12 Best Canva Alternatives: Top Graphic Design Software Options
Canva’s popularity has skyrocketed. With millions of fans, it’s become the go-to design tool for many thanks to its simplicity and range of templates. But maybe you’re struggling with it and need to try something new? Or perhaps there's a feature that Canva simply doesn't have – or even worse, it doesn't fit your specific needs.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! This guide will give you an overview of the best Canva alternatives online. You’ll discover a host of graphic design software that might be an even better fit than Canva.
So pull up a chair, grab a notebook (or fire up that snazzy design app), and let’s dive into some juicy details! This party is only just getting started!
Table of Contents
Why Even Look for Canva Alternatives?
Before we start, though, I know what you’re thinking – why should I even consider Canva alternatives in the first place? It’s already so good!
You’re right, though; it is good! But while many tools are exceptional at one thing — they're often lacklustre in other areas. Maybe your next project requires more advanced features, or maybe Canva is just too expensive for your budget (I get it). Some people think the interface feels clunky and restrictive.
But whatever your reason may be — having options is always great. Who knows, perhaps one day you’ll find yourself stumbling upon your new favourite design tool that blows all the others out of the water!
The Top 12 Canva Alternatives to Consider
No more small talk — let's get down to business. I’ve got 12 incredible Canva alternatives that you’re going to love:
- Visme
- Snapseed
- Desygner
- Stencil
- Crello
- Adobe Express
- Pixlr
- Pablo
- PicMonkey
- Vectr
- Gravit Designer
- Inkscape
I’m sure one of these bad boys is exactly what you need. But if you're still not convinced, don't worry! I will break them all down individually, so grab a pen and paper and take some notes!
1. Visme
Key Features:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Huge library of templates and assets
- Collaboration tools for team projects
- Interactive content creation (presentations, infographics, etc.)
- Data visualisation and charting tools
- Brand kit for consistent design
When to Use Visme:
Are you looking for a well-rounded graphic design solution? Visme could be your new best friend. Its robust feature set makes it ideal for crafting all sorts of visual content — static designs, animated videos, interactive presentations, you name it.
The collaboration capabilities are also a significant plus if you frequently work with others. And let's not forget about those nifty data visualisation tools for making sense of complex information.
2. Snapseed
Key Features:
- Powerful photo editing tools
- Selective adjustments and filters
- RAW image support
- Curve tools for precise edits
- Face editing and blemish removal
When to Use Snapseed:
Here's one for all my photography peeps out there! Snapseed is a beast when it comes to retouching and enhancing images. Whether you want to tweak exposure, play with colour, or smooth out imperfections, this app covers you.
While not a full graphic design suite like some alternatives, Snapseed shines if image editing is your primary focus. Plus, it's free — music to any budget-conscious creative's ears!
3. Desygner
Key Features:
- Straightforward drag-and-drop editor
- There is a plethora of templates for various design needs
- Photo editing tools
- Cloud storage integration
- Brand assets management
When to Use Desygner:
Sometimes, simplicity is essential — and that's where Desygner delivers. Don't let the basic interface fool you, in any case. This nifty tool offers a solid range of templates and assets to whip up designs like a pro.
If you regularly create content like social media graphics, flyers, or marketing materials, Desygner is worth a look. It's a fuss-free Canva alternative that does the job without overwhelming you with too many bells and whistles.
4. Stencil
Key Features:
- Extensive image library
- Functional templates for blogs, social media, etc.
- Chrome extension for on-the-fly designs
- Simple drag-and-drop interface
- Team collaboration tools
When to Use Stencil:
Meet Stencil — the design sidekick perfect for marketers, bloggers, and social media mavens. Its massive library of over 5 million images ensures you'll never lose visual inspiration.
What's more, Stencil offers a nifty Chrome extension that lets you whip up designs directly from your browser. Talk about convenience! Whether you need snazzy graphics for your latest blog post or eye-catching social media visuals, this tool has your back.
5. Crello
Key Features:
- Streamlined drag-and-drop interface
- Huge collection of templates and stock images
- Animated design capabilities
- Design creation for various platforms
- Team collaboration tools
When to Use Crello:
Are you looking for an all-in-one solution to create virtually any visual content? Meet Crello – your one-stop design shop for static graphics, animated designs, and more.
Crello's massive library of over 40 million stock images and graphics makes it shine. You'll never be short on resources to craft drool-worthy designs! Plus, the drag-and-drop editor is an absolute breeze to use.
6. Adobe Express
Key Features:
- Part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite
- User-friendly interface
- Powerful built-in design resources
- Tools for graphics, web pages, and video
- Brand asset library and team collaboration
When to Use Adobe Express:
Ah, yes, the titan that is Adobe. Their Express offering is a must-consider Canva alternative, especially if you're already rocking other Adobe products.
The beauty of Express lies in its seamless integration with Creative Cloud. This means access to an endless supply of stunning design assets and the ability to create visuals for virtually any medium (graphics, web, video — you got it!). This could be your graphic design soulmate if you value an all-in-one ecosystem.
7. Pixlr
Key Features:
- Wide range of photo editing tools
- Double exposure and layer blending effects
- Drawing tools and brushes
- Collage maker and design templates
- Both online and mobile app versions
When to Use Pixlr:
Hey there, multi-talented creative! If you enjoy dabbling in different types of visual art, Pixlr could be right up your alley.
This versatile tool combines photo editing prowess with collage and graphic design capabilities — all in one stylish package. From retouching snaps to crafting visuals from scratch, Pixlr's dynamic toolset has your back. Plus, with both web and mobile versions, you can let your creativity flow wherever inspiration strikes.
8. Pablo
Key Features:
- Lightning-fast graphic creation
- Seamless Buffer integration
- Resize designs for different platforms
- Trendy templates and layouts
- Mobile app for on-the-go design
When to Use Pablo:
In today's fast-paced world, sometimes you just need to whip up visuals quickly — and that's where Pablo truly shines.
Designed with speed in mind, Pablo lets you create professional-grade graphics in minutes. It's the perfect Canva alternative for social media marketers, content creators, or anyone who needs eye-catching visuals ASAP. And with its slick mobile app, you can keep those creative juices flowing wherever you roam.
9. PicMonkey
Key Features:
- A wide array of editing tools and effects
- Professional touch-up tools (e.g. blemish fix, teeth whitening)
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Collage maker and design templates
- Cloud storage integration
When to Use PicMonkey:
PicMonkey is the ultimate playground for anyone obsessed with image perfection. This powerhouse tool brings an impressive suite of editing capabilities to the table.
From basic adjustments like cropping and exposure tweaks to pro-level retouching for portraits, PicMonkey has your back.
10. Vectr
Key Features:
- Free and open-source vector graphics software
- Tools for illustration, typography, and UI design
- Cross-platform desktop app
- Unlimited creative freedom with vector shapes
- Export options for multiple file formats
When to Use Vectr:
Let's welcome Vectr — the open-source, infinitely scalable vector design solution! This could be your new digital art companion if you require creative flexibility without wrestling with price tags.
Vectr's bread and butter work with vector shapes, allowing you to craft illustrations, icons, typography and more with crisp, endlessly adjustable lines. The cross-platform desktop app is a joy to use, with an intuitive interface that packs a surprising amount of horsepower. Did I mention it's free?
11. Gravit Designer
Key Features:
- Vector illustration and graphic design
- Multipage design capabilities
- Powerful path and shape tools
- Cross-platform functionality (web, desktop, mobile)
- Robust export options for various formats
When to Use Gravit Designer:
Here's another free vector design gem — Gravit Designer. This versatile cross-platform solution is a stellar pick for creating visuals that must scale beautifully across different mediums.
Gravit has covered everything from illustrations and graphics to multipage designs like magazines and brochures. The path and shape editing tools are a dream, giving you granular control over curves and lines. And with its real-time design preview capability, you can ensure your vision translates perfectly before exporting.
12. Inkscape
Key Features:
- Free and open-source vector graphics editor
- Robust tools for illustrations, icons, diagrams, etc.
- Support for various file formats
- Extensions and scripts for expanded functionality
- Active community with tutorials and resources
When to Use Inkscape:
Last, we have the mighty Inkscape — a powerhouse open-source vector editor that has been a fan favourite for years. Look no further if you seek a free, no-frills design solution with professional-grade tools.
Inkscape's core strength lies in its vector capabilities for illustrations, icons, diagrams, and more. The tools are incredibly robust, yet the interface remains refreshingly intuitive. A wealth of extensions, scripts, and an active community provides tutorials to expand your Inkscape mastery. It's hard to beat this one for vector art on a budget!
The Verdict: Which Canva Alternative Reigns Supreme?
Wow, you must have gone through a lot of graphic design tools! You’re probably eager to start and wondering which Canva alternatives hold up.
However, finding the perfect option isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your style and needs. For example, Adobe Express or Visme has excellent team collaboration and all-in-one features. If you’re into vector art, freebies like Vectr, Gravit Designer or Inkscape could do the trick.
Social media friends can try out Pablo for quick design software uses, while PicMonkey is there for photographers fixated on their perfect shots.
With so many options, it’s hard to go wrong here. Still not sure? Give a few a shot and see what feels suitable for your artistic flow!
Get those creative juices flowing with these fantastic Canva alternatives! Let’s take over the design world!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Canva alternatives free?
Most offer free versions and paid plans that are far more robust in features. Evaluate your needs carefully before purchasing anything.
Can I use these designs for commercial work?
It varies tool by tool, but generally, yes— especially if it’s already included in their free plan.
Do they provide stock images/assets?
Yes! Many come equipped with libraries full of templates, graphics, stock images and more. However, they differ in size between brands.
Are there mobile apps available?
Some have mobile apps for iOS/Android, while others are browser-based desktop experiences. Check each one individually to be sure before downloading anything you don’t need!
How good are the collaboration tools?
Adobe Express, Visme and Crello all have strong sharing abilities, but team commenting and other features may not be available across every brand— double-check what’s important to you before committing.
Can I export designs in different file formats?
For the most part, PNGS, JPEGs, etc., will work fine, but some brands are more lenient with exporting files than others.
Will I require training to use these?
Most are user-friendly and shouldn’t be a problem for you. However, more advanced features may require watching tutorials or reading FAQs.
Do they integrate with other software?
Check each brand individually for specifics, but many alternative design tools will work seamlessly alongside other tools and platforms you’re already using.
Can I use my brand assets and fonts?
Most Canva alternatives will have tools for easy font uploading, colour picking, etc. Using this software, you’ll be free to make your graphic feel like your own!
Are there pricing plans for teams/businesses?
Yes! Paid team/business plans are available across most brands. Check out what different packages offer— it might be worth the upgrade if you feel yourself growing in the industry!
Do these run on Windows/Mac/Linux?
Web/cloud-based is preferred by most of these tools; however, desktop apps are offered by some brands, such as Vectr or Inkscape.
Can I access my designs across devices?
Crello is among multiple brands allowing you to access projects from anywhere, which is always convenient. However, not every desktop app works the same, so checking before expecting things to sync up flawlessly between all devices is best!
I hope this guide has been helpful! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like me to look into!
