PicMonkey vs Canva – Which Is Better?

Since 2007, the use of visual content has increased by over 9900%. Not to mention, digital marketers now prefer visual content than other content types.

Thankfully, graphic design platforms or applications allow you to create persuasive visual content for use all over the internet today. Take, for instance, you can create graphics for your blog posts, social media posts, online ads, television ads, etc. 

While there are myriads of graphic design platforms out there, Canva and PicMonkey remain two popular ones. 

Follow me as I compare PicMonkey vs Canva; by the end, I will show the better platform between them both.

What Is PicMonkey?

PicMonkey is a graphic design platform that was launched in 2012. Presently, millions of people make use of this platform to create stunning designs. 

With PicMonkey, you can edit images using touch up tools and several filters. For designing graphics, PicMonkey features gradients, textures, effects, etc. 

There are many featured images, design templates, fonts, etc. to use. You can make regular cover art designs, stickers, collages, ads, and more. The platform also works for editing videos. 

Interestingly, PicMonkey can be used on desktop or mobile via the web or standalone application for the respective platforms. 

What Is Canva?

Canva is a popular graphic design platform that was launched in 2012. Currently, Canva has over 20 million monthly active users. 

With Canva, you can quickly design posters, logos, flyers, business cards, etc. by customizing pre-existing design templates. Not to mention, Canva features a library with millions of images. 

As a global graphics design platform, it has support for about 100 languages. Also, it has several third-party integrations, so you can work with other tools effortlessly.

Nevertheless, you can access Canva using web browsers. Also, it has applications for iOS, Windows, and Android devices. 

Canva is the number one choice for graphic designers across the globe. Similar alternatives like Bannersnack, Crello, or Ripl do not offer as many features as Canva does. 

How To Get Started

PicMonkey

Registration is needed to use PicMonkey. You can register an account using the on-site registration form or with your Facebook, Google, or Apple account. 

As a premium platform, you have to select your ideal subscription plan before you can access your dashboard. You can either pay for your account immediately or try the platform for 7 days before paying via PayPal or credit card. 

Afterward, you can complete your profile with your details and profile picture. 

Canva

You can sign up to get started on Canva by using your email address, Facebook, or Google account. Instantly, you get registered on a free account and can pay for premium later.

Next, you get to invite others who are on your team, if available. You can invite up to ten team members or skip this step if you work alone. 

Afterward, you will be redirected to your Canva account dashboard before you can start designing graphics. 

Verdict

Getting started on Canva is easier and quicker than on PicMonkey, although I won’t say it is difficult with PicMonkey. 

Design Templates

PicMonkey

Templates on PicMonkey are featured at the left tab. The templates are sectioned into categories such as video templates, banner, announcements, business cards, business plans, etc. 

There are also templates for social media posts and images including Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. 

You can scroll through to discover templates or enter a keyword in the search box. 

Canva

Templates for five categories are featured on Canva. The categories include Social Media, Personal, Business, Marketing, and Education. 

Under social media, there are Instagram posts, Instagram stories, Facebook posts, Facebook cover, Twitter posts, and Pinterest graphic templates. 

Invitations, resumes, postcards, etc. are personal templates available while there are logos, business cards, proposals, business templates, etc. 

The available marketing templates include an infographic, brochure, newsletter, etc. For education, there are certificates, class schedules, worksheet templates, and more. 

There is a trending templates category that features the hottest templates on the platform. Also, Canva features video templates. 

Verdict

Both PicMonkey and Canva have useful templates, but you can get more of them on Canva. 

Stock Images & Videos

PicMonkey

PicMonkey features a stock photos and videos library with photos from iStock, Unsplash, and videos from Pixabay.

There are over a million media content that can be used for advertising, marketing, or personal purposes. You have a free license to these images and videos as a premium PicMonkey user. 

The photos can be accessed from the photos tab while the videos are integrated into the editor. You can search or sort the media results by platform i.e Unsplash, Pixabay, iStock. 

Canva

There are more than 77 million photos, free and premium, in the Canva stock library. However, most of the photos are premium as there are only about 270,000 free images. 

The premium photos on Canva are all charged at $10 for multi-use. They are charged $100 for extended-use.  The photos are sorted by categories such as food, flowers, computers, books, money, etc. 

You can filter the photos by free or premium or use the search bar. There are free and premium videos too. 

Verdict

I will go with Canva because it has a lot more images. Also, you can quickly sort images and videos with categories or filters. 

Graphs & Charts

PicMonkey

There’s a graph maker and chart maker tool on PicMonkey. Designer-crafted templates are featured so you can edit/customize them to create your graphs and charts. 

These designer-crafted templates can be accessed from the PicMonkey Templates tab. Simply search for your preferred graph, bar chart, pie chart, or whatever chart-type you want to make. 

Additionally, you can create graphs and charts from scratch as well. Plus, you can easily share the graphs and charts to your social media pages after creating them.

Canva

Canva features a graph maker for turning raw data into graphs. It is a drag and drop editor; hence, it is easy to use. 

You can choose from several professional templates and there are 20 graph styles to choose from. This includes management graphs, trend graphs, comparison graphs, etc. After creating the graphs, you can embed them in your reports, presentations, etc. 

The Canva Graph Maker can be used to make charts as well. You can make area charts, bar charts, comparison charts, pie charts, Venn diagrams, etc. 

Verdict

In this PicMonkey vs Canva feature category, Canva wins due to more graph styles and easy embeds.

Photo Editor

PicMonkey

With the PicMonkey Photo Editor, you can get creative with images thanks to its basic editing options like resizing, cropping, and more advanced ones. 

The photo editor features effects, filters, touch up tools, etc. You can do interesting edits like face swap, sketch, blur, turn images to illustrations, clone, and remove image backgrounds. 

Not all of these are easy but there are photo editing guides to help you. While editing, images are auto-saved in the PicMonkey Hub cloud storage. Also, the edited images can be downloaded in PDF, PNG, or JPG file format.

Canva

Canva has an intuitive photo editor with a friendly interface. Besides, you can drag and drop photos for edits. 

Photos can be enhanced using filters and adjustments. Also, you can crop, trim, apply textures, add text with speech bubbles, straightening images, add stickers, frames, icons, and more. 

Unlike other free photo editors, the Canva watermark is not added automatically after photo edits.

Verdict

Both platforms have very good photo editors but you can do more interesting edits with PicMonkey. 

Video Editor

PicMonkey

You can upload videos to the PicMonkey editor to add texts, stickers, and make other edits. The editing is not different from photos as they are layered the same.

Videos can be adjusted by resizing, cropping, changing blending mode, trimming, changing sounds, etc. However, you cannot add effects, textures, or touch-up videos. 

There are few video templates but you can add videos to other templates. PicMonkey only supports uploading and exporting videos in MP4 format. Also, the maximum supported file size is 50MB and it can be any dimension. 

Canva

The Canva Video Editor lets you create videos from scratch or with video templates. Some of the available video templates include Slideshow, Facebook video, Instagram Story, YouTube Intros, etc. are.

You can also upload your videos or get stock videos from the Canva library. For editing, you can add filters, trim, add text, music, icons, illustrations, etc. to your videos.

MP4 file format is the most recommended on Canva. However, the platform also supports other file formats including AVI, WMV, and MKV files.

Verdict

Whether Canva or PicMonkey, any of them would make a good video editor, but Canva wins as it supports more video formats. 

Logo Maker

PicMonkey

PicMonkey has an intuitive logo maker tool. You can select any of the featured logo templates; edit the text, color, size, etc. to create your logo.

Alternatively, you can create your logo from scratch by using text and graphics objects. PicMonkey features thousands of logo templates that can be further customized. 

Your created logo can be made transparent and easily added to your edited images, videos, graphics, etc. as a watermark. 

Canva

The Canva Logo Maker is offered for free. You can create a logo from scratch using elements such as shapes, lines, stickers, charts, clipart, symbols, and more.

There are several logo templates on Canva and like other templates, they are categorized by niche including Beauty, Sports, Café, Computer, Automotive, Fashion, etc.

Each logo template can be customized by editing text, font style, color, etc. You can add effects to text and shapes, such as shadow, glitch, splice, hallow, etc.

Verdict

I won’t say one platform beats the other here as both PicMonkey and Canva offer reliable logo makers. 

Printing

PicMonkey

PicMonkey has no native support for printing images and graphics. However, you can print your work at home or outsource it to a printing lab. 

However, the platform has features to ensure that your work is printed at the right size. You can set an accurate print size using the PicMonkey pixels to inches conversion chart.

Recommended print labs for PicMonkey users includes Social Print Studio, Mixbook, MPix, Moo, Jukebox, etc.  

Canva

Canva Print allows you to order prints of your works – photos and graphic designs for delivery at your address.

This is easy, simply click on Print from the editor and follow the order steps to complete. However, your work must meet the supported print size. Also, you only have to pay for the material and printing costs, while shipping is free.

Conversely, you can use Canva Print only if you reside in the United States, New Zealand, Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and Southeast Asia. Otherwise, you can outsource your works from printing. 

Verdict

In this Canva vs PicMonkey comparison category, Canva wins due to Canva Print. 

File Sharing

PicMonkey

PicMonkey files can be shared with others by link or email. If you have a team member, you can send an invite link to them so that they can customize/edit the design.

Additionally, PicMonkey supports file sharing to social media platforms. You can share files to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Tumblr, and Buffer. Also, PicMonkey supports platforms like Google Drive and Google Photos.

Canva

With Canva, you can share your files after editing to multiple platforms. For social media, you can share to Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.

You can share files onto popular cloud storage platforms like OneDrive, Google Drive, Box, and DropBox. Other supported platforms include MailChimp, Slack, MS Powerpoint, HubSpot, etc.

Also, Canva allows you to share your file with others to help you edit by sending them a link. File sharing links for only viewing is also supported. You can embed files on your website with HTML as well.

Verdict

Canva wins here as it supports other platforms apart from social media and online storage. 

Mobile Apps

PicMonkey

PicMonkey has mobile apps for iOS and Android devices respectively. With any of the mobile apps, you can carry out portable photo and graphics editing as it includes all the features of the web app. 

The PicMonkey mobile app is free but there are some limiting features.

Aside from the regular pricing that you opt for, you need to pay for access to specific tools and options on the mobile app. This includes spring effects, touch up, paint strokes pack, etc. These options are priced at $1.99 at the moment. 

Canva

Canva has mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. In fact, it is the most popular photo editing and graphic design app among mobile users.

Verdict

Both platforms feature mobile apps but if I rate them based on popularity and user numbers, Canva wins with over 50 million installations compared to PicMonkey’s 1 million installations.

Third-Party Integrations

PicMonkey

With PicMonkey, the only integration available are the supported file-sharing platforms. As mentioned before, they include Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr, Buffer, etc.

Nevertheless, the PicMonkey API for developers allows you to integrate PicMonkey with your website or any other platform that supports API keys. 

To get the API, you have to contact PicMonkey by emailing them at api@picmonkey.com.

Canva

Canva supports several third-party integrations via apps. Most of the apps work for photo and graphic design and they can be accessed from the Canva App Directory. 

For image editing, you can integrate with ColorMix, BadTV, Duotone, Screen, Pixelate, Slice, Liquify, and a few more.

Apart from the social media and storage platforms mentioned earlier, Canva seamlessly integrates with Smartmockups, Moovly, Gain, SimpleBooklet, and Pageproof.

For more images, Canva connects with Pexels, Pixabay, Flickr, Pixton, Embed, Bitmoji, Giphy, and more.

If you’re a developer, you can also build your apps to add to Canva App Directory. Also, Canva features an API.

Verdict

There’s no debate here. PicMonkey loses out. 

Training Program

PicMonkey

PicMonkey has no on-site training programs for users. However, you can join online PicMonkey classes on other websites. 

An example is via SkillShare. SkillShare has several online PicMonkey classes with thousands of students. In fact, Jenn Reiner, a marketing manager at PicMonkey instructs one of the classes.

Others are instructed by freelance instructors who are experienced in using PicMonkey. Thankfully, the classes on SkillShare are free. 

Canva

The Canva Design School is home to thousands of students and the courses involve more than learning how to use Canva. Thankfully, there are several training courses for students to enroll in. 

The Graphics Design Basics course covers graphic design in general while the Social Media Mastery course teaches students how to master social media platforms. 

Additionally, the Branding Your Business course has classes on how to expose your brand, similar to the Personal Branding Course. 

Nevertheless, all the featured courses in the Canva Design School are free to enroll. 

Verdict

Again, Canva wins in this category due to their on-site design school. Nevertheless, you can learn how to use PicMonkey from SkillShare. 

Customer Service & Support

PicMonkey

PicMonkey’s customer support team can be contacted by submitting a ticket. You choose the reason why you are contacting them, describe the problem, and then submit. 

Also, you can find helpful articles on accounts & billing, importing & exporting files, designing & editing, troubleshooting & errors, etc. in their support and help center.

The PicMonkey blog is featured as a resource center. It contains tips and tutorials on photo editing, graphic design, social media, branding & marketing, etc. 

Canva

The major support medium on Canva is the help center. This help center contains support articles, tips, and tutorials on various topics including getting started, using Canva, troubleshooting, printing, and others. 

By submitting a contact form, you can reach their support team directly. The form can be accessed from the Need Help page by clicking on the Report An Issue link. 

For resources, Canva offers a blog, design ideas, affiliate program, and design community. 

Verdict

Canva and PicMonkey are similar in terms of support but Canva has more resources. 

Pricing

PicMonkey

PicMonkey offers a 7-day trial period for new users. Afterward, here are their pricing plans: 

• Basic Plan – $7.99 per month when billed every month, or $72 per year for an annual commitment
• Pro Plan – $12.99 per month when billed every month, or $120 per year for an annual commitment
• Team Plan – $33.99 per month when billed monthly,  or $299.88 per year for an annual subscription

Canva

Here are the Canva pricing plans: 

• Free Plan – $0 per month 
• Pro Plan – $9.95 per month when billed every year
• Enterprise Plan – $30 per month when billed every year

Verdict

Canva’s Free plan gives it an edge over PicMonkey, although all Canva paid plans are charged annually. However, these prices are subject to change. 

Similarities & Differences

Similarities 

• They both offer design templates
• Both PicMonkey and Canva offer free stock images 
• Both feature graph and chart makers
• Both are photo editors
• They both have mobile apps
• Both Canva and PicMonkey feature logo makers 

Differences

• Canva offers both free and premium accounts while PicMonkey offers only premium accounts
• PicMonkey offers free stock images while Canva offers free and premium images
• PicMonkey supports only MP4 files while Canva supports MP4 and other video file formats
• Canva supports printing with Canva Print while PicMonkey doesn’t
• Canva features an on-site design school while PicMonkey’s classes are on Skillshare

Pros & Cons

PicMonkey

Pros

• Easy to get started 
• Design templates
• Free stock images and videos
• Image and video editor
• Logo maker

Cons

• No free account
• Support for only MP4 files
• No printing support
• Few third-party integrations

Canva

Pros

• Easy to get started
• Design templates
• Free and premium stock images 
• Free account
• Image and video editor
• Logo maker
• Supports MP4, AVI, WMV, MKV files
• Canva Print

Cons

• The majority of the stock photos are premium 

PicMonkey vs Canva – Which Is Better? 

Without a doubt, I will recommend Canva as the better graphic design platform for this Canva vs PicMonkey comparison.

In terms of design tools, stock photos, and design templates, Canva tops over PicMonkey. Not to mention, Canva has a major edge over PicMonkey because it offers a free account.