Pixelmator and Canva are essential tools for businesses and designers, offering unique features that enhance productivity and creativity. We'll compare Pixelmator's advanced image editing capabilities with Canva's user-friendly design and collaboration tools to determine which is the best fit for your needs.

A Quick Overview of Pixelmator and Canva

What is Pixelmator?

Pixelmator is a company that specializes in creating powerful and user-friendly image editing software. Their flagship product, Pixelmator Pro, is designed exclusively for Mac and leverages advanced Mac technologies to deliver a high-performance image editing experience.

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Pixelmator Pro offers a comprehensive suite of tools for photo editing, graphic design, painting, and vector graphics. The software includes AI-powered tools like background removal, automatic photo enhancement, and precise masking, setting it apart from competitors.

What is Canva?

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Canva is a platform that offers a wide range of design tools and resources, including templates, images, icons, and collaboration features. It is trusted by over 75 million customers worldwide and provides solutions for various needs such as business, education, and personal projects.

Canva offers a variety of designer-made, fully responsive website templates that are customizable and look beautiful on any device. It stands out by integrating website building with other design tools and resources, allowing users to manage all their design needs in one place.

Features of Pixelmator and Canva

Similarities

Pixelmator and Canva share several key features that make them both powerful tools for designers and businesses. Despite their different target audiences and platforms, they offer similar functionalities that enhance the user experience.

  • Image Editing Capabilities: Both platforms provide robust tools for editing images, allowing users to enhance and manipulate photos with ease.
  • Templates and Design Elements: They offer a wide range of templates and design elements, enabling users to create professional-looking content quickly.
  • AI-Powered Tools: Both utilize AI to automate and improve the design process, such as background removal and photo enhancement.
  • User-Friendly Interfaces: Designed to be accessible to both beginners and professionals, their interfaces are intuitive and easy to navigate.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Both platforms support real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.

Differences

Pixelmator and Canva cater to different design needs, each offering unique features that set them apart. Here are the most significant differences:

  • Professional Image Editing: Pixelmator Pro provides advanced image editing tools, including AI-powered background masks and vector masks, which Canva lacks.
  • Website Building: Canva offers a website builder with customizable templates and real-time collaboration, a feature not available in Pixelmator Pro.
  • Machine Learning Enhancements: Pixelmator Pro includes machine learning tools like ML Enhance and Super Resolution, which are not found in Canva.
  • Brand Kit: Canva's Brand Kit allows users to apply logos, color palettes, and fonts consistently across designs, a feature not present in Pixelmator Pro.
  • Plug-ins: Canva supports third-party plug-ins like Bitmojis and Giphy, whereas Pixelmator Pro focuses on integration with macOS technologies.

User Interface and Usability

Pixelmator Pro's user interface is designed to be intuitive, with customizable workspaces tailored for different types of users. The tools and layers sidebars can be moved and customized, and the effects browser provides instant previews. The user experience is enhanced by the software's accessibility and ease of use, making professional image editing tools available to everyone. Machine learning features simplify complex tasks, and integration with Mac technologies ensures smooth performance.

Canva's user interface is clean and well-organized, with a clear hierarchy of information. Navigation is intuitive, with dropdown menus and clearly labeled sections. The user experience is designed to be seamless and user-friendly, with a focus on ease of use. Real-time collaboration and drag-and-drop tools enhance the user experience, making the design process more interactive and efficient. The inclusion of FAQs and additional resources ensures users have access to the information they need.

Pixelmator Pro offers a more customizable and professional interface, while Canva focuses on ease of use and collaboration.

Collaboration

Pixelmator Pro offers some support for teamwork through file compatibility and sharing options, such as iCloud Drive and full mask compatibility with various file formats. However, it lacks explicit features for real-time collaboration or co-editing, making it less ideal for teams needing to work simultaneously on the same project.

Canva, on the other hand, excels in real-time collaboration, allowing users to invite collaborators and work together seamlessly. With features like easy sharing, drag-and-drop tools, and the ability to invite unlimited members, Canva is designed to facilitate teamwork efficiently.

Overall, Canva is better suited for collaboration than Pixelmator Pro.

Pixelmator and Canva Pricing

Pixelmator Pro is available for a one-time purchase of $49.99, making it a cost-effective option for users who prefer not to commit to ongoing subscription fees. This pricing model is straightforward, with no additional costs or hidden fees, providing a clear and predictable expense for professional image editing software.

Canva offers a range of pricing plans, including a free tier, a Pro plan at $120 per year, and a Teams plan at $100 per person per year. The free plan provides basic features, while the Pro and Teams plans offer advanced tools and collaboration options. Canva's tiered pricing allows users to choose a plan that fits their specific needs and budget.

Overall, Pixelmator Pro's one-time fee may be more appealing for those seeking a single payment option, while Canva's subscription plans offer flexibility and scalability for different user requirements.

Comparing Pixelmator and Canva to Piktochart

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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

  • Intuitive Design: Piktochart's user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to create stunning visuals without any design experience.
  • Versatile Templates: With a wide range of templates for infographics, presentations, flyers, posters, and reports, users can quickly produce professional-quality content.
  • Advanced Video Editing: Piktochart Video allows users to repurpose long videos into bite-sized clips, complete with automatic subtitles and customization options for social media.
  • All-in-One Tool: As a comprehensive visual communication platform, Piktochart combines multiple design tools into one, streamlining the content creation process for professionals.
  • Continuous Improvement: Piktochart consistently updates its features based on user feedback, ensuring the platform evolves to meet the needs of its users.

Piktochart's Pricing

  • Free Plan: $0 (Free forever)
  • Pro Plan: $14 per member/month, billed annually (or $29 per member/month if billed monthly)
  • Business Plan: $24 per member/month, billed annually (or $49 per member/month if billed monthly)
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom Pricing
  • Campus Plan: Custom Pricing (Minimum 3000 seats)

What Are Others Saying?

Pixelmator Reviews

Overall, users have given Pixelmator a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While many appreciate its photo editing capabilities and ease of use, some find its design limitations and inadequate AI capabilities frustrating.

  • "The software is good but lacks some advanced features found in other tools." - Raimo K., 4.0 out of 5
  • "It’s a bit expensive for what it offers, especially with limited font options." - Stephanie P., 3.5 out of 5
  • "The AI tools are not as advanced as I expected." - JP (jeremiah p.), 3.0 out of 5

Find more of Pixelmator reviews on G2!

Canva Reviews

Canva has received an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. While users appreciate its ease of use and variety of templates, some find the limited options and the cost of paid versions frustrating.

  • "This probably the only major issue is the fact you have to stop the video to screen record and then pick up and record again. So you can't do live reactions really without stopping the video, which can get you a little off track." - Kiearra D. S., 3.0 out of 5
  • "Sometimes customer support is a little slow to respond. But there are so many users, videos, and Facebook Groups out there that you can usually find the answer you need pretty quickly." - Jasmine M., 3.0 out of 5
  • "One thing I’ve noticed is that the free version of Canva doesn’t have all the features I sometimes want. But that’s not a big deal for there are still lots of great options, and if you need more, the paid version has you covered!" - Jayson Mavrick A., 3.0 out of 5

Find more of Canva reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. They appreciate the platform's ease of use, versatile templates, and advanced video editing features.

  • "Piktochart is very easy and simple to use online graphics creation tool." - ASHESHWAR Y.
  • "Piktochart offers good looking pre-built templates for creating graphics." - Jakub J.
  • "Easily Create Social Images and Infographics to Boost Business Services." - Rachel L.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why Choose Pixelmator Over Canva:

  • Pixelmator is ideal for professional photographers and graphic designers who need advanced image editing tools and machine learning features. Its deep integration with macOS makes it perfect for tech-savvy Mac users.

Why Choose Canva Over Pixelmator:

  • Canva is perfect for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for an easy-to-use platform with a wide range of templates and real-time collaboration features. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible for beginners.

Why Choose Piktochart Over Canva and Pixelmator:

  • Piktochart is ideal for communications professionals and educators who need to create engaging visual content quickly. Its versatile templates and advanced video editing features make it a comprehensive tool for various visual communication needs.

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

Whether you're a professional photographer, a small business owner, or a communications expert, there's a tool out there to meet your needs. While Pixelmator and Canva offer impressive features, we believe Piktochart stands out for its ease of use, versatile templates, and advanced video editing capabilities. Give Piktochart a try and see how it can transform your visual content creation process.