Microsoft continues to build out their 365-productivity suite by adding new capabilities such as the new application coming out of the Microsoft workshop, Microsoft Designer. Microsoft Designer will cater for users in the creative industry that create assets for digital channels such as Instagram and Facebook. The application will initially be aimed at consumers and could prove useful to creators inside companies, government agencies and schools where a large proportion of their users are.

Video: Microsoft Designer by Microsoft

Canva Alternative

Microsoft’s desire is to increase the value of the Office subscription by adding new capabilities to an endless line-up of productivity applications. Microsoft is targeting the digital assets creation market which is dominated by applications such as Canvas that boasts 100 million monthly active users. Canva themselves have gone after core parts of the Microsoft Office suite business by introducing an alternative to PowerPoint and Word.

In the current economy, users and businesses will look to save money by reducing the number of software providers they use. Adding Designer to the Office suite may persuade Canva users to leave and just use the 365 Office Suite which adds more value for money.

Built In DALL-E Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft’s Designer application will have integration with DALL-E 2 artificial intelligence software. The integration will enable users to enter text and Designer will automatically come up with visual designs according to the words entered by the user. Through OpenAI which is a Microsoft-backed start-up, explicitly sexual and violent content has been removed and Microsoft has implemented changes that will help generate more diverse results.

Can I Get Microsoft Designer?

As of publication, you will need to join a waiting list for the free preview of Designer online. When the app is released to the public, the app will have a free tier and a premium version for those with Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions. Microsoft could expand the Designer to their Enterprise market if the application gains sufficient interest.

Summary

Microsoft Designer offers an opportunity for Microsoft to widen the capabilities of their 365 Office Suite to cater for the content creators of social media. The integration of DALL-E artificial intelligence will match their stance to improve workflows and help users finish tasks as quickly as possible. Designer will work well with Microsoft Loop which helps with collaboration between different creative individuals to help stakeholders and creators understand each other to create high-quality creatives.