Top 10 Free Alternatives to DesignBold in 2025

With DesignBold becoming increasingly prominent in the graphic design space, 2025 has brought forth a range of robust and free alternatives that meet varying design needs. These tools offer unique features, varying from simple interfaces to advanced AI capabilities. Here’s a comprehensive look at the top 10 free alternatives to DesignBold in 2025.

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1. Canva

Description: Canva is a user-friendly, online graphic design platform that is popular for its ease of use and wide range of templates. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals for various design needs.
Key Features:
Extensive Template Library: Offers thousands of customizable templates for social media, presentations, posters, and more.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easy to use interface, no design experience needed.
Stock Media Library: Access to a large library of free stock photos, graphics, and fonts.
Collaboration Features: Allows for real-time collaboration with teams on design projects.
Free Version: A robust free plan is available with a wide array of features, while a paid "Pro" version offers more advanced features and more stock content.
Data Points:
User base: Over 170 million users (as of late 2024).
Free assets: Offers over 1 million free stock images and graphics, and 250,000 free templates.
AI Capabilities: Now has AI capabilities for image editing.
Ease of Use: Specifically known for its intuitive interface.
Versatile Use: Suitable for both personal and professional use. Learn more about Canva

2. Adobe Express

Description: Adobe Express is a free design tool from Adobe, designed to be a more accessible alternative to its professional software like Photoshop and Illustrator. It focuses on providing quick design solutions with the power of AI, with an easy to use interface similar to Canva.
Key Features:
AI-Powered Design: Uses AI for resizing, background removal, and quick design generation.
Template Library: Offers pre-designed templates for various projects.
Quick Actions: Provides quick editing features for images and designs.
Integration: Integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud for seamless workflows with other Adobe products.
Free Plan: Offers a free version with a good set of features.
Data Points:
Free tool: It is free for basic use.
Beginner-Friendly: Considered as a Photoshop for beginners.
AI Functionality: AI features included, such as AI-powered image generation.
Adobe Ecosystem: Part of the Adobe family with possible integration with Adobe suite.
Dashboard Interface: Similar to Canva in terms of interface, making it easy to navigate. Explore Adobe Express

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3. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: GIMP is a free, open-source image editing software and a powerful alternative to Adobe Photoshop, especially when looking for a free alternative for photo editing and graphic design.
Key Features:
Professional-Grade Tools: Offers sophisticated tools for photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design.
Customization: Highly customizable with plugins and scripts.
Layer Support: Supports layers, masks, and filters for complex image manipulation.
Open Source: It's free and open-source, making it a strong option for users.
Regular Updates: Continually updated by volunteers.
Data Points:
Open Source: Free and open-source.
Advanced Features: It has advanced features like layer masking, which makes it powerful for complex edits.
Customizable: Can be customized with various plugins to suit individual user needs.
Wide range of tools: Many tools that can perform a range of editing actions.
Free software: Completely free to use. Learn more about GIMP

4. Inkscape

Description: Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor, similar to Adobe Illustrator, designed for creating scalable vector graphics.
Key Features:
Vector Graphics: Creates and edits vector images.
Object Creation: Provides tools for drawing, shapes, and text.
Layer Management: Supports layers for more complex designs.
Free and Open Source: Available for free download.
Scalable Graphics: Allows for creation of graphics that can scale without loss of quality.
Data Points:
Free software: It's a free and open source.
Scalable Vector graphics: Allows the user to create SVG graphics.
Object creation and manipulation: Contains a large selection of tools for object creation.
Variety of tools: Tools like pencil, pen, and calligraphy are available.
Cross-platform: Available on Windows, MacOS and Linux. Learn more about Inkscape

5. Photopea

Description: Photopea is a free online photo and graphics editor that closely resembles Adobe Photoshop in its interface and capabilities.
Key Features:
Photoshop-Like Interface: Familiar interface for users accustomed to Photoshop.
Advanced Editing Tools: Supports layers, masks, and various image manipulation tools.
File Compatibility: Compatible with many file formats, including PSD.
Free to Use: Available as a free online tool.
No software needed: It works in the browser, with no downloads needed.
Data Points:
Free tool: It's a free web-based program.
Photoshop-like UI: The user interface is similar to Adobe Photoshop.
Comprehensive features: Offers tools similar to those in Photoshop.
File compatibility: Compatible with many file formats, like PSD.
Accessibility: No need for downloads as it is web based. Explore Photopea

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6. MagicSlides.app

Description: MagicSlides.app is an AI-powered design tool specializing in creating presentations and visual content. It is specifically mentioned as a top free AI alternative to Canva.
Key Features:
AI-Powered Slide Creation: Automates slide creation based on user content.
Customizable Templates: Offers a wide range of templates for different themes.
Collaboration: Enables real-time collaboration.
Free to use: It provides core functions for free.
User-friendly interface: Intuitive, making it ideal for non-designers.
Data Points:
AI-powered: Uses AI to automate slide creation.
Free tool: Completely free with core functionality available.
Customizable: It has a wide range of customizable templates.
User-friendly: Designed to be intuitive even for non-designers.
Collaboration: Enables real-time collaboration. Discover MagicSlides.app

7. FlexClip

Description: FlexClip is a video creation tool that also offers cutting-edge image processing tools powered by AI.
Key Features:
AI Image tools: Has a tool that generates new images from existing ones.
AI photo enhancement: Provides tools for photo colorization, restoration and upscaling.
Video creation tools: It offers a wide array of tools for video creation.
Versatile: Suited for content creators.
Advanced AI Tools: Includes a variety of AI-driven photo manipulation tools.
Data Points:
AI tools: Offers AI-driven image processing.
Image manipulation: Has the ability to modify and create new artwork using AI.
Video Focused: Although it has image editing capabilities, it is mainly a video creation tool.
Content creation: Specifically useful for content creators who need to expand their visual assets.
Photo Enhancement: Provides photo restoration, colorization and upscaling. Explore FlexClip

8. Snappa

Description: Snappa is a graphic design tool that provides a user interface similar to Canva with a library of templates and stock images.
Key Features:
User-Friendly Interface: Easy transition from other tools like Canva due to interface.
Templates and Images: Offers library of templates and stock images.
Social Media Scheduling: Can schedule social media posts directly from the app.
Background Removal: Has tools for removing backgrounds.
Text to Graphics: Allows the user to add text to their graphics.
Data Points:
User interface: Resembles Canva, making it easy to switch from that software.
Stock library: Provides a template and stock image library.
Social Media Focused: Able to schedule social media posts directly from the app.
Background removal: Has a feature to remove background.
Text input: Able to add text to graphics. Learn more about Snappa

9. Simplified

Description: Simplified is an all-in-one design platform that offers a range of design tools, including a graphic editor, video editor, and content planner.
Key Features:
All-in-One Platform: Provides tools for graphic design, video editing, and social media planning.
Real-Time Collaboration: Facilitates real-time collaboration among team members.
Magic Resize: Offers one-click resizing for images.
Content Planner: Allows for scheduling social media posts.
Free Plan: Offers a "Free Forever" plan.
Data Points:
All-in-one: Design platform with various features.
Real time collaboration: Allows real time collaboration among team members.
Free option: Offers a "Free Forever" option.
Magic Resize: Provides one click resizing.
Content Planning: Able to schedule social media posts. Explore Simplified

10. Vistacreate (Formerly Crello)

Description: VistaCreate, previously known as Crello, is a design tool focused on creating social media content, both static and animated.
Key Features:
Social Media Focused: Designed specifically for creating social media content.
Animated Content: Allows for the creation of animated graphics.
Templates: Provides a variety of templates for different platforms.
User-Friendly: Easy to use.
Free Option: It provides a free version with limitations.
Data Points:
Social media: Focuses on static and animated content for social media.
User friendly: Known for being user friendly.
Templates: Offers a wide selection of templates.
Free option: A free version is available for users.
Animated content: Allows the user to create animated graphics. Learn more about VistaCreate

Disclaimer: The information provided is based on the most current data available as of January 19, 2025. Features, pricing, and availability may change.

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FAQ

1. How does Canva compare to DesignBold?

Canva offers an extensive template library, a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, and a large collection of free stock media. It also includes AI capabilities for image editing and collaboration features. Learn more about Canva

2. What are the key features of Adobe Express?

Adobe Express includes AI-powered design tools, pre-designed templates, quick editing features, and integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, making it accessible for beginners. Explore Adobe Express

3. Is GIMP a good alternative to DesignBold?

Yes, GIMP is a powerful, free, open-source image editor with professional-grade tools for photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design, suitable for advanced users. Discover GIMP

4. What makes Inkscape a valuable alternative?

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that allows for the creation and editing of scalable graphics, suitable for users looking to create high-quality vector images. Learn more about Inkscape

5. How does Photopea compare to DesignBold and Photoshop?

Photopea is a free online editor with a Photoshop-like interface, advanced editing tools, and compatibility with many file formats, including PSD, making it a strong alternative. Explore Photopea

6. What is MagicSlides.app used for?

MagicSlides.app is an AI-powered tool designed for creating presentations and visual content, featuring customizable templates and real-time collaboration, ideal for non-designers. Discover MagicSlides.app

7. Can FlexClip be used for both video and image editing?

Yes, FlexClip offers both video creation tools and advanced AI-driven image processing features, making it versatile for content creators. Learn more about FlexClip

8. What are the benefits of using Snappa?

Snappa provides a Canva-like user interface, a library of templates and stock images, social media scheduling, background removal, and the ability to add text to graphics. Explore Snappa

9. How does Simplified support content creation?

Simplified is an all-in-one design platform offering tools for graphic design, video editing, social media planning, real-time collaboration, and a "Free Forever" plan. Discover Simplified

10. What features does Vistacreate offer for social media content?

Vistacreate (formerly Crello) focuses on creating both static and animated social media content, offering a variety of templates and a user-friendly interface. Learn more about Vistacreate

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.