Pixellu is a gallery add-on for existing SmartAlbums users. 12img is a full business platform from $9/mo.
Pixellu is best known for SmartAlbums, their album design software. Their SmartGalleries product adds online gallery delivery to the existing ecosystem. Photographers mention switching from Pixieset to Pixellu primarily because they already pay for SmartAlbums ($32/mo) — adding galleries for $8 more feels like a deal. However, SmartGalleries lacks contracts, invoicing, CRM, automated workflows, and any business management features. It is a gallery add-on, not a business platform.
12img wins 15 of 27 feature categories
| Feature | 12img | Pixellu |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free – $29/mo | Lite $16/mo (annual) | Essential $24/mo (annual) | Pro $40/mo (annual) |
| Client Gallery Delivery | ||
| Contracts + E-Sign | ||
| Invoicing + Payments | ||
| Client Portal | ||
| Cross-Provider Client Login | ||
| Automated Workflows | ||
| Video Delivery | ||
| Website Builder | Coming soon | |
| Client CRM | ||
| Print Store / Storefront | ||
| Mobile Gallery App | ||
| Digital Product Sales | ||
| Vendor Network / Directory | ||
| Custom Domain | ||
| Watermark + Image Protection | ||
| Email Campaigns | ||
| Built-in Analytics | Basic | |
| Client Intake Forms | ||
| Form → Contract Auto-fill | ||
| Lead → Contract → Invoice Pipeline | ||
| AI Image Generation | Nano Banana Pro 2 | |
| AI Video Generation | Veo 3 | |
| AI Writing / SEO | ||
| Smart Image Search | Planned | |
| Data Export / Migration | Not verified | |
| Price Lock Guarantee | Locked at signup | No guarantee |
| Full-Resolution Downloads |
The most common reasons photographers make the move.
Pixellu SmartGalleries is only valuable if you already pay for SmartAlbums. For photographers who do not use SmartAlbums, 12img offers more features at a lower price.
No contracts, invoicing, or CRM. You still need additional tools to run your photography business.
No video delivery. 12img Pro includes native video delivery.
No automated workflows. Every follow-up and client communication is manual.
"I used to use Pixieset, but I switched to Pixellu. I already used their album making software (SmartAlbums), which was $32 a month anyway. For $8 more I got their unlimited online galleries." — anonymous, r/WeddingPhotography. The appeal is bundling, not feature quality.
Pixellu SmartGalleries makes sense if you already pay $32/mo for SmartAlbums — adding galleries for $8/mo more is a reasonable bundling deal. For photographers who do not use SmartAlbums, 12img offers more features (contracts, invoicing, CRM, video delivery) at a lower total cost starting at $9/mo.
12img is the most complete alternative. It matches Pixellu's gallery delivery and adds contracts, invoicing, CRM, automated workflows, and video delivery in one platform. You can replace Pixellu plus your CRM tool with a single 12img subscription.
No. Pixellu focuses on gallery delivery and album design. For contracts and invoicing, photographers using Pixellu need a separate platform. 12img includes both on every paid plan starting at $9/mo.
Pixellu SmartGalleries runs $16-40/mo (annual) for galleries alone. 12img Starter is $9/mo and includes galleries, contracts, invoicing, and a client portal. 12img Pro is $29/mo with unlimited galleries, video delivery, and white labeling.
Galleries, contracts, invoicing, and CRM — one platform, one login, one monthly bill.
12img vs Pixieset
Gallery delivery + website builder
12img vs ShootProof
Gallery delivery + print sales
12img vs Pic-Time
AI-powered gallery delivery
12img vs CloudSpot
Gallery delivery + studio management
12img vs HoneyBook
CRM + invoicing for creatives
12img vs Zenfolio
Portfolio + gallery hosting (legacy)
12img vs SmugMug
Portfolio hosting + print sales
12img vs Dubsado
CRM + workflow automation for creatives
12img vs Táve
Photography CRM (owned by ShootProof)
12img vs Google Drive
File sharing (not gallery software)
12img vs Dropbox
File sharing (not gallery software)
12img vs WeTransfer
Large file transfer
Every system you need to run your business — from intake to delivery. One page. No fluff. Built from the workflows inside 12img.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your inbox.