I’m looking for alternative design apps similar to Canva that offer templates and easy customization for creating graphics. I’ve used Canva but want to explore other tools. Any recommendations?
1. Crello (now VistaCreate)
Homepage link: https://create.vista.com/
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Offers a large variety of templates across social media, blogging, and marketing.
- Packed with animation tools, perfect for creating GIFs or animated posts.
- Includes a generous free plan with access to thousands of design objects.
Cons:
- Fewer templates than Canva.
- Advanced features often require a paid subscription.
Features:
- 50,000+ professionally designed templates.
- Stock images, video, and animation tools.
- Drag-and-drop interface for easy editing.
- Branding features for consistency in design.
User Reviews:
Users praise the platform for its sleek templates and the ability to create professional-looking designs quickly. However, some feel the advanced tools available in Canva are lacking in this tool.
Verdict:
VistaCreate is a solid Canva alternative, boasting an intuitive interface and excellent animation capabilities. While it’s perfect for entry-level users or quick projects, power users might feel limited.
2. Adobe Express
Homepage link: https://www.adobe.com/express
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Seamlessly integrates with the Adobe ecosystem for those already using Creative Cloud.
- Offers advanced design capabilities compared to some alternatives.
- Free-to-use basic plan.
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for beginners unfamiliar with Adobe tools.
- Watermark present on some features of the free plan.
Features:
- Editable templates for graphics, posters, and more.
- Integration with Adobe Stock, Fonts, and Lightroom.
- Custom branding options.
- Collaboration features for teams.
User Reviews:
Adobe Express gets appreciated for its deep aesthetic quality as an Adobe product. However, some users mention a steeper learning curve compared to Canva.
Verdict:
For those looking for high-quality results in a professional ecosystem but with fewer complexities than full-scale tools like Photoshop, Adobe Express is a strong contender.
3. PicMonkey
Homepage link: https://www.picmonkey.com/
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Excellent image-editing tools in addition to templates.
- Advanced photo-touchup options.
- Templates optimized for social media platforms.
Cons:
- Primarily paid software after a free trial.
- Fewer design elements compared to Canva.
Features:
- A mix of traditional graphic design and photo-editing tools.
- Ability to build layered designs.
- Export in various file types.
User Reviews:
Most users commend PicMonkey for its photo-editing capabilities but miss the extensive library of Canva templates.
Verdict:
PicMonkey works great if you focus on photo editing paired with moderate graphic designing. It’s less suited for large design projects but great for smaller tasks or creatives working with bespoke photo effects.
4. Snappa
Homepage link: https://snappa.com/
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Extremely user-friendly interface.
- Suitable for quick, streamlined designs.
- Database of stock photos included, with no extra charges.
Cons:
- Limited integrations with other apps.
- The free plan restricts downloads to three per month.
Features:
- Pre-sized templates for different platforms.
- One-click resize option.
- Direct publishing to social platforms.
User Reviews:
Users like Snappa for its simplicity and focus on quick graphic creation, but some complain about feature limitations.
Verdict:
Best for those who need a highly focused, straightforward design tool. Small marketers and entrepreneurs can benefit greatly.
5. Fotor
Homepage link: https://www.fotor.com/
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Strong focus on photo editing matched with design tools.
- Free plan offers great functionality.
- Cloud storage for saving ongoing projects.
Cons:
- User interface can feel slightly clunky.
- Limited template library compared to Canva.
Features:
- AI photo-enhancement tools.
- Easy-to-use editing platform combined with pre-designed templates.
- One-click collage designs.
User Reviews:
Fotor’s AI features are applauded, but advanced users warn it’s better for beginners. Others note minor bugs in browser-based functionality.
Verdict:
A fantastic beginner-friendly tool with ample support for basic designs and photo editing. Best for individual use or casual projects.
6. Stencil
Homepage link: https://getstencil.com/
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Lightweight and quick for making simple designs.
- Integrated with royalty-free image libraries.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced customization options.
- Limited design scope for professional use.
Features:
- Over 5,000,000 royalty-free photos.
- Quotes library for motivational-based graphics.
- Browser extension integration for easy usage.
User Reviews:
Stencil is celebrated for its hassle-free approach to creating minimalistic designs, but more ambitious creators find it less appealing.
Verdict:
Stencil is best for users looking for straightforward, visually appealing graphics without advanced needs.
7. DesignBold
Homepage link: https://designbold.com/
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Intuitive and fast interface.
- Free plan provides plenty of functionalities.
Cons:
- Small template library relative to Canva’s vast collection.
- Advanced features require a Pro plan.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop design interface.
- 10,000+ templates categorized by theme.
- High-resolution photo exports.
User Reviews:
New users praise DesignBold’s simplicity and affordability, but professionals often switch to Canva or Adobe for increased variety.
Verdict:
For new designers and budget-constrained creators, DesignBold offers just enough tools to get small projects rolling.
8. Desygner
Homepage link: https://desygner.com/
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Focus on branding consistency, perfect for businesses.
- Mobile-first platform for effortless on-the-go creations.
Cons:
- Desktop layout isn’t as polished.
- Free plan includes ads and branding restrictions.
Features:
- Royalty-free asset library.
- Collaboration features for team projects.
- App version for designing directly on smartphones.
User Reviews:
Business users enjoy its branding approach while creatives find the mobile-first nature refreshing yet occasionally glitchy.
Verdict:
Impressive for small businesses keen to maintain consistency. Excellent for designs involving quick changes or team input.
9. Venngage
Homepage link: https://venngage.com/
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Specializes in infographics and data-rich visuals.
- Collaboration-friendly design platform.
Cons:
- Not as versatile for general graphic design as Canva.
- Premium options needed for versatile visuals.
Features:
- Hundreds of infographic and chart templates.
- Interactive visuals feature.
- Brand kit designing for companies.
User Reviews:
Venngage receives high ratings for its infographics but lacks flexibility for multipurpose use.
Verdict:
Choose Venngage when you need visually compelling data presentations but don’t require all-round graphic design.
10. BeFunky
Homepage link: https://www.befunky.com/
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Powerful photo-editing suite coupled with graphic tools.
- Offers hundreds of creative options.
Cons:
- Interface can be laggy with complex designs.
- Steeper learning curve.
Features:
- Text editor and filters for advanced customizations.
- Collage maker and image-enhancement tools.
- Integration with cloud storage solutions.
User Reviews:
Many users favor BeFunky for its in-depth photo-editing options, but some find Canva simpler for overall designs.
Verdict:
Perfect for photographers or graphic designers needing solid photo features with decent templates.
Hope this list provided clarity! Which aligns best with your goals?