Iteration Layer vs Satori / Vercel OG
Satori is a React renderer for OG images — it lives in Vercel's edge runtime and speaks JSX.
No credit card required — start with free trial credits
Why developers switch from Satori / Vercel OG
Satori only supports a CSS subset and requires React — great for OG images, limited beyond that.
Any language, not just JavaScript
Satori requires JSX/React. If your backend is Python, Go, Elixir, or Ruby, generating images means a separate JavaScript process. Our API accepts JSON from any HTTP client in any language.
General image generation, not only OG images
Satori is optimised for 1200×630 OG image generation. Our layer model supports any image size, arbitrary layer composition, PDFs, and AI operations — for certificates, banners, product images, social cards, and more.
Full CSS, not a Flexbox subset
Satori implements a subset of CSS — Flexbox only, no Grid, limited positioning. Complex layouts require workarounds. Our layer model uses explicit coordinates and sizes, giving full control without CSS limitations.
Feature-by-feature comparison
We went through the docs so you don't have to. Here's how every feature compares — including the ones where we're not the better choice.
| Feature | Iteration Layer | Satori / Vercel OG |
|---|---|---|
| Template definition |
JSON layers
Templates defined as JSON layer arrays — versionable and diffable |
JSX/React
Templates defined as JSX components using React syntax |
| Layer composition |
Per layer
Independent text, image, and shape layers composited pixel-perfectly |
Flexbox
Implements a Flexbox subset only — no CSS Grid, limited positioning capabilities |
| Output formats |
4 formats
PNG, JPEG, WebP, and PDF output |
SVG, PNG
SVG and PNG output supported |
| Use case |
General purpose
Generate images of any size for certificates, banners, product images, social cards, and more |
OG images
Optimized for generating 1200x630 Open Graph images |
| AI operations |
Included
Background removal and smart crop with object detection available per layer |
None
No AI-based image operations available |
| Edge latency |
Managed API
Standard API latency from managed EU infrastructure |
Near-zero
Near-zero latency when running on Vercel's global Edge network |
| Next.js integration |
HTTP API
Standard HTTP API integration requiring manual setup |
Native
Native integration via the @vercel/og package with first-class Next.js support |
| EU hosting |
EU only
All processing happens exclusively on EU-hosted servers |
Global edge
Runs on Vercel's global edge network with no EU-only option |
| Language support |
Any language
REST API callable from any programming language with HTTP support |
JS/TS only
Requires JavaScript or TypeScript with JSX/React syntax |
| Pricing model |
Per image
Pay-per-use pricing based on the number of images generated |
Free
Included in all Vercel plans at no additional cost |
| Infrastructure required |
None
Fully managed API with no runtime or infrastructure to manage |
Vercel or Node.js
Runs on Vercel Edge runtime or requires Node.js for self-hosting |
| GDPR / Data privacy |
Zero retention
No files or results stored beyond temporary 90-day logs |
Vercel policies
Subject to Vercel's data processing terms on global edge infrastructure |
Pricing
Start with free trial credits. No credit card required.
Developer
For individuals & small projects
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1,000 credits / monthThat's either: 1,000 image transformations 500 document generations 500 image generations 500 sheet generations 200 document extractions (5-page docs) 200 markdown conversions (5-page docs)
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All APIs included
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Free trial credits per API
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Email support
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Budget caps per key
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Optional auto top-up
Startup
Save 40%For growing teams
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5,000 credits / monthThat's either: 5,000 image transformations 2,500 document generations 2,500 image generations 2,500 sheet generations 1,000 document extractions (5-page docs) 1,000 markdown conversions (5-page docs)
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All APIs included
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Free trial credits per API
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Priority support
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Budget caps per key
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Optional auto top-up
Business
Save 47%For high-volume workloads
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15,000 credits / monthThat's either: 15,000 image transformations 7,500 document generations 7,500 image generations 7,500 sheet generations 3,000 document extractions (5-page docs) 3,000 markdown conversions (5-page docs)
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All APIs included
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Free trial credits per API
-
Priority support
-
Budget caps per key
-
Optional auto top-up
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Free trial credits included. No credit card required.