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Canva vs Illustrator - Adobe Illustrator vs Canva

Our in-depth comparisons of Canva vs Illustrator examines features that make the design platforms the perfect partner for creating impressive graphics.

Working life · 2022-02-01 · Editorial team

Professional graphic designers swear by Adobe Illustrator when creating logos or high-resolution artwork. It’s been an industry staple for decades, and in recent years, it has been challenged by Canva , a web-based platform empowering small business entrepreneurs with tools for producing promotional materials like posters, flyers, and banners.

At first glance, it may seem that both applications are targeting different types of users. Yet, that approach oversimplifies the discussion about Canva vs Illustrator.

The strengths of both platforms get harnessed by both professionals and casual users to create an optimal design for their projects. Canva is emerging as a go-to option for a quick fix with its customizable graphic, while Illustrator is the undisputed option for vector designs.

Below, read our debate on Adobe Illustrator vs Canva, where we lay out all key factors of both programs and help you make a more informed decision.

Resumes That Speak Volumes

Since its conception in 1987, Adobe Illustrator has had several incarnations , and every version has kept the dominant position in the industry. For career designers, it’s the premium platform for making logos, banners, posters, ads, or infographics.

The ability to create vector images is the biggest selling point for Illustrator.

Estimating the actual number of users is difficult because of unlicensed copies distributed online. The available official subscription data reveals that 12 million designers actively use Illustrator for their design needs.

The supremacy of Adobe isn’t set in stone. With 60 million monthly users, Canva is emerging as a complete design tool . Founded in 2013 in Australia, the graphic design platform provides a straightforward template-oriented approach that appeals to unskilled users.

As an online platform, Canva is not dependent on strict system requirements, which makes it accessible on mobile or desktop devices. Its ease of use makes it a solid choice for producing animations and graphic icons. With a philosophy adapted to the evolving digital landscape, the web platform eliminates the previous monopoly of professional graphic designers.

In effect, starting a conversation among marketers about Adobe illustrator vs Canva future integration in the profession.

Illustrator Features:

Illustrator is a comprehensive platform offering total control of every aspect of the graphic or web design process. Some of the main features include:

  • Illustrator provides a few options for magnification and zoom control;
  • The snap to pixel option offers customized pixel boundaries;
  • Illustrations that are hand-drawn can be digitized;
  • Adobe Stock offers a collection of videos, templates, photos, and graphics;
  • Real-time editing and rotating objects;
  • Compatible with other Adobe applications.

Canva Features:

Although it caters to the needs of users with minimal design skills, Canva still has some good options such as:

  • A drag and drop editor;
  • Pre-designed fonts and suggested fonts that complement each other;
  • Photo enhancement, with which you can flip, crop, and brighten your photos.
    The paid version provides a background remover;
  • Animation effects like fade, block, rise, and pane to your designs.
  • A content planner, which makes it possible to add or schedule designs for specific dates;
  • Option to save all designs in brand kits.

Reviews on this site describe what the tools do and where they fall short. Nothing here is legal, tax or financial advice: rules differ substantially by jurisdiction, and the specifics for your situation come from your revenue authority or a professional.