If you’ve been looking for easy or free design tools, you’ve probably come across Adobe Express. It’s a highly rated, easy-to-use graphic design program with a comprehensive set of features, even in the free version. But it’s not the only contender worth considering.
If you’re like me and not interested in getting locked into the Adobe ecosystem, and if Canva doesn’t quite do it for you, let me introduce you to Picsart. It tends to fly under the radar among free online design tools because it is a mobile-first app, but the browser version packs an impressive range of tools that can rival and surpass what Express offers. Here’s why I stopped using Adobe Express and switched to Picsart instead…
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4
No mandatory account
Adobe Express requires your Adobe ID, while Picsart can be used without an account
When you visit the Picsart editor page and upload a file or open the editor, you’ll be prompted to sign in or create an account. But it’s not mandatory — you can jump into editing right away. I consider browser-based tools the epitome of accessible design, and not being forced to go through a sign-up process (or give your information away) takes it a step further.
Adobe Express, on the other hand, blocks editing entirely until you sign in with your Adobe ID. If you’re not already in the ecosystem, you’ll have to go through the whole sign-up and verification process. I have an ID, but I don’t appreciate having to sign in every time I want to access the platform using different devices or browsers. This alone was enough to make me look for a different design tool.
You will need to create an account to subscribe to Picsart Plus, but that’s not necessary; the free version has you covered.
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3
A better layering system
Working with layers in Picsart is more intuitive
As you upload content or add design assets to your project in Picsart, it will, like most design tools, create new layers in real-time in the side panel. What I like most is how intuitive it is to work with them — just right-click on a layer to see all the options, which include duplicating, hiding, locking, deleting, or flipping.
Adobe doesn’t do it quite the same. You can access your layers on the side panel, but right-clicking brings up nothing. Instead, you have to select a layer and locate its More button (three little dots) to see the layer options, the same way Canva does it. This just puts a hitch in my workflow. I do, however, like Express, which gives you an option to leave comments on a layer, but that’s not enough to make me like the layering system.
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2
A better selection of assets
Nothing beats Picsart’s sticker selection
Adobe Express does have a decent selection of elements that are neatly categorized into different sections. They’re professionally designed, which is both a strength and a limitation. Since Adobe curates this library, it’s more polished, but it also means you’ve got a smaller, more static collection to choose from (and the best ones are premium-only). If the pay-walled elements and features are something you value, an Express subscription might be worth it.
In contrast, Picsart’s Sticker library (the equivalent to Adobe’s Elements) is massive, reportedly adding thousands of new stickersdaily. The library is sustained by the active user community that contributes the stickers. This crowdsourced approach means you can find pretty much anything you’re looking for.
Picsart does have an in-house team that creates design elements, and they’re very high-quality, but they’re typically premium-only. You’ll be able to get by with the free selection, though; it’s one of the most vast asset libraries I’ve ever seen.
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1
Smoother drag-and-drop
Picsart has a better drag-and-drop workflow
In Picsart, you can drag images and elements straight from your computer into the editing window. It will simply create a new layer while conserving the rest of your design. The same happens for your media library (Uploads) — just drag your files straight onto the canvas to add them to your current project.
Adobe Express handles drag-and-drop differently. When you drag a file from your computer onto your canvas, it overrides your current project and creates a new one with just that file as a single layer. You can drag your uploaded files from the in-app library onto your project without overriding anything, but this means you have to upload every single image or design element before using it.
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Sorry, Adobe, but Picsart takes the top spot for accessible design
I’ll give Adobe Express some credit for offering a polished design experience. It feels clean and professional, but it is too limited for my liking. Picsart, on the other hand, delivers more for free. Its ever-growing library and community-driven content keep things fresh and abundant, and its functionality is simply more user-friendly. Plus, there’s no need to get tangled in any ecosystem traps; just load the online app and start creating.
