When it comes to design tools in 2025, PicsArt and Canva are two names that come up again and again. Both platforms have millions of users around the world and are often used for similar purposes — graphic designing, photo editing, content creation, social media posts, and more. But while they share some similarities, there’s also a bunch of differences that makes each one unique.
So, how do you choose between PicsArt and Canva? In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore their features, pros, cons, pricing, and overall user experience so you can figure out which tool fits best with your style and need.
What is PicsArt?
PicsArt is a powerful photo and video editing app that started off mostly as a mobile tool. Over the years, it evolved into an all-in-one creative platform. It’s great for advanced photo editing, remixing, drawing, filters, stickers, and even making cool video content. Many influencers and casual users love PicsArt cause of it’s fun features.
What is Canva?
Canva is more focused on graphic designing and templates. It’s web-based (with mobile apps too) and allows users to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, resumes, and more — without needing a design background. Canva is ideal for professional content, business presentations, and quick layouts.
Ease of Use – Which One Feels More Friendly?
Let’s be real. If an app is too complicated, most users just uninstall it. So how easy are they to use?
Canva’s Interface
Canva’s UI is super clean and organized. Everything is based around drag-and-drop, so it’s great even for people who never designed anything before. Templates are categorized smartly, and everything looks professional.
- You can search for templates, elements, and images very easily
- There’s a left sidebar with all the tools you need
- Collaboration is simple, just share the link
PicsArt’s Interface
PicsArt APK can feel slightly more complex at first, especially if you’re only using it for the first time. It has so many features, filters, layers, and effects — some people find it overwhelming. But once you get used to it, it’s super fun and powerful.
- Mobile app is very user-friendly
- Tons of editing tools under one roof
- A bit cluttered for beginners, but worth it
Editing Features – Who Offers More Power?
Now the juicy part. What can you actually do with each tool?
PicsArt Editing Features
PicsArt is mainly known for advanced photo and video editing. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- AI photo editor with background remover, beautify tool, face swap, and more
- Video editor with music, filters, effects
- Draw tool with brushes and layers
- Sticker maker, collage maker
- Tons of artistic filters (sketch, cartoon, drip effects, etc.)
If your main goal is to play around with images or videos, or do artistic work, PicsArt is definetly better.
Canva Editing Features
Canva is all about professional layout-based design. It doesn’t offer deep photo editing like PicsArt, but you get:
- Thousands of pre-made templates
- Smart layout tools
- Brand kits for business
- Built-in image editor (basic level)
- Easy text + image combination
- Canva Whiteboards, Docs, Presentations
Templates & Design Elements
Canva Templates
One of Canva’s biggest strengths is its massive library of templates. Seriously, you name it, they got it.
- Instagram posts
- YouTube thumbnails
- Flyers, brochures, business cards
- Posters, CVs, infographics
- And even full presentations
There’s millions of stock images, icons, fonts, videos, and animations too.
PicsArt Resources
PicsArt also has a pretty large content library, but it’s more focused on fun and visual elements than layout templates.
- Filters and effects
- AR stickers, clipart, lens flares
- Free-to-use images
- Artistic tools
- User-generated stickers and challenges
Who is It Best For?
| Type of User | Go For Canva | Choose PicsArt |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Designer | You want easy templates | You love visual experimenting |
| Social Media Manager | Need branded posts quick | Want to create trendy content & fun videos |
| Business Owner | Need logos, ads, presentations | Not ideal unless focused on IG/TikTok visuals |
| Artist or Photographer | Not very advanced tools | Offers deeper editing and customization |
| Student or Teacher | Want to make slides, resumes, posters | Want to edit photos for projects or fun |
Mobile vs Desktop – Where Can You Use Them?
Canva’s Access
Canva works amazing on web, and also has mobile and tablet apps. Web version is more powerful though. Works well across all browsers.
- Best for desktop use
- Mobile app is decent, but not full features
PicsArt’s Access
PicsArt is primarily a mobile app, but there’s also a web version now (though more limited). It’s optimized for smartphones and is amazing on both Android & iOS.
- Best for mobile editing
- Web version is still evolving
Pricing – Is It Free or Paid?
Both offer free versions, but if you want all the features, you might have to pay.
Canva Pricing
- Free Plan: Access to thousands of templates, limited assets
- Pro Plan: ~$12.99/month – unlocks premium templates, stock content, brand kit, background remover, etc.
- Enterprise Plan: For teams and businesses
PicsArt Pricing
- Free Plan: Good editing tools, but with ads and locked features
- Gold Plan: ~$11.99/month – removes ads, unlocks premium filters, tools, stickers
- Team Plan: For multiple users
Performance and Speed
From tests and user reviews:
- Canva runs super smooth on desktop and is very reliable
- PicsArt runs amazing on mobile but may lag if too many effects are used
Final Verdict
Choosing between PicsArt and Canva really depends on what kinda work you’re doing. If you love editing photos, adding cool filters, making short videos, or just being super creative on your phone, then PicsArt is definetly your best pick. It’s fun, flexible, and has tons of artistic tools. But if you need to create resumes, business posts, infographics, or professional-looking designs fast, then Canva makes more sense. It’s super easy to use and perfect for teams too. Some people even use both tools together — edit with PicsArt, design with Canva. At the end of the day, it’s all about your style and what feels easy and fun for you. Try both and go with the one that clicks!
