PicsArt vs Canva: Which Editing Tool Is Right for You? [2025]
When it comes to photo editing and graphic design, two platforms consistently stand out: PicsArt and Canva. Both apps provide powerful tools to create stunning visuals, but they cater to slightly different audiences. Whether you’re a beginner, a professional, or a social media enthusiast, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform can help you choose the right one for your creative needs.
In this detailed comparison, we break down everything you need to know about PicsArt vs Canva, from editing features and templates to pricing and collaboration options.
Overview: PicsArt vs Canva
Both PicsArt and Canva are highly popular in the digital design world, but they serve slightly different purposes. PicsArt focuses on photo and video editing with a variety of advanced tools, while Canva is primarily a graphic design platform that emphasizes templates and layout customization.
What Is PicsArt?
PicsArt is a leading photo and video editing app available for mobile, web, and desktop platforms. It provides:
- Advanced editing tools: Stickers, collage makers, background removers, text overlays, and artistic effects.
- Social community: A global network where users can share creations, get feedback, and follow professional creators.
- Mobile editing convenience: Full editing capabilities directly on your phone or tablet.
The app’s Mod APK version offers unlocked premium features for users who want unlimited access without subscription limits.
What Is Canva?
Canva is an intuitive online graphic design tool that focuses on creating templates-based designs. It allows users to design:
- Social media posts
- Posters and flyers
- Infographics
- Logos and branding materials
Canva’s drag-and-drop interface makes it extremely beginner-friendly, enabling anyone to create professional designs without prior experience. Its extensive library of pre-made elements simplifies design work for both personal and business use.
PicsArt vs Canva
Feature | PicsArt | Canva |
Primary Focus | Photo & Video Editing | Graphic Design |
Pre-made Templates | Available, moderate library | Extensive library |
Editing Tools | Advanced & versatile | Basic to moderate |
Collaboration Features | Limited | Excellent, real-time |
AI-powered Tools | Yes | Yes |
Video Templates | Yes | Yes |
Platform Availability | Mobile, Web, Desktop | Mobile, Web |
Free Plan | Yes | Yes |
Social Community | Yes | Limited |
Drag & Drop Feature | Yes | Yes |
Background Removal Tool | Yes | Yes |
Audio Templates | No | Yes |
Filters & Effects | Yes | Yes |
Ease of Use
PicsArt offers a wide range of tools, but beginners may initially find the interface overwhelming. Tutorials and guides are available to help users navigate the menus and master advanced features.
Canva, on the other hand, is very beginner-friendly. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and search bar make finding and arranging elements quick and easy.
Pre-Made Templates
- PicsArt: Offers a variety of templates for photo and graphic edits. While not as vast as Canva’s, the library is practical for most creative needs.
Canva: Provides a massive library of templates for social media, presentations, marketing materials, and more. Its templates are easily customizable with text, images, and icons.
Pre-Made Templates
- PicsArt: Advanced tools for photo editing, including filters, text overlays, stickers, and drawing tools. Ideal for detailed edits.
- Canva: Primarily focused on graphic design tools like text, shapes, and layouts. Best for creating professional-looking graphics quickly, but lacks advanced photo editing features.
Collaboration Capabilities
- PicsArt: Users can share designs via social media or within the PicsArt community. Collaboration is limited compared to Canva.
- Canva: Offers robust collaboration features, including real-time team editing, project sharing via links, and instant feedback options.
Platform Availability
- PicsArt: Available on iOS, Android, Web, and Desktop (Windows & Mac).
- Canva: Available on iOS, Android, and Web (no dedicated desktop app).
Saving & Sharing Options
PicsArt:
- Save formats: JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, WEBP
- Share via: Social media, messaging apps, email, PicsArt community
Canva:
- Save formats: JPG, PNG, MP4, PDF, SVG
- Share via: Social media, email, project collaboration
- Save formats: JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, WEBP
Pros
Picsart
- Advanced photo editing tools
- Active social community
- Affordable subscriptions
Canva
- Extremely beginner-friendly interface
- Extensive pre-made template library
- Real-time collaboration features
Cons
Picsart
- Limited collaboration options
- Feature-rich interface may be overwhelming for beginners
- Free version includes watermark
Canva
- Limited advanced photo editing tools
- No individual paid plan for single users
- Free version includes watermark on certain designs
FAQ's
Which is better, PicsArt or Canva?
It depends on your needs: PicsArt for detailed photo edits, Canva for fast, template-based designs.
Are free versions available?
Yes, both platforms offer free plans with basic features.
Which platform is easier for beginners?
Canva is generally easier for beginners due to its intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
Do PicsArt and Canva add watermarks?
Yes, free versions include watermarks; premium plans remove them.
Can I collaborate with others on these platforms?
Canva offers superior real-time collaboration; PicsArt has limited collaboration options.
Which platform is better for social media content?
Both are excellent, but Canva excels at quick template-based content.
Do both platforms offer mobile apps?
Yes, both PicsArt and Canva have Android and iOS apps.
Can I edit videos on PicsArt or Canva?
PicsArt allows video editing; Canva supports video templates but limited editing.
Are AI-powered tools available in both?
Yes, both platforms include AI-powered editing and design tools.
Which platform is more affordable?
PicsArt offers more cost-effective plans for individuals, while Canva is better suited for teams.
Conclusion
Choosing between PicsArt and Canva ultimately depends on your creative goals and workflow. If you’re looking for advanced photo and video editing tools, along with features like drawing, collage making, and a vibrant social community, PicsArt is the better choice. It gives you full control over editing and allows for detailed, professional-level enhancements.
On the other hand, if your focus is on quick, template-based designs for social media, marketing materials, or business presentations, Canva stands out. Its drag-and-drop interface, extensive template library, and real-time collaboration features make it highly beginner-friendly and ideal for teamwork.