Author: Thea Demetriou
When it comes to talking about graphic design, Photoshop and GIMP often play the leading role. Both are powerful tools but they require an extensive learning process that new users or beginners may find overwhelming and difficult. However, Canva was created to provide a solution to this complex and time-consuming learning process for the basic tools! So, this online software allows anyone to design and create anything easier and faster! Even if you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, or someone who just started with graphic design, Canva is the ultimate tool for generating stunning visuals without the hassle. In this article, we will examine some reasons why Canva is the best beginner-friendly substitute for Photoshop and GIMP.
1. User-Friendly Interface
Canva is considered a user-friendly interface because it is designed for simplicity and ease of use, especially for beginners. It has ready-made documents to create what you want depending on your needs - from social media posts, videos, presentations, animated images, logos, campaign posters, banners, labels, bookmarks, and phone wallpaper, to t-shirt design -. Also, Canva offers thousands of professionally designed templates for social media posts, presentations, business cards, flyers, etc, where you can get inspired. Instead of starting from scratch like in Photoshop or GIMP, users can choose a template and customize it to fit their needs. In addition, it provides tools that help you edit your designs, elements such as shapes, graphics and stickers, tables, ready-made drafts for quizzes, images, and many other small tools to create graphics and visuals exactly as you imagine them! This feature is a game-changer for beginners who want quick results. Apart from providing ready-made templates for documents for social media, it allows you to choose a blank document and define the dimensions you want!
2. Drag-and-Drop Functionality
One of Canva’s biggest strengths is its intuitive, drag-and-drop interface. It's a technique that allows users to move items (files, images, text) from one location to another by selecting them and then dragging them. Unlike Photoshop and GIMP, which require knowledge and users to understand layers and advanced editing tools, Canva makes designing as simple as selecting a template, adding elements, and customizing text. This makes designing quick and intuitive. There’s no need to watch hours of tutorials — Canva lets you create beautiful graphics in minutes.
3. No Installation or High-End System Requirements
Both Photoshop and GIMP require installation. Also, GIMP demands some technical requirements such as at least 4GB of RAM or more, free storage space, and a faster processor is recommended for better performance. In contrast, Canva is a web-based platform accessible from any device with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for expensive upgrades or compatibility issues.
4. Cost-Effective Solution
Photoshop operates on a subscription-based model, which can be costly for individuals and small businesses. It is divided into 3 plan packages, a photography plan (Adobe Photoshop & lightroom), a program just for Photoshop, and the full creative cloud program, which includes all Adobe applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, etc. Prices range from 12 - 62 euros depending on the package you choose or various offers/discounts. While GIMP is free, it requires technical knowledge to use effectively.
Canva, on the other hand, has a free version with plenty of features and an affordable Pro plan for those who need additional tools. The free version provides from basic image editing tools, to social media graphics design, videos, and presentations, 1 million free templates, and 3 million stock of photos and designs. Although, there are some limitations on cloud storage and AI-powered design tools. Regarding the Pro plan, it has the Canva Pro which costs only 12.99 euros per month and includes unlimited premium templates, and Canva Teams, which is designed for teams and organizations. This makes Canva a budget-friendly choice without compromising quality.
5. Built-in Assets and Design Elements
Canva provides access to a vast library of stock images, icons, fonts, and illustrations — many of which are free. In Photoshop and GIMP, you often need to search for assets separately and manually import them. With Canva, everything is built-in and easy to apply, making the design process seamless.
6. Collaboration Made Easy
Unlike Photoshop and GIMP, where files need to be saved and shared manually, Canva allows real-time collaboration. Teams can work together on a design, leave comments, and make edits instantly. This makes it an excellent tool for businesses and teams working remotely.
Conclusion
To sum up, Photoshop and GIMP are excellent tools for professional designers who need advanced capabilities, but if you don’t have a background in graphic design, they can be frightening. Canva is the perfect alternative for beginners and small businesses. Its user-friendly interface, affordability, and ease of use make it the best option for those who want to create beautiful professional-looking designs quickly and efficiently, without technical expertise. It simplifies the process so If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to design stunning visuals, Canva is the tool for you!
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