Canva is a popular online tool that allows users to create a wide variety of graphic designs, from social media posts and banners to presentations and infographics. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and a wide range of templates, making it a go-to tool for individuals and businesses with little to no graphic design experience.
However, like any tool, Canva has its limitations. In this blog post, we will explore some disadvantages of using Canva for your graphic design needs.
What Are the Disadvantages of Canva?
Canva is available in two different versions: Paid and Free. It is the free version that has tons of hitches.
Below are a few of them:
Limited Export Settings
Canva allows users to export their designs in various formats, including JPG, PNG, and PDF. However, the platform’s export settings can be somewhat limited.
For instance, users may not have the ability to control the resolution of their exported images or to export images with a transparent background without a premium subscription.
Additionally, Canva does not support exporting files in certain formats used by other design tools, such as PSD for Adobe Photoshop or AI for Adobe Illustrator.
Limited Compatibility with Other Design Tools
While Canva is a standalone design tool, many graphic designers use multiple tools in their workflow. In this context, Canva’s compatibility with other design tools can be limited.
For example, designs created in Canva cannot be directly opened or edited in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
This can be a significant disadvantage for designers who need to collaborate with others using different tools, or who want to further refine their Canva designs using more advanced software.
Limited Mobile App Functionality
Canva offers mobile apps for both Android and iOS, allowing users to create designs on the go. However, the functionality of these apps can be limited compared to the web browser version of Canva.
Some features may be more difficult to use on a smaller screen, and certain features may not be available at all. This can be a disadvantage for users who need to do a lot of work on their mobile devices.
Limited Access to Premium Features
While Canva offers a free version, many of its more advanced features require a premium subscription. These features include access to a wider range of templates, the ability to upload custom fonts, and the option to export images with a transparent background.
This can be a disadvantage for small business owners and other users who need these features but may not have the budget for a premium subscription.
Limited Creativity
While Canva is a popular platform for creating graphics and visuals, it may not be the best tool for everyone. One of the main disadvantages of Canva is that it can limit creativity.
The platform operates on a drag-and-drop basis, which makes it easy to use but can also restrict the level of customization and originality in the designs. This can be a significant drawback for professional graphic designers who require more flexibility and control over their designs.
Limited Customization Option
Even though Canva has a considerable variety of elements and templates, it is still limited. Some users still require help to achieve their desired design results, especially those with unique requirements.
Limited Color Options
While Canva offers a wide range of color options for your designs, it primarily operates in the RGB color model, which is ideal for digital designs.
However, if you’re creating designs for print, you might need to work in the CMYK color model, which Canva doesn’t support.
This can lead to color discrepancies between your digital design and the printed result, which can be a significant disadvantage for users creating professional print designs.
Lacks to Provide Advanced Features
The free version of Canva needs to offer advanced features to its users. As a professional user, you will need help to achieve your task goals on a free version. It provides minimal features to offer overall and requires an upgrade to use the advanced features.
However, this may still be a valuable package for beginners who need to be more involved in complex tasks and are at their learning stage.
Limited Control Over Branding Kits
Branding kits are essential tools for maintaining brand consistency across various designs. While Canva allows users to create branding kits, the control over these kits can be limited.
For instance, users may not be able to create comprehensive branding kits that include detailed elements like patterns, icons, or specific color gradients. This limitation can make it challenging for businesses to maintain brand consistency across their designs.
Internet Access
The most common and noticeable drawback is that Canva requires an active internet connection. Since it is a web-based tool, all users must have internet access to use it properly. Those with unstable or no internet access need help to work on Canva smoothly.
Limited Font and Logo Options
Canva offers a variety of fonts and logo templates, making it a convenient tool for quick design tasks. However, when it comes to professional designs, the platform may fall short. The selection of fonts, while diverse, may not cater to all design needs, especially for brands with specific typography guidelines.
Similarly, the logo templates, though numerous, may not offer the uniqueness that a brand requires. This limitation can be a significant drawback for graphic designers who need to create distinct and personalized branding elements.
Storage Limitations
Storage can be another issue with Canva. While the platform offers cloud storage for your designs, the capacity can be limited, especially in the free version. This limitation can be problematic for users who create a large volume of graphics and need to store them for future use.
Additionally, the process of organizing and retrieving designs in Canva’s storage system may not be as efficient or intuitive as in other dedicated file storage systems.
Limited Control Over Image Saturation
Canva provides basic image editing features, including the ability to adjust the saturation of your images. However, compared to more advanced graphic design tools, the control over image saturation and other editing features can be somewhat limited in Canva.
This could potentially affect the final look and feel of your designs, especially if you’re aiming for a specific aesthetic or mood.
Limited Social Media Integration
Canva allows users to share their designs directly on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. However, the integration with these platforms can be limited. For example, users may not be able to schedule posts, track analytics, or use other advanced social media management features directly from Canva.
This limitation means users may still need to rely on additional tools for comprehensive social media management.
Limited Functionality on Mac
While Canva is accessible on various platforms, including Mac, some users have reported that the tool’s functionality can be somewhat limited on Mac computers compared to PCs.
This could potentially affect the user experience, especially for Mac users who are used to seamless integration and functionality with other design tools.
FAQs
Is It Worth Subscribing to Canva Pro?
It depends on from one user to another; if your needs revolve around doing professional designing tasks, you may subscribe. Otherwise, the free version can be enough if you are a beginner or do not have extreme use purposes.
Can I use Canva to design flyers?
Yes, Canva offers templates for a variety of design types, including flyers. However, keep in mind the limitations in terms of creativity and customization.
Is Canva a good tool for professional graphic designers?
While Canva is user-friendly and convenient for quick designs, professional graphic designers may find it limiting in terms of creativity, customization, and control over design elements.
Can I use my own fonts in Canva?
Canva’s font selection is quite extensive, but if you have a specific font that isn’t available on the platform, you may not be able to use it.
Can I use Canva to design book covers?
Yes, Canva offers a range of templates for book covers. However, keep in mind the limitations in terms of color options and export settings, especially if you’re designing a cover for print.
Conclusion
Canva’s drawbacks can be severe for one user, but not an issue for another one. Therefore, even the disadvantages depend upon the user’s preferences or requirements. Determine your needs and compare them with Canva’s shortcomings to see if they are an issue.
