CanvavsMicrosoft Designer
Two image creation tools, the same questions. Every answer comes from the official pages, with the date we checked. Nothing here is ranked.
last check 2026-10-10
Canva
by Canva
Canva's AI image generator (Dream Lab, plus Magic Media inside the editor) creates images from text prompts or a reference photo within the Canva design platform; a beginner might try it to make pictures for social posts or presentations.
Good for: Making images
All Canva factsMicrosoft Designer
by Microsoft
Microsoft Designer is Microsoft's AI graphic design app for the web and mobile; a beginner might try it to create images, cards or social posts from a text description and to edit photos.
Good for: Making images
All Microsoft Designer factsWhere they differ
- PlatformsCanva: Desktop app, Mobile app, WebMicrosoft Designer: Web, Mobile app
- AccountCanva: Account required to generate (log in or sign up when prompted)Microsoft Designer: Microsoft account required
Confirmed for only one of the two so far: free plan, AI models, export formats. The table below shows which.
Same answer for both: image generation, image editing, reference image.
Plans and prices
As listed on each official pricing page, in the currency we were shown. No conversion, no rounding.
Canva
- Canva Free Free planPrice not confirmed
- Canva Pro Paid, individualPrice not confirmed
- Canva Business TeamPrice not confirmed
Microsoft Designer
- Microsoft Designer Free Free planPrice not confirmed
- Microsoft 365 Personal Paid, individual$9.99 / month
- Microsoft 365 Family Paid, individual$12.99 / month
- Microsoft 365 Premium Paid, individual$19.99 / month
Full comparison with sources
| Image creation | ||
| What it is for | ||
| What it is for | Canva's AI image generator (Dream Lab, plus Magic Media inside the editor) creates images from text prompts or a reference photo within the Canva design platform; a beginner might try it to make pictures for social posts or presentations. | Microsoft Designer is Microsoft's AI graphic design app for the web and mobile; a beginner might try it to create images, cards or social posts from a text description and to edit photos. |
| Good for | ||
| Editor's suggestion |
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| Cost | ||
| Free planA free plan that is not time-limited. Trials are listed separately. |
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| Plans and pricesOriginal currency and billing period. No conversion. |
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| AI models | ||
| AI modelsThe AI models the official pages name for this product. Line-ups change often, so check the date. |
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| Input and output | ||
| Image generationCreates new images from a text description. |
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| Image editingChanges part of an existing image. |
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| Reference imageUses an image you provide to guide style or content. |
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| Workflow | ||
| Export formatsFile formats you can download results in. |
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| PlatformsWhere the product is offered: web, desktop app, mobile app, or editor extension. |
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| Requirements | ||
| AccountWhether you need to sign up before using it. |
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| Not yet confirmed | ||
| Where it is availableCountries or regions where the provider says it can be used. |
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| Sources and confidence | ||
| Confidence | Last checked 2026-10-10 Not yet confirmed: AI models, Where it is available | Last checked 2026-10-10 Not yet confirmed: Free plan, Export formats, Where it is available |
What it is for
What it is for
Canva:
Canva's AI image generator (Dream Lab, plus Magic Media inside the editor) creates images from text prompts or a reference photo within the Canva design platform; a beginner might try it to make pictures for social posts or presentations.
Microsoft Designer:
Microsoft Designer is Microsoft's AI graphic design app for the web and mobile; a beginner might try it to create images, cards or social posts from a text description and to edit photos.
Editor's suggestion
Canva:
- Editor's suggestion: Try a first draft of an illustration for a slide or post, then check it for errors and read the usage terms before publishing.
- Editor's suggestion: Try changing one part of an existing image, such as the background, instead of generating a new image.
Microsoft Designer:
- Editor's suggestion: Try a first draft of an illustration for a slide or post, then check it for errors and read the usage terms before publishing.
- Editor's suggestion: Try changing one part of an existing image, such as the background, instead of generating a new image.
Cost
Free plan
A free plan that is not time-limited. Trials are listed separately.
Canva:
- Supportedcanva.comchecked 2026-10-10
Canva Free plan
Microsoft Designer:
- Not yet confirmed
Plans and prices
Canva:
- Canva Free (Free plan)Price not confirmed
- Canva Pro (Paid, individual)Price not confirmed
- Canva Business (Team)Price not confirmed
- All plan details and sources
Microsoft Designer:
- Microsoft Designer Free (Free plan)Price not confirmed
- Microsoft 365 Personal (Paid, individual)$9.99 / month
- Microsoft 365 Family (Paid, individual)$12.99 / month
- Microsoft 365 Premium (Paid, individual)$19.99 / month
- All plan details and sources
AI models
AI models
The AI models the official pages name for this product. Line-ups change often, so check the date.
Canva:
- Not yet confirmed
Microsoft Designer:
- DALL-Esupport.microsoft.comchecked 2026-10-10
Input and output
Image generation
Creates new images from a text description.
Canva:
- Supportedcanva.comchecked 2026-10-10
Plan not specified
Microsoft Designer:
- Supportedsupport.microsoft.comchecked 2026-10-10
Plan not specified
Image editing
Changes part of an existing image.
Canva:
- Supportedcanva.comchecked 2026-10-10
Plan not specified
Microsoft Designer:
- Supportedsupport.microsoft.comchecked 2026-10-10
Plan not specified
Reference image
Uses an image you provide to guide style or content.
Canva:
- Supportedcanva.comchecked 2026-10-10
Plan not specified
Microsoft Designer:
- Supportedmicrosoft.comchecked 2026-10-10
Plan not specified
Workflow
Export formats
File formats you can download results in.
Canva:
- PNG, JPG, PDFcanva.comchecked 2026-10-10
Microsoft Designer:
- Not yet confirmed
Platforms
Where the product is offered: web, desktop app, mobile app, or editor extension.
Canva:
- Desktop app, Mobile app, Webcanva.com +1checked 2026-10-10
Microsoft Designer:
- Web, Mobile appsupport.microsoft.comchecked 2026-10-10
Requirements
Account
Whether you need to sign up before using it.
Canva:
- Account required to generate (log in or sign up when prompted)canva.comchecked 2026-10-10
Microsoft Designer:
- Microsoft account requiredsupport.microsoft.comchecked 2026-10-10
Not yet confirmed
Where it is available
Countries or regions where the provider says it can be used.
Canva:
- Not yet confirmed
Microsoft Designer:
- Not yet confirmed
Sources and confidence
Confidence
Canva:
Last checked 2026-10-10
Not yet confirmed: AI models, Where it is available
Microsoft Designer:
Last checked 2026-10-10
Not yet confirmed: Free plan, Export formats, Where it is available