As a kid, we used to show our creativity by crafting materials, building blocks, playdough, toys and even everyday household items. These creativity tools evolved with time. Especially when presentations, social media posts and projects became the new canvas, digital design tools like Canva turned into our creative companions.
Canva is a graphic design platform that will provide you with tools for creating presentations, promotional merchandise, social media graphics and websites. Its user-friendly interface with drag and drop editor, countless templates, images, and other graphic elements, makes it incredibly easy to create almost anything you need.
Canva comes in both free and paid versions. The free version will limit your creativity by providing less material. You have to purchase a plan that will cost you around $15 per month.
If you don’t want heavy pricing to interfere with your creative work, this article is for you only. Here, we have compiled a list of the best alternatives to Canva that are almost free or put less pressure on your pocket.
Key Features to Look for in Canva Alternatives
Before getting into the list of alternatives, it is important to know about the features you should look for in them;
- Easy-to-use interface: Graphic designing is not an easy thing. If the design tool is complex to use, it will become more difficult for you to bring out your creativity. That is why it is important the platform should have a user-friendly interface with easy navigation.
- Availability of pre-designed templates: You should look for the pre-designed templates in the alternatives. These templates will speed up your process of creating something.
- Multiple Export Options: The design tool must support multiple export options. You will have the freedom to download your design in PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF and more.
- Collaboration Tools: You should also look for the integration of real-time collaboration tools for team projects. It will make it easier to share ideas and feedback to your team members.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility:-
Top 15 Canva Alternatives
1. VistaCreate
VistaCreate, formerly known as Crello, is an excellent alternative to Canva on this list due to its countless templates for any topic. The platform will allow you to create social media posts, blog graphics, videos, or marketing materials of all kinds.
It comes with animated illustrations, a library of images and videos, and pre-designed fonts and backgrounds, which are helpful for any kind of project. You can also upload your brand assets and share them with the team to improve cooperation.
If you’re a blogger or a small business owner looking to create eye-catching social media visuals, VistaCreate is a great choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use interface | Limited customization in the free plan |
| Large template library | Fewer advanced design tools |
| Free version available | Watermark on some free assets |
2. Adobe Express
Adobe Express, formerly known as Adobe Spark, is the one-stop solution for quick graphic design. While it is far from being a replacement for Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, it is quite good as a great alternative to Canva, with a simple, clean interface that makes creating really easy.
The platform will allow you to design social media graphics, presentations, resumes, infographics, and even newsletters with ease.
It also comes with AI features that will allow you to generate images, remove or add objects, and create distinctive text effects. One key feature of Adobe Express is branded stories, where you can add your brand logo, colors, and fonts in generating custom templates.
Talking about pricing, Adobe Express comes in both free and paid versions. You can use it for free, but there will be some limitations. So, you can purchase a plan worth $9.99/ month.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Integration with Adobe ecosystem | Requires Adobe account |
| High-quality templates | Some features locked behind a subscription |
| Cloud storage | Limited compared to Adobe Photoshop |
3. Piktochart
Piktochart is your one-stop shop for making visually appealing infographics, presentations, and reports. This platform makes design accessible to anyone, whether you’re a professional or a beginner.
You don’t need to be an expert in designing: you only have to choose a template, drag, and drop, and customize as needed. Piktochart has everything you need from charts and graphs to icons and images to make your content pop.
One best features of Piktochart is that when you upload data on it, it will convert the data into beautiful visuals in just minutes. In addition, Piktochart is good for collaboration since your team can work seamlessly on any project.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for infographics | Limited design flexibility |
| Simple drag-and-drop editor | Free version has restrictions |
| Strong data visualization tools | Not ideal for complex designs |
4. Visme
If you’re looking for a platform to create stunning visuals in a very effortless manner, there is no better choice than Visme. It is an all-inclusive platform that comes with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor with powerful features regardless of whether you are an individual, a startup, or a large business.
With over 140 customizable templates, you can work on presentations, infographics, social media graphics, and much more.
Visme comes with numerous standout features, including AI-powered tools, interactive graphics, and advanced data visualization options that include 40+ charts, 3D widgets, and live data integration.
Want to do some branding for your business? Visme’s Brand Wizard will do it in a single click. The platform offers a free plan and affordable paid options. So why not try it today?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich template collection | Expensive premium plans |
| Interactive design elements | Requires internet access |
| Ideal for presentations | Steep learning curve for beginners |
5. Snappa
Snappa is another best alternative to Canva, especially when you’re looking for something to create appealing social media graphics. With over 6,000 templates for Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube, there is a design that would fit any style.
The platform comes with a clean and simple editor to change backgrounds, text, and icons very easily. Compared to Canva and Visme, it lacks features in animation or AI tools.
Unfortunately, Snappa does not provide business-related templates, data visualization, or presentation tools, so it is not very suitable for corporate uses. You can begin with a free version, but you can purchase a pro plan at just $10/month to enjoy some more perks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick and easy design creation | Limited free plan with download restrictions |
| Large library of stock images | Fewer advanced editing tools |
| Ideal for social media graphics | No mobile app |
6. DesignBold
If you’re not a professional graphic designer, DesignBold will be the best option to choose. The platform will allow you to create beautiful social media visuals, presentations, or marketing materials with ease without needing any expert designing skills.
It comes with an extensive library of templates, so you can create anything. DesignBold has a user-friendly interface, which will make your creative logos and social media posts look more professional in just one click.
Plus, the platform is rich in fonts, icons, and images. The best thing about the platform is that it will allow you to download your designs in different formats, making them suitable for any project you’re doing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive design resources | Limited font selection |
| Simple UI | Some premium features expensive |
| Good alternative to Canva | Occasional performance issues |
7. Easil
Easil is also considered a great alternative to Canva as it makes designing fun, efficient, and clean while keeping the template and creative elements like stickers, QR codes, and illustrations handy. One feature that distinguishes Easil from others is its collaboration tool which will allow you to work simultaneously on a project with several other team members.
When you sign up, you get a 30-day free trial of Easil Plus, showcasing advanced features like content-locking, drag-and-drop layers, and a well-organized library for photos and videos.
Another standout feature of Easil is its Edit Collection, which will allow you to repurpose designs for various platforms in just one click. As a beginner, It also offers tutorials to guide you along the way.
Easil is not a tool for corporate designs or AI-powered tools. However, it’s perfect for bloggers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for branding | Limited free plan |
| Drag-and-drop editing | Not as feature-rich as some competitors |
| Team collaboration features | Fewer templates |
8. Stencil
Stencil is a great tool if you want to create social media and blog graphics quickly and easily. The platform has over 1,350 pre-built templates and an expansive library of photos and icons, making it easy to create engaging content.
It also allows you to upload your own images and logos, tweak your designs, and save them for later use.
With Stencil, you can effortlessly change the canvas size, selecting from 143 presets. Unfortunately, the platform lacks AI tools, animations, or team collaboration.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast and lightweight | Limited customization |
| Great for quick social media designs | Free plan has restrictions |
| Large selection of stock images | Lacks advanced design tools |
9. BeFunky
BeFunky will make you funky in designing something creative. Whether it is editing a picture, creating collages, or designing a graphic, BeFunky is the best place to do so with ease.
The platform comes with an easy-to-use interface that will allow you to create stunning visuals in just a few clicks. So, you don’t have to be a pro to use this platform. With crop, resize, filter and customization options, you can turn an ordinary photo into a masterpiece.
What’s the best thing about BeFunky? It is a browser-based app, so there is no download or installation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use photo editing | Limited advanced features |
| Fun filters and effects | Requires premium for full access |
| Free version available | Some tools lack precision |
10. Fotor
Fotor is a fantastic Canva alternative that you’ll love exploring. It’s an online photo editor packed with tools that will enhance your images effortlessly. With its user-friendly interface, you can use this tool as a beginner.
Fotor comes with AI-driven features that will allow you to generate images, edit photos and remove backgrounds. However, only the paid versions come with AI-generated images. For the free version, there is data visualization such as bar and pie charts.
It provides a photo and icon library, pre-built text effects, and online storage that make editing and sharing super convenient. If you want to edit videos, Fotor will redirect you to a separate tool, Clipfly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for quick edits | Ads in the free version |
| AI-powered enhancements | Limited design elements |
| Free cloud storage | Some features require payment |
11. Pixlr
If you’re looking for a fantastic alternative to Canva, Pixlr is a very good option as it comes with a bunch of AI-based features to give your visuals great beauty and attractiveness.
The platform is best for small business owners and social media managers and amateur designers due to its clean and easy-to-use interface.
It also has an extensive library of photographs, fonts, stickers, icons, and overlays to make your designs look rich. One key feature of Pixlr is its Product Shot feature, which will allow you to effortlessly create AI-powered product images.
Moreover, Pixlr also supports photo collages, page and layer animations, and simple design options that will allow you to preview your work instantly.
You can try Pixlr for free or, in case you want more features, take affordable plans for as low as $1.99 per month.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Feature-rich online photo editor | Ads in the free version |
| Works on any device | Requires internet access |
| Supports layered editing | UI can feel cluttered |
12. Desygner
Whether you want to create social media posts, flyers, or presentations, Desygner is a user-friendly platform that helps you design like a pro even if you have no design experience.
It comes with thousands of customizable templates that will make your content stand out in a few clicks. Therefore, you don’t have to begin from scratch as you just have to choose the template you prefer, customize it to suit your needs, and you’re all set.
With Desygner’s drag-and-drop interface, you can effortlessly add text and images. The best thing about the platform is its compatibility with all devices. You can use this tool on your mobile phone, laptop or tablet.
Last but not least, Desygner offers amazing value with free plans and pretty affordable premium versions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use graphic design tool | Limited free resources |
| Great for branding and marketing | Some advanced features require a subscription |
| Works across multiple platforms | Performance issues on large projects |
13. Vectr
As a beginner or experienced designer, if you’re looking for a tool to create stunning logos, icons, or social media visuals with ease, there is no better option than Vectr.
What’s best about Vectr is that it’s free to use and works seamlessly on all devices, so you can design on the go. It offers real-time collaboration, meaning you can work with others instantly, no matter where they are.
The platform comes with an easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop features, making it easy to adjust shapes, lines, and colors. Vectr also allows you to download your design in multiple formats.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free vector graphic editor | Limited advanced tools |
| Simple and user-friendly | Requires an internet connection |
| Great for beginners | Fewer features compared to premium software |
14. Photopea
Photopea is another best alternative to Canva. It comes with a simple interface that will allow you to effortlessly make simple edits.
It supports a wide variety of file types, PSD, XCF, and Sketch. When you start editing on Photopea, you will notice its interface is almost the same as Adobe Photoshop. But don’t worry, it is not as complicated as Photoshop to use it.
From cropping and resizing to creating layered designs, you have all the essential features at your fingertips. Overall, Photopea is a great go-to tool for quick, professional-looking results without being heavy on your pocket.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free alternative to Photoshop | Ads in the free version |
| Supports PSD, AI, and other file formats | Requires internet access for full functionality |
| Runs directly in a web browser | Not as powerful as Adobe Photoshop |
15. Appy Pie Design
Do you love Apple Pie? If yes, you will also love the designing tool Apple Pie Design. The tool comes with several design functionalities for creating social media graphics. One best things is that you can design in various sizes and file formats.
Want to create visually aesthetic art for social media posts and boost post engagement? Apple Pie Design’s AI Art Generator will help you to do so. By just providing a description of your desired image, AI Art Generator will transform the text into diverse visual content like logos, banners, flyers and cover photos.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, Apple Pie Design is the go-to platform to create engaging content.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use design platform | Limited free features |
| AI-powered design tools | Some templates require a premium subscription |
| Supports multiple design formats | Not as advanced as professional design software |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Best Canva Alternatives?
Some of the best Canva alternatives are Adobe Express, VistaCreate, Visme, Fotor, and more.
2. Are These Canva Alternatives Free to Use?
Most Canva alternatives have a free version with relatively basic features. But if you want to use advanced tools and resources, you have to pay a subscription fee.
3. Can I Use these Alternatives to Create Social Media Posts?
Yes, almost all alternatives offer templates and tools for making social media posts.
4. Which Canva Alternative is Easiest to Use?
VistaCreate is pretty easy to use, as it comes with drag-and-drop features and thousands of templates.
5. Is it Possible for these Alternatives to Make Animations?
Yes, sites such as VistaCreate and Adobe Express can make animations and GIFs for social media and marketing purposes.
6. Do Canva Alternatives Allow Team Collaboration?
Yes, almost all these alternatives allow for collaboration tools.
7. Can I Use Canva Alternatives for Print Designs?
Yes, most of the alternatives have print-ready designs, where you can design business cards and posters.
8. Can I Use These Alternatives for Branding?
Yes! Alternatives such as VistaCreate and Adobe Express come with customizable templates that can help you in branding.
Wrapping Up
Graphic designing is not an easy job. It requires the right tool to complete the job. Canva is still a popular choice for most professionals, but there are so many other options that offer specific features for certain tasks and tastes.
From the professional-grade designs in Adobe Express to the simplicity of use offered by VistaCreate, the alternatives mentioned above in the article address a wide variety of skills and design requirements.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert designer, these alternatives will allow you to explore new options by elevating your creative process. So, we will advise you to first try them all and find the one that best suits you.
Stay Creative!
