Canva Templates vs. Starting from Scratch: Which Approach Works Best for Your Content in 2025?

martinagvisionfact
Sep 15
4 min read

Updated: Sep 17

Author: Lorena Milanović

We can say that in 2025 design has never been more accessible. Thanks to tools like Canva, we can create great graphics for social media, marketing campaigns, and professional presentations without having to learn design skills. But most of us wonder whether we should trust Canva and its templates or just create our own design from scratch.As with everything, this has its pros and cons, both approaches can be a hit for you. Templates are good because you create faster and easier. However, if you do your own design then you are sure that it is original and that such a design probably does not exist, but then you will definitely spend more time. The main question is what is better for your content, I hope this blog will help you solve your doubts.

Person using a laptop on a bed. The screen shows a design website with colorful graphics. The setting is relaxed, with a cozy blanket.

What Are Canva Templates?

At its core, a Canva template is a pre-made design that you can edit and adapt. They come with layouts, fonts, and color schemes already set up, so you only need to swap in your text, images, and branding.The benefits of templates are clear:Speed – you can create professional-looking content in minutes.Consistency – using the same template style across all your posts will help people recognize your brand and understand your message.Templates are great for large companies, freelancers, or social media managers because they can do a lot of work in a short amount of time. They give you a vision, maybe new ideas are generated, and your imagination gets to work.The Case for Starting from Scratch. On the other hand, starting from scratch offers unparalleled creative freedom because you decide on every element that will be in your design. You then choose the type of fonts, colors for the layout, and images. It is particularly useful when:You are creating a distinct brand identity.Templates can sometimes seem generic, and you should avoid that.Although creating a design from scratch takes much longer, it gives your material a more authentic feel.Designing from scratch might help you differentiate yourself if your brand values uniqueness and innovation.

Person in a mustard shirt sketches in a spiral notebook at a desk. Drawings include shapes and figures. Laptop edge visible, mood is focused.

Pros and Cons Comparison

Let's now compare these two ways of working, to make it easier to see the advantages and disadvantages. Templates save hours of work. Designing from scratch requires more skill and effort.Customization: The initial designs allow for complete control; you can put whatever you want in. The templates can be customized, but still have the original structure.Learning curve: Templates are great for beginners. In the beginning, scratch design is more challenging.Scratch designs are usually more unique and not used by others, so they represent professional branding.So what's the conclusion? If you want a quick yet professional design, templates are an option, and Scratch designs are good if you have more time and want to create something unique.

When to Use Templates vs. When to Start Fresh

The good news is that you’re not limited to just one option. The skill lies in knowing when to use a template and when to start from scratch. Social media posts: Templates are a great option here, ideal for LinkedIn visuals, Instagram stories, or TikTok videos.For presentation packages, combine different options. Use a template for the structure, but upgrade it to fit your brand.

When it comes to portfolios, it should reflect your unique style, so it’s a good idea to create your own design.

Use templates when you need a lot of versions in a short time, such as for ads. But scratch design is ideal for one-off campaigns.

Expert Tips for Maximizing Canva

Here are some good tips for Canva users:When you take a template, change some elements on it (fonts, colors or layout) to give the design a little of your own taste.It's important to be consistent with your brand. Add your brand kit to Canva, for example logos.Use shortcuts and hacks. With new AI capabilities to resize, remove backgrounds, and create text in a flash, Canva is now better than ever. These tools save hours.Experiment with both methods. Try making one design from scratch each month, even if you use templates. It sharpens your creative skills.ConclusionSo how can we decide what’s better, Canva templates or starting from scratch? The answer isn’t one or the other. Templates are unbeatable in speed and simplicity, while starter designs give you freedom, uniqueness.It's best to use both, that's where the real power comes in.After all, your content should be effective and creative. Best to try both, experiment and see what works for your goals. In this fast-paced digital world, the best design is the one that gets you there the fastest.