When you need to make a funeral program, one of the first questions is simply: what program do I make it in? Most people already have Word or Google Docs, and they've heard of Canva. All three can work, but they're not equally easy, especially when you're tired, grieving, and short on time.
Here's an honest look at each one, so you can pick the tool that will be easiest for you.
The Quick Answer
- Easiest overall: Canva, with a funeral program template. The layout, folds, and photo frames are already done.
- Best if you can't use the internet: Microsoft Word.
- Best for writing the words together with family: Google Docs. Then copy the finished text into your design.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Canva | Microsoft Word | Google Docs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free version works well | Paid (Microsoft 365), unless you already have it | Free |
| Ease for beginners | Very easy: click and type | Moderate | Easy for text, hard for layout |
| Adding photos | Drag and drop into frames | Photos can shift and move text around | Limited and frustrating for layouts |
| Folded layouts and booklets | Built into templates | Possible, but takes setup | Very difficult |
| Fonts look the same everywhere | Yes | Not always, if fonts aren't installed on another computer | Yes, with limited font choices |
| Works without internet | No | Yes | Limited |
| Family can edit together | Yes, by sharing | Somewhat | Yes, very easily |
| Print-ready PDF | Yes (PDF Print) | Yes (Save as PDF) | Yes (Download as PDF) |
Canva
Canva is a free design tool that runs in your web browser, so there's nothing to install.
Why it's often the easiest:
- Templates come with the design, layout, and folds already done.
- You click any text to change it, and drag photos into frames.
- Fonts and colors stay exactly as designed, on any computer.
- The free version is enough for a funeral program. You don't need Canva Pro.
Things to know:
- You need an internet connection.
- Some decorative photo frames take an extra step. Our complete Canva guide walks you through it.
Microsoft Word
Many people already have Word and feel comfortable with it, which counts for a lot when you're under stress.
Why people choose it:
- It's familiar.
- It works without the internet.
- It's great for typing and editing long text, like an obituary.
Things to know:
- Photos can shift and push text around, which gets frustrating with a collage.
- Setting up a folded booklet takes some page-setup steps.
- If you email the file to someone, the fonts may change if their computer doesn't have the same ones. Saving as a PDF before printing avoids this.
Google Docs
Google Docs is free and wonderful for writing, especially with other people.
Why people choose it:
- It's free.
- Several family members can write and edit at the same time, from anywhere.
- It saves automatically.
Things to know:
- It's built for documents, not designs. Placing photos and creating folded layouts is difficult.
- Font and layout choices are limited.
A helpful tip: You don't have to choose just one. Many families write the obituary and order of service together in Google Docs, where everyone can add memories and catch spelling mistakes. Then they copy the finished text into a Canva template. You get easy teamwork and a beautiful design.
Which One Should You Use?
- Short on time and want it to look polished? Canva with a template.
- No reliable internet, or most comfortable with Word? Word, saved as a PDF before printing.
- Writing with siblings or family in different places? Google Docs for the words, then a design tool for the program.
Getting Started in Canva
Our Canva-editable funeral program templates are designed to work with the free version of Canva. After you purchase, you'll get a link that opens your template right in Canva. New to it? Start with our beginner's guide to editing in Canva.
And if you'd rather not use any of them, our Done-For-You Service lets you fill everything in online. We build the program and send you a print-ready digital file.
You may also find helpful: How to Make a Funeral Program and How to Print a Funeral Program.
The best tool is the one that lets you focus on them, not the software. — Noted & Charmed