In the world of visual design, Canva is one of the most popular choices for many reasons. Being on the block since 2013, it was one of the first platforms to offer graphic design software that was accessible to the non-technical public. Its user-friendly interface, vast template library, and friendly price tag make it a go-to for many. However, it's important to know that it's not the only option available.

Many buy into Canva because of its reputation, without knowing about the several Canva alternatives that offer unique features and pricing models. These alternatives cater to different design needs and preferences, which may actually end up being more useful for you.

Don't get us wrong: we love Canva. But exploring more options can enhance your design capabilities. Whether it's advanced data visualization or simple drag-and-drop features, there's something for everyone. Additionally, integrating these tools with automation platforms like IFTTT can streamline your workflow beyond what you thought was possible.

In this article, we’ll cover the top Canva alternatives, highlight what makes each one unique, and explore how automation with IFTTT can help you get even more out of your design process.

Why look for Canva alternatives?

Canva is undoubtedly a powerful design app. Features such as Canva is undoubtedly a powerful design app. Features such as drag-and-drop editing, professional templates, and built-in stock images make it attractive for anyone looking to create high-tier visuals quickly.

But while Canva covers a lot of ground, it’s not perfect for every case. First, there are pricing limitations. The free plan is generous, but many advanced features like brand kits and stock libraries are locked behind a subscription. For small businesses or freelancers, this cost may not be acceptable.

Another reason people leave the platform is in search of something more specialized. If you need advanced data visualization, motion graphics, or UX/UI collaboration, other platforms may be better suited. Tools like Figma or Adobe Express offer more robust real-time collaboration and integration with professional ecosystems.

The last important aspect is scalability. Sometimes, you might just outgrow Canva. As your design needs change, you'll require software that integrates more deeply with automation platforms, content management systems, or advanced editing tools.

Exploring Canva alternatives doesn’t mean abandoning Canva; it means expanding your horizons. By mixing and matching platforms, you can find the perfect balance between ease of use, creative freedom, and automation.

Best Canva alternatives for visual design

Canva alternatives can introduce you to a range of tools with features that might better suit you. For our comparison, we'll be taking a look at the top apps on the market, many of which integrate seamlessly with IFTTT.

In case you don't know, IFTTT is the industry leader for no-code, no-frills automation will all of your favorite tools. Whether you are a professional graphic designer or just a hobbyist, IFTT connects with over 1000 different apps and services, making sure you can save as much time as possible.

In just a few minutes, you'll be able to make custom Applets without any coding knowledge and browse our library of millions of user-created automations. Now, let's take a look at some of the most popular Canva alternatives.

1. Adobe Express

Adobe Express is a strong contender for those who want professional-grade tools without the steep learning curve of Photoshop or Illustrator. It offers branded templates, typography, and full integration with Adobe’s ecosystem.

• AI-powered background removal and resizing for quick exports.
• Stock asset access via Adobe Stock, with thousands of free photos, icons, and videos.
• Mobile-first design tools make it easy to edit on the go.

Pricing: A free plan includes basic templates and design tools. The Premium plan ($9.99/month) unlocks brand kits, premium templates, and full Adobe Stock access.

2. Visme

Visme is one of the best choices when it comes to data visualization and business-oriented graphics. Perfect for marketers and educators, it includes interactive charts, infographics, and presentation tools that Canva doesn’t emphasize as much.

• Analytics tracking, so you can see how viewers interact with your published designs.
• Collaboration tools that let teams comment and edit in real time.
• Video and animation features for bringing data-heavy graphics to life.

Pricing: The free plan has limited templates but unlimited projects. The Starter plan starts at $29/month, while the Pro plan ($59/month) unlocks full template access, branding tools, and advanced analytics.

3. Crello (now VistaCreate)

With a layout very similar to Canva, VistaCreate makes transitioning easy. It’s particularly strong for social media content with animated templates and pre-sized posts for every platform.

• Brand kits for consistent logos, fonts, and colors.
• Video editing features to customize animated ads or stories.
• Royalty-free stock library with over 70 million assets built in.

Pricing: Free users get thousands of templates and one brand kit. The Pro plan ($13/month) unlocks unlimited storage, brand kits, and premium creative assets.

4. Figma

If collaboration is a top priority, Figma is unbeatable. Originally a barebones UX/UI design tool, it has grown into a versatile design platform with real-time team editing. FigJam, operated under Figma, extends this with whiteboarding and brainstorming features.

• Version history so teams can track and restore previous iterations.
• Plugin support for icons, stock photos, and automation.
• Cross-platform access, working seamlessly across web, desktop, and mobile.

Pricing: Free for individuals and small teams with unlimited files and collaborators. Pricing plans with this tool get a little complicated with users choosing different "seats", so we'll link it here. The Professional plan ($16/editor per month) adds advanced features, while the Organization plan ($55/editor per month) offers enterprise-level security and controls.

5. Snappa

Snappa is built for speed, and we love its honest simplicity. Its interface is clean, and great for quick designs like blog headers, social media posts, or digital ads. If Canva feels too feature-heavy, Snappa might be your sweet spot.

• One-click resizing to adapt a design across multiple platforms.
• High-resolution downloads, including transparent backgrounds.
• Team collaboration features for small businesses or marketing groups.

Pricing: Free plan includes limited templates and 3 downloads per month. The Pro plan ($10/month) gives you unlimited downloads, while the Team plan ($20/month) adds collaboration tools.

Free vs. paid alternatives to Canva

Exploring Canva competitors reveals a mix of both free and paid options. In fact, each of the five tools covered offer free plans, meaning you don't have to commit to shelling out any cash to get the functionality you want.

However, based on your needs and budget, it might be a good idea to upgrade. Free versions generally provide basic free design tools and a limited selection of templates. These are suitable for simple projects or for users just starting out. One thing to be wary of is watermarks, which are common in paywalls in free versions and can make a design look unprofessional.

Paid versions, however, unlock advanced features, such as more storage and premium templates. They also give you the ability to remove watermarks. If you are a graphic designer working on an important project, the enhanced customization capabilities and priority customer support will be worth the extra cost.

Ultimately, choosing between free and paid depends on the specific requirements of your design projects and budget considerations.

How IFTTT can automate your workflow

If you are looking for premium design automation in a free package, IFTTT, short for "If This Then That," offers a powerful way to build stunning designs. We're not a graphic design company, but an automation platform that connects everything in your toolbox, simplifying repetitive tasks and reducing errors.

By linking your design apps to IFTTT, you can automate actions like cross-posting graphics to social media or sharing to a team when a project is finished. This saves valuable time and ensures consistency across platforms.

Using IFTTT, designers can focus more on creativity and less on manual processes, improving productivity and allowing them to put more brainpower towards their designs.

Is IFTTT free?

IFTTT offers a free plan that includes access to up to two Applets. However, there are also Pro and Pro+ tiers that unlock additional features such as multiple actions per Applet, faster execution times, and advanced filtering options. If you’re just getting started with automation, our free plan should be enough.

How do I build my own Applet?

Creating your own Applet is easy. Just follow these steps:

• Visit IFTTT.com/create.
• Click on “If This” to select a trigger (e.g., a new photo is added on your phone folder).
• Click on “Then That” to choose an action (e.g., upload this photo to a Canvas project).
• Customize any options or filters, then save your Applet.

That’s it! Your automation will now run.

How does IFTTT use sensitive data?

IFTTT values your privacy and only uses the data required to run your chosen Applets. If any Applet involves a device or service that shares sensitive data (like location or email), IFTTT will ask for your permission. We never sell or share any sensitive data with any third party.

How do I suggest a new service for IFTTT?

We've already got integrations with Canva, and we are working on others. IFTTT is always expanding its ecosystem and values feedback. If there's a specific device, app, or service you’d like to see integrated, you can suggest it through our support page. If a lot of users request a feature, we'll likely add it in the near future.

We hope this article has given you some insight into the world of digital design tools, whether you are a budding graphic designer or a full-blown professional. Even if you have to make a simple design for a birthday party or social media announcement, knowing which tool to choose can help the process move smoothly. Remember, with IFTTT, we can enhance your graphic design workflow in just a couple of minutes, for completely free. So, what do you have to lose? Click the button below to get started.