For real-time collaboration and intricate UX/UI designs, Figma stands unrivaled. However, when it comes to intuitive marketing content creation bolstered by an extensive template library, Canva leads. Canva is ideal for marketing teams and SMEs, while Figma serves design-centric teams and enterprises.

Canva vs Figma comparison

Key Differences Between Canva and Figma

  • Figma excels in UX/UI design; Canva focuses on user-friendly marketing content creation.
  • Canva offers a broad collection of pre-built templates; Figma leverages real-time collaboration.
  • Canva’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface contrasts Figma’s designholic-packed features.
  • Both platforms grant free access, but their premium features largely differ in scope and price.
  • Figma facilitates design consistency with its versioning system; Canva provides AI-powered copywriting assistance.
Comparison Canva Figma
Launch Year 2013 2016 (Public Release)
Headquarters Sydney, Australia San Francisco, California, USA
Key Features Drag-and-drop design, Photo editing, Pre-built templates Real-time collaboration, Browser-Based, Prototyping
Target Audience Companies of all sizes User Interface/Experience Design Teams
Mobile Apps Two mobile apps available Available for Android & iOS
Setbacks Data breach impacting roughly 139 million users Controversy surrounding Adobe’s proposed acquisition
Subscriptions Free, Pro, Enterprise Free, Professional, Organization, Enterprise
Price Range From $12.99 USD per month (Pro), $30 per month (Enterprise) TBD
Overall Rating 4.7 TBD
Company Value (as of 2023) $26 billion Over $10 billion (2021)
Partnerships/Acquisitions Pixabay, Pexels, Kaleido.ai, Smartmockups Google for Education

What Is Canva and Who’s It For?

Canva is an intuitive online graphic design platform hailing from Sydney, Australia. Founded in 2013 by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams, the platform has evolved to offer an extensive suite of products including Canva Pro, Canva for Education, and Canva for Enterprise. Pitched to cater for any company size, Canva is utilized for creating professional marketing content, presentations, and more.

The platform’s flexibility and user-friendly design toolset is primarily aimed at professionals seeking to deploy DIY graphic design for their needs. With over 100 million users worldwide, Canva ensures the design process is seamless with features such as drag-and-drop design, photo editing, and a plethora of pre-built templates.

Colorful corporate designer working in a bright Sydney office

Pros of Canva

  • Robust selection of design features
  • On-demand Magic Write, an AI-powered copywriting assistant
  • Canva offers free versions for education and not-for-profit organizations
  • Mobile apps for remarkable accessibility
  • A vast user community of over 100 million

Cons of Canva

  • Suffered a data breach in May 2019 impacting about 139 million users
  • Fees apply for Canva Pro and Canva Enterprise versions
  • Competitive market segment featuring industry giants Google and Microsoft

What Is Figma and Who’s It For?

Figma, an innovative web application for user interface/experience design, was founded by Dylan Field and Evan Wallace during their studies at Brown University in 2012. The application, which operates on virtually any OS running a web browser, offers offline features via dedicated desktop applications and emphasizes real-time collaboration.

Figma is specifically tailored for creative individuals seeking to convey their creativity online. With features such as real-time collaboration, design publication, and digital whiteboarding capabilities, Figma’s objective is to empower anyone to be creative and keep project consistency.

Colorful tech student using Figma at a modern university library

Pros of Figma

  • Real-time collaboration, fostering teamwork, and preventing design misinterpretation
  • Integrates with Slack for enhanced team communication
  • Offers whiteboarding software, FigJam
  • Compatibility with any OS that runs a web browser
  • Pricing plans tailored to fit various needs

Cons of Figma

  • Proposed acquisition by Adobe stirred concerns within the design community
  • Decrease in Adobe’s shares by 17% following the acquisition announcement
  • Investigation by FTC, with review under EU merger laws to follow

Canva vs Figma: The Verdict

Let’s dissect which will serve your needs best.

Graphic Design Novices

If you’re just starting on graphic design, Canva should be your choice. Its drag-and-drop design, custom fonts, shapes, and grids coupled with pre-built templates make it a favorable tool for beginners.

a graphic design beginner comfortably using Canva

Education Sector

For educators and students, both in the same realm, Figma’s partnership with Google for Education makes it attractive. However, Canva’s dedicated Education plan is a commendable alternate.

student and teacher discussing Figma and Canva on a Chromebook

Professional Designers

Professionals focused on interface design should pick Figma. Its real-time collaboration, versioning system, and APIs for browser-based app integration equip you to create and share complex designs effortlessly.

professional UI/UX designer using Figma on multiple screens

Nonprofits and CSR

Nonprofits benefit from Canva’s exclusive free plan. Creating engaging content is not a hurdle anymore, even on shoe-string budgets.

nonprofit organization team exploring Canva

Business and Enterprise

For big businesses and enterprises, the decision boils down to your team’s design orientation. If you need marketing content and presentations, go with Canva Enterprise. If your focus is on UI/UX design, Figma will serve you better.

corporate team brainstorming while using Canva and Figma

In the clash of Canva vs Figma, novices inclined towards graphic design should lean towards Canva. However, professionals dealing with interface design will find the functionalities of Figma more rewarding.

Patrick Daugherty

Content writer @ Aircada. Merging AR expertise with a love for late-night gaming sessions.

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