When it comes to Canva vs. InDesign, which one is better for graphic design / layout?
While both are useful tools, they cater to very different needs. Let's break down which one might be the better match for your project.
Canva vs. InDesign: What’s the Difference?
Canva is a web-based platform designed for quick, simple graphics. It’s easy to learn, making it popular with small businesses and DIY marketers. Even if you’ve never used design software, you can quickly create something visually appealing.
That said, while Canva is built for basic graphics like social media posts or blog banners, it’s not ideal for advanced projects.
InDesign, on the other hand, is the industry-standard for layout. It’s designed for polished, professional-grade materials. While it has a steeper learning curve, it comes with advanced features and precise control over layout, typography, and branding. If you’re familiar with Photoshop or Illustrator, you’ll find the interface intuitive.
InDesign excels at complex, multi-page projects—brochures, catalogs, digital publications, and ad campaigns. It’s flexible, powerful, and keeps your design consistent across all formats.
Why Designers Choose InDesign for Print and Digital Design
InDesign is the renowned industry standard for print materials or any type of large, multi-page document. However it’s commonly overlooked for digital design, and it shouldn't be.
Sure, Canva can handle a quick flyer or Instagram graphic, but it lacks the necessary features for high-quality projects.
Here’s why InDesign is the best design tool:
Design Tools
Canva can handle the basics, but InDesign uses a frame-based layout system that simplifies design adjustments, white space control, and the organization of text and graphics. Its typography tools offer far more control, including options like tracking, leading, drop caps, and baseline shifts.
InDesign also includes master pages, paragraph styles, and character styles to maintain consistency across large documents. Edits made to a master page or style update throughout the entire project, so there’s no need to make manual changes on every page.
For digital publications, InDesign offers interactive features like outbound links, navigation buttons, transitions, and embedded multimedia. These advanced capabilities are not available in Canva.
Why InDesign is best for Print
InDesign allows designers to set up bleed areas, which extend the design beyond the trim edge to avoid white borders, and slug areas for including print notes or information outside the bleed. It also offers advanced export settings to create print-ready PDFs tailored to specific printer requirements.
The Preflight panel flags issues like low-res images or overflowing text before they go to print, saving you from costly mistakes.
Design Color Modes
Screens use RGB, while printers require CMYK or Pantone (spot colors). Sending RGB files to print can cause color shifts. InDesign supports CMYK, Pantone, and RGB, making it ideal for both print and digital. Canva supports CMYK only with a paid plan and lacks direct Pantone support.
Canva allows HEX codes to mimic PMS colors, but HEX is for digital use and rarely aligns with print standards. For accurate color matching, InDesign with the Pantone Connect plugin is the most reliable option. A solid brand guide should include both HEX and PMS values to ensure consistency.
Why InDesign it best for Graphic Design Period
Graphic design is the craft of combining text and images for use in media like advertising, books, magazines or social media. Your layout often includes assets like photos, logos, and illustrations—each should be used as native files within your composition for easy editing.
The recommended workflow:
- Illustrations/Vectors → Adobe Illustrator
- Photo Editing → Adobe Photoshop
- Final Composition & Typography → Adobe InDesign
This structure is recommended for one simple reason: edits. Using native files in the right programs ensures smoother revisions. Canva, by contrast, often requires re-editing and re-uploading files, adding unnecessary steps. InDesign’s streamlined, frame-based system is built for efficient layout and easy updates.
Trust the Experts for Your Next Design Project
Your project deserves more than a template. Let our creative team help you make something original and unforgettable.
Lorraine Gregory Communications has over 30 years of experience with a team of dedicated designers specific to all types of media in both digital and print design. Contact us at hello@lgcli.com for more.