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Canva is usually most people’s go-to pick when it comes to a platform to create design projects on.
There’s a free option, it’s easy and intuitive to use, and you can make use of their multiple templates no matter what you’re creating!
But if you’re not a Canva fan or are looking for something new, there are many other options out there.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Our top 12 Canva alternatives
- How they work
- What they’re best for
- The types of projects they might suit
- How much they cost.
Let’s get into it!
1. Piktochart
If you’re looking for a platform that is simple to use, then Piktochart is the best pick for you.
After all, you can learn how to use this design tool in less than one hour and produce content that looks clean and professional! Brochures, presentations, and infographics can all be created at the click of a button.
This platform is ideal for transforming complex data into eye-catching visuals, with no design expertise required.
Simply input the data into the graph maker and let Piktochart create anything that you choose — graphs, charts, or even an interactive map.
There are premium infographic templates for you to choose from to ensure that your design will not only be functional but also look amazing.
There’s a free version, but if you choose to upgrade you’ll be paying about $14 per month as an individual user. Businesses and nonprofits have different payment plans, some of which you’ll have to inquire about.
2. Easil
You can create whatever design you want, exactly how you want it with Easil!
Start with a base template, pre-designed by you, or choose from Easil’s range of graphic templates. Then, utilize the provided images and videos to create your own design.
The best part? If you’re needing your design printed, Easil has got you covered on that front, too.
Simply create your design, select one of the high-quality print options, and choose a style — anything from banners to greeting cards. Now just wait as Easil delivers the prints right to your door!
The free version also gives you a free 30-day trial to Easil Plus. Otherwise, you’ll pay $7.50 per month for Plus, and $59 per month for Edge (their pro package). If you need to set it up for your work team (Enterprise), you’ll have to get in touch for pricing.
3. Visme
Even if you have zero design experience, your project with Visme is sure to look stunning and professional.
Browse their range of templates that you can customize to fit your needs, and select the perfect font, color, and logo for your content.
There is also a wide range of high-resolution images, videos, icons, and audio — everything you need for your latest design project.
Visme is great for keeping your audience’s attention, with animation and options to turn your project into an interactive experience.
Choose from their hover effects, clickable menus, and animated elements to create an eye-catching design that is going to leave an impression.
There are also 3D graphics available to add dimension and really make your project stand out.
While the basic plan is free, the starter plan will cost you $29 per month, Pro $59 per month, and Teams will need to inquire for pricing.
The different plans will get you more storage space, access to templates and images, and allow you to download images in various formats, as they increase in price.
4. VistaCreate
With over 100,000 professionally designed templates and a library full of design elements, VistaCreate has got what you need for your project.
They host millions of images, animations, and fonts — all customizable to fit your tastes. All of the output is high definition and print-ready, so you’ll never have to worry about anything coming out at a subpar quality.
What really sets VistaCreate apart from the rest is the potential for collaboration.
If you’re working with a team or are part of a company, you can go ahead and invite up to 10 members to collaborate with you on your project.
All of the members can work together on the design at the exact same time, so everybody can have a chance to leave their personal touch on the project.
There are only two pricing plans, the Basic free plan, and Pro, which will cost you $13 per month (or $10 per month if you pay annually).
5. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for a reason. If you’re a professional then really no other program will give you the same quality and standard that Adobe does.
With Illustrator, you can produce clean designs with high-quality graphics that can adapt to a range of screen sizes from mobile to desktop, to the printed page. The designs are guaranteed to always stay crisp, giving your work that professional look.
Even better, Adobe Illustrator provides you with step-by-step tutorials and how-to videos, so learning how to use the program is no big thing.
Plans start at just $31.35 per month, and with brand new features always being added to Adobe Illustrator, you’re going to want to get in quick!
6. Affinity Designer
A trusted, award-winning platform, Affinity Designer is sure to have everything you need to design your latest project.
It is available for macOS, Windows, and iPad, and runs smoothly, despite the extensive range of features packed into it. Create logos, icons, concept art, and many other designs all in a print-ready, high-quality finish.
Affinity Designer is great for bulkier projects, and won’t lag or crash, even when handling the most complex data.
This program really shines when it comes to precise edits and tweaking even the finest details.
You can zoom into your project to the scale of one million percent, and edit single pixels! When working on a super detailed design, Affinity Designer is a real winner.
There are various pricing options, depending on if you’re an Individual, Business, or Educational Facility, but it’s definitely on the pricier end and more aimed towards professional designers.
7. CorelDRAW
The range of different design projects that you can create with CorelDraw Graphics Suite is truly unbeatable. Within this program, you can work on photo editing, typography, illustration, pixel-based design, and much more.
The subscription is affordable (and gives you a free 15-day trial), and grants you access to exclusive features and content that is always being updated and expanded.
With CorelDraw, you can rest assured that your project will be high quality with crisp graphics and adaptable files. The customizable fonts and templates ensure that you can make the project to your specific vision.
You’ll also be able to work on your projects both at your work desk and on the go, with the program available on the web and iPad.
8. Scribus
For an extremely straightforward, user-friendly experience, Scribus is definitely the platform for you.
This program is free and can be used to create a variety of projects ranging from newsletters to photo editing. They host high-quality image editing features and can create incredible animated and interactive presentations.
There are some truly unique features that come with Scribus, such as their multi-lingual interface and color blindness analysis.
This analysis is able to monitor various forms of color blindness and study the effect of different color display options on those who have color-vision impediments.
9. GIMP
GNU Image Manipulation Program, or GIMP, is a free image editor that works across a range of platforms and operating systems.
GIMP features high-quality photo manipulation, original artwork creation, graphic design elements, and even programming algorithms.
There are a variety of customization options that mean your project can be edited and tailored exactly how you want it.
GIMP is phenomenal when it comes to color, with professional color management features that will ensure quality across both digital and printed media.
There is also the option for 3rd party plugins and multi-language support, making GIMP super accessible and easy to use.
However, if you’re a professional then more than likely GIMP won’t be able to provide you with all of the functionality you need, and it’s also a bit clunky to use. So best to go with GIMP if you’re just starting out with design, rather than relying on it.
10. Krita
Made by artists, for artists, Krita is a painting program that is entirely free (though you can make a donation or choose to pay a monthly subscription to support the Krita team)!
The team at Krita wants to see affordable art tools for everyone, so that is exactly what they deliver.
They provide you with over 100 professionally-created brushes and even brush stabilizers to keep your work smooth. Whether you’re wanting to work on illustration, concept art, or even comics, Krita has got what you need.
The interface is simple and accessible, with endless customization options, and panels can be rearranged and shifted to create a workspace that is entirely your own.
The setup that you create can even be saved, so you can return to it again for any of your future projects.
11. Inkscape
With a range of learning resources provided, you won’t have to worry about adapting to the interface of Inkscape.
Frequently used for marketing, web graphics, cartooning, and other individual projects, Inkscape has great flexibility and a range of features. They host design options such as object creation, drawing, shape tools, text tools, and much more.
From the very beginning stages of your project, all the way to the end result, Inkscape can assist you with your creation.
The final product is guaranteed to be of a professional standard and ready to either publish on the web or print out in high quality.
Inkscape is an open-source program, free to download and use with no subscription required, and it’s released under the GPL.
12. Adobe Express
Specializing in producing designs that are going to stand out from the crowd, Adobe Express is a popular choice for visual content creation.
The simple interface can be used by anyone and on a range of different platforms, on both web and mobile. This program includes thousands of customizable templates, logos, backgrounds, Adobe fonts, and more.
Adobe Express really excels when you’re looking to design something for social media publication. All of your projects can be perfectly resized to fit the image specifications for any social media site, without compromising the graphics quality.
And best of all? Adobe Express is completely free to use!
The Bottom Line
When it comes to platforms that allow you to create a new striking design project, Canva isn’t the be-all and end-all — there are many different fantastic options to choose from!
Whether you’re an expert or a complete beginner, this list will provide you with plenty of great options to try out. We’d recommend going with the free version first, then — if it’s a good fit for what you do — consider upgrading.
So, pick a platform and get to work creating the project of your dreams!