How to Build Your Own Stencil
Replace Stencil with a custom build. The Web's Favorite Online Graphic Design Tool
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 31 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 31 features
Image Manipulation(6 features)
Create unlimited custom image dimensions tailored to specific needs
Crop and adjust images within the editor
Apply filters to beautify images
Instantly resize images to different dimensions without reloading
Adjust photo properties like brightness, contrast, and saturation
+1 more in this category
Integration(6 features)
Schedule images with Buffer to plan posts in advance
Browser extension for Chrome to create images from anywhere and highlight text on the web to instantly make it an image
Browser extension for Firefox with similar functionality to Chrome extension
Import images directly from Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox and more
Right-click images on the web to instantly add text and use them in designs
+1 more in this category
Design Tools(5 features)
Save favorite colors and use eyedropper tool to pick colors from anywhere on canvas
Upload and use your own fonts to match brand identity
Instantly see if content is within Facebook's recommended text limits for ads
7,600+ Google Fonts available for typography in designs
See exactly where content is safe to place so nothing gets cut off
Content Library(4 features)
3,100,000+ royalty-free icons and graphics from premium designers
100,000+ inspirational quotes to create quote images quickly
Access to over 5,000,000 royalty-free stock photos from Unsplash, Pixabay, and Pexels
1,350+ pre-designed templates ready to be edited for quick image creation
Publishing(4 features)
Share images directly as Bit.ly shortened links
Download images at super high quality, including 300dpi for print
Send images straight to mobile device for sharing on Instagram
Share directly to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Buffer without leaving the page
Organization(3 features)
Create custom collections to organize images and designs
Keep favorite photos, icons, and templates for easy future access
Upload and store multiple logo variations for different brands
Collaboration(1 features)
Preview how images will look on different social networks before sharing
Content Management(1 features)
Upload and use your own images in Stencil
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Stencil
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 31 features at very easy complexity.