In 2025, the Figma vs Canva discussion continues to attract attention as these two platforms shape the way people create and share designs. They may seem similar at first glance, but each has a very different purpose.
Canva is loved by marketers, small business owners, and anyone who wants to create stunning content quickly with ready-to-use templates. Figma, on the other hand, has built its reputation as a professional tool for teams that need real-time collaboration and detailed interface design.
This Canva vs Figma comparison will lead you through their strengths, limitations, and best use cases so you can find out which one really matches your needs in 2025.
What is Figma?
Figma is a cloud-based design platform that has changed the way people create and collaborate on digital projects.
Unlike desktop tools that rely on local files, Figma runs entirely online. And multiple people can work on the same design at the same time. This makes Figma valuable for product teams, UI and UX designers, and developers who need a smooth workflow from concept to final handoff.
The platform brings design, feedback, and prototyping into one space. You can build wireframes, create interactive prototypes, and share designs directly with developers without having to switch tools. Its vector-based features, simple interface, and accessibility across multiple devices make it one of the most reliable choices for professional interface design.
What is Canva?
Canva is an online design platform created to make visual creation simple and accessible for everyone. Instead of focusing on complex design systems, Canva provides ready-made templates, drag-and-drop tools, and an easy-to-use interface that lets anyone design without prior experience.
From social media graphics and posters to presentations and short videos, Canva has become a favorite for marketers, entrepreneurs, educators, and small businesses that need professional-looking content in minutes.
Canva's biggest strength lies in its vast library of templates, stock images, icons, and fonts. You can customize designs quickly, collaborate with team members, and publish or share projects directly on different platforms.
Canva is also available across web and mobile devices, so you can also use it to create content on the go.
Figma vs Canva: Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
To understand which tool fits your workflow better, it's worth looking at Figma vs Canva side by side. Below is a breakdown of their key features and how each platform approaches design:
| Feature | Figma | Canva |
| Primary Use Case | UI/UX design, prototyping, product dev | Social posts, presentations, marketing |
| Ease of Use | Steeper learning curve, very flexible | Beginner-friendly with drag-and-drop tools |
| Templates & Assets | Limited, focused on design systems | Large library of templates, stock assets |
| Collaboration Tools | Real-time multi-user, advanced commenting, version history | Supports team collaboration, comments, shared brand kits |
| Editing Tools | Pro-grade vector tools, prototyping, detailed UI editing | Simple text, image, layout editing |
| Export Options | SVG, PNG, PDF, developer handoff | PNG, JPG, MP4, PDF for sharing |
| Pricing | Free + paid (advanced collab & team features) | Free + paid (premium templates, brand kits) |
| Integrations | Dev/design platforms like Google Workspace, Framer Web, and UserTesting | Integrates with social media, cloud storage, and marketing tools |
For a more detailed breakdown comparison:
Interface and Learning Curve
- Figma is designed with professionals as a priority, so its interface feels closer to traditional design software. It offers powerful tools, but new users may need time to get comfortable with features like layers, components, and prototyping.
- Canva is built to be intuitive from the start. Its drag-and-drop interface, pre-designed layouts, and simple navigation make it approachable for anyone, even those with no design background.
Prototyping and Design Tools
- Figma excels in this area, offering vector-based tools, advanced layout options, and built-in prototyping features that allow designers to create interactive user flows without leaving the platform. It's ideal for UI and UX work where details and functionality matter.
- Canva focuses less on prototyping and more on quick design output. Its tools are best suited for editing visuals, organizing layouts, and customizing templates for marketing or educational purposes.
Templates, Assets, and Add-Ons
- Canva stands out with its vast library of templates, stock photos, fonts, stickers, and design elements that make content creation quick and versatile.
- Figma offers fewer built-in templates but compensates with plugins and community-based resources that extend its functionality.
Both platforms allow users to add new features through apps or plugins, making them adaptable to different workflows.
Collaborations
- Figma is widely known for its real-time collaboration, allowing multiple designers to work on the same file simultaneously with instant updates and comments. This makes it ideal for design teams and product development.
- Canva also supports collaboration, letting teams co-edit projects, leave feedback, and share brand kits, though it is less advanced compared to the precision and depth of Figma’s collaborative tools.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Canva vs Figma
Before deciding between Figma vs Canva, it helps to weigh the strengths and limitations of each platform.
Pros and Cons of Canva
- Extremely easy to use, even for beginners with no design background
- Massive library of templates, stock images, fonts, and icons ready to customize
- Ideal for quick content creation such as social media posts, presentations, and flyers
- Accessible across web and mobile devices for on-the-go editing
- Affordable pricing with a strong free plan that covers most basic needs
- Built-in publishing options and integrations with social media platforms
- Limited advanced design features compared to professional tools
- Templates can look generic if not customized
- Collaboration tools are simpler and less precise than Figma's
- Not well-suited for UI, UX, or complex product design
Pros and Cons of Figma
- Professional-grade tools for UI and UX design with strong prototyping features
- Real-time collaboration that lets teams design, comment, and edit together seamlessly
- Vector-based design system with precise editing capabilities
- Cloud-based platform that works across devices without versioning issues
- Extensive plugin ecosystem and community-driven resources for customization
- Smooth developer handoff with detailed code checks and file exports
- A steeper learning curve, which may feel overwhelming for beginners
- Fewer built-in templates and assets compared to Canva
- Best suited for design professionals rather than casual users
- Advanced features are locked behind paid plans, which may be costly for small teams
Canva or Figma – Which Design Tool Is Best for You?
Choosing between Canva vs Figma depends on your goals and the type of work you need to create. Both tools are excellent, but they are designed for different audiences and purposes. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide more easily:
Use Canva if you are…
- A marketer who needs to create engaging social media posts, ads, or presentations quickly
- A student working on school projects, posters, or group presentations with minimal effort
- A small business owner who wants ready-to-use templates for branding and marketing materials
- An educator who needs accessible visuals for teaching, lesson plans, or class activities
- Someone looking for a quick and easy tool without a steep learning curve
Use Figma if you are…
- A professional designer focusing on UI, UX, or digital product development
- A business team that needs strong collaboration features for design projects
- Developers who benefit from precise tools and detailed design specifications
- A startup or product team creating apps, websites, or interactive prototypes
- Anyone who values real-time teamwork and advanced design customization over quick templates
Bonus: Add Motion to Your Design with a Simple Animation Tool
For many graphic designers, static visuals are not always enough to grab attention. Adding motion can turn an ordinary design into something more dynamic and engaging. While Canva and Figma are excellent for creating visuals, they have limitations when it comes to animation.
If you want to take your work a step further, Wondershare Filmora is a powerful tool to animate your designs.
With Filmora, you can:
- Use a simple keyframing tool to animate text, shapes, and graphics with precision
- Explore a library of built-in animated stickers and motion graphics to enhance your visuals instantly
- Access a wide range of stock music, sound effects, images, and videos directly inside the editor
- Apply smooth transitions, filters, and visual effects to make your content more professional
- Export in multiple formats optimized for social media, presentations, or client projects
Filmora bridges the gap between static design and dynamic video. Whether you start a design in Figma or Canva, you can easily import it into Filmora and transform it into engaging motion content that leaves a lasting impression.
Secure DownloadConclusion
In the end, the choice between Figma vs Canva depends entirely on what you need from a design tool.
Canva is the ideal choice for marketers, students, and small businesses who want quick, polished visuals without a steep learning curve. Figma, on the other hand, is built for professional designers and teams who value collaboration, precision, and advanced features for digital product design.
Both platforms are powerful in their own strengths, and many creators even use them together. By understanding their strengths, you can pick the tool that fits your workflow and helps you turn your ideas into reality.
FAQs
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1. Can I use Figma for marketing and social media graphics?
Yes, you can design marketing visuals in Figma, but that's not the platform’s main strength. Canva is generally faster and easier for social media content, while Figma is better suited for detailed interface design and collaboration. -
2. Can I use Figma and Canva together?
Absolutely. Many creators design structured layouts or prototypes in Figma, then move assets into Canva for quick content creation or team collaboration. Using both gives you the best of both platforms. -
3. Can I create animations or motion graphics in Canva or Figma?
Both platforms offer basic animation features, but they are limited. For more advanced motion graphics, tools like Wondershare Filmora are a better choice since they provide keyframing, animated stickers, and a stock media library. -
4. Can you design wireframes in Canva like in Figma?
Not in the same way. Canva is designed based on templates and is designed for visual content, while Figma has specific tools for wireframing and prototyping. If wireframing is your goal, Figma is the better option.
