About Picsart
I recently spent a good chunk of time testing Picsart, a photo and video editing platform that's got a staggering 150 million monthly users. Now, let me tell you, this isn't just another run-of-the-mill editing tool; it's packed with features that cater to everyone from casual users wanting to jazz up their holiday snaps to seasoned designers needing a powerful toolkit. What impressed me most was the AI generation feature, which allows you to create images from scratch based on text prompts. It's like having a mini-Monet at your fingertips, although the results can be a bit hit-or-miss, as you'll see later.
The interface is user-friendly, which is a plus, especially if you're new to editing or just want to get something done quickly. I found navigating through the various editing options fairly intuitive. The library of templates, stickers, and fonts is extensive, making it easy to pull together something visually appealing without too much hassle. However, while the basic features are available for free, you'll quickly find that to access the real juicy tools, you’ll need to fork out for the Gold plan, which costs around £10.50 per month. This plan gives you access to premium content and additional AI tools, which might be worth it if you’re serious about your creative work.
But here’s where things get a bit murky. While Picsart excels in providing a wide range of features, the free version feels like a demo version. You can only do so much before you're nudged to upgrade, which can be frustrating if you just want to do minor edits. Also, the mobile app, while handy, lacks some of the desktop features, which is a bit disappointing. In my experience, it felt like the developers focused more on the web version, leaving the mobile experience a tad underwhelming.
Overall, Picsart is an excellent platform for those looking to enhance their creative projects, but it isn’t without its flaws. The AI generation feature is a nice touch, but if you’re after high-quality, professional results, be prepared to invest a bit more into the Gold plan. If you’re just looking to do some casual editing or are on a tight budget, you might want to explore other options first before committing to this one.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
After diving deep into Picsart, I have to say, it’s a mixed bag of delights and disappointments. Let’s start with the good stuff. The platform’s AI image generation feature is something I found genuinely exciting. You can type in a prompt and watch as it conjures up images that, while not always perfect, can really spark your creativity. One time, I typed in 'a cat in a space suit', and it delivered a pretty amusing result that I might actually use for a social media post.
The variety of templates, stickers, and fonts is another big win. I whipped up an Instagram story in minutes using one of their pre-made templates, and it looked professional without requiring hours of design experience. The user interface is slick; you don’t need a degree in rocket science to figure out how to navigate it. Plus, the mobile app is decent for on-the-go edits—though I did find it lacking some of the more advanced features that are available on the desktop version, which was a letdown.
However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. The free plan feels restrictive after you’ve had a taste of what the premium version offers. If you’re just looking to do the odd edit now and then, you might find yourself frustrated by the limitations. The Gold plan, while reasonably priced at around £10.50 per month, might not be justifiable for casual users who won’t be utilising all its features. And let’s not even get started on the AI-generated images; some of them looked like they were made by a toddler with a crayon. You’ll need to approach this feature with a healthy dose of realism.
When I compared Picsart to Canva, I noticed that Canva has a more extensive template library and is a bit easier for beginners to navigate. However, for those looking for more advanced editing features like the ones Picsart offers, the latter might be the better choice. Ultimately, if you're someone who regularly creates visual content for social media or marketing, and you don't mind shelling out a bit for premium features, Picsart could be a solid addition to your toolkit. Just be prepared for a few quirks along the way.
Getting started with Picsart
In this guide, you will learn how to create stunning edits using Picsart's AI-powered tools for both photos and videos. By the end, you'll be able to enhance your images and generate new ones based on text prompts.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first edit
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
Take advantage of the “Undo” button (located at the top left) to revert changes easily while editing, saving you time when trying different effects.
Common mistake to avoid
Avoid skipping the tutorial prompts that appear when you first use a feature. These guides can help you understand the tools available and prevent confusion later on.
The Verdict
In summary, Picsart is a strong contender in the photo and video editing space, especially for those who are willing to invest in the premium features. I’d recommend it for social media managers, freelance designers, and small business owners who need to create appealing content regularly. However, if you’re a casual user who just wants to dabble in editing, you might find the limitations of the free version frustrating. Explore other options first before diving into the subscription model.
Best For
- Social media managers who need to create engaging graphics on a regular basis.
- Freelance designers seeking a budget-friendly editing suite with powerful features.
- Small business owners wanting to produce marketing materials without hiring external help.
- Content creators who like experimenting with AI-generated visuals.
- Students looking for accessible tools to enhance their projects.
At a Glance
Picsart is a versatile photo and video editing tool that blends user-friendly design with powerful AI features, perfect for anyone from casual users to professional designers. While the free plan offers basic editing capabilities, serious creators will want to consider the Gold subscription for access to premium content and advanced AI tools.
Strengths
- +The AI image generation tool is a standout feature, allowing users to create unique visuals from text prompts, which can spark creativity and provide inspiration for projects.
- +The extensive library of templates, stickers, and fonts makes it easy to assemble visually appealing content quickly, saving time for users who need to create designs on the fly.
- +The user-friendly interface is intuitive, making it accessible for beginners while still providing enough depth for advanced users to explore complex editing options.
- +The web-based platform allows for easy access from various devices, which is ideal for users who want to edit on the go without being tied to a specific machine.
- +The Gold subscription offers a wealth of premium content and advanced AI tools, justifying the cost for serious creators and professionals looking to enhance their work.
Limitations
- -The free version feels limiting, with many features locked behind the Gold paywall, which can be frustrating for casual users who just want to do some basic editing.
- -The mobile app lacks several features available on the desktop version, making it less useful for those who prefer editing on their phones or tablets.
- -The AI-generated images can be hit-or-miss; while some results are impressive, others can look quite amateurish, which may not meet the standards of professional use.
- -The sheer number of features can be overwhelming for newcomers, leading to a steep learning curve that might deter those looking for quick edits.
- -The subscription model might not be ideal for everyone, especially occasional users who may find it hard to justify the monthly expense.
Use Cases
- -Social media managers who need to create eye-catching graphics quickly to keep their audiences engaged across platforms.
- -Freelance designers who require a powerful editing suite on a budget, taking advantage of both free and premium features.
- -Content creators looking for inspiration through AI-generated visuals, allowing them to experiment with designs they might not have considered otherwise.
- -Small business owners wanting to produce marketing materials without hiring a designer, making use of templates and easy editing tools.
- -Students working on projects who need accessible tools to create presentations and reports that stand out visually.
