Are you looking for the Best Graphic Designer tools, we created a list of sites. Professional graphic design tools used to be limited to a few choices for designers. No matter what their graphic design needs are, they can now choose from a wide range of software options and tools.
Here we have compiled a list of the top graphic design apps and tools by comparing their price, operating platforms, key features, pros and cons, and more.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Graphic Designer Tools
Figma
Figma is a powerful, web-based graphic design tool that has gained immense popularity among designers, developers, and teams. Its user-friendly interface, collaborative features, and versatile capabilities make it a top choice for creating everything from user interfaces to marketing materials.
Key Features of Figma:
- Collaboration: Figma allows multiple users to work on a design simultaneously, making it perfect for teams. You can leave comments, provide feedback, and make real-time changes, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
- Cloud-Based: As a web-based tool, Figma eliminates the need for software installation and updates. You can access your designs from any device with an internet connection, making it easy to work from anywhere.
- Vector Graphics: Figma supports vector graphics, which means designs can be scaled without losing quality. This is particularly beneficial for creating responsive designs.
- Design Systems: Figma offers powerful design system capabilities, allowing teams to create and maintain consistent design patterns, components, and styles across projects.
- Prototyping: You can create interactive prototypes within Figma, simulating how users will interact with your design. This feature helps in user testing and gathering feedback before finalizing the design.
- Plugins and Integrations: Figma has a wide range of plugins that enhance its functionality, including accessibility tools, design libraries, and integration with other software like Slack and Jira.
Pricing
Figma offers a free plan with essential features, making it accessible to individuals and small teams. For more advanced features and collaboration tools, they offer paid plans starting at a reasonable monthly rate.
Where to Download or Buy Figma
You can access Figma directly from their official website:
Figma’s robust features and collaborative capabilities make it an excellent choice for graphic designers looking to streamline their workflow and enhance creativity. Whether you’re working solo or as part of a team, Figma provides the tools needed to bring your ideas to life.
Canva
Canva is a versatile graphic design tool that has gained immense popularity among both professional designers and beginners. Its user-friendly interface and extensive library of templates, images, and design elements make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to create stunning visuals without needing advanced design skills.
Key Features of Canva:
- User-Friendly Interface: Canva’s drag-and-drop functionality allows users to easily add and customize elements, making the design process intuitive and straightforward.
- Extensive Template Library: With thousands of pre-designed templates for various purposes—ranging from social media graphics to presentations and marketing materials—Canva saves time and helps users get started quickly.
- Collaboration Tools: Canva enables real-time collaboration, allowing teams to work together on designs seamlessly. Users can leave comments and suggestions directly on the design.
- Branding Features: Users can create brand kits to maintain consistency across their designs. This includes uploading logos, selecting brand colors, and choosing fonts.
- Affordable Options: Canva offers a free version with plenty of features, while the Pro version includes additional tools and resources for a subscription fee.
- Export Options: Designs can be easily downloaded in various formats, such as PNG, JPEG, PDF, and more, making it convenient for different uses.
Applications:
Canva is ideal for a wide range of projects, including:
- Social media posts and ads
- Presentations
- Infographics
- Flyers and posters
- Business cards
- E-books and reports
Where to Download or Buy:
You can access Canva online at www.canva.com. It is available as a web application, and there are also mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. Simply sign up for free to get started, or explore the subscription options for more advanced features.
Sketch
Sketch is a vector-based design tool that has become a favorite among graphic designers, particularly for UI/UX design. Launched in 2010, it focuses on enabling designers to create high-quality interfaces for websites and mobile applications efficiently. Here are some key features that make Sketch stand out:
Key Features
- Vector Editing: Sketch allows for precise vector editing, enabling designers to create scalable graphics without losing quality.
- Artboards: Designers can create multiple artboards within a single document, making it easy to design for different screen sizes and devices.
- Symbols and Shared Styles: Sketch supports reusable design components through symbols, which helps maintain consistency across projects. Shared styles allow designers to apply a uniform look to text and shapes.
- Plugins: A robust library of plugins enhances Sketch’s functionality, allowing users to automate tasks, integrate with other tools, and customize their workflow.
- Collaboration: With features like Sketch Cloud, designers can share their work with team members and receive feedback directly within the platform.
- Export Options: Sketch offers flexible export options, allowing designers to easily export assets in various formats.
Who is it for?
Sketch is primarily geared toward UI/UX designers, product designers, and anyone involved in digital design. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make it suitable for both beginners and experienced designers.
Pricing
Sketch operates on a subscription model, offering a 30-day free trial for new users. After the trial, a subscription can be purchased for ongoing access to the latest features and updates.
Where to Download
You can download Sketch from its official website: Sketch.
Overall, Sketch remains a leading choice for graphic design, especially for those focused on digital product design. Its blend of powerful features, user-friendly interface, and active community makes it an invaluable tool for designers worldwide.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is widely regarded as the industry standard for graphic design and image editing. With its powerful suite of tools, it enables designers to create stunning visuals, manipulate photographs, and develop intricate digital art. Here are some key features that make Photoshop an essential tool for graphic designers:
- Advanced Editing Capabilities: Photoshop offers a plethora of editing options, from basic adjustments like cropping and resizing to advanced techniques such as layering, masking, and retouching.
- Extensive Brush and Tool Options: Designers can choose from a wide variety of brushes, shapes, and tools, allowing for endless creativity in digital painting and graphic design.
- Integration with Other Adobe Products: Photoshop seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Illustrator and InDesign, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Customization and Flexibility: The software allows users to create custom workspaces and shortcuts tailored to their specific needs, making it user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
- Rich Community and Resources: Photoshop has a vast user community, offering countless tutorials, plugins, and resources that can help designers expand their skills and improve their work.
Where to Download or Buy
Adobe Photoshop is available for purchase or subscription through the official Adobe website. You can download the latest version or subscribe to the Creative Cloud service, which includes access to other Adobe applications as well.
Download Adobe Photoshop: Adobe Photoshop
Whether you’re a budding designer or a seasoned professional, Adobe Photoshop provides the tools necessary to bring your creative visions to life.
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a powerful vector graphic design software that has gained popularity among graphic designers for its robust features and user-friendly interface. Developed by Serif, this tool is part of the Affinity suite, which also includes Affinity Photo and Affinity Publisher. Here’s why Affinity Designer stands out as one of the best graphic design tools:
Key Features:
- Versatile Tools: Affinity Designer offers a wide range of tools for vector and raster graphics. Designers can switch between the two seamlessly, making it ideal for various design projects.
- Precision and Control: With features like artboards, grids, and snapping, Affinity Designer allows for precise positioning and alignment of objects, enhancing the overall quality of the design.
- Real-Time Performance: The software is optimized for speed, allowing designers to work without lag, even with complex designs and large file sizes.
- Customizable User Interface: Users can customize the workspace to fit their workflow, making it easier to access the tools and features they use most.
- Affordable One-Time Purchase: Unlike many graphic design tools that require a subscription, Affinity Designer is available for a one-time purchase, making it a cost-effective option for freelancers and studios alike.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Affinity Designer is available on both Windows and macOS, ensuring that users can work across different platforms without compatibility issues.
- Integration with Other Affinity Apps: For those who use the Affinity suite, integration between the apps allows for a streamlined workflow, especially when transitioning from photo editing to graphic design.
Where to Buy
Affinity Designer can be purchased directly from the official website. Here’s the link to download or buy the software:
Affinity Designer Official Website
Krita
Krita is a powerful, open-source painting program designed primarily for digital artists and graphic designers. It has gained immense popularity due to its user-friendly interface, extensive feature set, and versatility. Here’s an overview of what makes Krita one of the best graphic design tools available today:
Key Features
- Brush Engines: Krita offers a wide variety of brush engines that allow for highly customizable brushes. Artists can create unique brushes tailored to their specific needs, enhancing their creative possibilities.
- Layer Management: The software supports various layer types, including vector, filter, and group layers. This flexibility allows for complex designs and easy editing.
- Stabilizers and Assistants: For those working on detailed illustrations, Krita includes stabilizers to smooth out brush strokes and tools like rulers and guides to aid in precision.
- Animation Support: Krita also features basic animation tools, making it a great option for graphic designers looking to dabble in animated artwork.
- User Community: Being an open-source software, Krita has a vibrant community that contributes to its ongoing development. Users can access tutorials, plugins, and resources to enhance their skills.
- Cross-Platform: Krita is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.
- File Compatibility: It supports various file formats, including PSD, ensuring that users can work seamlessly with other software.
Why Choose Krita?
Krita stands out as a top graphic design tool due to its balance of professional-grade features and accessibility. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, Krita provides the tools necessary for high-quality artwork without the financial burden of expensive software.
Where to Download
Krita can be downloaded for free from its official website:
This link will take you to the download page, where you can choose the version that suits your operating system. With no cost involved, it’s an excellent choice for both amateur and professional graphic designers looking to enhance their creative toolkit.
Pixlr
Pixlr is a powerful, user-friendly graphic design tool that caters to both beginners and experienced designers. It offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for creating stunning visuals, whether for social media, websites, or personal projects.
Key Features of Pixlr:
- Intuitive Interface: Pixlr’s interface is designed for ease of use, allowing users to navigate effortlessly through its features. This makes it accessible for users with varying levels of design experience.
- Advanced Editing Tools: It provides a robust set of editing tools, including layers, masks, and blending modes. Users can easily manipulate images and apply various effects to enhance their projects.
- AI-Powered Tools: Pixlr utilizes AI technology to streamline the design process. Features like background removal and automatic adjustments help save time and improve results.
- Templates and Assets: The platform offers a wide range of templates, fonts, and stock images. This allows users to kickstart their projects and find inspiration without starting from scratch.
- Cloud-Based Access: As a cloud-based tool, Pixlr allows users to access their projects from any device with internet connectivity. This flexibility is ideal for on-the-go editing and collaboration.
- Affordable Pricing: Pixlr offers a free version with basic features and a premium subscription that unlocks advanced tools and assets, making it a cost-effective option for individuals and small businesses.
Where to Download or Buy:
You can access Pixlr online at their official website: Pixlr. Here, you can use the web-based application for free or explore their subscription options for additional features.
Whether you are creating graphics for personal use or professional projects, Pixlr is a versatile graphic design tool that can elevate your creative endeavors.
PicsArt
PicsArt is a versatile graphic design tool that caters to both beginners and experienced designers. With its user-friendly interface and an extensive range of features, it has become one of the go-to applications for creating stunning graphics, social media posts, and multimedia content.
Key Features of PicsArt:
- Editing Tools: PicsArt offers a robust suite of editing tools, including cropping, resizing, and applying filters. Users can also add text, stickers, and frames to their designs.
- Collage Maker: The app provides various templates and layouts for creating beautiful collages, making it easy to combine multiple images into one visually appealing design.
- Drawing Tools: With its drawing features, users can sketch directly on the canvas, making it an excellent choice for artists looking to create custom illustrations.
- Photo Effects: PicsArt includes a vast library of effects and filters that can transform ordinary photos into artistic masterpieces.
- Community and Sharing: Users can share their creations with the PicsArt community or on social media platforms, allowing for feedback and collaboration.
- Availability: PicsArt is available on both mobile devices (iOS and Android) and desktop, making it accessible for users regardless of their preferred platform.
Why Choose PicsArt?
- User-Friendly: The intuitive interface makes it easy for anyone to get started, regardless of their design skills.
- Comprehensive: With a wide range of tools and resources, PicsArt allows users to create various types of content, from graphics to animations.
- Collaborative Features: Users can collaborate with friends or other creators, enhancing the creative process.
Where to Download
You can download PicsArt for free on the following platforms:
- PicsArt Website: For desktop versions and additional information.
- Google Play Store: For Android devices.
- Apple App Store: For iOS devices.
Whether you’re a budding graphic designer or a seasoned professional, PicsArt is a powerful tool that can enhance your creative projects and help you bring your vision to life.
Desygner
Key Features
Desygner is a powerful graphic design tool that stands out for its user-friendly interface and versatility. Designed for both beginners and seasoned designers, Desygner offers a range of features that make it an ideal choice for creating stunning visuals, marketing materials, social media graphics, and more.
- Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Editor: Desygner’s editor allows users to easily drag and drop elements to create designs without any prior graphic design experience.
- Extensive Template Library: With thousands of professionally designed templates, users can quickly start their projects and customize them to fit their brand or personal style.
- Collaboration Tools: Desygner makes it easy for teams to collaborate on projects in real-time, ensuring seamless communication and efficiency.
- Cross-Platform Access: Available on both web and mobile platforms, Desygner allows users to design on-the-go, making it convenient for busy professionals.
- Branding Tools: Users can upload brand assets, such as logos and color palettes, to ensure consistency across all marketing materials.
- Export Options: Desygner offers various formats for exporting designs, including PNG, JPEG, PDF, and more, allowing for easy sharing and printing.
Use Cases
- Social Media Marketing: Create eye-catching posts and ads for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Promotional Materials: Design flyers, brochures, and business cards for events or marketing campaigns.
- Personal Projects: Whether it’s creating invitations, presentations, or infographics, Desygner provides the tools needed for any creative endeavor.
Where to Download or Buy
Desygner is available for free with optional premium features. You can access it by visiting their official website: Desygner.
With its combination of ease of use, powerful features, and accessibility, Desygner is truly one of the best graphic design tools available today, suitable for both individual users and businesses alike.
DesignBold
DesignBold is an intuitive graphic design tool that stands out for its user-friendly interface and powerful features, making it one of the best options for both beginners and experienced designers. It offers a vast library of templates, images, and design elements, enabling users to create stunning graphics for various purposes, including social media posts, presentations, infographics, and marketing materials.
Key Features
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: DesignBold’s simple drag-and-drop functionality allows users to easily manipulate design elements without any steep learning curve.
- Vast Template Library: With thousands of professionally designed templates, users can find inspiration and customize designs to suit their needs.
- Customizable Elements: Users can modify colors, fonts, and layouts, ensuring that every design reflects their unique brand identity.
- Collaboration Tools: DesignBold enables team collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a project simultaneously, making it ideal for agencies and businesses.
- Export Options: Designs can be exported in various formats, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and uses.
Who Can Benefit?
- Small Business Owners: Create professional-looking marketing materials without hiring a graphic designer.
- Social Media Managers: Design eye-catching posts and ads that enhance engagement.
- Students and Educators: Develop visually appealing presentations and infographics.
- Bloggers and Content Creators: Produce high-quality graphics to complement their content.
Where to Download
You can access DesignBold directly through their website: DesignBold. Here, you can sign up for a free account to start designing right away, with premium features available for those who need advanced capabilities.
In conclusion, DesignBold is a versatile and accessible graphic design tool that caters to a wide audience, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to create stunning visuals effortlessly.
In Nutshell…
In a world brimming with innovative design tools, these top 10 best selections stand out for their versatility, usability, and comprehensive features. Whether it’s creating captivating visuals, designing user interfaces, or refining digital art, these tools cater to various design needs.
Their seamless interfaces, robust functionalities, and adaptability empower both professionals and enthusiasts to unleash their creativity and bring their visions to life. With a blend of advanced technology and user-centric design, these tools remain pivotal in shaping the modern landscape of visual expression.