Beyond Canva - Design Tools That Deserve the Spotlight

Canva has earned its place as the go-to graphic design tool for non-designers, content creators, and marketers alike. Its ease of use, massive template library, and drag-and-drop functionality have made it a household name in DIY design.

But Canva isn’t the only player in town - and it’s not always the best fit for everyone. Whether you’re looking for more interactive features, better data visualisation, or simply want to explore something new, several alternatives bring fresh perspectives and powerful capabilities to the design table.

In this article, we’re spotlighting five Canva competitors that are well worth exploring. From infographics and presentations to social media graphics and AI-powered editing, these tools bring their unique flair to visual content creation.

Top 5 Canva Competitors That Deserve the Spotlight

If you're looking to elevate your design game without relying on Canva, these five platforms are strong contenders. Each offers a unique combination of features, from interactive content to AI photo editing, that can match or even surpass Canva in specific areas. Whether you're a marketer, educator, freelancer, or business owner, these tools deserve your attention.

1. Visme

Visme is a content creation platform built for visual storytelling - particularly for presentations, infographics, reports, and interactive content. It’s ideal for professionals who work with data or need to create content that’s both visually polished and functionally rich.

The prices below are discounted with yearly billing.

Key Features

• Interactive infographics and presentations
• Charts, graphs, maps, and data widgets
• Custom branding (logos, colors, fonts)
• Analytics and viewer tracking
• Team collaboration tools

2. VistaCreate (formerly Crello)

VistaCreate is a user-friendly design platform that feels very similar to Canva but shines in its ability to create animated social media content. It's ideal for small businesses, creators, and marketers focused on digital channels.

The prices below are discounted with yearly billing.

Key Features

• Animated templates and motion graphics
• Video editor and stock music access
• Social media scheduling
• Background remover in Pro plan
• Brand kit for visual consistency

3. Piktochart

Piktochart specializes in infographics, reports, and presentations. If your work involves data visualization or professional reports, this tool simplifies that process without needing graphic design expertise.

The prices below are discounted with yearly billing.

Key Features

• Charts, maps, and graphs with live data integration
• Infographic and report-specific templates
• Download in high-quality formats (PDF, PNG, PPTX)
• Custom branding tools
• Team libraries and shared folders

4. Fotor

Fotor is a hybrid platform combining photo editing and graphic design with a growing suite of AI-powered tools. It's especially appealing to users who work with photography-based content or want quick enhancements with minimal effort.

The prices below are discounted with yearly billing.

Key Features

• One-tap photo enhancement (AI-powered)
• Background remover and AI retouching
• Templates for logos, posters, social media, resumes, etc.
• Collage maker and HDR image effects
• Cross-platform access (browser, desktop, and mobile)

5. Snappa

Snappa is a fast and simple design tool aimed squarely at content marketers, bloggers, and social media managers. It’s ideal for quick-turnaround visuals and teams that don’t need bells and whistles but want consistent, branded content.

The prices below are discounted with yearly billing.

Key Features

• 6,000+ pre-built templates for marketing, blogs, social media
• Access to 5 million+ royalty-free HD photos and graphics
• One-click resizing for multiple platforms
• Brand kit with saved colors, fonts, and logos
• Direct sharing to social media platforms

4 Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Canva Alternative

Before you switch from Canva or commit to a new design tool, it's important to understand what you're really looking for. Not all platforms are created equal, and the right choice depends on your specific needs, workflow, and budget. Here are four key factors to consider when evaluating Canva alternatives:

1. Design Purpose and Use Case

Are you creating social media graphics, presentations, infographics, or promotional materials? Each platform has its strengths. Some are built for data-heavy visuals, others are ideal for social-first content or AI-enhanced editing. Your primary use case should drive your decision.

Tip: If you work with charts, reports, or training material, consider a platform that supports interactive or data-focused design like Visme or Piktochart.

2. Ease of Use and Learning Curve

Some platforms are built for speed and simplicity, while others offer advanced features that come with a steeper learning curve. Consider your comfort level with design tools and how much time you're willing to spend learning a new interface.

Snappa and VistaCreate are highly intuitive for beginners. Visme offers more depth but may take time to master, especially when working with interactive content.

3. Asset Libraries and Customization

Good design depends on high-quality assets and flexible customization. Check if the platform includes access to stock photos, videos, and icons - and whether it allows you to save brand assets like colors, fonts, and logos.

If you want more creative control and a large asset library, look into tools like VistaCreate or Snappa. If photo editing is your priority, Fotor might be a better fit due to its AI editing tools.

4. Collaboration and Team Features

If you're working with a team, client, or multiple stakeholders, collaboration tools become essential. These can include shared folders, real-time feedback, user roles, and cloud-based access.

Visme and Piktochart provide structured collaboration features for teams. Snappa supports small team use but limits the number of users. VistaCreate is better suited for individual use with light team features.

Final Words

Canva might be the most widely recognized name in online design tools, but it’s far from the only one capable of delivering quality results. Whether you need more flexibility with interactive presentations, sharper control over photo editing, or a faster way to build infographics and social graphics, there’s likely a tool on this list that fits your specific needs.

Before switching, weigh your design goals, workflow needs, and team setup. The right tool is the one that supports your creative process without slowing it down.

Exploring these alternatives is not just about replacing Canva - it’s about expanding your creative options.