Difference Between Canva and Photoshop (With Table)

Today graphics design is one of the promising sectors. A good design can speak louder than you can ever imagine. For those who are willing to explore graphics design as a career option, Canva and Photoshop are two applications that have revolutionized the graphic design field. Photoshop has been around for a longer duration than Canva has and has amassed many users. 

Canva vs Photoshop

The main difference between Canva and Photoshop is that Photoshop works even without an internet connection, whereas Canva is strictly an online graphic design tool.

Comparison Table Between Canva and Photoshop

Parameters of Comparison

Canva

Photoshop

Complexity

Canva is a recent graphic designing tool created for users who are not familiar with graphic design and hence are less complex.

Photoshop is utilized by individuals that are more experienced and are required to create more professional content.

Products formed

Canva can create smaller projects like flyers or posters and some lightweight animations that are not very complex.

As mentioned before, Photoshop finds use to carry out a range of functions like detailed video or photo editing, creating animation for feature-length films, and so on.

Interface

Since this tool was made for users with no experience, the interface is much easier to navigate.

Photoshop‘s interface can be challenging to some individuals as it does not have a self-explanatory fluid interface.

Readymade templates and customization

Canva has several ready to use templates that find utilization in creating unique projects.

Photoshop allows a lot more customization as a project can be created from scratch and can be altered in any way. But it does not possess many readymade templates.

Cost

At the moment, Canva is a more expensive option in comparison to Photoshop.

Photoshop is very affordable for the range of functions that it can offer.

What is Canva?

Canva is a relatively recent graphic design tool created to make graphic designing easier for individuals who are not professionals. This tool also finds use in catering to businesses that do not have designated staff for graphic design.

 One can use this tool for basic creative projects like flyers, website banners, Logos, postcards, and others. Canva, however, does not possess features that would allow one to retouch photos or edit photos in a detailed manner. It is also only available if there is an already existing internet connection. Canva contains several templates, and they have a special consideration to give any amateur project a professional look. The advanced features will require an individual to pay a subscription fee to gain access. The ease of use when it comes to Canva is superior to Photoshop. The more casual approach that Canva seems to be taking with its business model may also be its downfall as individuals learn graphic design basics but cannot progress further after some time because of this application’s limited functionality.

Canva also has the added advantage of being optimized for mobile use. This feature means that one can create projects while an individual is on the go.

What is Photoshop?

Photoshop is the graphic design tool that is used by individuals that have prior knowledge about graphic design. This tool can be challenging to work with, as it contains a large number of features. These features are placed in different parts of the interface and can thus be a pain to navigate through the various popup menus and such. However, Photoshop does provide its training program as well as providing customer service to its users.

The most crucial feature that Photoshop possesses is the vast possible customizations that it offers. It is one of the only tools that can change or alter pictures in almost any way desired. This feature also provides a streamlined experience without any problems while working. The application also undergoes many changes with its frequent updates.

Photoshop is said to undergo an excessive number of updates frequently. This aspect may make some users indifferent to the tool initially as it requires them to get used to the new additions. However, Photoshop is said to be one of the most stable tools used as it is very reliable and does not crash as often as other applications do. But it does require an excellent system to run it as it is a heavy application.

Main Differences Between Canva and Photoshop

  1. Photoshop can work offline, as well as online. One cannot use Canva without the internet. That is, it can be accessed online only.
  2. Photoshop offers more features in comparison to Canva, as it is useful in touching up photographs. Canva has restricted functionality.
  3. With its increased functionality, Photoshop finds use in creating larger projects with more ambitious results. One cannot use Canva for many complex projects that require heavy editing.
  4. Photoshop is more reliable in that it works without any glitches, whereas Canva is prone to specific problems that may hinder the working experience.
  5. The option of masking, selecting, and Layering, retouching, and others are found in Photoshop and not in Canva. These features give the designer the ability to carry out any required edits to a picture.

Conclusion

Therefore, due to the reasons and comparisons made above, it becomes clear that the best option for graphic designing in Photoshop. The sheer number of features that it can offer like Layering, retouching, basic filters, and others solidifies it as a great choice. Canva can also be a great tool, especially for individuals that require a simple result. The selection of templates and other added features is also a huge plus.

Thus, if there is a requirement for a more complex project to be created, it can be done so with ease, using Photoshop. But if you are new, Canva surely does ease things up.

References

  1. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/charleston/chadv/2016/00000017/00000004/art00006
  2. http://dspace.unila.edu.br/handle/123456789/4515
  3. https://journals.unihaz.ac.id/index.php/abdihaz/article/download/1093/772