The Canva desktop app is a browser in disguise, cache included
Canva for Mac stores a browser cache of designs, fonts and images. How big it gets, where it is, and when using Canva in a browser makes more sense.
The Canva desktop app is built on the same technology as a web browser. Like a browser, it caches images, fonts and templates as you work, and that cache grows with use.
Measure it
du -sh /Applications/Canva.app 2>/dev/null
find ~/Library/Application\ Support ~/Library/Caches -maxdepth 1 -iname '*canva*' -exec du -sh {} + 2>/dev/nullClearing the cache
Your designs are stored in your Canva account online, not in these folders. Quit Canva completely, then delete the cache folders found above, typically named Cache or Code Cache inside Canva's Application Support folder. Canva rebuilds them.
App or browser?
Using Canva in a browser you already have avoids a second copy of a browser engine and a second cache. The desktop app is mainly about having it in the Dock. Electron apps taking up space explains why these apps carry that weight.
Other design tools: Figma and design tool caches.
Common questions
Where does the Canva app store its cache on a Mac?
In a Canva folder inside ~/Library/Application Support, with Cache and Code Cache folders inside it.
Is it safe to delete Canva's cache?
Yes, with Canva quit. Your designs are stored in your Canva account online.
Is the Canva desktop app the same as the website?
Largely yes. It is built on browser technology, so using Canva in your existing browser saves the extra app and its cache.