Microsoft Designer

2024. Microsoft’s AI-powered, Canva-like Designer app lands on iOS and Android



In a move that feels suspiciously like the universe trying to impress us with its digital dexterity, Microsoft’s AI-powered Designer app has finally decided to grace all iOS and Android users with its full, non-previewed presence. Picture it as Canva but with a dash more AI sorcery, allowing users to conjure up images and designs from mere text prompts—be it stickers, greeting cards, or collages, as though that’s just how the universe operates. Available in over 80 languages (because why should Earth get all the fun?) and also free on the web, mobile and Windows, Designer comes equipped with “prompt templates” to nudge you into creative brilliance. But it doesn’t stop there—oh no—you can also craft emojis, avatars, monograms, wallpapers and even give your selfies a galactic makeover. Why anyone would ever return to basic, non-AI-powered tools after this is anyone’s guess.


2023. Microsoft launched its own AI-powered image editor



Microsoft has unveiled Designer - a service that will compete with Canva. The tool uses DALL-E 2, OpenAI's neural network, to generate images. It can also create animated visuals with backgrounds and text transitions, powered by artificial intelligence. Designer can also automatically generate text descriptions and hashtags for social media posts, offering several options for selection. During the preview period, the service is free, and the app is accessible through the Designer website or the sidebar in the Microsoft Edge browser. After the official release, Designer will be included in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions, but some features will be available for free to non-subscribers.