Eng 317 Project 4 White Paper

English 317 Technical Writing
Professor Brian Malone
nn
Comparison of Graphic Design Websites

A Usability Test of Snappa and Canva
Cassidy Livingston
November 2019
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Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Methodology ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Testing and Environment ........................................................................................................................ 3
Tasks......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Test Metrics .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Results .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Task 1 ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Task 2 ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Task 3 ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Task 4 ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Task 5 ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Task 6 ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Task 7 ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
Task 8 ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
Task 9 ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Task 10 ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
Overall Scores ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Conclusions and Recommendations ....................................................................................................... 14
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Appendix..................................................................................................................................................... 15
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Introduction
The two websites Canva and Snappa are well-known and popular websites that are used to
create graphic designs, whether it is a graphic for a social media post or a greeting card. Both of
these websites are free to use with an account and have the option to pay for upgraded
content and design tools if the user wishes. This white paper presents the results from a
usability test of the features and tools of these two websites, particularly testing their
performance in ten tasks. These ten tasks are all tasks that new users to these websites would
likely be able to replicate, given those users have basic knowledge in computers and some
photo editing experience.
Methodology
Testing and Environment
This usability test was conducted using Windows 8 on a Dell laptop computer with Inspiron 15,
7000 series version. Google Chrome was used primarily as the internet browser. This test was
conducted in a home office environment that promoted productivity and focus, similar to how
other users’ environments would be while they used Canva and Snappa. Testing was done with
decently low amounts of external distractions and noise, and aspects such as music, phone use,
etc. were kept from a bare minimum to no usage.
The test was conducted by following the list of tasks, as well as consulting the two websites
when needed for sample documents. A separate window for the two websites was used for
ease of function and use, and therefore, it was easier to compare Snappa and Canva’s features
against each other.
Tasks
1. Choose the corresponding template of the desired graphic.
2. Insert and position a textbox.
3. Change the text (color, size, font, etc.).
4. Edit the background picture using picture editing effects.
5. Insert a background photo.
6. Crop an image.
7. Insert a second picture onto template.
8. Delete the background photo/ color.
9. Add a shape or icon to graphic.
10. Download the finished graphic.
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Test Metrics
The tasks that were used for the comparison of the websites were tested using the metrics
below:
Effective: The task was fully completed.
Efficient: Tasks were completed in a timely manner with little to no excessive clicking/
actions.
Engaging: The product’s layout and menu options for each specific task were user-
friendly and easy to find.
Error Tolerant: Any errors were easy to recover from and correct.
Easy to Learn: The tools for each task were easy to learn and did not cause confusion.
Each of these metrics will also be evaluated on the Likert scale shown below. Using 5 points for
each metric, the maximum score for each task will be out of 25. The total possible score overall
will be out of 250.
Strongly Disagree Partially Agree Agree Strongly

Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 5
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Results
Task 1
To begin my comparison testing of Canva and Snappa, I started by comparing the template
options both websites offer to their users. There is a variety of templates on both websites,
ranging from a Facebook post to thumbnails to infographics. Both websites also have the option
to create a custom graphic size as well, and dimensions can be inputted in order to achieve this.
Figure 1 & 2: List of Canva templates
However, Canva by far has the most templates available for use outside of a custom graphic. It
appears as though Snappa has primarily templates that are used for social media, while Canva
has a much wider variety (including flyer, poster, presentation, and resume templates, as well
as all social media templates).
Figure 3 & 4: Groups of Snappa templates

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I chose to demonstrate choosing a template by selecting the Facebook post for each website.
Each website took me to the designing page, and I was able to choose if I wanted to start my
own original design or pick from pre-made templates.
Figure 5: Canva’s Facebook template & layout
Figure 6: Snappa’s Facebook template & layout
Overall, this task was very simple for both websites, but Snappa showed that it had less diverse
templates and had a strong appeal to social media apps, as well a few blogging templates. I
deem that Canva receives 25 out of 25 and Snappa receives 22 out of 25 for this task.
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Task 2
For this task, I had thought that it would be one of the easier features to explore and learn
without any trouble. However, I was surprised to find that Snappa gave me a lot of trouble
while attempting to position the textbox after inserting one onto my graphic. While it inserted
onto the graphic fine, it was difficult to get the textbox to move around on the background,
even while using the cursor that was designed to move images and textboxes. After multiple
attempts, I still am
not able to get the
textbox to work
flawlessly, but it
becomes easier to
move once it is
inserted, clicked off,
and then re-clicked
again to move and
resize. Even then,
however, the
movement can
either be not
registered or
challenging to
relocate. Canva, on
Figure 7: Snappa’s textbox unable to
the other hand, had no issues, and the textbox was able to move
move after attempting to click and drag
smoothly over the background.
Overall, with the poor usability and efficiency of Snappa’s textbox feature, I score Snappa 10
out of 25 for this task. Canva receives 25 out of 25 for having no issues and functioning well.
Task 3
In this task, I tested to see how well Snappa and Canva could
change the aspects of the text, such as the size, font, color,
and spacing of the text. Both of these websites were able to
edit the text well, and they also have similar features. I first
tested how the size of the text can be changed, and I was able
to enlarge and decrease the text size with ease on both Canva
and Snappa. While the two websites have different layouts
and slightly varying features to their text effects and edits,
both performed well, and I was successfully able to edit the
color, size, font, and line spacing of the text. I score Canva 25 Figure 8: Snappa’s text editing features
out of 25 and Snappa 25 out of 25.
Figure 9: Snappa’s text editing features

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Task 4
In this task, I edited the background pictures on Canva and Snappa

using the picture editing features and effects. While testing these
features on Snappa, I found that it was very easy to locate and use
the picture editing tools due to the simplified menu option. All I had
to do was click on “Effects” in the main top menu, and I was able to
adjust the levels of aspects such as hue, saturation, brightness,
contrast, etc.
However, when I tested Canva for the same task, it took me much
longer to find any sort of menu or option to change my picture’s
qualities. This is because of Canva’s two main menus that it has (the
side menu and editing menu). In order to finally find the adjusting
option for the photo after looking extensively in the side menu, I
found that the picture must be clicked on, and it must be a picture,
not a shape or background color. It was then that I was able to find
the “adjust” button; even then, however, I clicked on the button
randomly just to see if it was the correct feature, since its name could
imply something other than picture editing. Once I was able to find
this feature, it works just as well as Snappa, and it even had a few
extra features to control, such as x-process and vignette.
Figure 10: Snappa photo editing features
Due to the excessive trouble I had while simply trying to find the
photo editing feature on Canva, I give Canva 15 out of 25 for this task. Snappa
receives a 25 out of 25 for having a simplistic and less confusing layout for the
photo editing feature.
Figure 11 & 12: Canva’s photo adjustment menu

(left) and regular side menu (right)
regula
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Task 5
For this task, I inserted a background picture in both Canva and

Snappa’s features. While there are different features for each
website, both websites performed well overall in this task.
Snappa is able to have a background photo and multiple other
photos stacked on top of it, or photos can be inserted on a
colored background.
On the other hand, in order to place a picture as the background
on the template in Canva, I found it wise to use its picture grid
tool. This is because it is more difficult to place the picture
accurately, and it tends to stretch the photo or not be able to fit
the full photo on the template. Other than that, the feature
works well.
Canva receives 23 out of 25 for having a lower efficiency.
Snappa receives a 25 out of 25.
Figure 13: Snappa’s background photo features
regula
Figure 14: Canva’s photo placement features
regula
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Task 6
For this task, I attempted to crop an image using Snappa and

Canva’s features. A cropping tool is a pretty basic feature in
most editing websites, and I was surprised to find that
Snappa does not have this feature for photos. Whether it is
on the background or a picture over the background, the only
way to somehow resize the photo is to pick a different
template or drag and increase or decrease the size of the
photo. By increasing the photo’s size on a horizontal
template, such as the Facebook template, some portions of
the photo can be hidden by being cut off by the template.
Canva has the option to resize the photo as well as crop an
image. Canva also is able to stretch a picture on a template in
order to hide portions of a photo.
Overall, Snappa receives a 25 out of 25. Canva receives a 25
out of 25.
Figure 15: Snappa’s cropping feature
regula
Figure 16: Canva’s cropping feature
regula
Task 7
In this task, I inserted a second picture onto the

template I set up for Snappa and Canva. I initially
thought that this would not be a problem while
testing and comparing these two websites, but I
found again with Canva that it is better to use a
photo grid to place a second photo, especially if it is a
photo that needs a specific shape or cropped size.
Once I used a photo grid, I found that it was much
easier to work with compared to when I tried to
place a second photo without a grid. Snappa is able
to place multiple photos with ease without needing
extra clicks or a photo grid. Overall, both of these
websites performed well with this task. Figure 17: Canva’s photo grid
Canva receives 23 out of 25, and Snappa receives

25 out of 25. regula
Figure 18: Snappa’s multiple

photo positioning
Task 8 regula
In this task, I attempted to delete the background

color/ photo that I used in the templates. For
Canva, I was able to easily delete any color or
photo that I put down in the
template, whether that was as a
background, shape, or a photo over
the background. As long as I selected
each element individually, I was able
to delete them and go back to a blank
template. On the other hand, I was
limited in this task with Snappa.
While I was testing this task in
Snappa, I found that I was not able to
delete background colors that I
placed like I was able to in Canva.
Figure 19: Canva and its delete
option for the background
Snappa was still

able to
completely
delete
background
photos, but I had
to click on the
background
menu and click
on the “remove”
button, instead
of having a delete icon button like Canva. In
Figure 19: Snappa and its delete
order to get the background color back to a options for the background
blank background, I had to go back into the
background menu, click on “color,” and select the color white. Compared to Canva, the process
was more tedious and not convenient. For this reason, Snappa receives 12 out of 25, and Canva
receives 25 out 25.
Task 9
For this task, I added a shape and

icon to the template graphic. In
Canva, I found that there was
more options to choose from for
this task compared to Snappa,
although many of Canva’s
options for icons and shapes
were included in the premium
subscription and were not free.
Regardless, Canva worked well
with this task, and I found no
issues. While testing Snappa, I
also found that the feature
worked very well, and I was able
to insert an icon and reposition it
with ease. While it has less shape
options to choose from, there
were quite a few of icon graphics
that were also all free to use Figure 20: Canva and its icons Figure 21: Snappa and its icons
without an upgraded subscription.
Altogether, Snappa and Canva both receive 25 out of 25.
Task 10
In this final task, I downloaded the finished graphic in both

Snappa and Canva. While both have download features to
their websites, there were some differences worth
mentioning. Canva had a basic downloading feature that
would download straight to the computer, which could
then be moved into the desired location. It also had a drop-
down menu of options to share directly to social media
sites, print directly from the website, send the graphic to
an email address, and more. While this does not affect the
way it downloads the graphic, it does give the users more
options and convenience. Users also do not have to ever
worry about saving their graphic, as Canva automatically
saves a copy to the website as the user creates.
Snappa’s downloading options consisted of a download
button with a drop-down menu and the option to choose
for the graphic to be a JPG or a PNG. Again, this does not
impact its ability to download, but it does not give as many
Figure 22: Canva’s download options
options. Users also have to remember to save their
graphic manually, especially if they want to revisit it later
or are not yet ready to download their finished product.
Snappa also saves graphics directly to the website.
Overall, Canva receives 25 out of 25 for having an
excellent download system, and Snappa receives 20 out of
25 for not having very many convenient download
options.
Figure 23: Snappa’s download options

Overview
Altogether, seeing all of the ratings data I collected throughout this white paper is one of the
best ways to compare the websites Canva and Snappa. Both have their strengths and
weaknesses in the ten tasks I tested them on, and both have a fair amount of better features
over the other website. This graph shows all of the scores I gave each website after each task
had been tested and evaluated.
Cumulative Test Ratings

25
20
15
Ratings
10
0
Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5 Task 6 Task 7 Task 8 Task 9 Task 10
Canva Snappa
Overall Scores
Canva Snappa
236 214
Conclusions and Recommendations
While conducting this usability test, I ran into some unexpected features of Canva and Snappa
that I may not have otherwise paid much attention to while using these websites. I found that
both websites were user-friendly and resourceful, in similar ways and their own unique ways.
For example, I was not expecting to have an issue with Canva in task 4 when I was trying to find
the option to edit a background picture. The way I struggled so much to find the correct menu
was unusual to the rest of the website’s practical and user-friendly layout, and I am usually able
to quickly find a solution to an issue. While this did set back Canva in my eyes, the other tasks
that I performed while using this website went well and had very little issues.
I also was not expecting Snappa to perform as well as it did. Based on looks alone, the website
has a simplistic and non-eye catching appearance, which is the opposite to Canva and the
website’s look. Based on its looks, I was not expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised.
While it is a simplified version of Canva, with less features and designs, it still had satisfactory
usability and features. If a user had to use this graphic design website in a hurry, they would be
able to find most, if not all, major features and design aspects quickly and efficiently.
That being said, the website of choice between Canva and Snappa would have to be Canva.
While both websites had good aspects of being easy to learn and effective, Canva was more
engaging, error-tolerant, and efficient. Even though the menus got confusing in one instance,
the rest of my experience with the drop-down menus, layouts, usability, and overall website
design was more pleasant than it was with Snappa. Canva is my personal preference for a
graphic design website, and I find I can work well with what it offers.
Bibliography
www.canva.com
www.snappa.com/app
Appendix
Product Canva Snappa

Task 1 Choose the template of the desired graphic. Choose the template of the desired graphic.
Effective I was able to successfully complete this task. I was able to successfully complete this task.
Strongly Disagree Partially Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Partially Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
Efficient Tasks were completed in a timely manner with Tasks were completed in a timely manner with
little to no excessive clicking/ actions. little to no excessive clicking/ actions.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
Engaging The product’s layout and menu options for each The product’s layout and menu options for each
specific task were user-friendly and easy to find. specific task were user-friendly and easy to find.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 X 5
Error Any errors were easy to recover from and Any errors were easy to recover from and
Tolerant correct. correct.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
Easy to The tools for each task were easy to learn and The tools for each task were easy to learn and
Learn did not cause confusion. did not cause confusion.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
My Canva was very easy to work with, and the Snappa was very easy to work with, but some
Notes layout was engaging and pleasant. layout designs were not pleasant.

Task 2 Insert and position a textbox. Insert and position a textbox.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 X 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 X 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 X 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 X 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 X 2 3 4 5
My Canva had great usability and a great tool. I was very unsatisfied with Snappa’s textbox
Notes feature. It was highly unintuitive, and I still was
not able to fully figure out the issue.

Task 3 Change the text (color, size, font, etc.). Change the text (color, size, font, etc.).
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
My Canva’s features made sense, and they were Snappa’s features made sense, and they were
Notes highly functional. highly functional.

Task 4 Edit the background picture w/ editing effects. Edit the background picture w/ editing effects.
1 2 3 4 X 5 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 X 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 X 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 X 5 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 X 5 1 2 3 4 5 X
My Because of Canva’s confusing editing and main Snappa’s layout made it easy to find the editing
Notes side menus, it took me an excessive amount of tool, and the tool worked well.
time to find the editing tool for the photo.
When I found it, the tool worked well.

Task 5 Insert a background photo. Insert a background photo.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 X 5 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
My It is almost a necessity to use the photo grid Snappa’s features allow for the background
Notes while inserting a background photo. Without it, photo to be placed and multiple pictures to be
the photo does not perform as well. layered over each other with no issues.

Task 6 Crop an image. Crop an image.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
My Canva’s cropping tool works well and is Snappa does not have a conventional cropping
Notes efficient. tool, but there are ways to crop a photo. The
finished product still works.

Task 7 Insert a second picture onto template. Insert a second picture onto template.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 X 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
My Again, it is better to place photos using Canva’s I was able to place multiple pictures with no
Notes photo grid tool, especially while placing one delays or issues.
photo over the other.

Task 8 Delete the background photo/ color. Delete the background photo/ color.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 X 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 X 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 X 5
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
My I was able to delete all elements I put on Snappa’s features and options for deleting a
Notes Canva’s template, including background photo, background, color or photo, were very tedious
color, shapes, etc. The delete or “trash” icon and required a lot of extra time. Different and
button is very convenient. better functions and tools could be used to
increase efficiency.

Task 9 Add a shape or icon to graphic. Add a shape or icon to graphic.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
My Canva had great options for icons and shapes, Snappa had great options for icons and shapes,
Notes although some options are not free. and all options were free to use.

Task 10 Download the finished graphic. Download the finished graphic.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 X 5
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 4 5 X
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 2 3 X 4 5 X
My Canva had multiple options to choose from to Snappa had few options to download a graphic.
Notes download a graphic, and it was very user- The function still worked well.
friendly.

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English 317 Technical Writing

Professor Brian Malone

Comparison of Graphic Design Websites

Testing and Environment ........................................................................................................................ 3

Test Metrics .............................................................................................................................................. 4

Overall Scores ........................................................................................................................................ 14

Conclusions and Recommendations ....................................................................................................... 14

Strongly Disagree Partially Agree Agree Strongly

Figure 1 & 2: List of Canva templates

Figure 3 & 4: Groups of Snappa templates

Figure 5: Canva’s Facebook template & layout

Figure 6: Snappa’s Facebook template & layout

Figure 9: Snappa’s text editing features

In this task, I edited the background pictures on Canva and Snappa

Figure 11 & 12: Canva’s photo adjustment menu

For this task, I inserted a background picture in both Canva and

Figure 13: Snappa’s background photo features

Figure 14: Canva’s photo placement features

For this task, I attempted to crop an image using Snappa and

Figure 15: Snappa’s cropping feature

Figure 16: Canva’s cropping feature

In this task, I inserted a second picture onto the

Canva receives 23 out of 25, and Snappa receives

Figure 18: Snappa’s multiple

In this task, I attempted to delete the background

Snappa was still

For this task, I added a shape and

In this final task, I downloaded the finished graphic in both

Figure 23: Snappa’s download options

Cumulative Test Ratings

Conclusions and Recommendations

Product Canva Snappa

Product Canva Snappa

Product Canva Snappa

Product Canva Snappa

Product Canva Snappa

Product Canva Snappa

Product Canva Snappa

Product Canva Snappa

Product Canva Snappa

Product Canva Snappa

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