When you think of user-friendly tools for non-designers, Canva is probably the first to come to mind. But Canva isn't the be-all-end-all for accessible design — there's a whole range of alternative design tools that offer just as much, if not more, and some of them also don't lock their best features behind a paywall. So if you need an easy way to bring your ideas to life, whether creating flyers or simple web graphics, you don't have to settle for the mainstream picks. Give these graphic design tools a try instead...

5 Desygner

A simple and solid option for easy designs

Desygner is like Canva's chill cousin that doesn't push its premium upgrades in your face every two minutes. It's also browser-based but with an even simpler UI, making it perfect if you're not someone who lives and breathes design tools. Its templates are organized into a categorized list of submenus, so it's easy to find exactly what you're looking for. You can, of course, also upload your own work.

The editing window also resembles Canva's; it's just not as cluttered, making it easier to find the tools you need. You can add text, shapes, and design elements, or add your own images and logos — each one has a host of parameters you can customize, such as color, size, outline, position, etc. I also like that it has animation and video options, which expand its functionality beyond images.

If you don't like Canva but want similar functionality from a design tool, Desygner is my top recommendation.

4 Gravit Designer

A versatile program that adapts to your design needs

Gravit Designer is kind of like Illustrator-lite, but without the learning curve or price tag. It works in your browser (called Corel Vector), but I recommend getting the desktop app; it's more streamlined. What makes Gravit a standout on this list is that it's vector-based, so you can scale your designs and design elements without losing quality (but you can also upload and edit raster graphics).

The interface is clean and beginner-friendly, but there's still enough depth if you want to play around or get more advanced with your graphics. You'll find all the staples you need, such as pen tools, shape builders, and text editing, and they don't feel intimidating to use. Plus, you can import and export in various formats without any issues.

If you're looking for a design tool that feels powerful but is also approachable, Gravit Designer hits the sweet spot.

3 Kittl

Amazing templates and professional-level graphics

To me, Kittle's UI feels like a cross between Desygner and Adobe Express, and the editing process is very visual. It's perfect for those who want pro-level designs without much design experience. The templates are seriously impressive; though not as organized as Desygner's, the quality outdoes what many other free design tools offer.

If you want to create something from scratch, you've got access to gorgeous typography, any style of graphics you can think of, and slick branding assets — and everything is customizable. I mostly like how simple the Mockup tool is, so that you can design an awesome t-shirt or mug in just a few minutes.

There are some premium features, but you don't need them; the free stuff gives you a lot to work with.

2 Draw.io (diagrams.net)

The easiest way to design diagrams

Draw.io, also known as diagrams.net, is such a hidden gem. If you need to create any kind of diagram, such as flow charts or mind maps, this one's perfect for you. It runs from your browser and feels super lightweight in the absence of clunky tools, but don't let that fool you — it's packed with features.

You can drag and drop shapes, connect shapes, add text, and adjust the properties of all the elements (such as color, size, borders, position, etc). Draw.io lets you collaborate with others in real time, and it also integrates with cloud providers like Google Drive and Dropbox, so you can work on team projects anywhere.

It's a clean, no-nonsense tool that does what it says. So if you've got to explain an idea visually, but you're not a designer, Draw.io can have you looking like a pro in no time.

1 Picsart

Transform your ideas into creative masterpieces

Picsart is a mainstream tool, but I'll gladly recommend it because it deserves the hype. It's not just some photo editor with fancy filters; it's a full-blown creative suite that's super easy for non-designers to pick up. You can create nearly anything with it — social media posts, mockups, mind maps, web graphics, ads, flyers, the list goes on. Picsart beats Canva and Adobe Express in almost every way.

There is a full-featured browser version, but Picsart is a mobile-first app, so I recommend it for those who want to create easy yet impactful designs on their phone. I have a Pro subscription, which gives me access to more tools than I know what to do with, but the free version isn't stingy at all. Beyond the image adjustments and awesome filters, you've got stickers with transparent backgrounds (the equivalent of Canva's Elements), highly customizable text, shapes, brushes, masks, and drawing tools for free, just to name a few.

You'll get plenty done without paying for a subscription, which mainly just unlocks more filters, stickers, and AI features.

Design without limits, no experience or subscriptions needed

You don't need to know anything about graphic design to use these design tools. With Desygner's simplicity, Gravit's infinite scalability, or Picsart's supercharged creativity, you can easily complete any visual project without paying a dime, dealing with complicated interfaces, or limiting yourself to industry standards like Canva.