Marq Alternative Guide: Templates, Brand Kits, & Custom Designs

A Marq alternative can be the missing piece for businesses that feel boxed in by repetitive, look-alike templates. 

For many teams, the real struggle isn’t finding a design tool, but finding a way to keep visuals fresh while staying true to the brand. 

That balance matters more than ever, especially with data telling us that consistent branding has been shown to boost revenue by as much as 10–20%.

Let’s unpack the options you have to get the right mix of graphic design services and digital branding services that can make it possible, helping you maintain a polished identity without burning out your team or blowing through your budget.

But first, let’s start with the basics:

What is Marq and Why Look for an Alternative?

Marq, formerly known as Lucidpress, is an online design platform that helps businesses create marketing materials using pre-made templates and brand kit features. It’s popular among teams that want quick, do-it-yourself visuals without starting from scratch.

But for many growing companies, this “one-size-fits-all” setup can hit a ceiling. If your campaigns require more originality, flexibility, and design depth, exploring a Marq alternative might be the next logical step.

The reality is, brand recognition doesn’t come from using the same stock layout over and over, but from building a strong, consistent presence across every channel. In fact, research shows the top drivers of brand recognition include various channels, such as social media, website or blog, email marketing, content marketing, influencer marketing, SEO, and virtual events.

Each of these touchpoints demands visuals that not only match your style guide but also feel unique and relevant to the platform. That’s where having a dedicated graphic design team or partnering with experts for a creative design solution can make the difference. 

Instead of being limited to template tweaks, you get designs built from the ground up. That means campaign-specific, on-brand, and ready to stand out in the competitive digital space.

What to Look for in a Marq Alternative

Choosing the right Marq alternative is about finding a solution that supports your brand across every channel. Data reveals that 81% of businesses said they use graphic design in multiple formats. 

The number above underscores how crucial it is that your next platform or partner should be versatile enough to handle it all.

Here are the key things to look for:

• Wide library – A variety of designs for different platforms, from Instagram posts to brochures.
• Robust brand kit features – Tools to store your logo, fonts, and color palette for consistent branding.
• Custom design capabilities – Options for going beyond templates to create unique, campaign-specific visuals.
• Collaboration tools – Real-time editing, feedback, and sharing for smoother teamwork.
• Scalability – Ability to grow with your business, whether you’re creating a few assets or hundreds each month.
• Integration options – Compatibility with marketing and publishing tools you already use.
• Access to professionals – Partnering with a graphic design services agency can ensure your designs are always brand-accurate and market-ready.

Top Marq Alternatives in 2025

Whether you’re looking for a Marq alternative free of charge to test the waters or you’re ready to invest in professional design, here are some top picks for 2025.

1. Penji

While DIY tools have their place, Penji stands out by offering an unlimited design subscription with a dedicated design team. This means you’re not just tweaking templates, but you’re getting custom marketing materials designs tailor-made for your brand.

2. Canva

As Marq is among the popular Canva alternatives, so is Canva a well-known option for those looking to switch from Marq. For one, it offers thousands of templates, a brand kit feature, and drag-and-drop simplicity. It’s also great for quick social media posts, though still limited in advanced customization.

3. Visme

Meanwhile, Visme is a strong choice for infographics, data visualizations, and reports. Its collaboration tools make it popular for marketing teams that need to align on brand visuals.

4. VistaCreate

Formerly Crello, VistaCreate offers a wide template library, animation features, and affordable plans, making it one of the better Marq alternative free options for startups.

5. Piktochart

Last but now least, Piktochart is perfect for turning complex data into simple, attractive visuals. It’s a favorite among marketers who want to enhance reports and presentations.

Why Unlimited Graphic Design Services Like Penji Are Different

DIY design tools can help in a pinch, but they can’t replace the consistency, originality, and brand precision you get from a professional service. Unlimited graphic design services, like Penji, give you access to a team that understands your brand inside and out.

Instead of sifting through templates, you can request any design you need and get it custom-made for your audience. Here are a few design samples crafted by our awesome designers:

Browsing through Penji’s portfolio shows how varied and brand-specific each project is. That’s one reason many businesses ask, “Why choose Penji over a DIY platform?” The answer is simple: with Penji, you’re not just using a tool. Instead, you’re working with real designers who adapt to your tone, style, and goals.

This model works like on-demand graphic design, but without the uncertainty of hiring freelancers for every project. 

You submit your request, the team delivers, and you can keep making unlimited revisions until it’s perfect. The result? A steady stream of professional, on-brand visuals without the burnout of doing it yourself. 

Our customer reviews speak for themselves—and our work says even more.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right Marq alternative comes down to choosing a solution that can evolve with your brand. Whether you’re testing out free options or ready to invest in a full-service partner, the goal is the same: create visuals that are consistent, compelling, and unmistakably yours.

With Penji, you get more than access to templates—you get a creative partner. Our dedicated designers work with you to produce campaign-specific, on-brand graphics that speak to your audience and strengthen your presence across every channel.

View a short demo to see why Penji is the preferred graphic design services agency for brands—from startups to established enterprises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the alternative to Marq?

An alternative to Marq is any design tool or service—like Canva, Visme, or a custom design provider such as Penji—that offers templates, brand kits, and fully tailored graphics.

What did Marq used to be called?

Marq was formerly known as Lucidpress.

Is Marq any good?

Marq is good for quick, template-based projects, but if you need unique, brand-specific visuals, a custom design service like Penji can deliver a higher level of creativity and consistency.