How To Develop a SaaS Platform Like Canva: Cost and Development Steps

Canva empowers users of all skill levels to create high-quality visuals, saving them time, money, and frustration. Limited design expertise, time constraints, expensive design tools, team collaboration problems, inadequate design options on mobile, etc.

A leading and widely-used SaaS design platform like Canva has become handy for users to address the challenges (mentioned above).

By 2025, around 85% of business applications that companies use will be SaaS-based. This means most of the business apps will be cloud-based in the coming era.

We can witness an approaching surge in this sector and watch enthusiasts creating a SaaS platform like Canva.

In the United States, Canva is the most sought-after, receiving about 22.14% of its traffic and approximately 142.8 million monthly visits across varied devices.

But how to build a SaaS platform like Canva?

This post will discuss the development process, canva-like SaaS platform development cost, reasons to invest, benefits, features, latest tools and technologies, monetization strategies, etc.

What is Canva Platform and How Does It Work?

Canva is a cloud-based platform that you can easily run through a web browser, leveraging its efficient tools for crafting various visual content, like flyers, posters, presentations, Infographics, marketing materials, social media posts, logos, and more.

Simply put, Canva is a graphic design platform that demands no extensive experience to create visuals easily.

How Does Canva Work?

Let’s now talk about working on the Canva platform.

Canva arrives with an easy-to-use interface that meets users’ graphic design needs with drag-and-drop functionality.

Canva workflow goes like this:

Choose a Template: You will get numerous pre-designed templates on Canva to meet your varied design requirements, or start with a blank sheet.

Edit and Customize: Canva offers various design elements you can choose for your project, including images, text, icons, illustrations, and icons. Also, you can customize colors, fonts, and layouts per your project to go with your style or brand.

Graphics and Stock Photos: This SaaS designing platform comes up with free and paid illustrations, stock photos, and other graphic elements that can improve your designs.

Collaboration: Canva permits varied users to work on a design project simultaneously, which makes it an ideal choice for teams.

Download and Share: Upon completion of your project per your needs and expectations, you can download it in any format you want, like as an image, video file, or PDF, and get its print, share it on social media, or include it in your presentations.

Being a robust tool, Canva helps businesses and individuals craft top-quality visuals without strong design knowledge. You can learn using it with time and by practicing daily.

Why Invest In SaaS Platform Development Like Canva?

Varied factors are responsible for claiming that one should invest in SaaS platform development like Canva. Let’s talk about some major reasons below:

1. Expanding Market

Looking at the growing market, we can witness the emerging demand for high-quality visual content for marketing, social media, and captivating presentations that engage customers.

Besides, as Canva helps even non-designers access user-friendly designing tools to create their visuals, this factor is an add-on.

2. Subscription-Based Revenue Model

The SaaS model lets users unlock a recurring and predictable revenue stream by offering premium content or feature subscription plans.

Furthermore, SaaS platforms are scalable inherently so that you can serve a huge customer base without paying any marginal cost.

3. Network Effects and Growth

With the growing user base, Canva has become more useful because of a wide range of content and templates that hold the caliber to meet dynamic graphic designing requirements.

You can also offer a freemium model that magnetizes an extensive user base, and you can expect a percentage of it to convert into paying subscribers for advanced content and features.

SaaS platform development like Canva can help you give a wider way to revenue streams, fulfilling the surfacing demand for aesthetic visual content, aiming user requirements, and finally attaining significant success.

You should stay focused on crafting a beneficial user experience, and a sustainable subscription model can help your platform thrive in this competitive market.

Benefits Of SaaS Platform Development Like Canva

Whether you are a user or a business person, online design platform development like Canva can let you reap its numerous benefits.

In this section, we will talk about the benefits of SaaS platform development, like Canva, separately for users and merchants.

Benefits For Users

1. Easy-to-use Interface: No need to understand the usage of technical jargon or complex menus; Canva allows even non-techies to create visual content using its intuitive tools and drag-and-drop functionality that helps create designs like a cakewalk.

2. Access To Professional Design Tools: Canva clutches a rich source of design elements for users, like layouts, graphics, and fonts. You become powerful by choosing Canva to craft professionally-look visuals with no need to pay for any expensive designing tool or software.

3. No Need For Software Installation: You can access Canva directly from any web browser without entertaining lengthy installations and bulky downloads. Also, you don’t have to carry the load of software management.

4. Cost-Effective Solution: Arriving with a freemium model, Canva makes it affordable for businesses and individuals to maximize a broad range of features for free and to try advanced options; they can try premium plans.

5. Collaboration And Sharing Features: Canva allows multiple users to work collaboratively on a single project, streamlining creative processes. Users can share their designs with a breeze, allowing easy collaboration and feedback gathering.

6. Access From Any Device: Leveraging the Canva mobile app, users can design their projects seamlessly. Whether they have a smartphone, tablet, or computer, they can craft and edit visuals with an internet connection from anywhere.

Benefits For Business:

1. Scalability and Flexibility: As we discussed, SaaS platforms like Canva are scalable. This lets businesses to easily ass more users with no extra charges. Thus, they can adapt to constant growth and tailoring design needs.

2. Cost Savings on Design Software: Merchants don’t need to buy expensive design software licenses as SaaS platforms usually offer cost-effective subscription plans, especially for small merchants or those who have occasional design requirements.

3. Streamlined Productivity and Workflow: Development of SaaS platforms like Canva to automate repetitive design jobs and offer pre-designed templates. This frees merchants’ valuable time for employees to aim at more strategic work, increasing overall productivity.

4. Improved Brand Consistency: Most SaaS platforms provide businesses with brand kit features that permit businesses to save brand fonts, colors, and logos. It helps the creation of a professional image that ensures consistent brand presentations across every design.

5. Access to Analytics and Insights: Some SaaS platforms also offer analytics on design usage and performance. Merchants can use this data to learn about user preferences and optimize design strategies.

These are the benefits that you may get from developing an online graphic design platform. You can connect with an app development company to build such a platform and reap its advantages.

8 Canva Alternatives And Competitors In 2025

Before you choose to go with an online design platform development like Canva, you should know your competitors and Canva alternatives that are thriving in the market.

Let’s check them out:

1. Adobe Photoshop

Known as a standard option for professional image editing, Adobe Photoshop comes with exceptional creative options with a steeper learning curve and subscription fees. It arrives with a variety of tools for enthusiasts and professionals to improve, create, and retouch images with clarity. From basic modifications to complex digital art, Photoshop remains a popular pick for many creatives.

Do you want to build a platform like Adobe Photoshop that helps craft professional visuals? You can hire skilled developers with proven expertise to accomplish such projects.

2. Prezi

With a unique and zooming interface, Prezi, A cloud-based presentation software, permits users to craft engaging and dynamic presentations. However, it may take more time to use Prezi perfectly compared to other slide-based tools.

You can also develop a platform like Prezi that focuses on creating intuitive presentations. Go ahead and be the competitor and attract varied revenue streams.

3. Adobe Express

A simpler version of Photoshop, Adobe Express is geared towards social media graphics. It provides social media integration options and basic design tools, but more features may need to be incorporated to complete complex projects.

Build a platform like Adobe Express to empower social media managers to craft professional content efficiently. Consider tools beyond social media creation tools to stay ahead of the curve.

4. Visme

One more user-friendly platform, Visme, aims at storytelling and data visualization. Also, it provides a wide range of features for crafting presentations, infographics, and other visual content.

Considering building a platform prioritizing easy usage and data visualization? Prefer developing an app like Visme that shows clear communication through design.

5. PicMonkey

Another Canva alternative, PicMonkey, provides easy-to-use photo editing tools with standard design functionalities. For social media graphics and quick edits, PicMonkey is the best designing tool. Small businesses and casual users can go for it.

Want to develop a user-friendly design platform with robust photo editing objectives? Shift the gears to the PicMonkey strategy.

6. Pixlr X

It's a free web-based designing tool that caters to basic to moderate design requirements. Pixlr is an amazing option for budget-conscious users and freelancers.

Pixlr structures an ad-supported model that attracts numerous revenue streams. You can also build an app like Pixlr if you're attracted to its business model.

7. Fotor

Fotor comes up with a robust photo editor and design tools that are ideal for designers and photographers. Create aesthetic social media ads, graphics, and other marketing materials easily. Get deeper into the huge library of design elements and stock photos.

Look no further if you want to develop a platform that eases creators with photo editing and design in one spot.

8. Stencil

Perfect for creating social media graphics, Stencils is popular for its speed and easy-to-use traits. With its easily navigable interface and a wide library of pre-sized templates, you can swiftly craft captivating social media posts.

Build a platform, like Stencil, that can streamline social media content creation for bust businesses.

As mentioned above, Canva competitors can be considered while you develop an online graphic design platform.

Must-Have Features for the Development of a SaaS Platform like Canva

To make your SaaS platform like Canva useful, incorporate the basic and must-have features below.

Feature	Description
User-friendly interface	An intuitive and easy-to-use interface that any designer can utilize with any skill level.
Drag and drop functionality	Let the users seamlessly add, modify, and arrange design elements.
Image editing tools	Basic to advanced photo editing tools are available to enhance visuals.
Customizable templates	Various pre-designed templates are available for various purposes, permitting quick customization.
Collaboration and sharing options	Simple tools for multiple users to simultaneously work on designs and share them easily.
Cloud storage for designs	Secure design projects that can be accessible from any device.
Integration with social media platforms	Allow easy design publishing directly to social media channels.
Branding and design consistency tools	Useful features to maintain consistent brand identity across every design.
Access to stock images and graphics	A rich library of top-quality illustrations, stock photos, and icons for users to include in designs.
Mobile Optimization	A responsive web design and a powerful mobile app for crafting and editing designs on the go.
Analytics and reporting features	Insights into design performance and usage to track progress and optimize strategies.
Customer support and training resources	Prompt assistance and educational materials are available to help users maximize the platform.

When you start the development of a SaaS platform like Canva, you can opt to include these basic features initially; later, you can choose to include advanced ones with increasing revenue streams.

Advanced Features to Consider While Developing a Platform like Canva

The advanced features meet the high-level requirements of the designers to craft visual content more aesthetically.

Feature	Description
Artificial intelligence for design suggestions	Employ the power of AI to suggest layouts, image recommendations, and color schemes depending on user input.
Augmented reality integration	Lets the users virtually preview designs in real-world environments.
3D design capabilities	Facilitate creating and editing 3D models for product mockups or interactive experiences.
Advanced animation tools	Provide futuristic animation features for crafting dynamic and captivating visuals.
Personalization and dynamic content options	Consider user data to personalize design or integrate dynamic content modified based on specific criteria.
API and third-party integrations	Integrate with other design tools, business applications, and marketing platforms to streamline workflows.
White-labeling for branding customization	Permit businesses to customize the platform with their branding for a seamless user experience.
Virtual reality design environment	Craft an immersive design experience that eases user interaction with designs in a virtual reality space.
Machine learning for predictive design trends	Utilize machine learning to suggest design elements and styles depending on user preferences and current trends.
Blockchain technology for secure asset management	Use blockchain for secure design assets storage and management, ensuring ownership and authenticity.
Automated workflow and approval processes	Automate design workflows and approval processes for elevated efficiency and collaboration.
Advanced security features and compliance options	Implement powerful security measures and compliance features to fulfill industry standards and user data protection regulations.

These are the advanced features you can consider, including when you opt for online design platform development like Canva.

Step-by-Step Process to Build a SaaS Platform Like Canva

To build a SaaS platform like Canva, you should follow sequential steps and make your venture successful running in the market.

1. Research and identify the target market and audience

Initially, you must understand the target audience to whom you will focus your platform. Question yourself, are they social media managers, small businesses, or individual creators? Determining your target market will guide you on what features and functionalities you should incorporate and comprehensive planning.

2. Define the features and functionalities of the platform

In this step to build a SaaS platform like Canva, you will define the core features and functionalities you would like your platform to offer. This can include easy-to-use design tools, a huge library of templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and collaboration options. Remember to consider features depending on the latest market trends and your target audience.

3. Design the user interface and user experience (UI/UX)

An intuitive and user-friendly interface plays a crucial role in the development of a SaaS platform like Canva. This step aims at crafting an easily navigable and visually alluring platform that any designer can use with any proficiency.

4. Develop the backend infrastructure and database

The backbone of the platform is the backend. Here, you will create the chief infrastructure that can handle user data storage, design various functionalities, and manage projects. Ensure the database you prefer is scalable and secure for powerful performance.

5. Build the editing tools and templates

In this development stage, you will start building core design tools with which the users will interact. It comprises image editing tools, drag-and-drop functionality, and the development of a big library of customizable templates for varied design requirements.

6. Implement payment processing and subscription management

If you want to provide the freemium model or paid subscriptions, you should build a system that can manage user subscriptions effectively and seamlessly integrate secure payment processing systems.

7. Test the platform for usability, performance, and security

Before you launch your platform, perform rigorous testing that includes a flawless user experience, deep security testing to confirm user data safety, and performance testing to recognize and resolve any issues or obstructions.

8. Launch the platform and continue to iterate based on user feedback

After performing deep testing, your platform is ready to launch. Gather user feedback regularly and update it depending on their suggestions and needs. So forth, your platform will stay competitive and aligned with the dynamic software landscape.

Following these steps, you can build a SaaS platform like Canva that can meet target audience needs and be a leading design tool for a wider user base.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a SaaS Platform like Canva

The development cost of a SaaS platform like Canva ranges between $35,000 to $350,000 depending on various factors affecting the cost.

Connect with a SaaS development company and tell them your project needs to know the exact cost to build a SaaS platform.

Factors affecting the development cost:

1. Feature set: The features and functionalities you include in your platform decide the timeframe required. Also, the essential features cost less compared to advanced ones. Thus, your development cost may be impacted.

2. Technology stack: The type of programming languages, databases, and frameworks you pick for development hit the costs. Latest and widely chosen open-source technologies can be cost-effective, while picking enterprise-grade solutions may demand expensive licensing fees.

3. Design and user experience: Crafting a visually engaging and user-friendly interface needs UX specialists and skilled designers. The customization level and design complexity will also affect the overall pricing.

4. Scalability requirements: The platform needs to perform well while handling a huge user base. Developing a scalable infrastructure from scratch requires more powerful technologies and careful planning, which impacts the cost.

5. Integration with third-party services: Integrating with marketing platforms, payment gateways, or other design tools entails extra development work and licensing fees for 3rd-party APIs.

6. Development team location: Your development team’s location significantly impacts the development cost. Hiring developers from regions that charge lower labor costs can be reasonable.

The list of factors impacting development costs is endless.

Stitch in time, save nine! Consider these parameters before you finalize your budget for a SaaS platform development like Canva to save you from later budget-out situations.

Latest Tools And Technology Stack Required For SaaS Platform Development Like Canva

The features and functionalities you decided to include in your SaaS platform can be crafted using the essential tools and tech stack.

We have created a table of best-fit technology stacks and tools you can use to build a platform like Canva.

Component	Tools
Frontend Development	React, Vue.js, Angular, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
Backend Development	Node.js, Ruby on Rails, Python (Django, Flask)
Database	PostgreSQL, Firebase, MongoDB
Cloud Storage	AWS, Azure, GCP
Image Editing Libraries	FFmpeg, Cloudinary
Collaboration Tools	Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch
User Authentication and Authorization	Dropbox Paper, Google Docs, Git
Payment Processing	PayPal, Stripe
Analytics and Reporting	Google Analytics, Mixpanel
Version Control System	TensorFlow, PyTorch
Project Management Tools	AWS WAF, Azure Security Center

Depending on its type, complexity, and requirements, you can pick tools and technologies from this table for your project.

What are the Monetization Strategies of a SaaS Platform Like Canva After Development?

The reason behind choosing to develop an online graphic design platform is to attract revenue streams. You should know monetization strategies you can opt for for your SaaS platform development like Canva.

1. Subscription-based pricing model

One of the widely chosen subscription-based monetization strategies will help you with recurring revenue per week, month, or annually, depending on your plan.

2. Offering premium features and templates for a fee

With your freemium plan, you can provide top-quality design templates and unique features at an amount. Thus, users will not take longer to choose this model to meet their specific needs while enjoying basic features for free.

3. Partnering with other platforms for integration and cross-promotion

You can connect with other relevant platforms, such as social media schedulers or stock photo providers. Thus, you can offer extra benefits to users and unlock a revenue stream via integrated paid services and referrals.

4. Providing enterprise-level solutions with customized pricing

Meeting design needs in a higher volume can also help monetize your platform. Provide enterprise plans with unique features, such as custom branding options, team collaboration, and dedicated account management, every need at a premium cost.

5. Implementing a referral program to attract new users

You can incentivize current users to gain popularity and engage new users. You can do this via rewards programs or referral discounts, a cost-effective way to acquire new users.

These are the suitable monetization models you can choose for your SaaS platform. You can start with a solo option or in a combination based on your project needs and target audience.

Why Consider PixelBrainy for Building an Online Design Platform like Canva?

When you hire a SaaS development company, you should check its experience and expertise in the respective domain and proven track record. Besides, ask for the reviews and ratings and check the real projects it has successfully completed and is thriving in the market.

In the crowd of numerous potential companies, you may find it challenging to pick one that can be best suited for your project. You should choose PixelBrainy, a leading SaaS development company with a team of certified developers who can help accomplish your project with expected outcomes.

PixelBrainy has proficiency in SaaS development and an engaging portfolio exhibiting successful completion of the design of the platform domain, which are compelling parameters for developing a Canva-like platform. When a deep understanding of the target audience's needs is fused with technical skills, it ensures the creation of a platform that fulfills and goes beyond user expectations.

Key Highlights to Choose PixelBrainy to Develop An Online Graphic Design Platform

• Proven Track Record of Delivering Top-Quality Product Designs
• Familiar with Applicable Tech Stack
• Deep Design Knowledge
• User-Centric Design Approach
• Best at Performance Optimization
• User-Centric Design Approach
• Competitive Pricing
• Domain Expertise
• Technical Proficiency
• Scalability and Performance
• Smooth Communication and Collaboration
• Captivating Client Testimonials and Reviews

By considering these points and conducting thorough research, you can determine if PixelBrainy is the right fit for building your online design platform like Canva.

Wrapping Up

Now you know how to develop an online graphic design platform, the expected cost, and the development steps. So, it may not be challenging to build one, but it demands a technical background, careful planning, a deep understanding of user requirements, and skilled development.

You can effortlessly build your business plan by hiring a SaaS development company with the required experience and proven track record.

The development of a SaaS platform like Canva is a soon-to-ending journey that demands a commitment and adaptability to innovation. Remember, the pathway to success is considering user feedback, continuous iteration, and a strict focus on delivering a unique user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to develop an online design platform like Canva?

An online design platform like Canva can take 20 to 24 weeks to develop, depending on the project’s complexity, features, functionalities you prefer, and more factors. You can contact a SaaS development company to get all the relevant details.

Can you develop a SaaS Platform similar to Canva?

Of course! PixelBrainy has a skilled team of developers with years of experience and expertise to build a SaaS platform similar to Canva.

Can you provide maintenance and support after the launch of a SaaS platform like Canva?

Yes, we don’t leave our clients after the development is over. We offer ongoing maintenance and support after we launch your SaaS platform to keep it updated and thriving in the market.