Best Graphic Design Tools (From a Graphic Designer 🎨)
Top Software for Creative Professionals in 2024
Disclosure: The links in the post may contain affiliate links meaning that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Graphic design is an essential part of any business or industry that wants to create a strong brand identity. It is a creative process that involves the use of visual elements to communicate a message. Graphic design tools are the software applications used in the process of creating these visual elements. There are many graphic design tools available in the market, each with its own unique features and capabilities.
When it comes to choosing the best graphic design tools, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the many options available. However, it is important to choose the right tools that are suitable for your specific needs. Some of the factors to consider when choosing graphic design tools include ease of use, affordability, availability of features, and compatibility with your operating system. With the right graphic design tools, you can create stunning visual elements that will help you stand out from the competition.
Understanding Graphic Design
Graphic design is the art of creating visual content to convey information or messages to a specific audience. It involves the use of typography, images, colors, and other design elements to communicate ideas effectively. Graphic designers use their creativity and technical skills to produce designs for various media, including print, digital, and social media.
To be a successful graphic designer, one must have a good understanding of design principles, such as balance, contrast, and hierarchy. They also need to be proficient in using graphic design tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, among others. These tools allow designers to create and edit images, manipulate typography, and produce layouts for various media.
Designers must also have excellent communication and problem-solving skills, as they often work with clients to understand their needs and develop designs that meet their requirements. They must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining the quality of their work.
In summary, graphic design is an essential part of visual communication that involves the use of design elements to convey information effectively. To be a successful graphic designer, one must have a good understanding of design principles, be proficient in using graphic design tools, and have excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Fundamentals of Graphic Design Tools
Graphic design tools are an essential part of any designer’s toolkit. They are used to create visual content that communicates ideas and messages effectively. These tools can range from simple software applications to complex programs that require specialized training to use.
When choosing a graphic design tool, it is important to consider the features that are most important for the project at hand. Some tools are better suited for creating vector graphics, while others are better for photo editing or typography.
One important feature to consider is the user interface. A good graphic design tool should have an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate and use. This can help designers work more efficiently and produce better results.
Another important consideration is the level of customization available. Many graphic design tools allow users to customize their workspace, shortcuts, and other settings to fit their specific needs. This can help designers work more efficiently and productively.
Overall, the best graphic design tools are those that offer a balance of features, usability, and customization. By choosing the right tool for the job, designers can create stunning visual content that effectively communicates their message.
Types of Graphic Design Tools
When it comes to graphic design tools, there are various types that designers can choose from. Each type of tool has its own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different design projects. In this section, we will explore the four main types of graphic design tools: Vector-Based, Raster-Based, 3D, and Mobile Apps.
Vector-Based Tools
Vector-based tools are software programs that create digital images using mathematical equations. These tools are ideal for creating graphics that need to be scaled up or down without losing quality. Some popular vector-based tools include Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Inkscape.
Raster-Based Tools
Raster-based tools use pixel-based images to create graphics. These tools are great for creating detailed images with a lot of color and texture. However, they are not ideal for scaling images up or down. Popular raster-based tools include Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Affinity Photo.
3D Tools
3D tools are used to create three-dimensional objects and environments. They are commonly used in game design, product design, and architecture. Popular 3D tools include Blender, 3ds Max, and SketchUp.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are graphic design tools that can be used on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. They are great for designing on the go or for creating social media graphics. Popular mobile apps include Adobe Spark, Canva, and Sketchbook.
In summary, there are various types of graphic design tools that designers can choose from depending on their needs. Vector-based tools are ideal for creating scalable graphics, raster-based tools are great for creating detailed images, 3D tools are used for creating three-dimensional objects, and mobile apps are great for designing on the go.
Popular Graphic Design Tools
When it comes to graphic design, there are a plethora of tools available in the market. Here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Adobe Suite
Adobe Suite is one of the most widely used graphic design software in the world. It includes a range of programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and more. Adobe Suite is known for its powerful features and versatility, making it a go-to tool for professional designers.
Adobe Creative Cloud offers a comprehensive suite of applications tailored for graphic design, providing a range of features to meet the diverse needs of designers. Here are some key features of Adobe’s graphic design tools within the Creative Cloud suite:
Adobe Photoshop:
- Advanced Photo Editing: Powerful tools for image retouching, color correction, and enhancement.
- Layer Support: Non-destructive editing with the ability to work on different layers for complex compositions.
- Selection and Masking: Precise selection tools and masking capabilities for detailed editing.
- 3D Design: Capability to work with 3D objects and textures.
Adobe Illustrator:
- Vector Graphics: Create scalable and high-resolution vector graphics for logos, illustrations, and more.
- Typography Tools: Extensive tools for working with text, including font manipulation and text on a path.
- Pen Tool: Precision drawing with the versatile pen tool for creating complex shapes.
- Pattern and Gradient Fills: Easily apply intricate patterns and gradients to shapes.
Adobe InDesign:
- Layout and Page Design: Create complex layouts for print and digital media, such as magazines and brochures.
- Master Pages: Consistent design elements across multiple pages for efficient workflow.
- Typography Controls: Fine-tune text formatting and styles for professional-looking documents.
- Interactive Documents: Create interactive PDFs and digital publications.
Adobe XD (Experience Design):
- UI/UX Design: Design and prototype user interfaces and experiences for websites and apps.
- Interactive Prototyping: Create interactive prototypes to demonstrate user interactions.
- Collaboration: Seamless collaboration with developers and stakeholders through design sharing.
- Responsive Design: Design responsive layouts for various screen sizes.
Adobe Acrobat:
- PDF Editing: Edit, convert, and organize PDF documents.
- Interactive Forms: Create interactive forms for data collection.
- Secure Document Handling: Add password protection and control document permissions.
Adobe Spark:
- Easy Graphic Design: Simplified tools for creating graphics, web pages, and video stories.
- Templates: Starter templates for quick design inspiration.
- Web Page Creation: Build engaging web pages without coding skills.
These Adobe graphic design tools work seamlessly together, allowing designers to integrate workflows and move projects across applications for a holistic creative process. The Creative Cloud subscription model provides access to regular updates and new features, ensuring that designers have the latest tools at their disposal.
2. Canva
While I personally use Canva all the time (I run a blog called Canva Templates, after all!), I didn’t want to list Canva as the #1 graphic design tool, since it is not capable of performing some of the complex tasks that Adobe can.
Still, it is very powerful!
Some of the standout Canva features:
- User-Friendly Interface: Effortlessly design with a simple drag-and-drop interface, perfect for users without advanced design skills.
- Templates: Choose from a vast collection of customizable templates for various formats, providing a quick start to your designs.
- Design Elements: Access a rich library of images, icons, shapes, and fonts, or upload your own assets to personalize your creations.
- Collaboration: Collaborate in real-time with multiple users, making Canva an excellent choice for team projects.
- Versatility: From quick social media images to complex projects like brochures and infographics, Canva caters to a wide range of design tasks.
- Accessibility: Enjoy the convenience of cloud-based access across devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Learning Resources: Enhance your design skills with Canva’s tutorials, courses, and articles, providing insights into design principles and effective platform use.
- Print Services and Downloads: Order prints directly through Canva and download designs in various formats, including PNG, JPG, PDF, and more.
- Free and Paid Options: Access a feature-rich free version or explore paid subscriptions for advanced tools and a larger asset library.
- Brand Kits: For professionals, create brand kits to maintain design consistency, incorporating logos, color palettes, and font choices.
3. Vecteezy
Vecteezy is an online platform that provides a vast collection of vector art, stock photos, and video footage.
It is a resource for designers, marketers, and content creators who are looking for high-quality visual assets to incorporate into their projects. While Vecteezy itself is not a design tool like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, it offers a built-in online editor that allows users to customize vector images before downloading them.
Here are some reasons why Vecteezy is considered a useful resource for graphic design:
- Wide Range of Assets: Vecteezy offers a diverse library of vector graphics, including illustrations, icons, backgrounds, and patterns, as well as stock photos and videos, which can save time in the design process.
- Online Editor: The platform’s online editor enables users to edit vectors directly in the browser. Users can change colors, add text, and modify elements without the need for external software.
- Free and Pro Content: Vecteezy provides both free and premium content. The free assets are available to everyone, while the premium content requires a subscription, offering more options to users depending on their needs and budget.
- Licensing: The assets come with clear licensing information, which helps users understand how they can legally use the content in their projects.
- Search and Filter Options: The website features robust search and filtering tools, making it easy to find specific types of assets based on keywords, style, orientation, and other criteria.
- Community Contributions: Vecteezy allows artists and designers to contribute their work to the platform, which means the library of available assets is continually growing and includes a variety of styles.
- Time-Saving: Using pre-made vectors can significantly speed up the design process, especially for projects with tight deadlines or for designers who may not have the skills to create every element from scratch.
- High-Quality Content: The assets on Vecteezy are curated for quality, ensuring that users have access to professional-grade graphics.
- Versatility: The range of assets available makes Vecteezy suitable for a wide array of projects, including web design, print media, advertising, social media content, and more.
- Convenience: The ability to quickly search, customize, and download assets all in one place streamlines the workflow for designers and content creators.
4. Envato Placeit
Elevate your visual content effortlessly with Envato Placeit, an online service designed for quick and stunning creations without the need for advanced design skills.
Here’s why it’s a must-have graphic design tool:
- Mockup Generator: Showcase designs realistically with a vast library of mockup templates for apparel, digital devices, print materials, and more — an ideal choice for marketing and creative presentations.
- Design Templates: Access a diverse range of customizable design templates for social media posts, flyers, business cards, and banners, enabling users to craft professional-looking designs with ease.
- Logo Maker: Create unique logos with the logo maker tool, offering pre-designed templates that users can customize to align with their brand identity.
- Video Maker: Engage your audience with short promotional videos using Placeit’s video maker, featuring templates for various industries and occasions.
- Ease of Use: Designed for simplicity, Placeit’s user-friendly interface allows easy customizations directly in the web browser, making design accessible without the need for prior experience or software downloads.
- High-Quality Assets: Professional designers curate Placeit’s templates and mockups, ensuring high-quality outputs that align with current design trends.
- Instant Previews: Witness real-time previews as you make changes to designs or mockups, providing a clear picture of the final product.
- No Software Installation Required: As an online platform, Placeit requires no software installation, making it accessible from any device with an internet connection.
- Regularly Updated Content: Keep your materials fresh with regularly updated templates and mockups, staying in line with the latest design trends.
- Subscription Model: Operating on a subscription model, Placeit offers unlimited downloads and full platform access for a recurring fee. Users also have the option to purchase individual items without a subscription.
5. 99Designs
Whether you need a logo, web design, or other graphic design services, 99Designs provides a unique and collaborative approach to sourcing creative solutions from a global pool of talented designers.
Access a diverse range of designers, run design contests for multiple options, or engage in direct collaboration for a tailored experience. Benefit from quality assurance, a money-back guarantee, and a secure payment system. With 99Designs, clients can navigate the design process efficiently, receive personalized designs, and achieve professional and unique outcomes for their graphic design needs.
6. VistaPrint
Create professional print materials effortlessly with VistaPrint, an online print-on-demand service offering a range of customizable products. Here’s why VistaPrint is a valuable tool for graphic design needs:
- Design Templates: Access a vast selection of pre-designed templates, allowing users to create polished materials without graphic design expertise.
- Customization Tools: Utilize user-friendly online tools for easy customization of templates, enabling the addition of text, images, logos, and color modifications.
- Print Services: From design to delivery, VistaPrint handles the entire printing process, providing convenience for users.
- Wide Range of Products: Support for various print materials, including business cards, flyers, banners, clothing, labels, and promotional products.
- Quality Printing: Known for high-quality printing at competitive prices, VistaPrint ensures a professional impression for businesses.
- Accessibility: As an online platform, users can design and order products anytime and anywhere with internet access.
- Marketing Packages: Comprehensive marketing packages offer coordinated products for a consistent look and feel across different materials.
- Customer Support: Access customer support for assistance with design choices, technical issues, and order inquiries.
- Fast Turnaround: Quick production and shipping options cater to customers needing materials in a timely manner.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: VistaPrint stands behind its products with a satisfaction guarantee, offering reprints or refunds if customers are not satisfied.
While not a replacement for professional graphic design software or services, VistaPrint serves as a practical solution for individuals and businesses seeking a quick and easy way to create custom printed materials without advanced design skills or tools.
7. InVideo
Create professional videos effortlessly with InVideo’s intuitive platform:
- Diverse Templates: Choose from a wide array of customizable templates for various themes and styles, catering to both beginners and pros.
- Easy Editing: Enjoy a drag-and-drop interface for seamless video creation, allowing you to move elements, edit timelines, and produce polished content effortlessly.
- Rich Media Library: Access a vast library of stock photos, videos, and music tracks, saving time and resources.
- Text and Animation: Elevate your videos with text overlays and captivating animation effects for increased engagement and effective communication.
- Extensive Customization: Personalize your videos by adjusting colors, fonts, and design elements to match your brand or style.
- Collaborative and Shareable: Facilitate teamwork with collaborative features, and easily share your creations on social media or download them for offline use.
- Affordable Plans: InVideo offers various pricing options, including a free tier, making it accessible to individuals and businesses with varying budgets.
- Learning Resources: Explore tutorials and resources to maximize InVideo’s features, especially beneficial for those new to video editing.
Unlock the potential of video creation across marketing, education, entertainment, and personal storytelling with InVideo’s user-friendly interface and powerful features.
8. GIMP
GIMP is a free and open-source image editor that is widely used by designers. It offers a range of features such as photo retouching, image composition, and more. GIMP is also highly customizable, allowing users to create their own plugins and scripts.
9. PicsArt
Elevate your creative projects with PicsArt, a popular photo editing app and creative community that caters to users of all skill levels.
Here’s why PicsArt is a versatile and valuable graphic design tool:
- Versatile Photo Editing: Access a comprehensive set of photo editing features, including crop, resize, image correction, and clone tools for a wide range of image manipulation tasks.
- Creative Effects and Filters: Transform your photos with a vast collection of artistic effects, filters, and enhancement options, turning ordinary images into visually striking creations.
- Layer-Based Editing: Manage different elements of your design separately with support for layer-based editing, allowing for more complex compositions.
- Drawing Tool: Create digital illustrations or add hand-drawn elements with customizable brushes and layers in the drawing feature.
- Text and Stickers: Enhance your designs with text using various fonts and styles, and add stickers or clipart for additional flair and effective messaging.
- Collage Maker: Utilize the collage maker with templates and grid styles to create attractive photo collages for social media or personal use.
- Community-Driven Content: Join the built-in community to share your creations, participate in challenges, and draw inspiration from other artists’ work.
- Ease of Use: With an intuitive interface and straightforward tools, PicsArt is accessible to users without advanced graphic design skills.
- Cross-Platform Accessibility: Work on your projects seamlessly across various devices with PicsArt available as both a mobile and desktop application.
- Regular Updates: Stay on the cutting edge of photo editing and design trends with frequent updates introducing new features, effects, and content.
While not a replacement for professional-grade graphic design software, PicsArt is a valuable tool for quick edits, social media content creation, and on-the-go design work. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced creator, PicsArt combines photo editing and graphic design features in an all-in-one solution, making it a go-to creative hub.
10. Inkscape
Inkscape is a vector graphics editor that is similar to Adobe Illustrator. It is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. Inkscape is also an open-source software, making it a great option for designers who are on a budget.
11. Sketch
Sketch is a vector graphics editor that is popular among web and app designers. It is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface. Sketch offers a range of features such as vector editing, artboards, and more. It also offers a range of plugins that can extend its functionality.
Overall, these graphic design tools offer a range of features and capabilities that can help designers create stunning visuals. Depending on the project requirements and personal preferences, designers can choose the tool that best suits their needs.
Choosing the Right Graphic Design Tool
When it comes to choosing the right graphic design tool, there are a few factors that should be considered. The budget, skill level, and specific needs of the designer are the most important factors to consider.
Budget
Graphic design tools can range from free to expensive. If the designer is on a tight budget, there are free tools available that can still produce high-quality work. GIMP and Inkscape are two free tools that are great for beginners and professionals alike.
If the designer has a larger budget, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are popular choices. These tools are industry standards and are used by many professionals.
Skill Level
The skill level of the designer is an important factor to consider when choosing a graphic design tool. If the designer is a beginner, they may want to start with a simpler tool like Canva. These tools are user-friendly and have a low learning curve.
For more advanced designers, tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are more suitable. These tools have a steeper learning curve but offer more advanced features and capabilities.
Specific Needs
The specific needs of the designer should also be considered when choosing a graphic design tool. If the designer is working on web design, tools like Sketch may be more suitable. These tools are designed specifically for web design and offer features like prototyping and collaboration.
If the designer is working on print design, tools like Adobe InDesign or VistaPrint may be more suitable. These tools are designed specifically for print design and offer features like typography and layout design.
Emerging Trends in Graphic Design Tools
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its way into the graphic design world. AI tools can help designers automate repetitive tasks, such as resizing images or creating color palettes. This frees up time for designers to focus on more creative aspects of their work. AI can also help designers generate design ideas, making it easier to come up with new and innovative designs. With AI, designers can also create custom designs for clients based on their preferences and needs.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming increasingly popular in the graphic design world. VR technology allows designers to create immersive experiences for their clients. With VR, designers can create 3D models and environments that clients can explore. This allows clients to get a better understanding of how their designs will look and feel in real life. VR technology is also being used to create virtual showrooms and product demonstrations.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is another emerging trend in graphic design. AR technology allows designers to overlay digital content onto the real world. This can be used to create interactive experiences for clients. For example, a designer could create an AR app that allows customers to see how a piece of furniture would look in their home before purchasing it. AR is also being used to create interactive advertisements and billboards.
Overall, these emerging trends in graphic design tools are changing the way designers work. AI, VR, and AR are making it easier for designers to create innovative designs and immersive experiences for their clients. As these technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see even more exciting changes in the graphic design world.
Future of Graphic Design Tools
Graphic design tools have come a long way over the years, and there is no sign of slowing down. With the rapid advancement of technology, designers can expect to see even more exciting changes in the future.
One of the biggest trends in graphic design is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into design tools. AI-powered design tools can help designers automate repetitive tasks, generate ideas, and even predict user behavior. For example, Midjourney is an AI-powered ideation tool that can help designers generate new ideas quickly and efficiently.
Another trend in graphic design is the rise of cloud-based design tools. Cloud-based tools offer many advantages over traditional desktop software, such as easier collaboration and access to the latest features and updates. Webflow is one such example of a cloud-based design tool that provides a powerful and intuitive platform for designers to create stunning websites without writing a single line of code.
Lastly, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are becoming more prevalent in the design world. These technologies offer designers new ways to create immersive experiences that engage users in exciting and innovative ways. As VR and AR continue to become more accessible, we can expect to see more designers incorporating these technologies into their work.
— Jake
