Microsoft brings its AI-powered, Canva-like Designer app to iOS and Android
It is threatening to push Canva off the cliff.
Microsoft’s latest app, Designer, a potential Canva-killer, is now available on iOS and Android, after sitting on the web in preview for nearly a year.
Designer is part of Microsoft’s broader push to embed AI into its ecosystem. It's already integrated with apps like Word and PowerPoint through Copilot, allowing users to create images and designs directly within their documents.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
The mobile app introduction allows you to create and edit designs on the go, syncing across devices. The app lets you use templates to create custom images, stickers, greeting cards, invitations, and more, with a few taps on your phone.
The suite of AI-powered tools makes it outstanding. You can upload a selfie and use AI to restyle it or use the upcoming replace background feature to remove objects or people from the background.
The app is available in over 80 languages and includes prompt templates to help kickstart your creativity. These templates are pre-populated with styles and descriptions that you can customize. You can also share templates with friends to collaborate and build on each other’s ideas.
Looking forward, Designer will expand its features, like deeper integration with Microsoft Photos on Windows 11, where users can edit photos without leaving the app.
Despite entering a crowded market dominated by Canva and Adobe, Microsoft's extensive ecosystem and focus on AI might give Designer an edge, especially for users already in the Microsoft environment.
With its AI features, Canva may not stand a chance.
Image credit: Microsoft
