[2024] Envato Vs Canva - 3 KEY Differences To Consider

Canva Vs Envato - Quick Summary

Having extensively used both Canva and all 3 Envato products for a solid 17 months, I've garnered a deep understanding of the intricacies of each platform. Let me tell you, Envato, is a comprehensive online design marketplace. Here, I've been able to purchase a myriad of design elements, from graphics and stock images to video elements and audio clips. What's more, Envato provides pre-designed website templates tailored for platforms like WordPress and other CMS. However, a point to note is that once you acquire these design elements, you're on your own in terms of editing. I've had to rely on my suite of design tools (like Adobe After Effects and Illustrator, which are industry-standard software for graphic design) to tweak and refine the elements I buy from Envato. For sure, this platform seems best suited for those like me, with a professional background in design or at least a substantial understanding of it.

On the other hand, Canva offers a somewhat different experience. It's an intuitive platform where, if you ask me, the drag-and-drop feature is a game-changer. I've been able to create designs from scratch and also modify existing templates to my liking. The stock library in Canva is vast, encompassing images, graphics, videos, and fonts. One thing that stands out is the ability to upload personal resources (this is particularly useful for branding purposes, ensuring consistency across designs). The bottom line with Canva is its built-in editing capability. This, needless to say, eliminates the hassle of toggling between external tools. All in all, its user-friendly interface is a boon, making design accessible even to novices.

Mark my words, both platforms have their unique strengths. While Envato offers a plethora of design elements catering to professionals, Canva simplifies the design process, ensuring that even those without a design background can produce quality work. At the end of the day, the choice between the two boils down to individual needs and expertise.

What Is Canva?

When I first dived into Canva back in 2016, it was clear that this wasn't just another design tool. The platform is packed with a vast array of features and a stock library that's honestly hard to beat. What I particularly appreciate is the 600,000+ premade templates. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill designs; they're templates that you can easily tweak to fit your brand's vibe (think of it like having a base layer in Photoshop that you can build upon).

Now, while Canva is a powerhouse for quick and efficient designs, especially for folks who aren't exactly design pros, Envato is a different beast. It's more like a treasure trove for creatives. From graphics to video templates, it's got a bit of everything. And the quality? Top-notch.

One thing I've noticed is that Canva is perfect for those who might not have a design background but need to get things done, and done well. You don't need to start from scratch. Just pick a template, play around with it, and boom, you've got a design that looks like you hired a pro. On the flip side, Envato is where I head when I need something a bit more specialized or when I'm looking for unique assets (like when you need that one specific sound effect or video clip that sets your project apart).

The premium subscription of Canva? Worth every penny. It's like unlocking a new level in a game. You get access to even more features, and the online community? A goldmine. It's a space where you can connect, learn, and share with folks who get the creative hustle (kind of like joining a niche forum where everyone's speaking your language).

Pros Of Using Canva

• Affordable: Users find Canva to be great for its price, offering significant value for the services provided.
• User-Friendly: Canva is easy to use, especially for those without natural design skills. The platform offers numerous options, making the design process straightforward and intuitive.
• Versatile: Canva is not just for branding and website design. Users have utilized it for designing emails, editing photos, creating video content, and customizing websites.
• Responsive Support: Canva is known to quickly respond to user needs in a professional manner, ensuring that users' work is saved and secured.
• Comprehensive Features: Canva provides a plethora of features and platforms for graphic and web designers, including stock images, clips, and design tools, all consolidated in one place.
• Rich Template Library: Canva offers a vast array of templates that cater to various design needs, making it easier for users to create social media content and brand designs.
• Free Version Availability: Even without a subscription, Canva offers a multitude of free templates and graphic elements.
• Consistent Updates: Users have appreciated Canva's commitment to improving and adding new features over time.
• Printing and Sharing: Canva makes it easy to get designs printed and to save images for sharing, without watermarks.
• Drag and Drop Design: Canva's drag and drop design service simplifies the design process, making it more accessible to users without design experience.

Cons Of Using Canva

• Billing Issues: Some users have reported unexpected charges or issues with billing, especially related to trial periods and subscription fees.
• Customer Support: There are complaints about Canva's customer support being unresponsive or not resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Technical Glitches: Users have mentioned experiencing technical problems, such as the site crashing, loading issues, or frequent buffering.
• Difficulties with Discounts: Some educators have found it challenging to avail of Canva's discounts for teachers, citing stringent verification processes.
• AI Functions: The introduction of AI functions in Canva has been a point of contention for some users, who feel it has affected the platform's performance.
• Invoicing: There are concerns about the format in which invoices are provided, with some users preferring a downloadable PDF format.
• Misleading Tactics: Some users feel that Canva employs misleading tactics, especially when it comes to advertising free services and then requiring payment information.
• Issues with the Mobile App: While the desktop version is generally well-received, there are users who find the mobile app less user-friendly or lacking in features.
• Policy Changes: Changes in Canva's policies, especially those affecting free users or specific groups like educators, have been a source of frustration for some.
• Copyright Concerns: There have been instances where users have raised concerns about potential copyright infringements related to the content available on Canva.

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What Is Envato

Envato was created way longer ago; back in 2006 to be exact. The platform was crafted to help us find high-quality templates and, for those on the other side, to monetize their unique designs. Now, diving deeper into what Envato offers, there are three main products that stand out: Envato Market, Envato Elements, and Envato Placeit.

Market

Envato Market is a collection of themed marketplaces where creators can sell their digital assets to those in need of them. It's a platform for buying and selling a wide variety of digital products, primarily focused on creative assets. Here's a breakdown of what Envato Market offers, its business model, and its variations:

How It Works

Envato operates on a marketplace model where creators can list their products for sale. When a customer purchases a product, Envato takes a percentage of the sale as a commission, and the rest goes to the creator. The exact percentage can vary based on several factors, including whether the creator is exclusive to Envato or sells their products elsewhere.

Variations of Envato Market

1. Themes & Templates: Envato's marketplace is a haven for web enthusiasts. I've often turned to ThemeForest when I needed a robust website template. Whether it's for WordPress or Joomla, the choices are vast. The templates aren't just about aesthetics; they're about functionality. They're designed to be responsive, ensuring optimal viewing across devices.

2. Graphics & Vectors: Over at GraphicRiver, there's a plethora of graphics ready for use. From icons to intricate print templates, it's a resource I've tapped into multiple times. The assets here aren't just static images; they're often layered files (which means you can modify individual elements without affecting the entire image), giving you flexibility in customization.

3. Photos & Images: PhotoDune is the go-to for stock photos. The range is impressive, and the quality? Top-notch. I've found images here that fit seamlessly into my projects, saving me the hassle of organizing a photoshoot.

4. Footage &  Templates: Now, VideoHive is where things get interesting for video aficionados. Stock video clips, motion graphics, After Effects templates - it's a treasure trove. The After Effects templates, in particular, are a lifesaver. They come with pre-animated sequences (think of these as ready-made animations where you just plug in your content), making it a breeze to produce professional-looking videos. For freelance video editors, VideoHive is a goldmine. The stock footage can be integrated into projects, providing high-quality visuals without the need for filming. And the After Effects templates? They streamline the editing process. By using these templates, you can maintain consistency in your projects while speeding up the production timeline.

5. Music & Sound Effects: AudioJungle has been my reliable source for soundtracks. Whether it's a catchy jingle or ambient background music, the choices are vast. And the sound effects? They add that extra layer of realism to projects.

6. Code & Plugins: For those who dabble in coding, CodeCanyon is invaluable. From plugins to scripts, the offerings here can significantly enhance a website's functionality. I've used a few plugins from here, and they've integrated seamlessly into my sites, enhancing user experience without me having to code from scratch.

7. 3D Models & Renders: 3DOcean is a niche but vital marketplace for 3D enthusiasts. The models here are detailed and come with textures (these are like 'skins' that give the 3D model its appearance), making them ready for use in various applications.

Comparing Envato to Canva is like comparing a toolbox to a Swiss knife. While Canva is fantastic for quick designs with its drag-and-drop interface, Envato offers specialized tools and assets for more in-depth projects. It's like having a dedicated tool for every task, ensuring precision and quality.

Pros Of Using Market

• Variety of Content: Users appreciate the diverse range of content available on the platform.
• Affordable Pricing: Compared to other services, many users find Envato Market's pricing to be more reasonable.
• Quality Video Assets: The platform offers high-quality video assets, although some users feel they are heavily US-centric.
• Supportive Community: Some users have mentioned the value of being able to connect with creators and the support they receive.

Cons Of Using Market

• Outdated UI: Some users feel that the user interface is outdated and could benefit from a refresh.
• Music Filtering Tools: There are suggestions that the music filtering tools could be improved for better user experience.
• Search Functionality: Users have pointed out that the search functionality sometimes returns irrelevant results, making it challenging to find specific content.
• Issues with Licensing: Some users have mentioned the inconvenience of having to dispute on platforms like YouTube and reissue licenses every time they use an asset.

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Elements - My Recommendation

From my hands-on experience with Envato Elements, I've come to appreciate the depth and breadth of its offerings. Let me break it down for you.

Digital Assets: Diving into Envato Elements, you're greeted with a vast array of digital assets. I've personally sourced stock photos, graphics, and even some niche templates for my projects. The variety is impressive, and it's been a game-changer for my workflow.

Unlimited Downloads: One of the standout features for me has been the unlimited downloads. It's like having an all-you-can-eat buffet of creative assets. This means I can experiment with different assets without constantly watching my budget.

Licensing: The licensing on Envato Elements is straightforward. Every asset comes with a broad commercial license. This has been a lifesaver, ensuring I can use them across multiple projects without a hitch (and without those pesky licensing worries that can crop up with other platforms).

Tutorials: Now, the tutorials on Envato Elements are a hidden gem. They've been instrumental in refining my skills. It's not just about having assets; it's about knowing how to use them effectively. And these tutorials? They do just that.

Business Model: The subscription-based model is what drew me in initially. Paying a fixed fee monthly or yearly for unlimited access is a no-brainer. Plus, knowing that independent creators (those talented folks who craft the assets) get a fair share based on downloads? It's a win-win.

Envato Market vs. Elements: While Elements is my go-to for assets, I've occasionally ventured into Envato Market when I needed something very specific. The Market is more à la carte, letting you purchase individual assets. It complements Elements well, especially when you need that one unique item.

Canva Comparison: I've dabbled with Canva, and while it's a robust design tool, it serves a different purpose. Canva is more about on-the-spot design creation, while Envato Elements is a treasure trove of assets you can integrate into various projects. Think of Canva as a tool to design a poster, while Envato Elements provides you with the intricate illustrations, photos, or fonts you might use in that poster.

In-depth Analysis: If you're a professional looking for a wide range of assets and have the tools to customize them (like the Adobe Suite, which many of us swear by), Envato Elements is a goldmine. Canva, on the other hand, is fantastic for those quick design tasks where you don't want to start from scratch.

Pros Of Using Elements

• Vast Asset Collection: Envato Elements is described as invaluable due to its extensive collection of high-quality assets.
• Cost-Effective: Users find the service to offer a significant amount of assets at a very competitive price.
• Convenience: The platform is easy to use, and the terms of service are considered favorable and fair by users.
• Comprehensive Offerings: From sounds, music, overlays to other assets, users have found almost everything they needed for their projects.
• Value for Money: Many users believe that Envato Elements provides excellent value for the money, saving them and their clients significant amounts.

Cons Of Using Elements

• Quality Concerns: While there are many assets available, some users feel that the quality of certain assets, especially graphics, is not up to par.
• Search and Filter Issues: Users have reported that the search results and filters aren't always accurate. For instance, searching for specific terms might yield unrelated results.
• Outdated Templates: Some users have encountered issues with outdated WordPress templates and themes that aren't compatible with the latest versions of WordPress.
• Download Limitations: There are frustrations regarding the inability to download video clips in multiple formats, with some downloads being larger than necessary for short clips.

Placeit

Envato Placeit is a platform that offers a wide range of design and mockup tools. Here's a breakdown of what it has to offer, its business model, and how it compares to Canva:

Placeit's Offerings:

1. Mockups: One of the standout features of Placeit is its vast array of mockups. I've often found myself using these mockups for a variety of products, from t-shirts to digital devices. It's a game-changer when you want to visualize your designs in real-world scenarios. The precision and realism they offer are commendable.
2. Design Templates: Over the months, I've explored a plethora of design templates on Placeit. Whether it's for logos, social media, or even business cards, the platform has a rich repository. The templates are not just about quantity; the quality and relevance (especially for trending designs) are top-notch.
3. Video Templates: The video templates here are a boon for those looking to create promotional content. I've dabbled with a few, and the ease of customization is impressive. It's like having a mini video editing suite at your fingertips.
4. Gaming Logos and Designs: For the gaming enthusiasts out there, Placeit has a dedicated section. From Twitch banners to YouTube designs, it's got you covered. The designs resonate with the gaming culture, making them apt for the target audience.
5. Branding Tools: Branding is crucial, and Placeit understands that. I've utilized their tools to create cohesive brand assets, ensuring consistency across all platforms.

Business Model:

Placeit operates on what I'd call a "flexible" freemium model. While there are free templates (which are decent), the real gems lie in their premium collection.

1. Monthly Subscription: This is for those who need regular access. Pay a monthly fee, and you're granted an all-access pass to Placeit's treasure trove.
2. Annual Subscription: If you're in it for the long haul (like me), the annual subscription is a more economical choice. It's a commitment, but the savings are significant.
3. Single Purchases: For the occasional users, buying individual templates is an option. It's like picking your favorite candy from the store without buying the whole jar.
4. Free files: Placeit also offers free designs for new users.

Placeit vs. Canva:

1. Purpose: Placeit, in my experience, leans more towards mockups and branding. Canva, on the other hand, feels like a broader canvas (no pun intended) for varied graphic design tasks.
2. Ease of Use: Canva is intuitive, no doubt. But once you get the hang of Placeit, it's smooth sailing. The initial learning curve (which is just about familiarizing yourself with the platform's layout) is worth the effort.
3. Template Variety: Canva might have an edge in terms of sheer numbers, but Placeit's strength lies in its specialized mockups.
4. Pricing: Both have their freemium models. From a cost perspective, Canva's Pro might seem lighter on the pocket for some, but Placeit's offerings, especially the mockups, justify its price tag.
5. Customization: Canva offers a plethora of design tools. Placeit, while slightly more niche, provides in-depth customization for its specific offerings.

Is Placeit a Good Alternative to Canva?:

Absolutely. While Canva is a jack of all trades, Placeit shines in its specialized areas, especially mockups. If that's what you're after, Placeit is a no-brainer.

Which One is Preferred by Professionals?:

Both have their loyalists. Marketers and content creators might lean towards Canva for its versatility. But for those in need of detailed mockups (like product designers or merchandisers), Placeit is the go-to.

Pros Of Using Placeit

• Specialized Mockups: Placeit is known for its vast array of mockups, allowing users to visualize their designs in real-world scenarios.
• User-Friendly Design Tools: The platform offers intuitive design tools that cater to both professionals and beginners.
• Video Templates: Users can easily create promotional videos using Placeit's video templates.
• Branding Tools: Placeit provides comprehensive tools for branding, ensuring consistency across all platforms.

Cons Of Using Placeit

• Limited Design Variety: Some users feel that while Placeit offers many templates, many of them are too similar in look and style.
• Overemphasis on Certain Styles: Users have noted an overabundance of certain styles, like "Stomp" and "Glitch," and would like to see a more diverse range.
• Need for Simpler Templates: While Placeit offers many complex designs, there's a demand for simpler, cleaner templates that can be hard to find.

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Key difference 1 - Layout

Canva

Canva is designed as a "Visual Suite for Everyone." Its layout is user-friendly, emphasizing a wide range of design categories such as posters, resumes, logos, presentations, and more. The platform is structured to guide users through the design process, making it intuitive even for those without a design background. They promote collaborative design. Users can invite others to design with them, comment, and work in real-time, making it suitable for team projects (like that business presentation or birthday party planning).

Canva also offers a unique feature where users can design and print in one place. From photo albums to business cards, users can get their designs printed and delivered directly to their doorstep.

As for templates, Canva provides a plethora of templates for various needs, allowing users to customize office templates or design personal invitations.

Envato Elements

1. Purpose and Layout: Envato Elements is a comprehensive platform offering a vast array of creative assets. The layout is organized into categories such as video templates, graphic templates, music, fonts, and more. It's more of a marketplace for creative assets rather than a design tool.
2. Licensing and Downloads: Envato offers unlimited downloads with a simple lifetime commercial license. This means users have the freedom to experiment and create without worrying about licensing restrictions.
3. Community and Feedback: Envato has a strong community of creators worldwide, providing feedback and testimonials about the platform. This community-driven approach ensures continuous improvement and relevance.

Why Envato Elements might be preferred: For professionals or individuals looking for a vast array of specific creative assets, Envato Elements is the go-to. Its extensive library, combined with a simple licensing model, makes it a preferred choice for those who need assets for various projects. The idea here is to have everything set up in such a way that users can make the majority of their creative decisions at this phase, just like selecting the right asset for a project.

Comparison in terms of ease of use: Canva is designed with ease of use in mind, especially for those without a design background. Its drag-and-drop interface, combined with a plethora of templates, makes the design process smooth. On the other hand, Envato Elements is more about providing assets rather than a design experience. While it's easy to navigate and download assets, it doesn't offer the same design interface as Canva. In essence, Canva is about creating, while Envato is about acquiring.

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Key Difference 2 - Template/Asset Library

Canva

Canva offers a vast array of templates designed for various purposes. Here's a snapshot of what they offer:

• General Documents: Docs, Whiteboards, Logos, Videos, Zoom Virtual Backgrounds, Infographics.
• Social Media: Instagram Stories, Instagram Posts, Facebook Posts, Facebook Stories, Memes, Podcast, Facebook Covers, Twitter, WhatsApp Statuses.
• Printables: Business Cards, T-Shirts, Resumes, Brochures, Postcards, Labels, Announcements, Gift Certificates, Tags, Tickets, Bookmarks, Coupons, Rack Cards, Planners, Letters, Lesson Plans, Stickers, Mugs.
• Designs: Desktop Wallpapers, Book Covers, Letterheads, Album Covers, Magazine Covers, ID Cards, Newsletters, Calendars, Photo Collages, Storyboards, Programs.
• Business Essentials: Reports, Proposals, Media Kits, Worksheets, Invoices, Recipe Cards, Report Cards, Web Banners, Web Ads, Websites, Checklists, Memos, Table Of Contents.

The idea behind Canva's template library is to provide users with a starting point for their designs. With Canva's drag and drop feature, users can customize these templates for any occasion in just a few clicks.

Envato

Envato Elements, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive collection of creative assets. Here's an overview:

• Video: Video templates (96,000+).
• Graphics: Graphic templates (270,000+), Presentation templates (110,000+), Photos (9.4M+), Graphics (44,000+), 3D assets.
• Music & Sound: Royalty-Free Music (140,000+), Sound Effects.
• Web & CMS: Web Templates, CMS Templates, WordPress.
• Fonts & Add-ons: Fonts, Add-ons.

Envato Elements is more about providing assets rather than templates to start from. These assets can be incorporated into various projects, be it web design, video production, or graphic design.

Comparison:

1. Variety: Canva focuses on templates that users can directly edit and customize, making it suitable for those who want a ready-to-use design. Envato Elements, on the other hand, offers assets that professionals can incorporate into their projects, giving them more flexibility but also requiring more design know-how.
2. Ease of Use: Canva's templates are designed for direct editing, making it user-friendly for those without a design background. Envato's assets might require external tools or software for customization.
3. Volume: While Canva offers a vast number of templates for various needs, Envato Elements boasts a significant volume of assets, especially in categories like graphic templates and photos.

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Key Difference 3 - Compatibility With Third Party Programs

Canva offers it's own web application for editing photos and videos. That's it. Envato on the other hand, has templates for all mainstream design softwares like After Effects. Placeit is similar to Canva in terms of how it let's you design mockups.

Why is Envato Elements the most preferred choice for this use case?

‍Envato Elements stands out due to its vast library of assets and its unlimited download feature. This makes it a go-to choice for creators who require a wide range of resources for their projects. The platform offers everything from stock videos and music to graphic templates and fonts, making it versatile for various creative needs.

How does Canva compare in terms of customizability?

‍Canva is primarily a design tool, whereas Envato Elements is more of a resource library. Canva's strength lies in its user-friendly interface, which allows even non-designers to create professional-looking designs. It offers a high degree of customizability with its drag-and-drop feature, templates, and design elements. On the other hand, Envato Elements provides assets that can be incorporated into other design tools or platforms, offering flexibility in terms of how they are used but not necessarily a built-in design interface like Canva.

Pricing Comparison

Envato is much cheaper, but bear in mind that you also need to pay for Adobe Software if you choose Envato.

Envato Elements

Now, it's essential to note that Envato Elements operates on a subscription model, granting you unlimited downloads of a vast array of assets. This means you can download as many items as you want without any restrictions. However, the licensing is project-specific. Each time you download an item for a project, you get an ongoing license for a single, specified use. If you decide to use the same item for another project, you'd need to register it again for that new project (this ensures that each project has its own valid license).

Individual Plan‍

Priced at $16.50/month, this plan offers:

1. Unlimited downloads of millions of creative assets.
2. Simple commercial licensing.
3. The flexibility to cancel anytime.

Students‍

There's a special discount for students, offering them all the benefits of an Envato Elements subscription at 30% off.

Teams

The pricing is structured based on the number of team members. For instance, if you have 2 to 6+ members, the cost is $10.75 per member.

1. Teams can save up to 34%.
2. Features include everything in the Individual plan, with the added benefit of a central location for all downloads.

Enterprise‍

This is tailored for organizations, agencies, and teams of six or more. It includes:

1. Everything in the Teams plan.
2. Custom licensing.
3. Tailored indemnification.
4. Dedicated account management.

Market

Envato Market operates differently from Elements. Instead of a subscription model, you pay for each asset individually. The prices vary depending on the type and quality of the asset.

Comparison:

1. Flexibility: Envato Elements offers a more flexible approach with its subscription model, allowing unlimited downloads. In contrast, with Envato Market, you pay per item.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: If you intend to purchase a plethora of different types of assets in the future, Envato Elements might be more cost-effective due to its unlimited download feature. On the other hand, if you're looking for a few specific high-quality assets, Envato Market might be the way to go.
3. Content Availability: Not all items available on Envato Market are on Envato Elements and vice versa. So, if you're looking for specific items, it's crucial to check their availability on the respective platform.

For someone looking to acquire a wide variety of assets regularly, Envato Elements, with its subscription model, seems to be the more affordable option. It provides the flexibility to experiment and iterate without worrying about individual asset costs. However, always ensure the assets you need are available on the platform you choose.

Canva

Canva Free

• Cost: Absolutely nothing.
• What I get: Over 250,000 free templates, 100 design formats, and a whopping 1 million free photos and graphics. It even includes tools like Magic Write and Magic Design. However, there's a 5GB cap on data storage, which sometimes limits my design storage.

Canva Pro

• Cost: $14.99 per month or a discounted $119.99 annually.
• What's in it for me: This is where things get interesting. I get 1TB of cloud storage (that's a lot!), 60,000 templates, and up to 100 Brand Kits (super useful for maintaining brand consistency). There's also the Magic Switch tool, which lets me resize designs effortlessly. Plus, with Pro, I have access to a vast library of graphics, fonts, videos, and more. And yes, the 24/7 customer support is a lifesaver.

Canva for Teams

• Cost: $29.99 per month or $300 annually for the first five users.
• The perks: Everything in Pro, with added features tailored for team collaboration. This includes 3,000 Brand Kits and tools like one-click background removal.

Canva for Enterprise

• Cost: Customized based on the organization's needs.
• The lowdown: It's designed for large-scale operations, offering real-time team collaboration and enterprise-level security features.

Now, when I compare this to Envato Elements:

Here's the thing: If I'm looking to make the majority of my creative decisions and want unlimited access to a plethora of assets, Envato Elements, with its subscription model, feels more affordable in the long run. Especially when I consider the unlimited downloads feature. It's like having all the options I'd want at the very end, making it super easy to iterate and customize. On the other hand, Canva offers a more structured pricing model with specific features tailored to individual, team, or enterprise needs.

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Licensing Comparison

Envato

Now, switching gears to Envato - it's a different beast altogether. They've got this monthly licensing system, and the options vary based on what you're looking for. When I was scaling up, I found their bulk license offer pretty handy. It came at a sweet discount, which is always a win in my book. But remember, these licenses come with strings attached - they're limited and non-transferable. So, you get to use the platform, but it's not like you own it.

One thing I genuinely appreciate about Envato is the sheer volume of premium resources they offer. We're talking about a library that boasts over 1,200 top-notch assets. And managing them? A breeze. Everything falls under a single, streamlined license, making life so much easier.

Canva

The platform is open for both personal and commercial endeavors without any cost. But, if you're like me and sometimes need that extra flair, there's a premium collection you can tap into. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill designs; they're top-tier templates that can elevate your work. Now, here's the catch: each license is tailored for individual use. So, if you're a solo designer or running a quaint, single-location business, you're good to go. But for larger teams, you might need to consider multiple licenses. (It's a way to ensure that everyone gets their own personalized space and tools.)

Lastly, a heads-up on the auto-renewal system. Both Canva and Envato have this feature where your membership gets renewed at the end of each term. It's super convenient, but if you're ever thinking of taking a break, remember to hit that cancel button.

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Canva Vs Envato Elements - Which One Should You Choose?

If you were to ask me, I currently use Envato Elements. I actually used to use Canva a lot back in highschool for graphic projects. I also used Canva a bit for YouTube thumbnails. Just remember that the quality of an online photo editor does not compare to that of the resources which can be found on Envato Elements.

Choose Envato Elements If...

You're a professional looking to have a vast library of assets at your fingertips. Whether you're a graphic designer, videographer, or content creator, Envato Elements offers unlimited downloads of high-quality assets, from templates to music tracks. The idea here is to have everything set up in such a way that you can make the majority of your creative decisions without any constraints. It's perfect for those who want to tweak things in a number of different ways, ensuring that you have all the options you'd want at the very end. It's the go-to for many professionals who need a consistent flow of top-tier assets for their projects.

Choose Envato Placeit If...

You're after quick mockups and real-time design templates. Placeit is ideal for those who want to see their designs come to life in real-world scenarios, like on t-shirts, mugs, or mobile screens. If you're launching a brand or product and need promotional visuals in a jiffy, Placeit is your best bet. It's all about getting that exact feeling you were going for, without the heavy lifting of creating mockups from scratch.

Choose Envato Market If...

You're a professional or business seeking specific high-quality assets for individual purchase. Envato Market is a marketplace where each asset is priced individually, allowing for a curated selection. It's perfect for those times when you need that one perfect template, theme, or sound effect. Think of it as a specialized store where you can find unique items tailored to specific needs, ensuring that your projects stand out.

Choose Canva If...

You're someone who needs a user-friendly platform for quick designs, be it for personal use or small-scale projects. Canva is great for those who might not have a design background but still want to create visually appealing content. While it might not be the first choice for many professionals who require advanced features and assets, it's definitely a favorite among beginners and those looking for simplicity and ease of use.