Adobe InDesign with Canva, which design tool is better?

In this article, we will analyze, compare Adobe InDesign with Canva to see which graphic design program is the best.

Adobe InDesign is the most popular paid design software. While Canva is a webapp that allows you to design printable documents for free.

Download Adobe InDesign                            Canva

Comparing overview between Adobe InDesign and Canva

Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign costs $ 20.99 - $ 52.99 / month, giving you the design of printable documents, such as posters, books, magazines, hotel menus ...

• The main advantage is the versatile program with a large font library.
• Cons: Expensive price.

Canva

This is the "rookie" in the graphic design village. Like InDesign, its main goal is to help you design many different projects, both online and in print.

You can refer to : Design your own calendar by Canva

The difference as well as the greatest advantage is that it has a free website, using simply you create an account. Users can also upgrade to Canva Pro if needed.

This webapp has many templates divided into many different topics and suitable for people with little experience in graphic design.

Design process on Canva:

1. Browse templates on a variety of topics like calendars, tags, resumes ...
2. Choose a status quo template or adjust the color and text to fit your needs. Or you can create a document from scratch through the tools provided.
3. Save designs to personal library.

Canva also has an extended font set, but not as large as Adobe Fonts. In the Pro version, users also have access to the Brand Kit, allowing you to upload and use your own fonts.

Detailed differences between Adobe InDesign and Canva

Template

Template is Canva's strength with a huge portfolio, to help the design process easier.

Adobe InDesign also has templates and you can download additional templates from third-party sources. However, this is not an aspect that this software focuses on. Instead, it encourages you to design your own template.

Victory: Canva

Display

Canva has a clear interface, easy to use, many instructions on how to navigate. Once you are familiar with the controls, you can still close it with your eyes closed.

Adobe InDesign provides more flexibility so the interface is more complex. You will not be able to master it in the first few minutes, even the first few hours. This makes learning time and investment in design more.

Victory: Canva

Font package

For a free program, Canva has plenty of font options. In Canva Pro version, you can access more than 1000 fonts.

However, it is not comparable with Adobe InDesign, giving you access to the Adobe font collection. You can also download third party fonts and install them for use in the program.

Winner: Adobe InDesign

Access to stock photos

Canva gives you access to stock photos if you visit the Canva Photos page. These photos may be inserted directly into your design, depending on the license for those images. Overall, the price is quite cheap.

Adobe InDesign also gives you easy access to Adobe Stock Photos by searching photos directly through the program. However, the price of pictures is often more expensive because they are for professional designers.

Conclusion: Horizontal.

Cost

Needless to say, as compared above. Victory: Canva

Professional level

While Canva has a lot to offer, it aims to be easy to use and cater to those with little design experience. If you're a graphic designer, you'll want to know how to create these templates yourself, or create your own.

Adobe InDesign is an intensive graphic design program and the focus is on design from scratch, suitable for professional designers. Knowing how to use it fluently and creatively is considered a "money-making" skill.

Winner: Adobe InDesign

CONCLUSION: Canva wins, thanks for free and targets ordinary users. However, if you are a graphic designer, you should choose Adobe InDesign due to its depth, large font library and better creative expression.