# The Polotno Alternative With an Embedded Editor and Automation API > Add a white-label design editor to your application and generate images, PDFs, and videos through Templated's REST API. Embedded editor and rendering API in one plan from $79/month. - **URL**: https://templated.io/alternative-to/polotno/ --- Alternative to Polotno Add a white-label design editor to your application and generate images, PDFs, and videos through Templated's REST API. Import existing designs, create content from spreadsheets, and give your customers an editor inside your own product. [Try It Free](https://app.templated.io/signup) · [View API Docs](https://templated.io/docs/) 50 free credits · No credit card required Trusted by teams at AXS TV, LiveMode, Shef, Media.net, Caze TV, Dope Marketing, Athletes Thread, Gro Care ## Why Consider Switching to Templated from Polotno? Get a hosted embedded editor and rendering API in one plan, import existing designs, and generate content from spreadsheets. Templated also adds AI templates, PDF catalogs, and workflow integrations. ### Get an Embedded Editor and REST API in One Plan Templated Scale includes a white-label editor and rendering API for $79/month with annual billing. Polotno Studio has an Automation API, but embedding its editor requires a separately licensed SDK. ### Import Your Existing Designs Import supported Canva, Illustrator, Photoshop, PDF, and HTML designs into editable templates and prepare them for automated generation. ### Generate Personalized Content from Spreadsheets Upload CSV or Excel files, map columns to template layers, preview the content, and download the finished images as a ZIP. ### Create PDF Catalogs from Product Data Turn Excel or CSV product lists into multipage PDF catalogs with product grids, category sections, and automatic pages. ### Create Editable Templates with AI Generate editable templates from text prompts or reference images, then adjust the text, images, and layout in the editor. ## Templated vs Polotno: Feature Comparison Templated and Polotno both offer image, PDF, and video automation. Polotno Studio provides a hosted editor and REST API, while Polotno SDK gives developers more control over building and hosting their own editor. Templated combines hosted editing, rendering, spreadsheet generation, and white-label embedding within its subscription plans. | Feature | Templated | Polotno | | - | - | - | | Embedded Design Editor | Hosted white-label editor included in Scale and Enterprise | Third-party editor embedding requires a separate Polotno SDK license | | Editor Integration | HTML embed with branding, permissions, and launch settings | JavaScript and React components, with additional options for applications outside React | | Editor Customization | Configure branding, available tools, editing permissions, and template access | Customize panels, canvas controls, components, and editor behavior through code | | Canva Import | Import supported static Canva designs using public view links | SDK imports Canva-exported SVG files; outlined text requires attention during conversion | | Adobe Design Imports | Import supported Illustrator (.ai) and Photoshop (.psd) files | SDK supports PSD import and Illustrator import through its PDF importer | | PDF Catalog Generator | Dedicated Catalog integration with product mapping, page layouts, category sections, and automatic pagination | Studio and SDK support multipage PDF creation and programmatic rendering | | No-Code Integrations | Existing Zapier, Make, and n8n integrations, plus spreadsheet generation | Studio REST API and documented self-hosted n8n workflows; Zapier and Make integrations listed as upcoming | | Cloud Rendering | Managed by Templated and included in its rendering subscriptions | Included with Studio automation; SDK users have self-hosted rendering and an optional Cloud Render API | | Print-Ready PDFs | Vector text and shapes, CMYK conversion, and PDF flattening | SDK supports vector PDFs, PDF/X formats, CMYK, bleed, and specialized print settings | | Other Output Formats | PDF and MP4, with static HTML on Enterprise | Studio supports PDF, video, GIF, and carousel output; SDK additionally supports HTML and PPTX | | Visual Template Editor | Hosted drag-and-drop editor for images, PDFs, and videos | Hosted canvas editor in Polotno Studio; customizable editor components through Polotno SDK | | Image Automation API | REST API for generating JPG, PNG, and WebP images from personalized templates | Studio Automation API generates PNG and JPEG images using named template fields | | PDF Automation API | Generate individual PDF pages, multipage documents, and merged PDFs | Studio supports PDF rendering through its API; SDK provides additional PDF export options | | Video Automation API | MP4 generation with animations and video layers; rendering is currently in beta | Studio generates videos through its Automation API; SDK also supports MP4 and GIF output | | PDF Import | Convert supported PDF documents into editable templates | SDK converts PDFs into editable Polotno designs using its PDF importer | | HTML Import and Export | Import HTML files or markup into editable templates; static HTML rendering is available on Enterprise | SDK imports JSON, SVG, PDF, and PSD designs and supports HTML export from design JSON | | AI Template Generator | Generate editable templates from prompts or reference images | SDK offers an experimental text-to-design API; Studio includes generative AI tools | | AI-Assisted Editing | Visual editing with AI-assisted template creation and modification tools | Studio and SDK provide AI-assisted content and design features | | Social Media Carousels | Create multipage templates and export slides as images, ZIP files, or PDFs | Studio Automation API supports image and video carousels | | Bulk Spreadsheet Generation | Upload CSV or Excel files, map columns, preview results, and download batches | Studio supports bulk rendering through API requests and automation workflows | | AI Assistant Integration | Account-connected MCP tools for templates, assets, and file generation | Polotno App supports MCP design operations; SDK provides agent tools and documentation access | | API Response Handling | Synchronous rendering by default, with asynchronous options | Studio uses asynchronous rendering by default and offers an optional synchronous request mode | | Webhooks | Render notifications, automation triggers, and embedded-editor events | Studio provides render-completion and bulk-job webhooks; Cloud Render API also supports notifications | | Custom Storage | Amazon S3 and Cloudflare R2 delivery on Scale and Enterprise | Bring-your-own-storage options on higher Studio tiers; SDK users control their storage setup | | Image Output Formats | JPG, PNG, and WebP | Studio supports PNG and JPEG; SDK also supports SVG | | Team and Template Management | Included team members, folders, tags, and template history | Studio includes cloud projects, templates, brand kits, folders, and versioned designs | | Pricing Model | Fixed subscription plans with monthly render credits and included team members | Studio uses monthly credits; SDK licensing is quoted separately | TRY IT FREE ### Test Templated with Your Own Content. Import a design or start from a template, connect your data by API, spreadsheet, or no-code tool, and generate your first image, PDF, or video. [Try It Free](https://app.templated.io/signup) FIRST-TIME SIGNUP 50 Free Credits - No credit card required - Visual editor and REST API access - Image, PDF, and video generation - AI Template Generator and template gallery Pricing ## Templated vs Polotno: Pricing and Production Output ### Subscription Pricing and Included Renders | Plan | Price/Month | Monthly Credits | Standard Images/Month | Standard PDF Pages/Month | Embedded Editor | | - | - | - | - | - | - | | TEMPLATED | | | | | | | Templated Starter | $29\* | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | Not included | | Templated Scale | $79\* | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | Included | | Templated Enterprise | $179\* | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | Included | | POLOTNO | | | | | | | Polotno Studio Free | $0 | 100 | Up to 100 | Up to 33 | Separate SDK license | | Polotno Studio Starter | $19 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 4,000 | Separate SDK license | | Polotno Studio Growth | $49 | 30,000 | 30,000 | 10,000 | Separate SDK license | | Polotno Studio Scale | $149 | 95,000 | 95,000 | 31,666 | Separate SDK license | | Polotno SDK | Custom quote | Separate rendering arrangements | Depends on implementation | Depends on implementation | Included with SDK license | \*Prices are based on annual billing. Enterprise adds higher monthly credits, 20 team members, unlimited templates, and dedicated support for businesses producing large volumes of content. [Explore Enterprise Plans](https://templated.io/pricing/) ### How Rendering Credits Compare | Output | Templated | Polotno Studio | | - | - | - | | Standard image | 1 credit | 1 credit | | Standard PDF page | 1 credit | 3 credits | | High-resolution image | Standard image credit rules, within supported rendering limits | 3 credits above Polotno's published high-resolution threshold | | 10-second template video | Approximately 13 credits at 1080p and 30 FPS | 10 base credits, plus overlay-frame charges | ## Three Core Templated APIs. Built for Bulk Content Generation. Create reusable designs and generate personalized images, PDFs, and videos using data from your application, database, or spreadsheet. - ### [Image Automation API](https://templated.io/image-automation-api/) Generate product graphics, social media posts, promotional banners, and real estate listing images with different text, photos, and prices. Change template fields through API requests and export JPG, PNG, or WebP files. - ### [PDF Generator API](https://templated.io/pdf-generator-api/) Generate invoices, certificates, reports, property sheets, and multipage documents from reusable templates. Fill pages with customer or business data, render them as PDFs, and use the merge API to combine files. - ### [Video Automation API](https://templated.io/video-automation-api/) Generate MP4 videos using templates with animated text, images, and video layers. Update content through the API for product promotions, short advertisements, and social media campaigns. Video rendering is currently in beta and supports a maximum duration of 90 seconds per render. ## Features in Templated That Get Your Designs Ready for Automation Templated provides several ways to prepare designs for repeated generation, from importing existing files to building templates with AI. **Import Your Existing Designs** ### Import Your Existing Designs Upload supported Illustrator, Photoshop, PDF, or HTML designs, or import a static Canva design through a public view link. Review the converted elements and adjust anything that needs attention. Complex source files sometimes need corrections after import. [See how Canva import works](https://templated.io/blog/how-to-import-canva-templates-directly-into-templated-for-automation/) **AI Template Generator** ### AI Template Generator Describe the layout you need or upload a reference image. Templated creates an editable starting design with separate text, image, and shape elements you can change and reuse for different campaigns or customers. [Explore the AI Template Generator](https://templated.io/ai-template-generator/) **Spreadsheet Integration** ### Spreadsheet Integration Upload a CSV or Excel file, match columns to template fields, preview the results, and download the completed images together as a ZIP. [Explore spreadsheet generation](https://templated.io/integrations/spreadsheet/) **PDF Catalog Generator** ### PDF Catalog Generator Create a catalog template with product-grid fields, then upload a CSV or Excel product list. Templated fills the product slots, adds pages, starts new category sections, and merges the finished document. Covers, dividers, and back covers are included when configured in the template. [Explore the Catalog integration](https://templated.io/integrations/catalog/) **White-Label Embedded Editor** ### White-Label Embedded Editor Add Templated's hosted design editor to your website or application using an HTML embed. Configure the logo, colors, permissions, and starting view. Users edit designs inside your product, and webhook events report template saves and downloads. Production embedding is included in Scale and Enterprise. [Explore the embedded editor](https://templated.io/embed-image-editor-in-your-app/) **Bring Your Own Storage** ### Bring Your Own Storage Send rendered files to your Amazon S3 or Cloudflare R2 bucket instead of the default hosted location. Included in Scale and Enterprise, giving your application direct access to generated files. [Read the custom storage docs](https://templated.io/docs/integrations/custom-storage/) ## What Do Templated and Polotno Both Offer? Both platforms provide the main tools needed for automated creative production. Their differences become clearer when comparing the editing and integration workflows. ### Reusable Visual Templates Create designs containing editable text, images, shapes, and other elements for repeated use. ### Image, PDF, and Video Generation Generate finished media files from saved templates through supported APIs and rendering services. ### Content Personalization Replace names, prices, photos, colors, and other fields using information supplied with each generation request. ### Hosted Rendering APIs Use managed servers to render content instead of operating a separate rendering service. ### Bulk Production Generate many versions of a design through API-based jobs and supported automation tools. ### Social Media Carousels Create multipage designs and export carousel content for social media campaigns. ### Webhook Notifications Receive completion or failure information when rendering jobs finish. ### Embedded Design Editing Offer editing inside another application through Templated's hosted embedded editor or Polotno's separately licensed SDK. ## When Is Polotno the Better Fit? Polotno has advantages that deserve consideration, particularly for developers building specialized editing products and teams focused on high-volume rendering. - You need deeper control over the design editor. — Polotno SDK gives developers access to its canvas components, panels, tools, and editing behavior. Teams building a custom editor get more control over how the interface works. - You want self-hosted rendering. — Polotno SDK supports browser-based and server-side rendering, including Node.js workflows. It also offers a Cloud Render API for managed rendering. - You work with specialized print files. — Polotno SDK supports vector PDF generation, PDF/X formats, CMYK, bleed, and other production settings used in professional printing. - You need more export formats. — Polotno SDK supports SVG, GIF, PPTX, and HTML exports alongside standard image, PDF, and video files. ## How to Switch from Polotno Keep Polotno running while you test. Start with one design and move more templates once the results check out. 1. ### Bring Your Designs Import supported Canva, Illustrator, Photoshop, PDF, or HTML files, or rebuild your Polotno templates in the visual editor. Polotno's native JSON project format differs from Templated's, so those projects need conversion or recreation. 2. ### Connect Your Data Create an API key and connect your data to the template layers, using direct API requests, spreadsheet generation, or supported integrations, whichever fits how your app produces content. 3. ### Test, Then Switch Render samples with the same names, images, fonts, and data as your current workflow, and compare the output before changing production API calls. ### Let Your AI Agent Help You Switch. Templated provides an MCP endpoint for compatible AI assistants: `https://mcp.templated.io/mcp` Connect Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, or another supported MCP client to create templates, manage assets, edit designs, and generate files through Templated. - 1 Connect the MCP server MCP server - 2 Create or recreate your template create\_template - 3 Generate files with your data create\_render - • Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor any MCP client ## Still Deciding? Common Questions Answers to the main questions about Templated, Polotno Studio, and Polotno SDK. ### What Is the Difference Between Polotno Studio and Polotno SDK? Polotno Studio is a hosted design application with an editor, cloud projects, templates, brand kits, and an Automation API. Polotno SDK is a developer library for building an editor inside another application. It provides direct access to canvas components, design data, and rendering features. Studio has published monthly subscriptions. SDK licensing is negotiated separately. ### Does Polotno Studio Include an Embedded Editor for SaaS Applications? No. Polotno Studio's license covers its hosted editor and Automation API. The license does not grant permission to offer Polotno's editor as a feature inside a third-party application. That requires a Polotno SDK license. Templated includes a hosted white-label embedded editor with its Scale and Enterprise plans. ### How Does Templated's Embedded Editor Compare with Polotno SDK? Templated provides a hosted editor integrated through an HTML embed. Developers configure branding, permissions, available tools, and the initial editing view. Polotno SDK provides JavaScript and React components for building a customized editor. It also supports integration approaches outside React. Templated is suited to applications that need a hosted editing experience with configurable controls. Polotno SDK serves developers who want direct control over the editor's components and implementation. ### What Is the Difference Between Templated and Polotno for Image Automation? Both Templated and Polotno Studio generate personalized images using a hosted REST API. Templated also provides direct Canva importing, an AI Template Generator, spreadsheet uploads, and existing Zapier, Make, and n8n integrations. Polotno Studio includes its own canvas editor, named template fields, API-based rendering, bulk jobs, and carousel generation. The choice depends on the surrounding workflow as much as the rendering API. ### Which Is More Affordable, Templated or Polotno? Polotno Studio is more affordable for standard-image generation. However, for teams looking for no-code spreadsheet automation, direct Canva imports, and ready-to-use integrations with Zapier, Make, and n8n, Templated is a better option. ### Does Polotno Support Canva and Adobe Design Imports? Yes. Polotno SDK supports Photoshop, Illustrator, PDF, and SVG imports, including Canva designs exported as SVG. Templated offers a more direct workflow, importing supported Canva designs through a public link, along with Illustrator, Photoshop, PDF, and HTML files. ### Does Polotno Support AI Template Generation? Yes. Polotno SDK offers an experimental text-to-design API that returns editable Polotno JSON. Polotno Studio also includes generative AI tools for images and videos. Templated's AI Template Generator creates editable designs from prompts or reference images. The completed templates are available in its visual editor and rendering workflow. ### Does Polotno Support PDF and Video Automation? Yes. Polotno Studio generates PDFs and videos through its Automation API. Polotno SDK also supports rendering through browser, server-side, and managed cloud methods. Templated provides a hosted PDF Generation API and MP4 rendering. Its video generation feature is currently in beta and supports videos up to 90 seconds. ### Does Templated Generate PDF Product Catalogs from Spreadsheets? Yes. Templated's Catalog integration turns CSV or Excel product data into multipage PDFs. Create a product-grid template, upload the spreadsheet, and map product details to the available fields. Templated fills the pages, organizes category sections, and combines the finished pages into one PDF. Polotno Studio supports bulk rendering through its API and automation tools. Templated provides an additional spreadsheet-upload interface with field mapping and previews. ### Do Templated and Polotno Both Support Print-Ready PDFs? Yes. Templated supports vector text and shapes in PDF output, CMYK conversion, and PDF flattening. For documents requiring bleed, the template dimensions need to account for the extra print area. Polotno SDK has additional print-production settings, including PDF/X export and dedicated bleed controls. ### Does Templated Include a White-Label Embedded Editor? Yes. Templated Scale includes a white-label embedded editor starting at $79/month with annual billing. Add the editor to an application using an HTML embed, configure its appearance and editing permissions, and give customers access to the appropriate templates. Embedded-editor events also support webhook notifications for supported user actions. ### Does Templated Offer a Free Trial? Yes. Templated provides 50 free credits without requiring a credit card. Use the credits to explore the editor, create templates, test the REST API, and generate sample images, PDFs, or videos. Production use of the white-label embedded editor requires Scale or Enterprise. ## What Teams Say About Templated Rated 4.7 August 17, 2025 > "Brilliant piece of software. Reasonably priced (vs Canva's outrageously expensive API), and despite a few intricacies with the editor, a really fully-featured document generation API. Really great support too from Pedro, the founder!" Jacob Burns March 13, 2025 > "Great time to value. It's simple to use, it does what it says on the tin, not obscure pricing or documentation - everything is as you expect it, and they have great customer service!" Elias Benussi March 17, 2025 > "Great customer service. Templated is a great tool and easy to work with, and their API just makes sense. It's fast, and great for automating visuals. What really stands out is their customer service quick replies, actually helpful, and clearly invested in their users. Smart product, built right." Brix Studio December 19, 2024 > "After comparing several similar options, I ultimately chose Templated. I'm really enjoying its ease of use and impressive performance!" Siddharth Elango March 17, 2025 > "Life-saving and incredibly intuitive! This app is absolutely phenomenal! It literally saved my life and my automations on MAKE. The idea behind it is brilliant, and the execution is flawless. It's extremely intuitive, making it super easy to work with, even for those who aren't tech experts. The user-friendly interface and seamless functionality make automation effortless. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient solution!" Filipe SouzaBasic Invitation 20 February 2024 > "The editor is easy to use, very similar to Canva and the API is simple enough to integrate on the backend." Halem WendersonDeveloper at Telvetto ## Weighing Other Options? Compare Them Side by Side. Review Templated's comparisons with other image, PDF, and video automation services. - ### [Bannerbear Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/banner-bear/) Import Canva, Illustrator, and PDF designs, plus built-in spreadsheet, carousel, and catalog workflows. - ### [Abyssale Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/abyssale/) Full API access on all plans, transparent pricing, and video generation. No enterprise gating. - ### [Placid Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/placid/) More affordable pricing, AI template generation, and a simpler API for automated visuals. - ### [Creatomate Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/creatomate/) Simpler pricing model, intuitive editor, and AI-powered template creation. - ### [Canva Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/canva-api/) Full API access without Enterprise pricing. Automate image generation programmatically. - ### [IMG.LY Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/imgly/) Cloud-based solution with simpler pricing and no complex SDK integration required. - ### [Orshot Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/orshot/) A more mature editor, one simple credit meter, and a white-label embedded editor from $99/mo. - ### [Pomelli Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/pomelli/) Full-featured alternative to Google Labs' Pomelli with API access and more integrations. - ### [CraftMyPDF Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/craftmypdf/) Video generation, AI template creation, and white-label editor that CraftMyPDF doesn't offer. - ### [APITemplate.io Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/apitemplate/) AI-powered template generation, video support, and a more intuitive drag-and-drop editor. - ### [RenderForm Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/renderform/) PDF and video generation, AI templates, and no watermarks on free tier. More than just images. - ### [Catalog Machine Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/catalog-machine/) Full design control, predictable auto-pagination with category sections, and one platform for catalogs, images, and videos. - ### [DynaPictures Alternative](https://templated.io/alternative-to/dynapictures/) More renders per dollar, video generation, AI template creation, and white-label editor. ## Ready to Switch from Polotno? Bring your existing designs into Templated, connect your spreadsheet or API, and test the output before replacing your current workflow. Templated Scale includes hosted rendering and a white-label embedded editor in one subscription. The platform also provides design imports, AI template creation, and spreadsheet generation for teams producing personalized content. [Try Templated Free](https://app.templated.io)