context
Sharing links on X/Twitter without a preview image feels incomplete. Many developers wanted custom OG images but didn't want to fire up Figma or Photoshop every time. X-Thumbnail bridges that gap with a simple, instant generator.
constraints
- >Had to generate images fast (under 2 seconds)
- >Needed to work without a design background
- >File size had to stay reasonable for quick sharing
- >Had to look good across different X/Twitter clients
approach
Built a canvas-based image generator with pre-designed templates. Users input text, pick a style, and get a production-ready OG image. The generator runs client-side using HTML5 Canvas, so there's no server latency.
key decisions
- >Client-side rendering for instant previews
- >Limited customization to maintain quality and speed
- >Export as optimized PNG with proper dimensions for X
- >Designed templates based on what actually performs well on X
outcome
Developers can generate professional OG images in under 30 seconds. The tool gets regular use from the community for blog posts, project launches, and announcements.