I am always on the lookout for new tools to help me create stunning designs.
Recently, I had the opportunity to try out Microsoft Designer, a new browser-based DIY design app from Microsoft. In this article, I will share my thoughts on the app, including its features and limitations.
One of the things that sets Microsoft Designer apart from other graphic design tools, such as Canva, is its use of AI (although Canva also has AI elements).
The app includes an AI-powered Design Ideas feature that suggests design elements based on the content you are working with.
This feature can be a real time-saver, especially when you are struggling to come up with the perfect design.
Another thing to note about Microsoft Designer is that it is currently available as a web app, but it will eventually be included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
While the app is still in preview mode, it is free to use with some limitations. It is also worth noting that the app is optimized for use with Windows 11, so you may need to upgrade your operating system to get the most out of it.
Overall, I was impressed with Microsoft Designer and think it has the potential to be a valuable tool for graphic designers.
Microsoft Designer Overview
As someone who has always been interested in graphic design, I was excited to learn about Microsoft Designer.
It’s a web app that is available to Microsoft 365 subscribers, and it is designed to assist users with creating stunning visuals and graphics.
What sets Designer apart from other design tools is its use of cutting-edge generative AI technology.
This means that Designer can quickly generate unique designs and images to help users create high-quality content.
Features of Microsoft Designer
One of the things I appreciate about Designer is the variety of templates that are available. Whether I need to create a social media post, invitation, or website banner, Designer has a template that fits my needs.
The templates are customizable, so I can adjust the colors, fonts, and images to fit my brand or personal style.
Another feature that I find helpful is the AI tools. Designer uses AI to suggest shapes and layouts that work well together.
This feature saves me time and helps me create designs that look professional. Additionally, Designer has an undo feature that allows me to quickly revert any changes that I make.
Overall, I think that Designer is a great tool for anyone who wants to create high-quality graphics and visuals.
Its use of AI and templates make it easy to use, even for those who are not design experts. I appreciate that Designer is a web app, so I can access it from anywhere with an internet connection.
Using Microsoft Designer
As someone who loves creating visuals and designs, I was excited to try out Microsoft Designer. This web app, available to Microsoft 365 subscribers, uses AI to assist in creating unique content. Here are some of my experiences using Microsoft Designer.
Creating Visuals with Microsoft Designer
One of the things I appreciate about Microsoft Designer is its versatility. Whether I’m designing a logo, an invitation, a sign, or a website banner, Designer has a range of templates and tools to help me get started.
Plus, the AI-generated images are a fun and unique way to add some creativity to my designs.
Designing Social Media Posts
As someone who manages social media accounts, I’m always looking for ways to create eye-catching posts.
Microsoft Designer has a range of templates specifically designed for social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
I can easily customize the headline, size, and images to fit my brand’s aesthetic.
Designing Banners
Whether I’m creating a banner for my website or for an event, Microsoft Designer has a range of templates to choose from.
I appreciate the ability to customize the text and images to fit my specific needs. Plus, the AI-generated images add an extra layer of creativity to my designs.
Designing Ads
As someone who occasionally creates ads for my business, I appreciate the templates and tools available in Microsoft Designer.
The ability to customize the text, images, and size makes it easy to create ads that fit my brand’s aesthetic. Plus, the AI-generated images are a fun way to add some creativity to my designs.
Overall, I appreciate the range of templates, tools, and AI-generated images available in Microsoft Designer.
It’s a great tool for anyone looking to create unique, eye-catching designs without spending hours on them.
Plus, the ability to download my designs as photos makes it easy to share them across all of my platforms.
Pros & Cons
As someone who has been using Designer from Microsoft for a while now, I have compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide whether it’s the right tool for you.
Pros
- Easy to use: Designer from Microsoft is incredibly user-friendly, even for those without any design experience. The interface is intuitive, and the drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to create beautiful designs quickly.
- Wide range of templates: Designer from Microsoft offers a wide range of templates for various design needs, including social media posts, flyers, and presentations. These templates are customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs.
- Integration with Microsoft Office: Designer from Microsoft integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office products, such as PowerPoint and Word. This makes it easy to create professional-looking presentations and documents.
- Affordable: Designer from Microsoft is an affordable option for those who need a design tool but don’t want to invest in expensive software.
Cons
- Limited customization options: While Designer from Microsoft offers a wide range of templates, the customization options are somewhat limited. This can be frustrating for those who want to create more unique designs.
- Limited design elements: Designer from Microsoft has a limited selection of design elements, such as icons and illustrations. This can make it difficult to find the perfect design elements for your project.
- Limited file format support: Designer from Microsoft only supports a limited number of file formats, including JPG, PNG, and PDF. This can be problematic if you need to work with other file formats.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Limited customization options |
| Wide range of templates | Limited design elements |
| Integration with Microsoft Office | Limited file format support |
| Free |
In conclusion, Designer from Microsoft is a great tool for those who need a user-friendly and affordable design tool.
While it has some limitations, such as limited customization options and design elements, it offers a wide range of templates and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office products.
MS Designer Alternatives
As much as I love Microsoft Designer, I understand that it might not be the perfect fit for everyone.
Luckily, there are some great alternatives out there that might be a better fit for your needs. Here are a few that I’ve found to be particularly noteworthy:
Canva
Canva is probably the most well-known alternative to Microsoft Designer, and for a good reason. It’s a fantastic tool that offers a wide range of design options, from social media graphics to presentations to business cards.
Canva also has a large library of templates that you can use as a starting point, which can be a huge time-saver.
One downside of Canva is that some of its more advanced features are only available with a paid subscription.
MarketingBlocks
MarketingBlocks is a newer tool that’s worth checking out if you’re looking for a more streamlined design experience.
It’s a lot simpler than some of the other options on this list, but that can be a good thing if you don’t need a ton of bells and whistles.
MarketingBlocks also has some unique features, like the ability to create branded marketing materials with just a few clicks.
Visme
Visme is another great option if you’re looking for a tool that can handle a wide range of design needs.
It’s particularly well-suited for creating infographics and data visualizations, but it can also be used for things like presentations and social media graphics.
Visme has a lot of templates to choose from, and its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create professional-looking designs quickly.
Overall, there are a lot of great alternatives to Microsoft Designer out there, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Don’t be afraid to try out a few different options before settling on one. And keep in mind that some of these tools, like Canva and Visme, also incorporate generative AI and AI image generator technology to help you create unique and eye-catching designs.
Conclusion
Overall, my experience with Designer from Microsoft has been positive. The AI-powered tool is easy to use and offers a wide range of features that allow me to create stunning visuals in no time.
While I had to join a waiting list to access the tool, the process was relatively quick, and I received an email with a link to Designer.Microsoft.com within a few days.
I appreciate that the tool is available on both desktop and smartphone, and I can easily access my designs on the go by scanning the QR Code.
One of my favorite features of Designer is the Fill and Erase tools, which allow me to quickly add or remove elements from my designs.
The tool also offers helpful tips and suggestions to improve my designs, which I find very useful.
Overall, I would recommend Designer from Microsoft to anyone looking for an easy-to-use, AI-powered graphic design tool.
While there is room for improvement, such as adding more templates and design elements, I believe that Designer has the potential to become a go-to tool for designers and non-designers alike.
Pricing: Free (need to have MS 365)
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