Microsoft Publisher vs Canva: Which One Is Better in 2024?

Microsoft Publisher and Canva are essential tools for businesses and designers, offering robust features for creating professional marketing materials and websites. We'll compare Microsoft Publisher and Canva to determine which is the best for your needs, focusing on ease of use, design tools, and integration capabilities.

A Quick Overview of Microsoft Publisher and Canva

What is Microsoft Publisher?

Microsoft Corporation is a global technology company that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products, services, and devices. Microsoft 365, which includes Microsoft Publisher, is a subscription service offering various productivity tools for home, business, and enterprise users.

Microsoft Publisher allows users to create polished, professional layouts for various purposes. Its integration with Microsoft 365 and extensive range of pre-designed templates for different types of publications make it stand out from competitors.

What is Canva?

Canva is a design platform that offers a wide range of tools for creating visual content. It provides solutions for individuals, businesses, educators, and non-profits, aiming to empower users to create professional designs with ease using customizable templates and drag-and-drop tools.

Canva's free customizable templates and drag-and-drop tools make it accessible for users of all skill levels. Unique features like Magic Write™, an AI-driven text generator, set Canva apart from competitors by enabling quick and efficient content creation.

Features of Microsoft Publisher and Canva

Similarities

Microsoft Publisher and Canva share several key features that make them both powerful tools for creating professional designs. Here are the most important similarities:

• Both offer a wide range of pre-designed templates for various types of documents and designs.
• They provide drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to create and customize designs.
• Both platforms allow for precise layout and styling of text, images, and other elements.
• They support collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on a project simultaneously.
• Both tools are designed to be user-friendly, catering to users with varying levels of design experience.

Differences

Microsoft Publisher and Canva each offer unique features that cater to different design needs. Here are the most significant differences between the two platforms:

• Real-time Collaboration: Canva supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a project simultaneously, a feature not available in Microsoft Publisher.
• AI Tools: Canva includes AI-driven tools like Magic Write™ and AI photo editing, which Microsoft Publisher lacks.
• Media Library: Canva offers an extensive library of templates, images, and media elements, whereas Microsoft Publisher focuses more on pre-designed templates for print materials.
• Web-based Platform: Canva is web-based, making it accessible from any device with internet access, while Microsoft Publisher is a desktop application available only for PC.
• Plug-ins and Integrations: Canva supports various plug-ins like Bitmojis and Giphy, enhancing its functionality. Microsoft Publisher does not offer similar plug-ins.

User Interface and Usability

Microsoft Publisher's user interface is straightforward but feels dated, with a focus on traditional desktop application design. The experience is consistent with other Microsoft Office products, which can be a plus for existing users but may seem cumbersome for new users. Usability is hindered by its PC-only availability and lack of real-time collaboration features, making it less flexible for modern, remote work environments.

Canva, on the other hand, offers a sleek, web-based interface that is visually appealing and easy to navigate. The drag-and-drop functionality and real-time collaboration tools enhance the user experience, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. Its usability is further improved by the integration of AI tools and a vast library of templates and media elements.

Overall, Canva has a better user interface and usability compared to Microsoft Publisher.

Collaboration

Microsoft Publisher lacks real-time collaboration features, making it challenging for teams to work together simultaneously. While it allows sharing through OneDrive or SharePoint, the process is not as seamless, often requiring additional steps to ensure everyone has access to the latest version of the document. This can slow down the workflow and create inconsistencies in the final output.

Canva, however, excels in collaboration with its real-time editing capabilities. Users can invite team members to work on projects simultaneously, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. The platform's intuitive sharing options and collaborative tools streamline the process, making it easier for teams to produce cohesive and polished designs.

Canva is better for collaboration.

Microsoft Publisher and Canva Pricing

Microsoft Publisher offers a one-time purchase option for £149.99, or users can opt for a Microsoft 365 subscription starting at £5.99 per month. The subscription includes additional applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it a comprehensive package for productivity needs.

Canva provides a free tier with basic features, while its Pro plan costs $120 per year for one person. Teams can subscribe for $100 per person annually, with a minimum of three users. Canva also offers custom pricing for its Enterprise plan, catering to larger organizations.

Overall, Canva's pricing structure is more flexible, offering a free tier and various subscription options, making it potentially more cost-effective for different user needs.

Comparing Microsoft Publisher and Canva to Piktochart

Piktochart transforms complex ideas into captivating visuals that inform and engage your audience. With Piktochart AI, you can create stunning infographics, reports, and presentations in seconds, perfectly aligned with your brand. No design experience required.

Pros of Piktochart

• AI-Powered Design Generator: Piktochart's AI-powered design generator allows users to create stunning visuals quickly and efficiently, saving time and effort.
• Extensive Template Library: With a wide range of customizable templates for infographics, reports, presentations, and more, Piktochart caters to various design needs and preferences.
• Versatile Visual and Video Tools: Piktochart offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including an infographic maker, banner maker, screen recorder, and video to text converter, making it a one-stop solution for all visual communication needs.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform's intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface ensures that users of all skill levels can create professional-quality designs without any hassle.
• Support for Multiple Sectors: Piktochart provides tailored solutions for different industries, including education, marketing, healthcare, and nonprofits, ensuring that users can create impactful visuals regardless of their field.

Piktochart's Pricing

• Free: $0 (Free forever)
• Pro: $29 per member/month (billed monthly) or $14 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
• Business: $49 per member/month (billed monthly) or $24 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
• Enterprise: Custom Pricing (Contact for details)

What Are Others Saying?

Microsoft Publisher Reviews

Overall, users have given Microsoft Publisher a rating of 4.3 out of 5. While they appreciate its ease of use and intuitive layout design, they find the design limitations and compatibility issues frustrating.

"The program lacks features that can make my work easier." - Verified User, 3.5 out of 5

"Limited options and templates make it less versatile." - Mark M., 4.0 out of 5

"Compatibility issues with other software are a hassle." - Sheri D., 4.5 out of 5

Find more of Microsoft Publisher reviews on G2!

Canva Reviews

Overall, users have given Canva a rating of 4.7 out of 5. While they appreciate its ease of use and intuitive interface, some find the limited options in the free version and slow customer support frustrating.

"Sometimes customer support is a little slow to respond." - Jasmine M., less than 4 out of 5

"Some of the 'magic' tools have a little way to go." - Frank C., less than 4 out of 5

"I would like to see more video editing features incorporated." - Cindy C., less than 4 out of 5

Find more of Canva reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate its ease of use, extensive template library, and the ability to create professional-quality visuals quickly. Here are some of the sentiments from our customers:

• "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer" - Jessica D.
• "Piktochart is a Web-based Magic Graphic Design Tool everyone" - Ganesh P.
• "My Go-To for ALL Professional Presentations!" - Jennifer K.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why Choose Microsoft Publisher:

• Consumers who need precise layout control and professional-quality print publications might prefer Microsoft Publisher. This is ideal for business users and professional designers who require detailed customization and desktop publishing capabilities.

Why Choose Canva:

• Consumers who value ease of use and real-time collaboration might prefer Canva. This is perfect for entrepreneurs, content creators, and small businesses needing a versatile, web-based design tool.

Why Choose Piktochart:

• Consumers who need an all-in-one visual communication tool with AI-powered design capabilities might prefer Piktochart. This is suitable for marketers, educators, and business professionals looking to create engaging infographics, presentations, and videos quickly.

Microsoft Publisher, Canva, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

While Microsoft Publisher and Canva offer robust features for specific needs, Piktochart stands out as the most versatile and user-friendly option. Its AI-powered tools and extensive template library make it easy for anyone to create stunning visuals quickly. Whether you're a marketer, educator, or business professional, Piktochart is designed to help you communicate your ideas effectively and effortlessly.