Canva vs PaletteMaker
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. PaletteMaker is completely free, while Canva is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Magic Studio AI tools
- Brand Kit
- Magic Resize
- Background remover
- Content planner
- Print ordering
- AI palette generation
- Live previews on real designs
- Filter by tone and colour count
- Export to Procreate, ASE, image or code
| Feature | Canva | PaletteMaker |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Online design suite with templates and built-in AI tools | Free AI colour palette generator with live design previews |
| Category | Design | Design |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $15/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Canva | PaletteMaker |
| Based in | Australia | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
PaletteMaker is completely free, while Canva is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Free
Free
- 1.6M+ templates
- 1 Brand Kit (3 colors)
- 5GB cloud storage
- Limited AI uses
Pro
$180/yr
- For one person
- Premium templates and content
- Background remover and resize
- 100GB storage, 10x more AI
Business
$250/yr per person
- Per person
- Collaboration and team admin
- Premium templates and content
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Advanced brand controls
- SSO and security
- Dedicated support
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Canva
- Huge template and stock library
- Very easy for non-designers
- Works on web, desktop and mobile
- Limited precision for professional print work
- Many AI tools need a paid plan
PaletteMaker
- Completely free according to the site
- Previews show colour in real layouts
- Exports to common design formats
- Palette generation only
- Few controls beyond tone and colour count
Which one should you choose?
Choose Canva if you want:
- Huge template and stock library
- Very easy for non-designers
- Works on web, desktop and mobile
Watch out: limited precision for professional print work.
Choose PaletteMaker if you want:
- Completely free according to the site
- Previews show colour in real layouts
- Exports to common design formats
Watch out: palette generation only.
Canva vs PaletteMaker FAQ
What is the difference between Canva and PaletteMaker?
Canva: Online design suite with templates and built-in AI tools. PaletteMaker: Free AI colour palette generator with live design previews. Both are design tools.
Is Canva or PaletteMaker cheaper?
PaletteMaker is completely free, while Canva is freemium.
Do Canva and PaletteMaker have free plans?
Canva: Yes. PaletteMaker: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Canva?
Canva is made by Canva, based in Australia.
Who makes PaletteMaker?
PaletteMaker is made by PaletteMaker.
Which should I choose, Canva or PaletteMaker?
Choose Canva if you value huge template and stock library and very easy for non-designers. Choose PaletteMaker if you value completely free according to the site and previews show colour in real layouts.