What Is Microsoft Designer?
Microsoft Designer is a graphic design app from Microsoft that uses AI. You describe what you want, and Designer creates images, social posts, invitations, banners and logos that you can edit. You can also start from a template, add your own media, and download, copy or share the result. It works as a web app, has a mobile app, and connects with Microsoft 365 apps.
Who Should Use Microsoft Designer?
Microsoft Designer is useful for small business owners, social media creators and students who want quick posts, invitations or banners without design skills. It also helps people who already use Microsoft 365 and want AI image tools in the same account. Check the monthly AI credit limit first, because each AI image uses credits.
How Does Microsoft Designer Work?
- Go to designer.microsoft.com or open the mobile app, and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Describe the image or design you want, or pick a template.
- Choose from the layouts Designer makes. Then change the filters, fonts and color palettes, or upload your own media.
- Download, copy or share the finished design.
Microsoft Designer Pricing and Plans
No pricing screenshot was provided for Microsoft Designer, so this page does not list prices. Microsoft says Designer is free to use, and a subscription may be required for people who want to create more often. Microsoft's support page says free Designer users get 15 AI credits a month. AI credits are units that measure how much you use AI features. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers get 60 AI credits a month, shared across apps such as Word, PowerPoint, Photos and Paint. Check Microsoft's plans page for current prices.
| Plan | Price | Billing | Main Features and Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designer (free app) | Free | Not applicable | 15 AI credits per month |
| Microsoft 365 Personal and Family | Not provided | Not stated | 60 AI credits per month shared across Microsoft apps; Family credits belong to the subscription owner only |
Is Microsoft Designer Free?
Yes. Microsoft says Designer is free to use. Free users get 15 AI credits a month, and a subscription may be needed to create more often. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers get 60 credits a month. The official pages checked do not say which free features are limited or whether free exports have watermarks.
Microsoft Designer Key Features
AI Image Creation
You describe an image in words, and Designer makes it. Each AI generation uses credits, and Microsoft's help forum says generating an image uses 1 AI credit. Designer can also help edit photos.
Templates
Designer offers thousands of customizable templates. Examples include social media posts, invitations, digital postcards and graphics. You can edit the text and images after you pick one.
Layout and Caption Suggestions
Designer gives automatic layout suggestions as you design. It can also suggest captions and hashtags, which helps when you share on social media.
Editing and Personalizing
You can change filters, fonts and color palettes, or upload your own media to match your style or brand. When you finish, you can download, copy or share the design.
Microsoft 365 Integration
Designer is a standalone web app that also works with Microsoft 365 apps. You can bring designs into documents, emails and presentations, including PowerPoint.
Mobile App
Designer has a mobile app on the Apple App Store and Google Play. You can use it to create and edit designs when you are away from your computer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to use, according to Microsoft.
- Lets you start from a text description or a template.
- Works with Microsoft 365 apps such as PowerPoint.
- Has a mobile app for creating and editing on the go.
Cons
- Free users get only 15 AI credits a month.
- For Microsoft 365 subscribers, the 60 monthly credits are shared across apps like Word, Photos and Paint, so use elsewhere can reduce what is left for Designer.
- On Microsoft 365 Family, AI credits are only available to the subscription owner, not to other family members.
Popular Microsoft Designer use cases
Social Media Posts
Creators can make posts with images, layouts, captions and hashtag ideas.
Invitations and Digital Postcards
Users can make event invitations and digital postcards from templates or a text description.
Logos and Banners
Small businesses can make logos and banners for their brand.
Images for Documents and Presentations
Users can add Designer images to Microsoft 365 files, such as PowerPoint slides.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Designer free?
Yes. Microsoft says Designer is free to use. A subscription may be required if you want to create more often. Free users get 15 AI credits a month.
What are the limits of the Microsoft Designer Free plan?
Free users get 15 AI credits per month. Microsoft says a subscription may be needed to create more often. The official pages checked do not list other free-plan limits, such as export quality or watermarks, so check these in the app.
How many AI credits do Microsoft 365 plans include?
Microsoft says Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers get 60 AI credits a month. These can be used across apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Designer, Notepad, Photos and Paint. On Family, the credits are only for the subscription owner.
Does Microsoft Designer work with Microsoft 365 apps?
Yes. Designer is a standalone web app that also works with Microsoft 365 apps. Microsoft says you can use it to bring designs into documents, emails and presentations, including PowerPoint.
Is there a Microsoft Designer mobile app?
Yes. Microsoft says you can get the Designer mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also use Designer on the web at designer.microsoft.com.
