Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Canva in 2025

As we move further into 2025, the demand for accessible and versatile design tools continues to grow. While Canva remains a dominant force in this space, there are several open-source alternatives that offer unique features and benefits. Here, we explore the top 10 open-source alternatives to Canva, highlighting their key features and providing links to their websites for more information.

Boost Your SEO by Getting Featured in Our Blogs and get a backlink.

We publish content about startups, education, tech, funding, etc. that ranks well not only in Google but also in Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.

👉 Get featured now!

1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: A powerful, free, and open-source image editor often cited as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop.
Key Features:
Image Editing: Robust tools for retouching, color correction, and compositing.
File Support: Supports various file formats including RAW.
Customization: Highly customizable interface and extensive plugin support.
Advanced Tools: Includes tools for painting, transformation, masking, text layers, and even scripting.
Cross-Platform: Available on GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Learn more about GIMP
Source: [4], [6], [9], [14], [16], [20], [21], [24]

2. Inkscape

Description: A free and open-source vector graphics editor, often compared to Adobe Illustrator.
Key Features:
Vector Graphics: Ideal for creating scalable graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
Object Manipulation: Tools for creating and manipulating objects, including drawing and shapes.
Text Support: Handles text as a vector object.
File Formats: Supports SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) and other formats.
Cross-Platform: Available on GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Learn more about Inkscape
Source: [3], [10], [14], [20]

Get your FREE Landing Page Analysis!

Insert your landing page link and get a super useful analysis and easy fixes to get more clicks!

👉 Get Your Analysis Here!

3. Krita

Description: A free and open-source digital painting application designed for illustrators, concept artists, and texture artists.
Key Features:
Digital Painting Focus: Wide array of brushes, painting modes, and tools tailored for digital art.
Customizable Brushes: Highly customizable brush engine.
Layer Management: Advanced layer management system for non-destructive editing.
Color Management: Robust color management support.
Cross-Platform: Available on GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Learn more about Krita
Source: [3], [14], [20]

4. Polotno Studio

Description: An open-source web-based design tool that aims to be a Canva alternative.
Key Features:
User-Friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use with drag-and-drop functionality.
Templates: Offers unique templates to get started.
Web-Based: Accessible directly in your web browser; no download needed.
Collaboration: Built with collaborative design in mind.
Free: Completely free to use.
Source: [3], [8], [12]

5. Pika

Description: Another open-source alternative to Canva.
Key Features:
Open Source: Focuses on collaborative design.
Easy to Use: Designed for usability.
Web-Based: Can be accessed through the browser.
Free: Available to use without charges.
Source: [3], [8]

Validate your startup idea with the unique borrowed authority approach: we publish articles about your product in our blog and you get traffic and testers for your MVP

Prove Market Demand: See real organic traffic and waitlist conversions

Unlock High-Potential Keywords: Receive a curated list of top-performing keywords directly from Google Search Console data.

Estimate Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): Gain financial foresight with an estimated CAC based on real keyword performance data.

🔗 Start validating your startup now

6. Penpot

Description: An open-source design and prototyping platform geared towards collaboration between designers and developers.
Key Features:
Web-Based: Runs in the browser using open web standards (SVG).
Cross-Domain Teams: Designed to connect designers and developers.
Collaboration: Features for sharing, managing, and collaborating on design projects.
Templates and Tools: Provides a variety of templates and tools.
Community: Has a community forum for support.
Discover Penpot
Source: [3], [14], [18]

7. Blender

Description: A free and open-source 3D creation suite. Although primarily for 3D, it can be used for 2D graphics with some work.
Key Features:
3D Modeling and Animation: Comprehensive tools for modeling, sculpting, and rigging.
Animation and VFX: Tools for creating animation and visual effects.
Customizable: Allows workspace customization for optimal performance.
Extensibility: Has add-ons and extensions available.
Community Support: Large active community.
Learn more about Blender
Source: [4], [13], [14]

8. Gravit Designer

Description: A vector graphics design tool, with a free version for basic use. While not strictly fully open-source, it's often listed among free alternatives.
Key Features:
Vector Tools: Has tools for vector-based graphic design.
Interface: Clean and easy to learn interface.
Cloud-Based: Can be used online.
Cross-Platform: Available on various platforms.
Learn more about Gravit Designer
Source: [4]

9. Pencil2D

Description: Open source software for creating hand-drawn animation using bitmap and vector graphics.
Key Features:
Animation Focus: Designed specifically for 2D animation.
Simple Interface: Easy-to-use for beginners.
Bitmap and Vector Support: Supports both types of graphics.
Open Source: Free for all to use.
Learn more about Pencil2D
Source: [14]

10. Dia

Description: An open-source diagram drawing software, can be used for basic graphics creation.
Key Features:
Diagram Focused: Primarily used for creating diagrams.
Basic Graphics: Ability to create basic graphics.
Simple Interface: Easy to use and learn.
Open Source: Free for all to use.
Learn more about Dia
Source: [14]

FAQ

1. What open-source tool can I use as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop?

GIMP is a powerful, free, and open-source image editor that offers robust tools for retouching, color correction, and compositing. It supports various file formats including RAW and is highly customizable. Discover GIMP

2. Is there an open-source option for vector graphics design?

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor ideal for creating scalable graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations. It supports SVG and other formats and is available on multiple platforms. Explore Inkscape

3. What software can I use for digital painting?

Krita is an excellent open-source digital painting application designed for illustrators, concept artists, and texture artists. It offers a wide array of brushes and painting modes, and has a highly customizable brush engine. Learn more about Krita

4. Are there any open-source web-based design tools similar to Canva?

Polotno Studio is an open-source web-based design tool designed for ease of use with drag-and-drop functionality. It offers templates and is completely free to use.

5. What tools are good for collaborative design work?

Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform geared towards collaboration between designers and developers. It runs in the browser and features tools for managing and sharing design projects. Discover Penpot

6. Can Blender be used for 2D graphics and animation?

Yes, Blender is a free, open-source 3D creation suite that can also be used for 2D graphics with some work. It offers tools for modeling, animation, and visual effects, and allows workspace customization. Explore Blender

7. What open-source software is available for creating hand-drawn animation?

Pencil2D is a great option for creating hand-drawn animation using bitmap and vector graphics. It is simple to use, supports both types of graphics, and is open-source. Learn more about Pencil2D

8. Is there a tool for creating diagrams that can also be used for basic graphics creation?

Dia is an open-source diagram drawing software that can also be used to create basic graphics. It is primarily used for diagrams but offers basic graphic creation tools. Discover Dia

9. What free vector graphics design tool is available that is similar to a paid option like Canva?

Gravit Designer is a vector graphics design tool with a free version for basic use. It offers a clean interface and can be used online across multiple platforms. Explore Gravit Designer

10. Are there any open-source tools specifically designed for 2D and vector graphics?

Inkscape is the leading open-source vector graphics editor, offering comprehensive tools for scalable vector graphics creation. It supports multiple file formats and is available on various platforms. Learn more about Inkscape

References

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.