Head-to-head · Portfolio Website Builders
Gesso vs Format
Gesso leads on 3 checks, Format on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGesso · 8.9/10
- Lowest starting priceGesso · $10/mo
- Free planonly Gesso
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresFormat · 4 of 6
Gesso scores higher on our rubric for portfolio website builders: 8.9 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.
Gesso offers free plan; Format doesn't. Gesso is cheaper to start at $10/mo against $14/mo. Format offers client proofing; Gesso doesn't. Gesso offers portfolio analytics; Format doesn't.
Gesso is the better fit for artists running a portfolio and art-sales operation. Format is the better fit for polished portfolios with galleries and commerce.
- Gesso fits best
Artists running a portfolio and art-sales operation
- Format fits best
Polished portfolios with galleries and commerce
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Side by side
| Feature | Gesso 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Format 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #4 in Portfolio Website Builders | #6 in Portfolio Website Builders |
| Best for | Artists running a portfolio and art-sales operation | Polished portfolios with galleries and commerce |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $10/mo (best) | $14/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 7 days | 14 days |
| Free trial length | 7 days | 14 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Live chat, Docs |
| Compliance | 2FA | 2FA |
| Integrations | 8 integrations | 5 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Gesso 3/6 · Format 4/6 | ||
| Custom domain | ✓ | ✓ |
| Client proofing | — | ✓ (best) |
| Portfolio analytics | ✓ (best) | — |
| Selling tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video hosting | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Code export | Not checked yet | — |
| Specs | ||
| Published projects | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Gesso is portfolio and studio-management software for visual artists, including painters, printmakers, ceramicists, illustrators, and others managing both public work and studio operations. Its web-based platform combines a public… Read the review → |
Format is a hosted portfolio website builder for photographers and other creative professionals. Its responsive templates and visual editor support custom pages with images, text, forms, embeds, audio, and video. The platform also combines… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Gesso — where it wins
- Free plan includes a public portfolio, artwork management, CV, calendar, and reminders
- Paid plans add custom domains, analytics, checkout, CRM, and print tools
- Tracks artwork, sales, expenses, inventory, profit, and portfolio documents
Where it doesn't
- Free sites use a Gesso subdomain and are limited to 10 works
- Selling tools begin with the Studio plan rather than the entry paid tier
- Advanced administration features require the Pro plan
Format — where it wins
- Responsive templates with visual editing and custom HTML/CSS on eligible plans
- Client galleries support feedback, favorites, downloads, and watermarking
- Commerce supports physical products, services, and digital downloads
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Basic does not include an online store
- Website content generally cannot be exported as code
- Gesso8.9/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A portfolio builder that also covers artwork inventory, sales, and studio administration.
Visit GessoFull verdict → - Format8.7/10 · 14-day trial
A polished portfolio builder with galleries, video hosting, proofing, and commerce.
Visit FormatFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update