In a crowded media landscape with so much content competing for people’s attention, it takes eye-catching visuals to tell a compelling story. The human brain processes pictures up to 60,000 times faster than words, so drawing in your audience through relevant imagery is critical to any marketing effort. 

Most content marketers are well aware of the need for solid visuals but run into roadblocks when it comes to sourcing images. In-house creative teams and partner agencies are often swamped with other tasks and may require extensive lead times.

Thanks to its simple, user-friendly interface, Adobe Creative Cloud Express (formerly Adobe Spark) has become a popular choice for creating professional-looking visuals quickly and easily. However, there are many great alternatives to Adobe platforms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses depending on what you’re creating and how you like to work.

We’ve pulled together a list of powerful image creation tools that almost anyone can use to create eye-popping original artwork—including some that will do most of the heavy lifting for you! 

Let’s take a look at some of the best alternatives to Adobe Creative Cloud Express. 

10 great alternatives to Adobe Creative Cloud Express (Adobe Spark)

1. Jasper Art

Fully custom illustration is one of the best ways to create unique images. Traditionally, it has also been one of the most time-consuming. Jasper Art is changing that, thanks to the incredible power of its AI art generator. 

Users can simply type whatever they’ve got in mind into a prompt and select a few options like medium, style, and mood. You can also drag and drop an existing image for Jasper to use as inspiration. Whether you want a detailed pencil sketch, a colorful anime-style illustration, or a moody, photorealistic portrait, the only limit is your imagination. 

After you select your desired options, Jasper takes just seconds to generate a set of four copyright-free images you can use however you’d like. Content marketers and social media managers can effortlessly create high-resolution, royalty-free images that are ready to post wherever they need them. Copywriters and designers can easily whip up quick storyboards or sketch out inspiring ideas much more efficiently than drawing them by hand. 

Regardless of how you plan to use your images, Jasper’s AI art generator enables creativity at a scale many people never imagined was possible. It’s simultaneously one of the simplest and most powerful image creation tools for all types of marketers and creatives.

Top features:

• AI-powered art generation: Jasper creates original high-resolution images in just a few clicks.
• Robust inputs: Prompt Jasper with as much or as little detail as you like, selecting your mood, medium, artistic style, and other options. 
• Add an image for inspiration: Teach Jasper exactly what you’re looking for by dragging and dropping a similarly styled image.

Pros:

• Jasper is a massive time saver compared to creating custom illustrations the old-fashioned way.
• Customizable inputs help you create art that sets just the right mood. 
• All images are copyright-free so you can use them however you’d like.

Cons:

• Jasper’s free trial is limited to creating 200 images.
• You’ll need to use a separate app to resize images or add text or logos.

Pricing:

Jasper Art offers a free five-day trial with 200 generated images. Monthly plans cost $20 per user and allow subscribers to create an unlimited number of images.

2. Canva

From infographics, social posts, and print ads to web layouts and simple videos, Canva makes it easy for anyone to embrace their creative side. Thanks to an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and hundreds of thousands of professional-looking templates (even on the free version), you don’t have to be a designer to create awesome visual content.

Canva’s cloud-based platform makes collaboration effortless and ensures you’re always working in the latest version. While the free version of Canva is excellent, upgrading to a paid plan unlocks even more templates, more storage space, and additional tools like Magic Resize and Background Remover.

Top features:

• Drag-and-drop design platform: You don’t have to be a seasoned designer to create great-looking images with Canva.
• Huge variety of templates: Whatever type of image you’re creating, there are bound to be several templates for it. 
• More than 1 million photos and graphics: Everything you need to create a finished product is built right into the platform. 

Pros:

• Canva enables anyone to create eye-catching visual content.
• The cloud-based platform makes it simple to collaborate with other users. 
• Customizable brand kits (available with Canva Pro) help you establish a unique visual identity.

Cons:

• Cloud storage on the free version is limited to a modest 5 GB.
• The variety of templates can be overwhelming for new users. 

Pricing:

Canva’s free plan is amazingly robust, and Canva pledges it will be free forever. Paid plans start at $12.99 per month per user.

3. Visme 

Another online platform that makes it simple to create and share visual content, Visme offers a variety of graphics, templates, and tools that streamline the image creation process. Even without advanced design skills, users can create professional-looking images in just a few minutes.

While Visme doesn’t offer as many templates as some other design platforms, it does include some powerful additional features, like the ability to import spreadsheet data and generate beautiful charts, graphs, and data visualizations. Visme’s intuitive interface and impressive feature list make it an excellent alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud Express.

Top features:

• User-friendly interface: Almost anyone can pick up Visme and create professional-looking visual content in no time. 
• Royalty-free images built in: Visme includes access to over 1 million high-quality stock photos that can be used in any capacity you’d like.
• Versatile templates: Visme can help you create everything from icons, images, and charts to short videos and animations.

Pros:

• Visme simplifies the process of creating professional-looking visuals.
• Because anyone can use Visme, it frees up your designers or agency partners for other, more complicated tasks.
• Interactive features help you embed your own creations directly into your content. 

Cons:

• Visme’s free version offers limited templates and download options.
• Like most design platforms, Visme’s advanced features have a bit of a learning curve. 

Pricing:

Visme’s free version is somewhat limited but a good way to try it out. Paid plans begin at $29 per user per month and include more storage, templates, and download options, plus 24/7 user support. 

4. Pixlr

An online photo editor you can use anywhere, Pixlr specializes in editing, resizing, and retouching existing images. It includes AI-assisted features to help you automatically remove backgrounds or create image cutouts with just a few clicks.

While Pixlr may not be the best choice for creating visual content completely from scratch, it’s a fantastic tool for editing all types of photos. It’s also an affordable choice for users who need advanced features but can’t justify an Adobe Photoshop subscription.

Top features:

• Powerful editing tools: Many users compare Pixlr to a more streamlined (and much more affordable) version of Photoshop.
• Mobile-friendly: Plus and Premium versions get you access to Pixlr’s mobile app so you can use it anywhere.
• AI-assisted image editing: Even with limited design experience, anyone can remove image backgrounds or create cutouts of people and objects.

Pros:

• Pixlr is a great low/no-cost option for users who need more advanced editing features.
• Many new users think it’s easier to learn than Photoshop or other image-editing apps. 
• Built-in templates and stock photos offer good starting points for a variety of visual content.

Cons:

• Video tutorials and mobile apps are unavailable without a paid subscription.
• Ads on the free version can be annoying and distracting for some users.

Pricing:

Pixlr’s plan offerings include an ad-supported free version and an ad-free Plus version for $1.99 per user per month. For $7.99 per month, the Premium version allows full access to all features, tutorials, and templates.

5. Snappa

Snappa is another great Adobe alternative for people who want an easy-to-use design app. It lets anyone add text, graphics, and effects to any template within seconds. With hundreds of fonts and more than 100,000 vector graphics and shapes, Snappa is a self-contained image creation platform anyone can pick up within minutes.

Once you’ve created something, Snappa simplifies the process of creating multiple versions and sizes for different platforms. After finalizing a design you love, you can turn your blog image into a social media post, display ad, billboard, etc. in just one click.

Top features:

• Image dimension presets: No more distorted photos—Snappa automatically creates the right size image for any media channel.
• Intuitive user interface: You don’t have to be a designer to create professional, high-resolution images. 
• Customizable templates and fonts: Easily create images that fit seamlessly within your brand standards.

Pros:

• Snappa’s cloud-based platform doesn’t require any complicated integrations.
• All 6,000-plus templates are available on all tiers, including the free version.
• All versions also include access to more than 5 million stock photos and graphics. 

Cons:

• Experienced designers may find the stripped-down features limiting.
• The free version of Snappa limits users to three downloads per month.

Pricing:

Snappa offers a free starter plan—though if you’ll be creating more than three images a month, you’ll want to upgrade to the Pro version, which goes for $15 per user per month. 

6. Stencil

If your image editing needs are relatively simple and mostly involve adding text overlays or pre-made icons, Stencil is an excellent alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud Express. Like many other online image editors, Stencil is designed to be easy to use for people with little to no design experience. 

Despite its relatively simple functionality, Stencil can help anyone create polished visual content, thanks to its impressive library of fonts, stock photos, and design templates. And with available add-ons for Chrome and Firefox, you can jump right in editing images from almost any source. 

Top features:

• More than 5 million included stock photos: Whatever your subject matter, you’ll have plenty of choices for relevant images.
• Browser extensions: Stencil integrates with both Chrome and Firefox for a seamless creative workflow.
• WordPress plug-in: Create professional images for your blog posts in the same place you’re writing them. 

Pros:

• Preset image sizes ensure the perfect dimensions for your blog, social channels, and more.
• Stencil’s huge variety of premade icons and graphics helps you create custom designs in a fraction of the time.
• In addition to the built-in photo library, you can upload your own images.

Cons:

• Stencil lacks many of the more advanced image editing features you’ll find in other design platforms.
• The free version significantly limits your options for photos, icons, and templates. 

Pricing:

Stencil’s free version is solid for simple projects, though higher-volume content marketers will likely need the Pro version. Stencil Pro includes up to 50 images at $15 per month, or you can opt for the Unlimited plan at $20 per user per month.

7. Fotor

Fotor is an online photo editor that simplifies many types of image adjustments that have traditionally required professional editing software. From portrait touch-ups to color correction, Fotor’s one-click filters and effects make it easy to get the aesthetic you’re going for. You can even convert your photos into sketches or cartoons. 

Fotor Pro and Fotor Pro+ come with more advanced editing and design tools, full access to all templates, and the option to download print-quality versions of your creations. Fotor Pro+ also includes a massive stock image library and the option to customize templates with your own fonts, colors, and logos. 

Top features:

• One-click effects: Stylize and enhance your photos with filters and other unique effects.
• Intuitive, user-friendly interface: Fotor’s platform guides you through common photo editing tasks with easily adjustable parameters. 
• Works wherever you do: In addition to the online platform, you can also use Fotor via mobile apps for Android and iOS. 

Pros:

• Anyone can retouch images, add text, or create simple designs in just a few minutes.
• Fotor automatically syncs your images between its online platform and mobile apps. 
• It also includes templates for popular post, thumbnail, and cover image sizes. 

Cons:

• Fotor’s free version offers limited file types, templates, and layouts. 
• The free version also includes ads, which some users find distracting. 

Pricing:

The free version of Fotor is pretty basic, but you can also get a free trial of Fotor Premium. Paid plans start at $8.99 per month for Fotor Pro and $19.99 per month for Fotor Pro+.

8. Pablo

Made by the same team behind the social media management tool Buffer, Pablo is a no-frills image creator that anyone can use for free. An ultra-simple web interface helps you add text and simple treatments over a huge variety of included stock images. You can also upload your own images or logos.

Choose from a few basic templates, plug in your desired text, and you’re all set to download and publish your creations wherever you’d like. While Pablo is primarily focused on creating visual content for social media, it’s also a great tool for bloggers or content marketers looking to quickly add some visual interest to any page. 

Top features:

• 600,000+ stock images: Pablo’s built-in searchable index makes it easy to find a relevant image to use as a starting point.
• Popular integrations: Share your images straight to your social channels, schedule a post with Buffer, or download directly to your device. 
• Preset sizes: Choose between vertical, square, and horizontal formats for a perfect fit with your platform of choice. 

Pros:

• Pablo has a minimalist interface that’s easy to understand for first-time users.
• All the included stock images are cleared for use in any context. 
• The platform is totally free for all users, with no limits on usage. 

Cons:

• Pablo has limited functionality for anything beyond simple image and text layouts.
• Image sizes are limited to common social media dimensions. 

Pricing:

Pablo is free for all users.

9. Design Wizard

Simple to use but endlessly customizable, Design Wizard is another user-friendly solution that enables anyone to create high-quality designs in minutes. Thousands of stylish pre-built templates act as a springboard for your own original creations. 

Once you’ve selected a template, almost everything you can think of can be tweaked to your heart’s content. Change colors, fonts, images, and backgrounds—or upload your own. And if you’re looking to spice things up beyond just static images, you can even customize a variety of video templates.

Top features:

• Drag-and-drop interface: Even with no graphic design experience, you can still create great results with Design Wizard.
• Thousands of templates: From blog headers to wedding invitations, Design Wizard has great-looking templates for just about everything. 
• Highly customizable: While the prebuilt templates offer a good starting point, nearly every design element can be changed or customized. 

Pros:

• Design Wizard’s video templates make it easy to add some eye-grabbing motion to your creations. 
• The searchable template database makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
• All 1,000,000-plus images and video clips are cleared for commercial use. 

Cons:

• Customization makes it possible to get bogged down changing tiny details.
• Experienced designers may find the simple interface somewhat limiting.

Pricing:

For occasional users, Design Wizard’s Basic plan offers pay-as-you-go downloads. At $9.99 per month, the Pro plan enables up to 60 image downloads per month. The $49.99 Business plan includes unlimited image and video downloads. 

10. PicMonkey

PicMonkey combines an online photo editor with streamlined design tools that simplify the creative process. And because the app is affiliated with stock-photo giant Shutterstock, you also get access to millions of royalty-free photos to use in your projects. 

While it requires a paid subscription, even the Basic version of PicMonkey comes with a large library of fonts, templates, effects, and touch-up tools. Pro and Business tiers unlock features like Smart Resize for converting your assets to different dimensions and a one-click background remover for instantly isolating design elements. 

Top features:

• Intuitive interface: PicMonkey helps anyone create eye-catching designs without the steep learning curve that comes with many programs. 
• Powerful photo effects: In addition to the usual tints, filters, and effects, the new Color Changer lets you change the color of walls, clothing, or anything else.
• Custom brand kits: Pro and Business users can create custom brand templates that make it easy to stay within your brand standards. 

Pros:

• PicMonkey strikes a good balance between depth of features and an easy-to-use interface that won’t overwhelm newcomers.
• All plans include full access to millions of high-quality stock photos. 

Cons:

• The photo editing features are limited compared to more robust editing programs.
• While PicMonkey offers a free trial of the Pro version, there’s no entirely free version available. 

Pricing:

PicMonkey plans start at $7.99 per month for the Basic version and go up to $12.99 per month for the Pro version with more advanced tools and features. 

Elevate your content with original images from Jasper Art

Modern content creators are spoiled for choice when it comes to web-based tools for creating stunning visual content. All of these alternatives to Adobe Spark have their strengths. With so many powerful platforms to streamline the process of bringing your ideas to life, scaling your creativity has never been easier.

If you really want your content to stand out from the crowd, Jasper Art can elevate your blog or social media posts with jaw-dropping original images. Jasper’s open-ended inputs and fine-tunable prompts mean your creative output can finally keep up with your imagination. 

Try Jasper Art for free, and discover how AI-generated art can redefine your creative process.