Vibecode Pixieset

track this build5 steps, step by step
KINDA · weekend project
price $8/moyou'd save $96/yrbuild time multi-daycategory 📷 photo editingreplaced by 0 people

The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Pixieset, publish a simple password-protected client gallery from user-owned storage. The hard boundary is gallery hosting, proofing, downloads, store, mobile apps, and photographer workflow, plus image pipeline quality, models, and workflow polish.

the project pack4 files · fastest path to a working personal build
README.md
# Pixieset indie build

## Goal

Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core Pixieset workflow for one developer or a tiny team.

## Scope

Catalog local photos, publish a password-protected client gallery from user-owned storage, generate previews, and export selected originals or rendered copies.

## Quick start

1. Install the documented dependencies.
2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`.
3. Run the development command chosen during implementation.
4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`.

## Honest limits

This build deliberately does not replace:
- gallery hosting, proofing, downloads, store, mobile apps, and photographer workflow
- proprietary raw-processing quality
- cloud sync and sharing
- large AI models
- camera and print ecosystem

If those capabilities are essential, use Immich instead of pretending the gap is solved.

$ choose a build depth, inspect the files, then open the complete pack in your agent · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR

why people still pay

People still pay for Pixieset because photographers pay because image quality, catalog safety, and fast handling of huge libraries matter more than cloning sliders. The recurring cost buys raw codecs, color management, metadata, previews, face models, GPU support, storage, backups, sync, and export fidelity, not just the visible interface.

what you lose

xgallery hosting, proofing, downloads, store, mobile apps, and photographer workflow

xproprietary raw-processing quality

xcloud sync and sharing

xlarge AI models

xcamera and print ecosystem

share on X ↗"I just replaced Pixieset ($8/mo) with one prompt"
the escape hatch

Don't feel like building it? These folks already made it free.

LycheeA clean self-hosted gallery with password-protected albums, downloads, metadata, and Docker deployment; no built-in storefront.4.3kjul 2026open sourcePPiwigoPrivate users and albums, passworded access, downloads, themes, and storage you own; less glossy, vastly less hostage-like.3.8kmay 2026open source

no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real

the numbers

Pixieset pricing

planmonthlyannual (per mo)what you get
free$0/workspace$0/workspace3 GB storage; unlimited galleries; up to 3 mobile gallery apps; 15% store commission.
basic$10/workspace$8/workspace10 GB storage; 30 minutes HD video; 100 email sends per month; unlimited mobile gallery apps; 0% Pixieset store commission.
plus$20/workspace$16/workspace100 GB storage; 500 email sends per month; unlimited galleries and mobile apps; 0% Pixieset store commission.
pro$30/workspace$24/workspace1 TB storage; RAW-file support; unlimited galleries and mobile apps; 0% Pixieset store commission.
ultimate$50/workspace$40/workspaceUnlimited standard photo storage; 1,000 GB RAW-file cap; 10,000 email sends per month; 0% Pixieset store commission.

free tier3 GB storage, unlimited galleries, up to 3 mobile gallery apps and a 15% store commission

billingmonthly + annual (-20%)

hidden costsThe Free store takes 15% of sales; extra video storage is $5/month per additional hour; Photo Editor is a separate $12/month add-on.

verified 2026-08-14 · source ↗

questions
Vibecode Pixieset

Kinda. The core of Pixieset is buildable in a weekend with the prompt on this page, but there are real gaps: gallery hosting, proofing, downloads, store, mobile apps, and photographer workflow, proprietary raw-processing quality. Read the honest list above before committing.

How much does Pixieset cost?

Pixieset costs about $8/month (Basic, checked 2026-07-31), which is $96 per year.

What do I lose by replacing Pixieset?

Honestly: gallery hosting, proofing, downloads, store, mobile apps, and photographer workflow; proprietary raw-processing quality; cloud sync and sharing; large AI models; camera and print ecosystem. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.

Is there an open-source alternative to Pixieset?

Yes: Lychee (A clean self-hosted gallery with password-protected albums, downloads, metadata, and Docker deployment; no built-in storefront.) Piwigo (Private users and albums, passworded access, downloads, themes, and storage you own; less glossy, vastly less hostage-like.) The prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.