When it comes to sharing an annual impact report, there’s no one “right” way. Some organizations are perfectly happy attaching a PDF to an email, while others like the interactivity of a digital publishing tool. The good news? There are plenty of options—ranging from free and straightforward to more feature-packed (and pricier).
This post isn’t about endorsing one over another, but rather giving you a snapshot of what’s out there so you can decide what makes sense for your team, your budget, and your audience.
Start Simple: Adobe Publish Online
If you’re working with me, or another professional designer, Adobe Publish Online is the easiest way to put your report on the web. It’s free, creates a shareable link, and can even be embedded on your site. The trade-off? It doesn’t offer that “page flipping” effect some people like—it’s simple, clean, and effective.
The Flip Factor: Flipbook & Issuu
For those who want the visual effect of turning pages, Flipbook and Issuu are the big names. They give your report that virtual magazine feel, which can be nice for readability. The catch is the price—subscriptions usually run around $200/year. Worth it if you’re publishing multiple pieces, but definitely not if you’re only doing one report a year.
Canva + Third-Party Tools
Whether or not your design is made in Canva, you’ve got some additional publishing options right inside the platform. Canva integrates with services like Simple Booklet and Hey Zine, which you can also access directly through their websites.
Simple Booklet: Lets you create a custom URL for sharing and has a reasonably priced premium plan at $60/year.
👉 Sample: Youth With Faces Impact Report on Simple BookletHey Zine: Offers up to five books at a time for free. The Hey Zine branding is minimal and tucked away in the corner. You don’t get custom URLs, but the end product looks professional.
👉 Sample: Youth With Faces Impact Report on Hey Zine
For many, launching these through Canva might be easier if you’re already familiar with the platform—but it also works to go straight to the source!
Final Thoughts
Whether you keep it simple with Adobe, go interactive with Flipbook or Issuu, or experiment with platforms like Simple Booklet and Hey Zine, the key takeaway is that you have choices. These tools make your report easier to access and share, but what truly makes it shine is the content and the design. A thoughtfully crafted, well-designed report will always stand out—no matter the platform—by clearly illustrating your organization’s impact and drawing your audience in.