Since the playing field is leveled, designers have access to many design tool options, many of which are open-source platforms.
Also, nowadays, you’re not tied to a Mac or PC to use graphic design applications. Mobile applications are available for iOS, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS, among others.
Given the dizzying array of available options, picking the top program for graphic design might seem challenging. We’ve included some old favorites like Adobe Photoshop and other newbies like Affinity Photo on our list.
- Figma
Try Out Figma, which packs quite a few capabilities as free graphic design software goes. Topping the list is the free version’s unlimited cloud storage. Its primary value is in creating vector graphics, an area in which it excels because of a comprehensive set of features. Private, invitation-only projects are available exclusively to those who upgrade to the paid “professional” plan. Alternatively, you might work together by just exchanging links.
Figma offers a wide range of customization options for enterprises, especially at the institutional level. You have the chance to make and manage your custom plugins. It’s a relatively cheap plan compared to others.
- PhotoScape
PhotoScape, a free application for altering photographs, includes a small set of essential sketching tools perfect for fixing minor blemishes. The intuitiveness of the program comes from its drag-and-drop user interface. The simplest tasks, like resizing or cropping, may be completed quickly and with a smile. File renaming and light editing are only two of the batch procedures available to you.
The developers also provide a paid version of the software, PhotoScape Pro X, which improves the program’s Mac compatibility, as well as a newer, more advanced version of the program, PhotoScape X, which includes new tools including motion effects, filters, macros, frames, and HDR merging. A single purchase can be made in either the Apple Store or the Microsoft Store.
- Pixlr
Pixlr is a web-based, cross-platform image editor for desktop and mobile.
Pixlr is now a standalone company after formerly being part of the Autodesk stable. Among its many useful features is an ecosystem of supplementary apps, making it comparable to a wide variety of popular alternatives. In addition to SVG and PSD, it is compatible with several other file types. Also, this web-based design tool is affordably priced. There is a no-cost demo and full release available. Unfortunately, there are so many ads in the free edition.
- Photoshop by Adobe
For long years, desktop publishers have relied heavily on Photoshop. There’s a solid reason why it’s so popular among designers. Its image-editing toolset is accessible to both amateurs and professionals because of the program’s intuitive interface and detailed guides. The graphic design software lets you take charge of every aspect of the creation process, from the canvas size to the artistic filter.
It’s surprising to see how much cheaper Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are. The addition of Adobe Spark, a storyboard application, and Adobe Fresco, a painting program, expands the suite’s potential uses. Photoshop, like Adobe Illustrator, has a free trial period of seven days. The free trial of Lightroom comes with 1 TB of cloud storage, but the free trial of Photoshop only comes with 100 GB.
- Vectr
Vectr is another no-cost program available in web-based and desktop variants. The name alludes to the fact that it specializes in vector graphics and typography. Out of the box, the app’s usability is high. Otherwise, it has a wealth of lessons and tips to help you with any task. It’s great for people who don’t need a lot of extra features and want a straightforward UI.
The interoperability is excellent, with both desktop and web-based clients readily available. A shared web address facilitates instantaneous communication and cooperation. Because Vectr does not use pixels, the images are crisp and clear.
- Procreate
Procreate advertises itself as a fully-featured creative studio for the iPad and Apple Pencil. There is no demo available, and this is a one-time purchase only. The developers spared no effort in making it intuitive. You may go in and begin utilizing its vast library of premade layouts, fonts, and customizable brushes. You may also load your Photoshop files into the software and have them process more quickly than ever with the Valkyrie engine’s help.
If you’ve ever wanted to do animation, Procreate is a fantastic program with which to do it. One of its distinctive features is its capability to perform operations in 3D and preview them in augmented reality in real-time. However, there are a lot of structures and settings in the application that inexperienced users could not understand. If you decide to use a brush, you have numerous alternatives from which to pick. Learn something new each time you put it to use.
- Designer’s Affinity
Affinity Designer is an excellent option for solo endeavors or novice designers because of its straightforward UI. In terms of design tools and extra features that make it easy to use, it is a strong competitor to Adobe Illustrator.
Affinity Designer is squarely in the CAD category thanks to its 1,000,000% zoom. If that level of detail is too much for you, you may always change the settings. The evolution of its different forms across time is also essential. You may zoom in and out and make edits using this feature. This function allows you to go back up to 8,000 steps, which is handy when dealing with customers.
- Canva
Infographics, websites, and even t-shirts can all be created in one convenient place, thanks to Canva. Even people with little experience in graphic design can utilize its straightforward, drag-and-drop interface. The program provides an extensive library of images, templates, backgrounds, and typefaces to work with. Canva offers several of these elements at no cost. However, some apps need additional purchases within the app.
Our model was well-made and provided us much to discuss. Canva’s template library may be utilized in various sectors. One of the three pricing tiers is free for individuals and small teams. The premium plans include everything but more cloud storage space (100 GB) for an affordable price.
- Sketch
If you use a Mac and want the best graphic design software primarily for UI design, prototyping, and making icons, Sketch might be an excellent alternative for you. For simple UI projects, Sketch is more user-friendly than more robust applications like Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer.
It has a simple border that makes it easy to start, but you can add many plugins to make it do a lot of different things.
In 2021, the program got a big update that added tools to help people work better as a team.
For instance, developers can now view your Sketch designs in full detail across all platforms and browsers, allowing them to take precise measurements.
Find the Best Graphic Design Software: A Guide
The best graphic design programs range from open-source web-based tools for novices to professional image editing suites with steep learning curves.
When deciding on a piece of software, it’s essential to remember your immediate needs and the capabilities you’ll want as your company and expertise grow. Most software comes at a hefty price tag, and subscription services add to that. Get the best possible price on the things you need with the help of these services.
