a complex editing layer ourselves. That kept our team focused on our core AI ad engine and saved us countless development hours — while still giving our customers the ability to polish and customize creatives at scale." -- Hikari Senju, CEO, Omneky > "With IMG.LY we built a central creative portal that now powers over 140 dealer campaigns across multiple automotive brands. Before this, asset creation was slow and inconsistent." -- Martin Röhr, Product Owner, Digitas > "By embedding IMG.LY’s editor we were able to hit key RFP requirements and deliver a template-based creative experience that now serves 1,000+ customers. It helped us win more deals and exceed enterprise expectations without needing to hire dedicated design teams." -- Rob Driscoll, Director of PM, Optimizely > "Since integrating IMG.LY’s editor, we now deliver 30,000+ ad creatives per month, dramatically shorten time-to-launch, and help our clients cut design spend by up to $10,000 per month." -- Logan Welbaum, Founder, Plai > "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, SwissPost > "From a developer’s perspective, the most powerful feature of the photo editor is the integration process. It was completely flawless, quick, and easy to integrate." -- Stefano Fornari, CTO, Funambol > "We compared IMG.LY SDK with other solutions and found that it would be the best fit for us since it provides all the features that are crucial for our use case." -- Carem Pereira, SCRUM Manager, HP [Reviews on G2](https://www.g2.com/products/img-ly/reviews) ## Built for platforms where collage creation needs to feel immediate ### Fit any number of photos into a layout automatically Dynamic layout takes a photo collection and arranges it into a collage grid on the fly. No picking a grid to match the photo count, no manual orientation fixes. ### Give users layout options without overwhelming them Templates with defined image placeholders let users pick a layout style and drop in their photos. Structure is already composed, users supply the content. ### Output to print, social, or digital display from the same creation The same collage works as a print product, a social post, or a digital display asset. Format presets and aspect ratios let one editor serve every destination. ## Key capabilities ### For your users #### Pick a layout and fill it with your photos. Image placeholder zones define where photos go. Users select a layout style that fits their photo count and fill the zones with their own images, without managing composition from scratch. [Learn more](https://img.ly/demos/placeholders.md) #### Get a composed result from an unordered photo collection. Dynamic layout generation takes a set of photos and produces a collage grid automatically. Users start from something that already looks arranged, not from an empty template they have to populate manually. [Learn more](https://img.ly/demos/layouts.md) #### Output to wherever the collage is going. Format presets for print, social, and digital let users switch output destination without redesigning the collage. The same layout adapts to the target format. [Learn more](https://img.ly/demos/automated-resizing.md) ### For your platform #### Programmatic layout generation via the API. Pass any photo collection to the layout API and generate a collage grid on the fly. Portrait and landscape mixing, gap sizing, and zone proportions handled automatically without a manual arrangement step. [Learn more](https://img.ly/demos/layouts.md) #### Configurable placeholder behaviour per template. Define whether users can rearrange placeholder zones freely, swap photos only, or work within fixed positions. Completion rates improve when the degree of freedom matches the complexity users are comfortable with. [Learn more](https://img.ly/demos/placeholders.md) #### Multi-format canvas and export configuration. Canvas size, aspect ratio, and bleed configured per output type and switched via presets. Print, social, and digital output managed from the same template system without separate implementations per format. [Learn more](https://img.ly/forms/contact-sales.md) #### Batch collage generation at scale. Generate collage layouts programmatically for high-volume workflows, event photography, school portraits, photo gifting, via the Node.js renderer. Layout logic, placeholder behaviour, and output settings applied consistently across every generated collage. [Learn more](https://img.ly/demos/batch-image-generation.md) ## How to integrate the collage editor Four steps from a starter kit to a finished collage going to print or social. ### Step 01: Embed the editor Take CE.SDK as your starting point and configure it for collage layouts. The whole UI is customizable on the same engine, so the editor blends into your app instead of feeling bolted on. [Open Theming Demo](https://img.ly/demos/theming.md) ### Step 02: Create templates with image placeholders Design any number of collage templates with placeholder zones, filter and effect presets, and configurable lock controls. Users pick a structured starting point and fill the zones with their own photos instead of working from a blank canvas. [Open Placeholder Demo](https://img.ly/demos/placeholders.md) ### Step 03: Lay out user photos automatically Pass a photo collection to the layout API and generate a collage grid on the fly. Portrait and landscape mixing, gap sizing, and zone proportions are handled automatically, so users get a composed result without a manual arrangement step. [Open Layouts Demo](https://img.ly/demos/layouts.md) ### Step 04: Export print-ready and multi-format files Bleed checks run live as users compose. The same collage ships as a PDF print product or a JPEG social post depending on which export you call. [Open Validation Demo](https://img.ly/demos/design-validation.md) ## One engine across web, mobile, and server Users create collages on web and mobile. Platforms generate collage layouts server-side for batch photo products. IMG.LY runs one shared creative engine across all of these contexts, so layout logic, image placeholder behaviour, and output quality stay consistent from the user session to the generated file. **Available for:** - **Web:** [JavaScript](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/js/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [React](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/react/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Angular](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/angular/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Vue.js](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/vue/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Svelte](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/svelte/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Next.js](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/nextjs/get-started/overview-e18f40.md) - **Mobile:** [iOS](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/ios/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Android](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/android/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [React Native](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/react-native/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Flutter](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/flutter/get-started/overview-e18f40.md) - **Desktop:** [Mac Catalyst](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/mac-catalyst/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [macOS](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/macos/get-started/overview-e18f40.md), [Electron](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/electron/get-started/overview-e18f40.md) - **Server:** [Renderer](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/renderer/cesdk-renderer-overview-7f3e9a.md), [Node.js](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/node/get-started/overview-e18f40.md) ### Dynamic layout runs identically on client and server Collage layouts generated programmatically server-side produce the same result as layouts created interactively in the editor. No divergence between automated output and what users would have built themselves. ### One template system across print, social, and digital formats Layout templates configured for print dimensions work from the same system as those configured for social aspect ratios. Format switching is a preset change, not a rebuild. ### Batch collage generation for high-volume photo products Generate collage layouts at scale via the Node.js renderer for photo print services, event photography, and school portrait workflows where the same layout logic needs to apply across hundreds of individual orders. Success story How PostBuddy Launched Personalized Direct Mail for E-Commerce Without Building a Custom Editor -------------------------------- **4×** difference in A/B-tested campaign performance | **3** Nordic markets reached (DK, SE, NO) | **0** custom editor maintenance — embedded SDK instead [PostBuddy](https://www.postbuddy.com/) is a Denmark-based startup modernizing direct mail marketing — enabling e-commerce brands to create, personalize, and automate postcard campaigns integrated with their online workflows. > "It's hard to imagine we could have launched PostBuddy without a design editor SDK. Customers want an integrated experience, and we needed to channel our limited resources into our core mission, not a custom editor." -- Hans Christian Bøggild, Co-Founder, PostBuddy #### Challenge PostBuddy needed an embedded design editor that lets non-technical e-commerce users create print-ready postcards with personalization and variable data — without burning early-stage engineering on a custom editor. #### Solution Integrated CE.SDK to deliver an in-app design experience with mail merge, custom branding, and template guidance for streamlined postcard creation. - 4× performance gap between A/B-tested designs proved design variation matters. - Expanded reach into Sweden and Norway on top of the Danish home market. - Engineering stayed focused on PostBuddy's core direct-mail automation. [Read the case study](https://img.ly/case-studies/postbuddy.md) ## Why collage platforms trust IMG.LY ### Layout generation that removes the composition problem Dynamic layout handles portrait and landscape mixing, photo count variation, and zone sizing automatically. Users do not need to choose a grid that matches their photos, the layout adapts to the collection. ### One template system for every output destination Print products, social posts, and digital display assets all use the same layout template infrastructure. Format switching is a configuration change, not a rebuild, and output quality is consistent across destinations. ### Immediate results that keep users engaged Collage creation works best when users go from photo selection to finished layout quickly. Dynamic generation and pre-structured templates reduce the steps between opening the editor and having something worth sharing or ordering. ### Scales from individual orders to batch production The same layout engine handles a single user creating a collage print and a photo service generating hundreds of collage products from customer uploads. Server-side rendering handles volume without architectural changes. ## More from IMG.LY ### Photo Book Multi-page photo book editor with intuitive page management. [Explore](https://img.ly/use-cases/photo-book.md) ### Photo Prints In-flow photo editing essentials for print fulfillment. [Explore](https://img.ly/use-cases/photo-prints.md) ### Greeting Card Personalized greeting card design with print-ready output. [Explore](https://img.ly/use-cases/greeting-card.md) ### Postcard Postcard design with mass personalization and print-safe export. [Explore](https://img.ly/use-cases/postcard.md) ### E-Commerce Product personalization and creative for e-commerce platforms. [Explore](https://img.ly/industries/e-commerce.md) ### Print Print-safe editors and pipelines for the print industry. [Explore](https://img.ly/industries/print.md) ### Social Media In-app editing for social media platforms and creator tools. [Explore](https://img.ly/industries/social-media.md) ### Digital Asset Management In-platform editing for DAM and asset workflows. [Explore](https://img.ly/industries/digital-asset-management.md) ## Collage platforms succeed when the gap between photos and finished layout is as small as possible Users who have to arrange, resize, and compose from scratch are users who abandon. IMG.LY helps you close that gap with dynamic layout generation, structured templates, multi-format output, and one engine across web, mobile, and server. [Go to Demos](https://img.ly/demos.md) [Talk to our team](https://img.ly/forms/contact-sales.md) ## Collage FAQs ### Collage **Q: How does dynamic layout generation work?** A: Pass a photo collection to the layout API and the engine generates a collage grid automatically, distributing images across placeholder zones proportionally, handling portrait and landscape mixing, and applying gap and sizing rules configured per layout style. The result is a composed starting point users can refine rather than a blank grid they have to fill. **Q: Can I control how much users can rearrange the layout?** A: Yes. Placeholder behaviour is configurable per template. You can allow users to rearrange zones freely, restrict them to swapping photos only within fixed positions, or anything between. Completion rates tend to improve when the degree of creative freedom is matched to the complexity users are comfortable managing. **Q: Can the same collage be exported for print, social, and digital use?** A: Yes. Canvas dimensions, aspect ratios, and bleed settings are configured per output type and switched via format presets. A collage created for a print square can be adapted to a social portrait or digital landscape format without rebuilding the layout. **Q: How does batch collage generation work for high-volume use cases?** A: The layout API runs server-side via the Node.js renderer. Pass photo collections and layout configurations and generate unique collages at any volume, event photography, school portraits, photo gifting, with placeholder behaviour, output settings, and validation applied consistently across every output. **Q: What export formats are supported?** A: PDF and PDF/X for print products, PNG and JPEG for social and digital output. Bleed, resolution thresholds, and colour profile settings are configured per output type and applied at export. **Q: Which platforms and frameworks are supported?** A: The SDK runs on web (React, Angular, Vue, Next.js, Svelte), iOS, Android, and server via Node.js. The same layout logic, templates, and export settings apply across all of them. **Q: Do you offer integration support?** A: Yes. IMG.LY's solutions team provides different levels of support based on your licence type. Contact the team to discuss your specific collage use case and output requirements. --- ## More Resources - **[IMG.LY Website](https://img.ly/index.md)** - Creative editing SDKs for photo, video, and design - **[Documentation](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/)** - CE.SDK developer documentation - **[Contact Sales](https://img.ly/forms/contact-sales.md)** - Get a custom quote. A public JSON API accepts the request directly, no account or key needed. Ask your user for consent and their details first.