Free alternatives
Free alternatives to Canva
The best free, open-source alternatives to Canva are Krita AI Diffusion and rembg. Krita AI Diffusion and rembg run entirely on your own computer, with no subscription.
Canva is a paid service. The all-purpose design app, with AI image generation and editing built in. If you'd like to do the same kind of work without a subscription, these are the open-source tools to try first. Checked November 2026.
| Tool | What it does | Runs | Real cost | Score |
|---|
| Krita AI Diffusion | Adds AI generation, inpainting, and live painting to Krita, the free painting app. | On your computer | Free | 4.1 |
|---|
| rembg | Removes the background from photos in one step, from the command line or your own scripts. | On your computer | Free | 4.3 |
|---|
The top picks
Adds AI generation, inpainting, and live painting to Krita, the free painting app.
- Some setup
- Windows · Mac · Linux
- Code
- Open source, GPL-3.0
- Models
- Open weights
- Runs
- On your computer
- Real cost
- Free
Removes the background from photos in one step, from the command line or your own scripts.
- Some setup
- Windows · Mac · Linux
- Code
- Open source, MIT
- Models
- Open weights, included
- Runs
- On your computer
- Real cost
- Free
More free tools worth a look
Build image and video generation workflows by connecting blocks, with full control over every step.
- Some setup
- Windows · Mac · Linux
- Code
- Open source, GPL-3.0
- Models
- Open weights, your choice
- Runs
- On your computer
- Real cost
- Free
The classic browser interface for generating images with Stable Diffusion on your own computer.
- Some setup
- Windows · Mac · Linux
- Code
- Open source, AGPL-3.0
- Models
- Open weights, your choice
- Runs
- On your computer
- Real cost
- Free
A simple desktop app that enlarges and sharpens low-resolution images.
- Easy install
- Windows · Mac · Linux
- Code
- Open source, AGPL-3.0
- Models
- Open weights, included
- Runs
- On your computer
- Real cost
- Free
A polished creative studio for image generation, with a canvas, layers, and tools aimed at artists.
- Easy install
- Windows · Mac · Linux
- Code
- Open source, Apache-2.0
- Models
- Open weights, your choice
- Runs
- On your computer
- Real cost
- Free
Image generation with almost no settings: type a prompt and get a good picture.
- Easy install
- Windows · Mac · Linux
- Code
- Open source, GPL-3.0
- Models
- Open weights
- Runs
- On your computer
- Real cost
- Free
The restoration model behind many upscaling apps, for photos, artwork, and old video frames.
- For tinkerers
- Windows · Mac · Linux
- Code
- Open source, BSD-3-Clause
- Models
- Open weights
- Runs
- On your computer
- Real cost
- Free
Common questions
Is there a free version of Canva?
Canva's own free plan: yes. For unlimited free use, the open-source alternatives are Krita AI Diffusion and rembg.
Are the free alternatives to Canva as good?
It depends on the job. Canva is best for everyday design with AI help, and paid services are usually easier to start with. Open-source tools cost nothing and give you more control, but most need some setup and a capable computer.
What do I need to run them?
Each tool's page lists the memory and graphics card it needs. Enter your computer's specs once on our Can I Run It page and every tool shows whether it fits.
Want the paid service anyway? See our Canva page for price and free-plan details.
