Comparison

FrameQuery vs Iconik

Considering an Iconik alternative for footage search? Compare FrameQuery's desktop library search with Iconik's shared media management, including storage, pricing, and editing workflows.

Updated 14 September 2026. Written by the FrameQuery team.

Which workflow are you choosing?

FrameQuery suits editors searching footage across shoots and projects on their drives. Its index stays local and remains searchable offline after processing. Iconik combines search with a shared media asset manager. Start with who needs access to the library and how they will use the results.

At-a-glance comparison

FeatureFrameQueryIconik
Search interfaceDesktop app on Windows and macOSCloud media asset manager
Original filesOn your drivesConnected local or cloud storage
Pricing modelIndexing allowance; free local searchUser roles plus consumption
AI searchVisuals, dialogue, people, metadataMetadata and AI search
Editing workflowTimeline and marker exportsAdobe panel and proxy workflows
Offline searchAfter indexingCloud search
SharingShared indexes; hosted previews on Pro and MaxManaged media access and review
Adobe panel integration

Where the footage and search data live

Iconik connects to existing cloud and on-premise storage. Its Storage Gateway can create proxies locally and make them available through the cloud platform. Keeping your originals on a NAS is compatible with this workflow. Iconik storage documentation.

FrameQuery scans folders on your drives and lets you select footage to index. Sampled frames and audio are sent for cloud analysis, then discarded after processing. The original files and resulting search index stay on your machine.

Search capabilities

Iconik combines metadata and AI search with media management and Adobe panel workflows. Check the AI capabilities included in the plan you are evaluating. Iconik plan comparison.

FrameQuery searches visual scenes, spoken words, detected faces, and objects across your indexed library. Search for “sunset over water” to find matching shots, or put an interview quote in quotation marks. Results link to timecodes in the source footage. See FrameQuery search examples.

Iconik pricing and FrameQuery indexing costs

Iconik's Starter plan lists Browse users at $9/month, Standard users at $65/month, and Power users at $120/month. Consumption charges cover storage, AI, and other services. Professional and Enterprise have custom pricing. Prices checked on 14 September 2026. Current Iconik pricing.

FrameQuery Starter costs $19/month for 10 hours of indexing. Pro includes 50 hours and Max includes 300 hours, with cloud-hosted sharing on both. Search of previously indexed footage is free, including after a paid plan ends. Compare the current monthly and annual options on the FrameQuery pricing page.

Format support & workflow

FrameQuery natively supports 50+ video formats including R3D, BRAW, ProRes, and ProRes RAW, and CinemaDNG. Export options include FCPXML, EDL, and LosslessCut markers. Test your camera files and destination NLE using the compatibility list and export guide.

Choose FrameQuery if you…

  • Search footage across recurring shoots and projects
  • Prefer a desktop library on Windows or macOS
  • Work with professional camera formats (R3D, BRAW, ProRes)
  • Need offline search after the initial cloud analysis
  • Want to budget for the footage you index each month
  • Export to FCPXML, EDL, or LosslessCut for your NLE

Choose Iconik if you…

  • Manage a library used by a distributed team
  • Need deep Adobe Premiere, AE, and Photoshop panel integration
  • Require granular role-based access control across large teams
  • Need a full DAM with proxy workflows and storage management
  • Need to connect multiple storage systems
  • Want shared cloud browsing and review

Frequently asked questions

Is FrameQuery a replacement for Iconik?

FrameQuery is an alternative when the main job is finding footage across your drives and projects. It uses cloud analysis and stores the resulting search index locally. Teams replacing a shared media asset manager should also compare storage connections, permissions, proxy workflows, and review requirements before switching.

How does FrameQuery pricing compare to Iconik?

FrameQuery indexing starts at $19/month for 10 hours of footage, with free search of previously indexed footage. Iconik combines charges for user roles with consumption such as storage and AI services. Compare the users, monthly indexing, and storage your team needs using both products' current pricing pages.

Can I search my footage offline with FrameQuery?

Yes. FrameQuery can search previously indexed footage offline. Initial cloud analysis requires a connection and sends extracted frames and audio for processing. The extracted data is discarded after analysis. Keep the source drive available to play or export the original footage.

Can Iconik keep original footage on local storage?

Yes. Iconik's Storage Gateway connects local storage to its cloud platform and can create proxies locally. Original files can remain on your storage. FrameQuery also keeps originals on your drives; its search index lives on your machine.

Other comparisons

Comparing other Iconik alternatives

Build your shortlist around the job you need to replace: finding a shot, managing shared media, reviewing edits, or searching interviews. Test each candidate with the same footage and the people who will use it. Our video search software comparison covers editing applications, media managers, transcript tools, and search APIs.

Try FrameQuery with your footage

Start with files from a current project. Indexing plans from $19/month; searching indexed footage is free.

Download