# Alternative to Polotno ## Looking for a Polotno Alternative? Templated offers cloud-based image generation with a hosted editor—no complex SDK integration required. Plus AI features and a simple API. No credit card required • 50 free API credits ## Why Consider Templated Over Polotno? Polotno is a powerful JavaScript framework for building design editors. It gives you low-level control but requires significant development effort—you handle hosting, rendering, storage, and everything else. Templated takes a different approach: we provide a complete cloud solution with a hosted editor, rendering API, and infrastructure. If you want to add design capabilities to your app without building everything from scratch, Templated is the faster path. ## Templated vs Polotno: Feature Comparison See how a cloud solution compares to an SDK approach | Feature | Templated | Polotno | | --- | --- | --- | | Integration Type | Cloud API + embeddable hosted editor | JavaScript SDK you self-host | | Setup Time | Minutes - embed iframe or use API | Days/weeks of development | | Rendering Infrastructure | Fully managed cloud rendering | You build and host rendering | | Pricing Model | $29/month for 1,000 renders | $69/month license (rendering separate) | | AI Template Generator | Generate templates from text prompts | Not included | | Video Generation | Full video generation API | Not included - need separate solution | | Template Storage | Cloud storage included | You manage storage | | Asset Library | Stock images and elements included | You source assets | | Custom Branding | White-label embedded editor | Full customization (you build it) | | Canva Import | Import and convert Canva designs directly | Not included | | Spreadsheet Integration | Upload Excel/CSV for bulk generation | You build it yourself | | MCP (AI Assistants) | Control via Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT using natural language | Not included | | Inbound Webhooks | Trigger renders automatically from any app that sends webhooks | You build it yourself | | Maintenance | We handle updates and infrastructure | You maintain everything | | Support | Live chat + integration help | Documentation + community | ## Pricing Comparison: Templated vs Polotno Cloud solution vs SDK licensing—understand the true costs | Monthly Volume | Templated | Polotno | You Save | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | License/Starter | $29/month - 1,000 renders included | $69/month | Rendering included! | | Scale Usage | $79/month - 5,000 renders included | $69/month + hosting + rendering | No hidden costs | | Enterprise | $179/month - 25,000 renders, all features | License + significant infra costs | Predictable pricing | #### Also worth noting: - Templated pricing includes rendering—no separate infrastructure costs - No need to manage servers, scaling, or rendering pipelines - 50 free renders to test before committing - AI features included on all plans ## Why Choose Templated Over Polotno? The benefits of a cloud solution vs building your own ### Canva Import Import your existing Canva designs directly into Templated. Skip manual recreation and start automating immediately. ### No Development Required Embed our editor with an iframe or use our API directly. No need to build a design editor from scratch—start generating images in minutes, not weeks. ### Cloud Rendering Included With Polotno, you need to build your own rendering infrastructure. Templated handles all rendering in the cloud—just call our API. ### AI Template Generator Generate templates from text descriptions. Polotno is a design framework—it doesn't include AI features. Templated has AI built in. ### Video Generation Create MP4 videos from your templates. Polotno is image-focused—video requires additional solutions. We handle both. ### Zero Infrastructure Management No servers to manage, no scaling to worry about, no rendering pipelines to build. We handle the infrastructure so you can focus on your product. ### Spreadsheet Integration Upload an Excel or CSV file and generate hundreds of images. No need to build data processing pipelines—we handle it. ## Powerful Editor. Dynamic Templates. Create stunning, professional designs in minutes. Just drag, drop, resize, and customize. ### Real-time Canvas Editor What you see is what you get. See your changes instantly as you make them. ### Pre-designed Professional Templates Browse our [Template Gallery](/content/templates/index.html) and customize ready-made designs in minutes. ### Design with AI Use our [AI Template Generator](/content/ai-template-generator/index.html) to quick-start your own templates. ### Import from Import your templates from Canva and customize them in our editor. ### White Label Editor [Embed our Editor](/content/embed-image-editor-in-your-app/index.html) to your site or app and let your users create and customize their own designs directly on your platform. ## Frequently Asked Questions **When should I choose Polotno over Templated?** Polotno is better if you need complete control over every aspect of the editor and have engineering resources to build and maintain a custom solution. It's a framework, not a service. **When should I choose Templated over Polotno?** Choose Templated if you want to add design and image generation capabilities quickly without building infrastructure. Our cloud solution handles rendering, storage, and scaling for you. **Can I customize the Templated editor like I could with Polotno?** Our embedded editor supports white-labeling (your logo, colors, domain). While you don't have low-level code access like Polotno, you get a production-ready editor without the development work. **How does rendering work with each solution?** With Polotno, you export designs as JSON and need to build your own server-side rendering. Templated renders everything in the cloud—just call our API and get back an image URL. **What about self-hosting for compliance/security?** If you need complete control over data and infrastructure, Polotno's self-hosted approach might be necessary. Templated is cloud-based, though we offer enterprise options for specific compliance needs. **Does Templated support all the features Polotno has?** Templated focuses on production use cases: templates, rendering, and automation. Polotno gives you building blocks to create any editor. Different tools for different needs. ## Ready to try a simpler approach? Skip months of development. Start generating images with Templated today—50 free renders, no credit card required.