What actually differs
- The templates for what you make most — social posts, presentations, posters — in the sizes you need.
- Brand controls: saved colours, fonts and logos your whole team uses.
- What the free plan includes, and which features and assets need a paid plan.
- Export: formats, resolution and transparent backgrounds.
- If you already pay for a creative suite, whether one of its included tools does the job.
When to step up to a design tool
If you keep fighting a template to get the layout you want, you may be ready for a real design tool; see Figma alternatives. If your need is a website rather than graphics, a site builder is the better comparison.
Sourced comparison
Questions people ask
Is there a free alternative to Canva?
Several tools offer free plans with limits on templates, assets and exports. Compare what the free plan includes for the things you make, because that is where they differ.
Canva or Adobe Express?
Both are template-first and aimed at non-designers. The sourced comparison linked on this page lays out where they differ; the right choice depends on your templates, brand needs and whether you already use other tools from the same company.