Iteration Layer vs Satori / Vercel OG
Satori is a React renderer for OG images — it lives in Vercel's edge runtime and speaks JSX.
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 |
| 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 usage-based. Switch to a subscription when your volume becomes predictable.
Usage-based
Graduated pricing. Your effective rate decreases automatically as monthly usage grows.
- No monthly commitment
- Pay only for credits used
- Automatic volume discounts as usage grows
Predictable volume
Fixed recurring credit packs with lower effective credit prices for steady usage.
- Lower effective per-credit prices
- Fixed recurring credit packs
- Predictable monthly budget
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