Gamma vs Canva for free presentations (2026)
Short version: Gamma if you want AI to draft whole decks from a prompt (400 one-time credits, up to 10 slides per prompt, PPTX and Google Slides export). Canva if you design slides yourself: 1.6M+ templates and 5 GB of storage free, with up to 20 AI uses.
| Tool | What you get | Limits | Card required | The catch | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamma | 400 AI credits at signup, up to 10 slides per prompt, and export to PDF, PPTX, PNG and Google Slides. | 400 one-time credits (they don't refill); up to 10 slides per prompt | No (stated by vendor) | The 400 credits are a one-time allowance that doesn't refill; you earn more by inviting friends. | help.gamma.app/en/articles/7834324-how-do-credits-work-in-gamma checked 2026-10-26 |
| Canva | Easy drag-and-drop editor, 1,000+ design types, 1.6M+ templates, 4.7M+ photos, videos, graphics and audio, 1 Brand Kit (3 colors), 5 GB cloud storage and up to 20 Standard or Premium AI uses. | 5 GB cloud storage; up to 20 Standard or Premium AI uses; 1 Brand Kit (3 colors) | Vendor doesn't say | AI usage on Free is capped at up to 20 Standard or Premium uses; Pro unlocks far more AI and premium content. | canva.com/pricing checked 2026-10-26 |
Every row is taken from the vendor's official pricing page, checked 2026-10-26. "Vendor doesn't say" means the official page does not mention it. Plans change, so confirm on the vendor's site.
Pick this if
Pros and cons
Con: 400 credits are one-time and don't refill; 10 slides per prompt
Con: Up to 20 Standard or Premium AI uses on Free; card policy not stated
Try it
Disclosure: Gamma pays us 25% of your first year if you upgrade through our link. It costs you nothing extra.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, marked as such; we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It never changes how a free plan is described. See the affiliate disclosure.
FAQ
Is Gamma or Canva better for free presentations?
It depends on how you work. Gamma generates decks with AI but its 400 free credits are a one-time allowance. Canva's free plan is built around templates and manual editing, with up to 20 AI uses (both checked 2026-10-26).
Can I export to PowerPoint for free?
Gamma's free plan exports to PDF, PPTX, PNG and Google Slides. We did not confirm Canva's free export formats on its pricing page, so check before you rely on it.
Do Gamma credits refill?
No. The 400 credits at signup do not refill; you can earn more by inviting friends.
Do they need a credit card?
Gamma's pricing page says no card is needed. Canva's pricing page does not say either way.