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Canva vs Figma
Which is the better design for Mac in 2026?
We compared Canva and Figma across 5 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Both Canva and Figma are excellent design. Read our full breakdown below.
Canva
Design platform for social media, presentations, and more
Free
VS
Figma
Collaborative design tool for teams
Free
Visual Comparison
Canva
Canva — Official Website
Figma
Figma — Official Website
Our Verdict
Both Canva and Figma are excellent design. Canva is better for users who prefer polished experiences, while Figma excels for those who value established ecosystems.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Canva | Figma |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Monthly Installs | N/A | N/A |
| GitHub Stars | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Design & Creative | Design & Creative |
Quick Install
Canva
brew install --cask canvaFigma
brew install --cask figmaLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is Canva?
Founded in 2013, Canva revolutionized the graphic design industry by making visual communication accessible to everyone. By 2026, it has cemented its position as the world's leading all-in-one visual suite. Far more than just a drag-and-drop editor, Canva has evolved into a comprehensive platform integrating graphic design, video editing, document creation, and web publishing. Its core philosophy revolves around removing the 'blank page' fear through an ecosystem of millions of professionally designed templates and assets. Recent updates have heavily leaned into AI with the 'Magic Studio', allowing users to generate images, expand backgrounds, and rewrite text with a single click. It serves a massive audience ranging from students and solopreneurs to enterprise marketing teams who use its brand kit features to maintain consistency at scale. While it supports basic collaborative features, its strength lies in asset generation rather than structural design. It abstracts away the complexities of typography, color theory, and composition, acting as a creative partner that handles the technical heavy lifting so users can focus on the message.
What is Figma?
Since its launch in 2016, Figma has dismantled the siloed workflows of legacy design software to become the collaborative operating system for product development. As of 2026, it is the undisputed standard for interface design, prototyping, and design systems. Figma runs entirely in the browser (with a robust Mac desktop app wrapper), enabling real-time multiplayer collaboration that changed how designers and developers work together. Unlike Canva's template-driven approach, Figma provides a blank canvas with powerful vector networks, Auto Layout, and component properties that mirror the logic of CSS and frontend code. It is designed for building logic-driven interfaces, not just static images. Key features include Dev Mode, which bridges the gap between design and code, and variables for advanced prototyping. Figma's target audience includes Product Designers, UX Researchers, and Frontend Engineers. It is a precision instrument where every pixel is deliberate, and every element is part of a larger, scalable system. While it has a steeper learning curve, it offers limitless flexibility for those building digital products.
Detailed Feature Comparison
User Interface & Ease of Use
HighCanvaExcellent
Canva's UI is intentionally simplified. The sidebar puts templates and elements front and center. Context-aware menus only appear when needed, reducing cognitive load. The 'drag-and-drop' mechanic is intuitive for anyone who has used a computer. In 2026, AI prompts assist in navigation, making it nearly impossible to get lost.
FigmaAverage
Figma's interface is professional and utilitarian. It mimics professional CAD and design tools with a layers panel, properties panel, and infinite canvas. While powerful, the sheer number of constraints, auto-layout settings, and boolean operations presents a significant learning curve for beginners.
Verdict: Canva wins for pure accessibility; you can be productive within 5 minutes of signing up.
Collaboration & Commenting
CriticalCanvaGood
Canva supports real-time co-editing and commenting. Teams can work on a presentation together, and approval workflows help manage brand consistency. However, the version history and granular access controls are less robust compared to development-focused tools.
FigmaExcellent
Figma invented modern design collaboration. Multi-player cursors allow dozens of designers to work on the same file simultaneously without lag. Its commenting system allows for pinning discussions to specific pixels, and 'branching' allows teams to explore iterations without breaking the main file.
Verdict: Figma's real-time engine is the industry benchmark for synchronous collaborative work.
Vector & Illustration Tools
HighCanvaLimited
Canva offers a library of pre-made vector elements (icons, shapes) that can be recolored. However, it lacks a pen tool or distinct node-editing capabilities. You cannot draw a custom vector logo from scratch; you can only assemble existing parts.
FigmaExcellent
Figma's vector networks are revolutionary, allowing nodes to connect to multiple other nodes, not just two. It offers full boolean operations (union, subtract), masking, and precision path editing. It is a full-fledged vector illustration tool capable of creating complex iconography.
Verdict: Figma is a true vector editor; Canva is a vector assembler.
Prototyping & Interactivity
HighCanvaFair
Canva allows for basic 'click-through' prototypes, primarily for presentations or simple website mockups. Transitions are preset animations (fade, rise, pan). It lacks logic, variables, or state-based interactions.
FigmaExcellent
Figma offers advanced prototyping with variables, conditional logic, and component states. You can simulate hover effects, inputs, scroll behavior, and complex app flows that feel almost like the final coded product. It is essential for usability testing.
Verdict: Figma allows you to build realistic simulations of software; Canva does not.
Asset Library & Stock Media
HighCanvaExcellent
This is Canva's superpower. It integrates millions of stock photos, videos, audio tracks, fonts, and graphics directly into the editor. Pro users get access to premium content without leaving the tab. It saves hours of hunting on external stock sites.
FigmaFair
Figma has no native stock library. Users rely on community plugins (like Unsplash or Pexels) to insert media. While these plugins are good, they add friction to the workflow compared to Canva's seamless, integrated search.
Verdict: Canva's integrated asset library is unmatched for speed and convenience.
Design Systems & Scalability
HighCanvaAverage
Canva's 'Brand Kit' allows you to save logos, color palettes, and fonts. It ensures marketing consistency but lacks the technical depth to manage complex UI component libraries with variants and inheritance.
FigmaExcellent
Figma excels here. Components, variants, and variables allow changes to cascade globally. A change to a primary button color in the library updates thousands of screens instantly. It is built to maintain consistency across massive digital products.
Verdict: Figma is the industry standard for managing design at scale.
Output Formats & Handoff
MediumCanvaGood
Canva exports to standard formats: JPG, PNG, PDF, MP4, and GIF. It also supports direct publishing to social media platforms and printing services. It is optimized for 'final' visual output.
FigmaExcellent
Figma exports visuals but also code. Dev Mode allows developers to inspect CSS, iOS, and Android code values directly from the design. It supports SVG, PDF, PNG, and JPG export, but its real value is the metadata it provides to engineers.
Verdict: Figma bridges the gap to development; Canva bridges the gap to publication.
AI Capabilities (2026)
MediumCanvaExcellent
Canva's Magic Studio is generative-first. It can generate images from text, magically resize designs for different platforms, and rewrite copy. It focuses on content creation and transformation.
FigmaGood
Figma's AI features focus on utility: naming layers automatically, generating boilerplate layouts, and populating designs with realistic dummy data. It helps with the mechanics of design rather than the creative content.
Verdict: Canva's AI is more creative and content-focused; Figma's is more utilitarian.
Who Should Choose Which?
1Social Media Manager
Canva
You need to post 5 times a day across 3 platforms. You need templates for holidays, trending memes, and quick video edits. You don't have time to draw vectors from scratch. Canva's content calendar and resize tools are built exactly for you.
2Product Designer (UI/UX)
Figma
You are designing a mobile banking app. You need to verify that the 'Submit' button changes state when clicked and that the layout adapts to iPhone 16 screens. You need to hand off CSS to developers. Figma is the only option here.
3Small Business Owner
Canva
You need a logo, business cards, and a flyer for a sale. You have zero design budget. Canva's Brand Kit keeps your colors consistent, and the print-on-demand service delivers the physical cards to your door. It's a business-in-a-box.
4Frontend Developer
Figma
You aren't designing; you are inspecting. You need to see exact padding values, hex codes, and font sizes to build the React component. Figma's Dev Mode speaks your language.
5Presentation Specialist
Tie - depends on use case
If you want cinematic transitions and standard bullet points quickly, use Canva. If you are building a complex, interactive deck that demonstrates a software product flow, use Figma.
Migration Guide
Canva → Figma
Moving from Canva to Figma is a step up in complexity. Start by exporting your Canva assets as SVGs or high-res PNGs, as there is no direct file importer. In Figma, focus on learning 'Frames' (which act like Canva's pages but are more flexible) and 'Auto Layout.' You will lose your library of stock photos, so install plugins like 'Unsplash' and 'Iconify' immediately to replace that functionality. Treat Figma as a building tool, not just a layout tool.
Figma → Canva
Moving from Figma to Canva feels like moving from a workshop to a studio. You can import Figma files directly into Canva, though complex vector networks may rasterize. The biggest adjustment is the loss of layers control and keyboard shortcuts. Lean into Canva's 'Brand Hub' to set up your fonts and colors first. Use this migration when you need to scale production of simple assets that were designed in Figma but need to be versioned by non-designers.
Pro Tips
Don't try to make one do the other's job. Use Figma to design the core brand assets (logos, complex icons), then export them to Canva's Brand Hub. This 'hybrid' workflow allows designers to maintain quality while allowing marketing teams to execute quickly.
Final Verdict
Overall Winner
Tie - depends on use case
9.2/10
Winner
9.1/10
Runner-up
Comparing Canva and Figma is like comparing a microwave to a chef's knife. Both prepare food, but for completely different contexts. Canva is the winner for the 90% of the population who need to communicate visually but aren't professional designers. It delivers speed, assets, and 'good enough' quality instantly. Figma is the winner for the 10% who are building the digital world. It delivers precision, systems, and code-readiness. In a modern 2026 workflow, the answer is often 'both': Figma for the product and brand system, Canva for the high-volume marketing execution.
Bottom Line: Use Figma to build the product; use Canva to sell it.
Video Tutorials
MASTER CANVA IN 15 MINUTES! Canva Tutorial For Beginners
Aurelius Tjin • 1.5M views
Canva Tutorial for Beginners 2025 (How to use Canva step by step)
Kate Hayes • 570.8K views
How to Design on Canva #canva
Brand In A Box • 2.0M views
How to use the Match & Move Transition in Canva #canva #presentation
Luis Urrutia • 10.9M views
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, yes, but it is not recommended for professional print work. Figma operates in the RGB color space (for screens), whereas professional print requires CMYK. While you can design flyers in Figma, color accuracy when printing may be off. Canva handles this better by offering specific 'Print' export settings and PDF standards. If you must print from Figma, you will likely need to convert the file in another tool like Adobe Illustrator or Acrobat first.
About the Author
Creative Software Expert
Design & Graphics SoftwarePhoto & Video EditingUI/UX Design Tools
10+ years in graphic design · Former creative director
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Related Technologies & Concepts
Auto LayoutMagic StudioVector NetworksBrand KitDev ModePrototypingTemplatesReal-time CollaborationAdobeCSS
Auto Layout (Key layout feature in Figma), Magic Studio (AI suite in Canva), Vector Networks (Drawing method unique to Figma), Brand Kit (Canva's style management tool), Dev Mode (Figma's developer handoff workspace), Prototyping (Core capability of Figma), Templates (Canva's primary value proposition), Real-time Collaboration (Shared feature, pioneered by Figma), Adobe (Competitor to both (via Express and XD)), CSS (Code language Figma mimics)
Related Topics
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Figma is the primary tool for 78% of product designers in 2025.[cite-1]
- Canva has over 170 million monthly active users as of late 2024.[cite-2]
- Figma's Dev Mode allows inspection of iOS, Android, and CSS code.[cite-3]
- Canva Pro includes access to over 100 million stock photos and videos.[cite-4]
- Adobe's attempt to acquire Figma for $20 billion was abandoned in late 2023.[cite-5]
- 12024 Design Tools Survey
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 2Canva User Statistics 2024
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 3Figma Dev Mode Documentation
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 4Canva Pro Features
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 5Adobe and Figma Terminate Merger
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 6Figma Pricing
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Research queries: Canva vs Figma Mac 2026 comparison