Best Alternatives to Canva Brush in 2025

The collaborative interface design tool

Figma is the industry standard for collaborative interface design, offering powerful vector editing, prototyping, and a vast plugin ecosystem. Its AI features (like Figma AI) assist with design generation and editing, but Figma excels at precise, component-based design work that Canva Brush's automated approach may not match. Ideal for teams building complex design systems and interactive prototypes.

Photoshop remains the go-to for pixel-perfect image editing, compositing, and retouching. With Adobe's Firefly AI integrated, it offers generative fill and other AI-powered edits. While not a direct design-agent alternative, Photoshop provides unmatched control over raster graphics and is essential for professionals who need granular manipulation beyond automated layout changes.

For vector-based design, Illustrator is the professional's choice. Its AI features (like text-to-vector) help streamline workflows, and it offers precise control over paths, typography, and illustrations. If your work involves logos, icons, or scalable graphics, Illustrator provides the depth and flexibility that Canva Brush's automated editing may lack.

Sketch is a Mac-only design tool focused on UI/UX and digital product design. It offers a clean interface, symbols for reusable components, and a strong plugin community. While its AI capabilities are limited, Sketch is a solid alternative for designers who prioritize a native Mac experience and tight integration with macOS workflows, especially for app and web design.

Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform that runs in the browser. It emphasizes collaboration and offers features like CSS grid layout and interactive prototypes. As a free alternative, it's ideal for teams seeking a Figma-like experience without subscription costs. While it lacks advanced AI editing, it provides robust design capabilities and full control over your files.

Design and ship your dream site with zero code

Framer is a web design and prototyping tool that combines design and development. Its AI features help generate layouts and content, and it excels at creating responsive, interactive sites with production-ready code. For designers focused on web experiences, Framer offers a more specialized alternative to Canva Brush's general design editing.

Microsoft Designer is an AI-powered graphic design app that helps create social media posts, invitations, and more using generative AI. It's user-friendly and integrates with Microsoft 365. While less powerful than Canva Brush for complex multi-slide edits, it's a strong alternative for quick, AI-assisted design tasks, especially for users already in the Microsoft ecosystem.