Great place to work - Software Engineer Canva Employee Review

5.0
Aug 7, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

When I joined Canva I had exactly zero experience with building cloud applications that operate at scale. I found the senior engineers to be extremely open and generous with their time. I feel like my first 6months-1year at Canva was a real bootcamp and I learned an incredible amount. Both in terms of practical skills and experience, but also approaches to thinking through difficult problems. I really love Canva's approach to mentoring new starters. The food is amazing, perks are great. Flexibility is great. I've met and worked with plenty of amazing people. The environment is very social if you want it to be. There is a club for everything. The company has a lot of positive impacts around the world.

Cons

It can be a very intense place to work. This is challenging from a work-life balance perspective. It is also a relatively chaotic environment and this doesn't work for everyone. The company is having some expected growing pains. There is still a lack of clarity of ownership and direction of many areas.

Explore other reviews about Canva

5.0
Apr 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Fast pace - Interesting tech - Fun product to work on - Great culture & values

Cons

- Crunch periods can be full on

3.0
May 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Product is beloved by users. Brand affinity is second to none which makes being a marketer a lot of fun. Genuinely good and caring coworkers who want to build something great. Hiring bar is high. Vibe and Thrive benefit is clever and unique.

Cons

Behind the brand is a cult like culture with the “founders” surrounded by yes people (whether they are aware of it or not). Mediocrity seems to be tolerated among management’s “old guard” causing tension and churn with newer and sometimes more experienced leaders. Insecure leaders at some of the highest levels perpetuate much of the toxic behaviors described in the reviews below such as gaslighting and favoritism. People “disappear” with little to no explanation, but hey, it’s the “Canva way”.

5
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