Why I Still Choose InDesign Over Canva for Client Print Projects
Lately, more clients are asking me to create their print materials in Canva. I get it—it's incredibly user-friendly, and I love it for digital work. The templates, brand kits, and collaboration features make it perfect for social posts and presentations.
But here's the thing: when my clients need professional print work, I still reach for InDesign. After working with dozens of commercial printers over the years, I've learned exactly why they prefer one over the other.
Why Printers Still Request InDesign Files
Most commercial printers will tell you upfront: they prefer InDesign files. It's not just preference—it's practicality. Here's what I've discovered through years of sending files to print:
Bleed and Slug Setup InDesign lets me set up proper bleeds (typically 0.125" for most jobs, 0.25" for perfect-bound books) and slugs for printer marks. I can create guides that show exactly where content will be trimmed. Canva's bleed options are limited and often don't meet professional printing standards.
Color Accuracy That Actually Works InDesign's color management system maintains precise CMYK values and handles color profiles correctly. When I build a file with specific color values, they stay consistent from screen to print. Canva's color handling, even in Pro, is inconsistent. I've had clients disappointed when their "corporate blue" came back looking purple because Canva's color conversion wasn't precise.
Note: While Pantone spot colors used to be the gold standard, most commercial printing today uses 4-color process (CMYK) due to cost efficiency and faster turnaround times. Spot colors are now reserved for special projects requiring exact brand color matching or specialty inks.
Resolution Without Compromise InDesign maintains vector graphics at any size and handles high-resolution images (300 DPI minimum for print) without compression. Canva automatically compresses files over certain sizes, which can turn crisp logos into pixelated messes on large-format prints.
Real-World Examples From My Projects
Case Study 1: Trade Show Banners A client needed 10' x 8' trade show banners. In InDesign, I created the file at full size with proper resolution. The printer received clean, scalable files that printed perfectly. When I tried the same project in Canva for comparison, the platform couldn't handle the file size and compressed the images, resulting in visible pixelation.
Case Study 2: Corporate Brochures For a tri-fold brochure requiring precise color matching to the client's brand standards, InDesign allowed me to set exact CMYK values and create proper folding guides. The printer could open the file, see all specifications, and even make minor text edits when the client requested last-minute changes. This level of precision and editability simply isn't possible with Canva exports.
Case Study 3: Business Cards with Special Finishes When a client wanted business cards with spot UV coating and metallic foil, InDesign let me create separate layers for each finish, with precise registration marks. The printer could use these files directly for their specialty processes. Canva can't create the technical specifications needed for these premium finishes.
The Technical Differences That Matter
File Formats and Compatibility InDesign creates native .INDD files that printers can edit, plus exports to PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 standards—the gold standard for commercial printing. Canva primarily exports to standard PDFs that often lack the technical specifications printers need.
Typography Control InDesign offers precise control over kerning, tracking, and leading that's essential for professional typography. I can adjust character spacing by 1/1000th of an em, set custom baseline grids, and use professional font features like ligatures and small caps. Canva's typography tools, while user-friendly, don't offer this level of precision.
Preflight and Error Checking InDesign's built-in preflight panel catches potential printing issues before files go to the printer—missing fonts, low-resolution images, color space problems. This saves time and prevents costly reprints. Canva doesn't offer comprehensive preflight checking.
When Canva Makes Sense for Print
Don't get me wrong—Canva has its place in print work. I use it for:
Quick flyers for local events
Internal company newsletters
Simple postcards with standard finishes
Projects where the client needs to make their own updates
The key is understanding your project's requirements and your printer's capabilities.
The Hidden Cost of Template-Based Design
Here's what I see happening more often: clients create their own materials in Canva using templates, thinking they're saving money. But templates can't create the emotional connection that drives customer action. They can't ensure your brand looks consistent across all touchpoints. And they definitely can't strategically guide a reader's eye to the most important information.
Good design isn't just about making something look nice—it's about psychology, hierarchy, and storytelling. When I design a brochure, I'm thinking about how the reader's eye will move across the page, what emotions the color palette will evoke, and how the typography reinforces the brand's personality. A template can't make those strategic decisions.
I've seen too many businesses with inconsistent branding because they're pulling from different Canva templates for each project. One flyer looks corporate and serious, their next postcard feels playful and casual. This mixed messaging confuses customers and weakens brand recognition.
Professional design creates cohesion. It builds trust. And it ensures every piece of marketing material works toward the same goal—connecting with your audience and driving results.
Professional Tools Require Professional Experience
Beyond the technical aspects, there's a reason why commercial printers work with experienced designers who understand InDesign's capabilities. The software requires knowledge of print specifications, color management, and file preparation that comes from years of working in the industry. When you hire a professional designer, you're not just paying for software access—you're investing in strategic design thinking and technical expertise that ensures your print projects achieve their intended impact.
This is why I always recommend that clients focus on finding the right designer rather than trying to navigate professional print software themselves. The technical knowledge required to properly prepare files for commercial printing is something that develops over time through real-world experience.
My Recommendation
Use Canva for: Social media, presentations, simple print projects, and when clients need ongoing editing access.
Use InDesign for: Professional print projects, anything going to a commercial printer, projects requiring precise color matching, large-format prints, and designs with special finishes.
The Bottom Line
Canva democratized design, and that's fantastic. But professional print work requires professional tools. When my clients need polished, commercial-quality print materials, InDesign delivers the precision, compatibility, and reliability that printers expect.
The goal isn't to bash Canva—it's to use the right tool for the job. And for serious print work, InDesign remains the industry standard for good reason.
Have questions about print specifications or need help preparing files for your printer? Feel free to reach out—I love helping fellow designers navigate the technical side of print production.
