When I first started creating content online, I bounced between Canva and Figma like a lost intern. I used Canva for Instagram posts and then switched to Figma when I collaborated with a web designer. It wasn’t until I spent six months juggling both tools for different projects that I really understood how different—and how complementary—they can be.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my real experience using Canva vs Figma, the strengths and gaps of each, and how to choose the right tool for your content or design workflow in 2025.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What Canva and Figma actually do in 2025 (with updates)
- Real pros and cons of both tools (from a creator’s view)
- Pricing, templates, collaboration, export options
- Best use-cases for social media, web design, and client projects
- My honest opinion: when to use which
Canva vs Figma: What They Are (and What’s New in 2025)
Let’s start with basics—and why it matters in 2025.
Canva is a user-friendly, drag-and-drop graphic design tool built for marketers, creators, and non-designers. In 2025, Canva offers AI-generated templates, Magic Design (auto-generating visuals based on prompts), real-time collaboration, video editing, and even presentation tools.
Figma, on the other hand, started as a UX/UI design tool. But in 2025, it’s evolved into a powerful collaborative space for prototyping, developer handoff, and even whiteboarding with FigJam.
2025 Platform Updates You Should Know:
- Canva launched Brand Voice AI — auto-adjusts copy tone across templates.
- Figma deepened Adobe integration (after its acquisition)—making it more cross-compatible with tools like Illustrator and XD.
- Both now offer real-time collaboration, but Figma’s still more developer-focused.
Canva vs Figma: Feature Comparison (My Real Use Cases)
Here’s a quick breakdown based on projects I actually used both tools for:
| Feature | Canva | Figma |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very beginner-friendly) | ⭐⭐ (steeper learning curve) |
| Templates | Thousands of social media templates | Minimal; mostly custom |
| Collaboration | Good for teams (especially Canva Pro) | Best-in-class live collaboration |
| Prototyping | ❌ Not built for UX/UI | ✅ Built-in prototyping tools |
| Export Options | PNG, JPG, MP4, PDF, etc. | PNG, SVG, PDF, CSS inspect |
| Developer Handoff | ❌ | ✅ Inspect + code view |
| Presentation Tools | ✅ Canva Presentations | 🟡 Figma + FigJam hack needed |
| AI Features | Magic Design, Magic Erase, Magic Write | AI-based auto layout, plugins |
Canva vs Figma Pricing (2025 Updated)
I’ve personally used both free and paid versions. Here’s what it costs today:
Canva Pricing (2025):
- Free: Generous, includes thousands of templates
- Pro: $12.99/month (or $119.99/year)
- Access to premium templates, brand kit, scheduling
- Teams: Starts at $14.99/month per user
Figma Pricing (2025):
- Starter (Free): Up to 3 Figma files + unlimited FigJam
- Professional: $15/month per editor
- Organization: $45/month per editor
✅ Tip from experience: If you’re working solo or creating social content, Canva Pro gives more ROI. If you’re collaborating with developers or building interfaces, Figma is worth it.
Canva vs Figma: Best Use Cases by Type of Creator
I’ve used both for different parts of my business—and here’s what worked best:
Use Canva If You…
- Create Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn content
- Need editable templates and content calendar tools
- Want video editing + animated graphics in one app
- Collaborate with clients who aren’t design-savvy
Use Figma If You…
- Design websites or mobile apps
- Work with developers (handoff matters)
- Need real-time brainstorming with FigJam
- Care more about pixel precision than templates
Pros & Cons (From My Experience)
Canva Pros
- Extremely easy to learn
- Great library of ready-to-go assets
- Built-in content planner + scheduling
- Perfect for solo creators and small businesses
Canva Cons
- Limited flexibility for advanced designs
- No native developer tools
- Heavy designs can feel ‘templated’ if not customized
Figma Pros
- Precise layout control + real-time collab
- Great for web/app UI/UX
- Plugins and version history are powerful
Figma Cons
- Learning curve for non-designers
- Not ideal for quick social media content
- Templates not beginner-friendly
How I Personally Use Both in My Workflow (Real Story)
When I plan a launch, I create all the visual marketing assets in Canva (Instagram posts, carousels, YouTube thumbnails). I use my brand kit and reuse templates for speed.
Then, when I’m working on my website layout or a client funnel, I switch to Figma. I use auto-layouts, comment features, and export specs for the dev team.
I used to try doing everything in Canva—but I quickly realized it wasn’t scalable for UI design. Likewise, Figma was too heavy for daily social graphics.
🔁 Lesson: It’s not Canva vs Figma. It’s Canva and Figma—if you know when to use each.
Quick Guide: Canva vs Figma for [Your Use Case]
| Use Case | Best Tool |
| Instagram posts + stories | Canva |
| Website wireframes | Figma |
| YouTube thumbnails | Canva |
| Client branding kit | Canva |
| SaaS product UI | Figma |
| Social content calendar | Canva |
| Developer handoff | Figma |
| Pitch decks + presentations | Canva |
FAQs: Real People Also Ask
Q1: Is Canva better than Figma for social media?
Yes—for quick, beautiful posts, Canva is the better option. It has ready-to-use templates, drag-and-drop features, and even a scheduler. Figma isn’t designed for this use.
Q2: Can you use Figma like Canva?
Kind of, but it’s not ideal. You can design static visuals in Figma, but it lacks the asset library and AI tools that make Canva faster for everyday creators.
Q3: Is Canva really free to use?
Yes! Canva’s free version is solid. You get tons of templates, photos, and fonts. But if you want advanced features (like background remover, Magic Design), go Pro.
Q4: Which is better for teams—Canva or Figma?
It depends on your team. For marketing or content teams, Canva’s folder sharing and comment tools work great. For design/dev teams, Figma wins with live multiplayer editing.
Q5: Can I design a website in Canva?
Technically yes, with the Canva Website feature. But it’s very limited—more like a static one-pager. For interactive or responsive design, Figma is far better.
Q6: Figma vs Canva fonts—why do they look different?
Each platform has its own font rendering engine. Also, not all fonts are available across both. If you upload a brand font in Canva, you may not find it in Figma unless you install it locally or via Google Fonts.
Final Thoughts: Canva vs Figma in 2025
If you’re a creator, side-hustler, or marketer—you don’t need to pick one over the other. Use Canva for content, Figma for design infrastructure.
Both tools have evolved massively, and both can play a role in a smart creator workflow. The trick is knowing when to open which one.