There are concerns that this price increase may exploit the dependency users have developed on Canva's services for their design tasks.

Canva's recent acquisitions, including the generative AI startup Leonardo and the professional software company Affinity, are part of its strategy to enhance its offerings and compete more effectively in the design software market.

Canva has announced a substantial price increase for its Teams subscriptions, citing the integration of advanced generative AI features as a key reason.

The price hike, which amounts to a staggering 300% for some users, has sparked backlash, particularly from smaller businesses that rely heavily on the platform.

This decision is likely to alienate existing users and deter potential customers from the professional design community.

As Canva shifts towards an enterprise-focused suite, it appears to be moving away from its original target audience of casual designers.

Known for its user-friendly interface, Canva has attracted users who find traditional graphic design software like Adobe and Figma too complex.

While the new AI features, such as text-to-image generators, are advanced, they are now viewed as a financial burden due to the increased costs.

Current users have been informed of the new pricing structure, which will take effect in September, transitioning them to rates previously reserved for new Teams subscribers.

To ease the transition, users were offered a 12-month discounted pricing option, although this still represents an increase from previous rates.

Despite the price increase, Canva maintains that its pricing remains competitive compared to alternatives like Adobe, which charges significantly more.

Users have taken to social media platforms like X and Threads to express their dissatisfaction, citing a lack of transparent communication regarding the changes.