Canva is popular because it is easy and has a huge template library. But some people want a different interface, stronger brand controls, more design freedom or a different price. Here are 10 alternatives and what each is best at. Features and plans change, so confirm details on each tool’s site.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for |
|---|---|
| Adobe Express | Quick social graphics inside the Adobe ecosystem |
| VistaCreate | Template-based design, similar feel to Canva |
| Visme | Presentations, infographics and data visuals |
| Figma | Custom, pixel-precise design and team collaboration |
| Microsoft Designer | AI-assisted layouts for Microsoft 365 users |
| Piktochart | Infographics and reports |
| Fotor | Photo editing with quick design templates |
| Kittl | Typography-led and print-style design |
| PicMonkey | Photo retouching plus simple graphics |
| Penpot | Open-source design tool for teams |
The alternatives
1. Adobe Express
A template-driven design and short-video tool from Adobe. Good for: people who already use other Adobe apps and want quick social posts. Watch for: which templates, fonts and features need a paid plan. See our Adobe Express alternatives for more.
2. VistaCreate
A template-based editor with a workflow close to Canva’s. Good for: users who want a familiar approach with a different template library. Watch for: a smaller community and fewer third-party templates.
3. Visme
Focused on presentations, infographics and data visualization, with social templates too. Good for: reports and charts. Watch for: it can feel heavier than you need for simple posts.
4. Figma
A professional interface design tool that many teams also use for social graphics. Good for: designers who want precise control and shared components. Watch for: a steeper learning curve and fewer ready-made social templates built in.
5. Microsoft Designer
An AI-assisted design app tied to the Microsoft ecosystem. Good for: getting a fast first layout from a text description. Watch for: check which features are included with your Microsoft plan.
6. Piktochart
Best known for infographics and reports. Good for: turning data and processes into visuals. Watch for: not the first choice for everyday social posts.
7. Fotor
A photo editor with design templates and AI tools. Good for: photo-centered posts. Watch for: verify export limits and watermarks on free plans.
8. Kittl
A design tool with strong typography and illustration features. Good for: logos, posters and merchandise-style graphics. Watch for: less focused on multi-slide social workflows.
9. PicMonkey
An editor that combines photo retouching with simple graphic design. Good for: portrait and product photo cleanup. Watch for: a smaller template catalog.
10. Penpot
An open-source design and prototyping tool. Good for: teams that want to self-host or avoid vendor lock-in. Watch for: it is not a template-first tool for marketers.
Another option: keep Canva and fix the real problem
Many people want to leave Canva because their designs look generic, not because the tool is lacking. If that is you, the fix is usually structure, not software: a brand kit, two fonts, a tight color palette and professionally designed templates. Our TemplateDesignr template packs are built for Canva and are one honest option if that is the issue. They will not help if you need a different app altogether.
If you stay with Canva: templates built for social media
Editorial Real Estate Carousel Pack
Editorial Beauty Salon Social Brand Kit
Bold Beauty Salon Instagram Post Pack
How to choose
- Want the easiest drag-and-drop: VistaCreate, Adobe Express or Microsoft Designer.
- Want precise control: Figma or Penpot.
- Make a lot of infographics: Visme or Piktochart.
- Edit a lot of photos: Fotor or PicMonkey.
Before you move, understand what you would be giving up: read our Canva Free vs Pro comparison and 12 Canva design mistakes. See all tool comparisons in our tool alternatives guide.