Free AI Tools for Instagram Graphics: Canva, Adobe Express and 2 More

Four free AI tools make Instagram graphics: Canva is the all-around pick for posts and carousels, Adobe Express suits promo graphics, Ideogram handles text-heavy images, and Microsoft Designer gives quick first drafts. Free plans change, so check each tool's pricing page before you build a workflow on one.

The 4 tools at a glance

• Canva: carousels and repeatable post layouts, with a free Brand Kit that saves up to 3 colors (custom font uploads need a paid plan). Some premium elements and AI features are limited on the free plan.
• Adobe Express: polished promo posts and product announcements, using Adobe's templates. Check which templates, stock and AI features are free.
• Ideogram: images where words need to be part of the picture, such as quote cards. Free credits need a Google, Apple or Microsoft sign-in, and free images are public. Proofread the text, because AI image tools can misspell words.
• Microsoft Designer: fast first drafts from a text prompt. Microsoft's FAQ says Designer is licensed for personal, non-commercial use, so check before you use it for a business.

What to check before you pick a free plan

• Watermarks: can you export without one?
• AI limits: how many AI generations do you get for free, and when do they reset?
• Commercial use: may you use the result for a business, client or ad? Read the tool's current terms.
• Carousels: does it export several slides at Instagram's size?
• Brand consistency: can you save your colors, fonts and layouts?

Which tool for which Instagram format

• Single image post: Canva or Adobe Express.
• Carousel slides: Canva (our pick).
• Quote cards: Ideogram, then check the spelling.
• Product visuals and promos: Adobe Express (our pick).

Related guides

For sizes, see social media image sizes, for photo tools see 7 AI tools for Instagram photo editing, and for more tools see AI tools for Instagram content ideas.