Microsoft Designer vs VistaCreate
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Microsoft Designer starts at See pricing page and VistaCreate starts at $13/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Prompt to design
- Generative erase
- Background replace
- Restyle image
- Sticker creator
- Animated templates
- Background remover
- AI image generator
- Brand kit
- Print ordering
| Feature | Microsoft Designer | VistaCreate |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft's AI app for social posts, invites and graphics | Template-based design tool from Vista for small businesses |
| Category | Design | Design |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $13/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | Vista |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Microsoft Designer starts at See pricing page and VistaCreate starts at $13/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Starter
Free
- Free templates and design tools
- Limited content library
Pro
$13/mo
- Full premium content library
- Background remover
- Brand kits and unlimited storage
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
Microsoft Designer
- Free with a Microsoft account
- Very simple prompt-first workflow
- Built into Microsoft 365 apps
- Limited layout control
- Fewer templates than dedicated suites
- Credit limits on free use
VistaCreate
- Lots of animated templates
- Direct link to VistaPrint
- Generous free plan
- AI features are basic
- Less known, smaller community
Which one should you choose?
Choose Microsoft Designer if you want:
- Free with a Microsoft account
- Very simple prompt-first workflow
- Built into Microsoft 365 apps
Watch out: limited layout control.
Choose VistaCreate if you want:
- Lots of animated templates
- Direct link to VistaPrint
- Generous free plan
Watch out: ai features are basic.
Microsoft Designer vs VistaCreate FAQ
What is the difference between Microsoft Designer and VistaCreate?
Microsoft Designer: Microsoft's AI app for social posts, invites and graphics. VistaCreate: Template-based design tool from Vista for small businesses. Both are design tools.
Is Microsoft Designer or VistaCreate cheaper?
Microsoft Designer starts at See pricing page and VistaCreate starts at $13/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Microsoft Designer and VistaCreate have free plans?
Microsoft Designer: Yes. VistaCreate: Yes.
Who makes Microsoft Designer?
Microsoft Designer is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes VistaCreate?
VistaCreate is made by Vista.
Which should I choose, Microsoft Designer or VistaCreate?
Choose Microsoft Designer if you value free with a microsoft account and very simple prompt-first workflow. Choose VistaCreate if you value lots of animated templates and direct link to vistaprint.