If you enjoy using your computer to make your own greeting cards, consider trying out some free programs. These programs allow you to create and customize your cards with just a few clicks.
Free Downloadable Card Making Software
Crafters in search of free downloadable card making software have a number of options to consider.
Card Making Templates for Microsoft Word
While most people associate Microsoft Word with basic word processing functions, this software can actually be used to design your own greeting cards. Microsoft Office Online is the best resource for finding free greeting card templates to use with Microsoft Word. A number of styles are available and the site is very easy to navigate.
Microsoft Greeting Cards Studio
Microsoft also offers a free Greeting Cards Studio app for making photo greeting cards. A limited selection of frames and graphics comes with the app, but users can choose to purchase additional items if desired. You will need either Windows® 8.1 or Windows® 10 to use the app.
ArcSoft Print Creations
ArcSoft Print Creations comes in both Mac and PC versions. It features an extensive selection of templates, as well as built in photo editing tools to enhance your images before you add them to your card making project.
Scribus
Scribus is an open-source version of the desktop publishing software used by professional graphic designers. Learning how to create your own cards in this program will require some time, but the results can be well worth the extra effort. Different publishing techniques and layouts are available from the program.
Cloud Based Card Making Programs
If you're worried about accidentally downloading viruses and malware, or you're working on a shared public computer, you may prefer card making programs that are cloud based.
Adobe Express
This free design program has a number of templates of varying sizes for use in making greeting cards. There are cards for events like birthdays, baby births and showers, weddings and anniversaries. You can use the template backgrounds or upload your own photo. There's also a stock photo library for your use. You can download your card to print or also share it electronically by email or on Facebook and Twitter with a link provided by Adobe Express.
Canva
Canva has multiple card templates for customizing. Share your finished creation via social media or download a PDF for printing.
Greetings Island
Greetings Island lets you customize, download, and print cards free of charge. Some designs even have matching envelopes you can customize and print. There is also an option to send your project as an e-card if you don't have easy access to a printer.
Fotor
You can use Fotor to make photo greeting cards. There are a number of templates you can use with either one photo or a collage of your favorite pictures. Helpful videos show you how to design the cards using the easy drag-and-drop interface. Creating a free account is required in order to make a card and upload your photos. Cards can be shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and via email. If you need more features, there is a paid version for $39.99 a year. Fotor can be used on a desktop computer or on iOS and Android mobile devices.
Avery Wizard
The Avery Wizard makes it easy to design and print greeting cards using your favorite Avery stationery products. There are three free programs available for use:
- Avery Design and Print Online, which has thousands of templates and clip art for use
- Avery Wizard for Microsoft Office, which can lead you through a step-by-step process from creation to printing
- Avery Templates, which are simple and easy-to-use templates that you can customize yourself
No download is required; just activate the program and start designing.
Start Designing
With the number of free programs available for card making, you're sure to find a good fit with your interests and needs. Try several programs to find the one you enjoy using that returns results that you will be happy with.
