Is Canva as bad as (some) people think?

Have you heard of Canva? Of course, you have! It’s an online template editor application that’s quite popular as it provides everyday users with the tools they need to create graphic design elements for themselves easily. However, I’ve noticed in certain social media circles a growing contempt and at times, outright disdain for this application. So, I think it’s worth discussing this topic in a little more detail.

“Let’s talk about it!”

What is Canva?

Canva is an online application that enables users to create a wide variety of graphic design elements, such as social media graphics, presentations, and many other design categories. It was founded in Perth, Australia, in 2013.

Since its establishment over ten years ago, Canva has experienced remarkable growth. As of March 2022, it boasts over 75 million active users, compared to the 750,000 users it had in its first year. Canva has also expanded its business by partnering with FedEx Office and Office Depot. They launched Canva Education, a free product available to schools and other educational institutions, and in late 2022, they unveiled Canva Magic Write, an AI-powered copywriting tool. Following this, in March 2023, they launched the Canva Assistant tool.

How does it compare to other graphic design applications?

There are many options for graphic design software, but navigating through programs like Adobe Creative Cloud can be challenging for those who are not tech-savvy. Paying for a monthly subscription or a high upfront cost for the latest software may also not be feasible. While I cannot provide a detailed comparison of Canva with other software programs like Corel Graphics Suite, Paintshop Pro, Affinity, or GIMP, I can share my thoughts based on my experience with The Adobe creative suite and Canva so far.

Currently, I use Adobe Creative Cloud, which is convenient as it provides access to most of Adobe's software. However, I only regularly use three applications within Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Although these applications are great for various tasks, such as editing photos, creating vector graphics, and preparing graphics for publication, the price I have to pay to access them alone is costly.

Cost Comparison: Canva vs. Adobe Creative Cloud

Let’s dive deeper into the cost aspect. Adobe Creative Cloud offers several subscription plans, but for access to Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, you’re typically looking at around $52.99 per month, which totals about $635.88 annually. For many individuals and small businesses, this price can be prohibitive.

In contrast, Canva offers a much more affordable pricing model. Canva Pro costs $12.99 per month, or you can opt for an annual subscription at $119.99 per year, which saves you a significant amount of money compared to the monthly plan. This price difference makes Canva an attractive option for those who need robust design tools without breaking the bank.

Leveraging Canva’s Tools: Tips for Stunning Visuals

Whether you’re an experienced graphic designer or a casual user, Canva provides a plethora of tools that can help you create stunning visuals. Here are some tips to make the most out of Canva:

For Experienced Graphic Designers:

1.Custom Templates: Create templates that you can reuse for different projects. This helps maintain consistency and saves time.

2. Advanced Editing: Utilize Canva’s advanced editing features such as layers, transparency, and custom dimensions to create professional-quality designs.

3. Brand Kit: Use the Brand Kit feature to store your brand’s colors, logos, and fonts. This ensures all your designs are on-brand and cohesive.

For Casual Users:

1. Pre-made Templates: Start with Canva’s extensive library of pre-made templates. These are great for quickly creating professional-looking designs without needing advanced skills.

2. Drag-and-Drop Interface: Take advantage of the simple drag-and-drop interface to add elements like text, images, and icons to your design effortlessly.

3.  Stock Media: Make use of Canva’s vast library of stock photos, videos, and graphics to enhance your projects without needing to source these elements elsewhere.

Canva is more than just an alternative to traditional graphic design software; it’s a versatile tool that empowers users at all skill levels to create impressive designs with ease.

Final Thoughts

So, is Canva as bad as (some) people think? In my opinion, no. While it may not replace the need for more advanced software in professional settings, it offers an affordable, user-friendly alternative that is perfect for many individuals and small businesses. By understanding its strengths and leveraging its tools effectively, you can create stunning visuals without the steep learning curve or high costs associated with other graphic design applications.