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If you’re looking for a Canva alternative, you might have heard of Unfold—an app developed by Squarespace to design social media posts. However, after trying it, I’m not ready to switch (though the app does have promise). Here’s why.
What Is Unfold, and What Can You Create With It?
Unfoldis a tool that you can use to design content for Instagram and TikTok. Developed by Squarespace, the app is available on iOS and Android.
In addition to designing social media graphics in the app, Unfold offers direct access to numerous Squarespace discount codes. So, if you’re thinking aboutusing a code-free website creator, you might want to consider downloading Unfold.
Download:Unfold foriOS|Android(Free, in-app purchases available)
Is Unfold Free?
Unfold has a free plan; with this, you’ll get access to several in-app features. However, one big thing to consider is that you can’t remove the watermark unless you get a paid subscription.
If you choose to get a paid version of the app, you’ll pay $2.99/mo. Alternatively, you can purchase an annual plan for $19.99 per year; annual subscriptions come with a three-day trial period.
Unfold’s Main Features
Before I speak about why I’m not ready to switch from Canva yet, it’s worth looking at some of Unfold’s main features. In the sections below, you’ll discover the top things you can do with this app.
1. Social Media Templates
The main reason for using the Unfold app is to create social media content. You’ll find templates for Instagram Reels, Stories posts, and carousels—in addition to TikTok videos. You can also use Unfold to create YouTube Shorts, Snapchat posts, Pinterest content, and various other things.
If you use the free version of Unfold, you’ll have access to Instagram templates. But for everything else, you have to upgrade to a paid subscription. If you decide to use Unfold to create Instagram Reels, consider using theseReels ideas to increase your chances of standing out.
2. Share Your Work via a Link
If you use social media as a portfolio, Unfold has a handy feature that lets you share your work via a single link. This works very similarly to LinkTree, but in my opinion, it’s a more aesthetically pleasing option.
You can add your own social media profiles by simply including the username; I utilized this feature to create a photography portfolio. You can also include links to other websites, and as you can see from the example below, I used it to add a link to my travel blog.
Once you’ve customized your Bio Site profile, you can copy and paste the link into your social media profiles. Then, when someone clicks on your profile, they’ll be able to browse your creative work. This is great if you’reusing Instagram as a career portfolioor another social media platform for the same reason.
3. Add Effects
The Unfold app also has a handful of features to add to your creations. For example, you may include text in your pictures if you want to be more descriptive. On top of that, you can add different filters (in the same way that you can within the Instagram app).
Adding different effects, such as glitter and glitches, is also possible. You can change the intensity on a scale of 1-12 for each of these. Unfold also allows you to alter different aspects of your image, such as contrast, shadows, highlights, and warmth.
Some of the filters in Unfold are only available after upgrading to a paid plan.
4. Content Planning
You cancreate a content calendar in Google Calendarand several other apps, but it’s also possible to use Unfold if you’re creating content specifically for Instagram. To do this, you need to link your Facebook account.
Unfold’s content planner lets you publish posts at a time that’s convenient for you and when your audience is more likely to engage. Moreover, you’re able to write captions within the app. If you’re thinking of using this feature, consider looking at thesetips for building the best content calendar.
Why I’m Not Ready to Switch From Canva to Unfold
While Unfold is a relatively well-rounded app, I’m not ready to switch from Canva for numerous reasons. Here’s why I still think that Canva is better.
1. Canva Is More Versatile
In my opinion, versatility is Canva’s biggest advantage. You can create just about any kind of social media content you could think of, even if you don’t upgrade to a paid plan. It’s possible to use templates for Pinterest, YouTube, and several other platforms for free.
While I think that Unfold has better filters than Canva, I also believe that Canva excels in most other editing areas. Although more expensive than the premium version of Unfold, I thinkCanva Pro offers several handy features—such as more comprehensive templates—that make it worth considering anyway.
2. You Need a Paid Version to Remove the Watermark
I have no problem paying money for things if I think that they’ll add value to my life, but to be honest, the only real reason I’d pay for Unfold is to remove the watermark. Since I can get the same results in Canva (and more features when upgrading), I see no reason to use Unfold instead.
As I’ve mentioned in other articles, I have no problems with businesses wanting to make money. Since I’m a business owner myself, it would be hypocritical saying anything otherwise. Nonetheless, one feature alone isn’t enough to convince me to upgrade (but it might be something that you want to do if you like Unfold more than any other app).
3. Canva Is Available on More Devices
Another problem I have with Unfold is that while it’s available on mobile, you can’t use it on your computer. Comparatively, Canva has both desktop and web apps that are optimized for those mediums.
While I often use my smartphone to edit content for social media, I sometimes prefer to use a bigger screen. Only being limited to one is, in my opinion, a bit frustrating.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Use Unfold?
While I wouldn’t use Unfold over Canva, I do think that it’s still useful for some people. I love the Bio Site feature, and actually think it’s better than every other alternative that you’ll find. So, if you need access to this alone, it’s worth downloading the app.
Unfold is also a great tool if you want to create prototypes for your social media content. And if you like the app more than its alternatives, I do think that paying for the premium version is a worthwhile investment.
Nonetheless, I’d suggest using Canva if you already use the app extensively and don’t need access to Bio Site. Unfold has a lot of potential, but I feel like Canva is a better all-rounder.
