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Reading time: 8 min 45 sec

Updated: July 30 2023

Janusz Mirowski

16 January 2023

Canva Website Builder Review

Traditionally, webmasters were in charge of designing websites, and building a website was quite challenging. You needed special skills and a little luck to prevent things from going awry. However, technology has gradually evolved over the years, making it possible for visual designers and non-technical individuals to develop websites using platforms like Canva and WebWave.

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What is Canva?

Canva is a popular tool that allows you to prepare a variety of graphics. You don't need advanced graphic design skills to create graphics using this platform. Canva allows you to use ready-made templates that can be edited. In fact, Canva's rich template library is one of its strongest assets. Templates, combined with premade elements and a user-friendly interface make Canva a perfect tool for non-professional designers.

Recently, the Canva team introduced web design features. From now on, you can use Canva to create a simple website. You can publish your site under a free domain, buy a domain via their platform or connect to a domain name you already own.

canva website builder

How to create a website with Canva?

The easiest way to create a website in Canva is by editing a template. To find a website template in the bunch search for "website" on the Canva homepage. You can narrow your search by adding specific qualifiers to find more relevant templates. Templates with crown icons are for Canva Pro users only, while those without are free for all users. Once you find a template you like, click on it to open it in a new tab and customize every element to make it unique. Unfortunately, with Canva, you can only create one-page websites. This, as well as the helpful UX onboarding, makes the design experience super easy and mistake-proof yet very limited.

You can only make a simple navigation bar with limited customization options. If you want to add a proper blog or online store, you will need to use an external solution.

You can also watch our video where we explain how to make a website in Canva step-by-step.

Is Canva websties good for web design?

Even though Canva is primarily a graphic design tool, it can be also used in web design. Most of its graphic design features are also available for web design projects. You get access to a wide range of templates that you can customize to create unique designs. It also provides a variety of design elements, such as images, icons, and fonts. Canva Pro users can access more advanced features like uploading their own fonts and adding animation to single elements or a whole page. In their recent update, they also added a chance to draw custom animations. You can also benefit from a Brand Hub feature, where you can add your brand colors, fonts, and text styles to make sure that you can make your site feel more like you in no time.

It all sounds great, but let's not forget that Canva is primarily a graphic design tool and does not have all the features and capabilities of dedicated web design software. Being limited to creating only one-pagers is a first disadvantage. Some may also find that Canva is lacking in the flexibility and design control needed to finish more complex projects.

So, Canva is suitable for web design to an extent, it can be used to create simple and attractive web designs, but there may be better options for web design projects that are more than a landing page.

canva website builder

Is Canva website builder free?

Creating a site in Canva is free. However, you can only publish it under the domain your-username.canva.site. Having a unique domain or linking a new site to an existing domain are features that are available when you upgrade to the Canva Pro version.

What we like and don't like about Canva

Advantages:

Customizable templates
A large selection of templates (several hundred) and graphics (several thousand)
Good UX / UI
Possibility of working on a project with several people at the same time
Brand Kit (possibility to save and use logos and company colors)

Disadvantages:

You can build only one-page websites
Lack of responsiveness and optimization
The categorization of templates is poor
It's not possible to quickly determine which features are free and which are paid
No White Label offering
No e-commerce
No mail

Try for free ->

WebWave AI Writer

Generate your website copy with just one click.

Try for free ->

WebWave AI Writer

Generate your website copy with just one click.

Try for free ->

Why WebWave can be a Canva website builder alternative?

If you've tried Canva website design and want more, you should try WebWavwe. WebWave is a drag and drop website builder that was made for creating websites as if you're designing graphics.

WebWave offers greater control over website design as well as some other excellent features like:

A shopping cart solution
An integrated e-mail service

With WebWave you can create your business website as easily as in Canva but without the need to sacrifice any functionalities.

WebWave is like a graphic design tool for creating websites

WebWave is the only true drag and drop website builder. This means working with WebWave is similar to working with graphic design software. You can move elements around freely and place them anywhere on the page canvas. Unlike other site builders, you don't need to position your site elements according to the "invisible table cells" layout. With WebWave, without knowing HTML, you can design different types of websites, for yourself and your clients. WebWave is a great solution.

Graphic designers will find WebWave's overall editor interface and layers panel similar to the tools they use daily. People use WebWave like a graphic design tool! So if you're familiar with Photoshop, Figma, Illustrator, or Canva, WebWave will seem like home!

Everything under one roof

WebWave is a graphical editor and advanced page builder rolled into one. WebWave was inspired by graphic design tools, but it wasn't just about the interface. You'll also find similar features and functions that you're used to using in other graphics-based software. You don't need to go to Canva, Figma, or Photoshop anymore to design a page layout and then transfer it to the page builder. Create a website for free with WebWave!

In WebWave, you will find everything you need to design a page layout: guides, shapes, layers, fonts, and symbols. You will be able to create graphics and modify them on the fly. Easily edit and crop your image, change its size, border, transparency, gradient, blur, brightness, contrast, saturation, and more. The website will look great! You will also be able to take advantage of the snap effects, parallax, or Ken Burns.

In summary, WebWave has all the features and functions you need to create a unique website.

FAQ.

What is Canva Website Builder?

Canva Website Builder is an online platform that allows you to design and build websites without the need for coding or web design skills.

How does Canva Website Builder work?

Canva Website Builder works by providing you with a range of templates, design elements, and customization options to create your website. You can choose a template, customize it with your own content and branding, and then publish it online.

Can I use Canva Website Builder for free?

Canva offers a free plan that allows you to create and publish your website at no cost. However, there are some premium features and templates that are only available with a Canva Pro subscription.

Can I use Canva Website Builder for ecommerce?

While Canva Website Builder is primarily designed for creating static websites, you can integrate third-party ecommerce platforms with your Canva website to enable online selling.

Can I collaborate with others on building a website with Canva?

Canva allows you to invite others to collaborate on your website project. You can share access and work together in real time to design and build your website.

Can I resize my website design in Canva?

Yes, Canva provides options to resize your website design to different dimensions to fit different devices or screen sizes.

Can I use Canva for free without creating a website?

Yes, you can use Canva for free to create designs for various purposes such as social media posts, brochures, and more. Building a website is just one of the many features that Canva offers.

What are the pros and cons of using Canva Website Builder?

The pros of using Canva Website Builder include its ease of use, wide range of templates and design options, and the ability to use it for free. Some cons include limited customization options compared to dedicated website builders like Squarespace and the lack of advanced SEO features.

Can I create a one-page website with Canva?

Yes, Canva allows you to create one-page websites with ease. You can customize the content and design of your one-page website using the available templates and design elements.

Can non-profits use Canva Website Builder?

Yes, non-profits can use Canva Website Builder to create and publish their websites. Canva offers special benefits and discounts for non-profit organizations.

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