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If you’re an aspiring graphic designer, selecting the right software can make all the difference in your creative journey. With so many options available in 2024, it can be challenging to choose the best tool for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll review the best graphic design software available this year, categorized by different user needs and preferences. From subscription-free options to specialized tools for illustrators and beginners, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive solutions or niche software, you’ll find something that matches your skill level and budget.
The best graphic design software of 2024 in full:
Best graphic design software overall
1. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop remains the gold standard for graphic design software. Offering a wide range of features from photo editing to digital art creation, Photoshop is versatile and robust. It supports raster graphics and includes various tools like layers, masks, and filters. Whether you’re working on a simple edit or a complex project, Photoshop’s extensive capabilities make it a go-to software for professionals and beginners alike.
The software is widely supported, with a plethora of tutorials and resources available online. This makes learning and mastering the software easier, even for beginners. Furthermore, Adobe’s Creative Cloud services enable seamless integration with other Adobe tools, offering a comprehensive environment for all your creative needs.
Best subscription-free graphic design software
2. Affinity Designer 2
Affinity Designer 2 is perfect for those who prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription model. This powerful software is highly regarded for its performance and features, offering both vector and raster design capabilities. The intuitive interface makes it accessible to beginners while providing enough tools to satisfy advanced users.
One of the standout features of Affinity Designer 2 is its precision and speed. It handles complex operations smoothly, making it a reliable tool for any design project. The software also supports a wide range of file formats, ensuring compatibility with other design tools.
Best free graphic design software
3. Canva
Canva is an excellent option for those who are just starting and prefer not to invest initially. This web-based tool offers an array of templates and design elements, making it easy to create professional-looking graphics with minimal effort. Whether you’re designing social media posts, presentations, or logos, Canva simplifies the process with its drag-and-drop interface.
While Canva does offer premium features, the free version is rich in functionality. It provides essential tools such as text editing, layering, and a variety of design elements. Canva also includes collaborative features, enabling teams to work on projects together in real-time.
Best graphic design software for illustrators
4. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a favorite among professional illustrators for its robust vector design capabilities. The software excels in creating scalable vector graphics, which are crucial for logos, icons, and illustrations. Illustrator offers tools like the Pen tool, gradient meshes, and complex path operations to ensure precision in your designs.
One of the key benefits of using Adobe Illustrator is its integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. This allows for a seamless workflow, making it easier to incorporate Illustrator projects into larger design tasks. Additionally, Illustrator’s extensive set of tutorials and community forums provide ample learning resources for beginners.
Best graphic design software for beginners
5. CorelDRAW
CorelDRAW is an excellent choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of tools. The software offers both vector and raster design capabilities, making it versatile for various types of projects. CorelDRAW is known for its intuitive design environment, which helps newcomers grasp the basics of graphic design more quickly.
The software also includes a range of templates and educational materials, such as tutorials and in-software tips. These resources make it easier for beginners to start creating impactful designs without feeling overwhelmed. CorelDRAW’s affordability and one-time purchase model also make it a favorite among new designers.
Best online vector editor
6. Corel Vector
Corel Vector is a robust online vector editor that offers impressive functionality without the need for software installation. Ideal for users who need to create and edit vector graphics on the go, Corel Vector provides a broad set of tools right within your browser.
The software supports various file formats and offers compatibility with other graphic design tools like CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator. It includes essential features such as shape-building, pathfinding, and text tools, making it a strong contender for those looking for flexibility and mobility in their design work.
Best free Adobe Illustrator alternative
7. Inkscape
Inkscape is a free, open-source alternative to Adobe Illustrator and is perfect for those who wish to explore vector graphics without any financial commitment. The software offers a wide range of vector design tools, including path operations, text manipulation, and node editing.
Despite being free, Inkscape doesn’t compromise on functionality. It supports various file formats, including SVG, which is essential for web design. The active open-source community behind Inkscape also ensures continuous updates and improvements, making it a reliable tool for beginners and professionals alike.
Best graphic design software for UI
8. Sketch
Sketch is widely recognized as the best graphic design software for user interface (UI) design. Tailored specifically for creating UI/UX design projects, Sketch offers features like artboards, responsive design tools, and collaborative capabilities. These tools make it easier to design user-friendly interfaces for websites and mobile applications.
Sketch’s real-time collaboration features are particularly noteworthy, allowing teams to work together seamlessly. Its integration with various plugins also enhances its functionality, providing designers with a versatile and powerful tool for UI/UX design. Additionally, the Sketch community offers a wealth of resources, tutorials, and templates to help beginners get started.
Best graphic design software for Windows
9. Xara Designer Pro X
Xara Designer Pro X is a comprehensive design tool that is optimized for Windows users. The software combines vector and raster design capabilities, making it suitable for various types of projects, from web design to print media. Xara Designer Pro X is known for its fast rendering speeds and user-friendly interface.
In addition to its design capabilities, the software includes features for photo editing, illustration, and desktop publishing. This all-in-one approach makes Xara Designer Pro X a versatile choice for designers who need a diverse set of tools in a single package. The software also offers a variety of templates and design assets to help beginners create professional-quality designs.
Best graphic design software: FAQs
What is graphic design software?
Graphic design software refers to programs used to create visual content. These tools provide designers with the capabilities to create illustrations, edit photos, design web graphics, and more. They often include features for both vector and raster graphics, catering to diverse design needs.
What is vector Illustration?
Vector illustration involves the use of mathematical equations to create images. These images are scalable without any loss of quality, making them ideal for logos, icons, and other designs that require resizing. Vector graphics are composed of paths, which are defined by a start and end point, along with other points, curves, and angles.
What’s the difference between vector and raster?
Vector graphics are made up of paths and are resolution-independent, meaning they can be resized without losing quality. Raster graphics, on the other hand, are composed of pixels and can lose quality when resized. Raster graphics are commonly used for detailed images like photographs, whereas vector graphics are used for designs that require precision and scalability.
How to choose the best graphic design software
Choosing the best graphic design software depends on several factors like your specific needs, budget, and skill level. If you’re a beginner, look for software that offers an intuitive interface and comprehensive educational resources. Consider the type of projects you’ll be working on—vector design, photo editing, or UI design—to choose software with the appropriate features.
Budget is another crucial factor. While some software requires a subscription, others offer a one-time purchase option or are available for free. Evaluate what works best for your financial situation. Lastly, consider the software’s compatibility with your operating system and other tools you might be using to ensure a seamless workflow.
How we test the best graphic design software
Our testing process involves evaluating each software on various parameters such as ease of use, feature set, performance, and compatibility. We take into account user reviews, expert opinions, and conduct hands-on tests to provide a comprehensive overview. Each software is tested for its versatility and ability to handle complex design tasks, ensuring they meet the needs of both beginners and professionals.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to get in touch with us. Your feedback is valuable and helps us improve our reviews and recommendations.
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Summary of main points
| Category | Software | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Adobe Photoshop | Versatile, Extensive features, Creative Cloud integration |
| Best Subscription-free | Affinity Designer 2 | One-time purchase, Vector & Raster design, High performance |
| Best Free | Canva | Web-based, Templates, Collaborative features |
| Best for Illustrators | Adobe Illustrator | Vector design, Integration with Creative Cloud, Extensive tools |
| Best for Beginners | CorelDRAW | User-friendly, Comprehensive tools, Affordable |
| Best Online Vector Editor | Corel Vector | Online, Broad toolset, File compatibility |
| Best Free Adobe Illustrator Alternative | Inkscape | Open-source, Vector tools, Continuous updates |
| Best for UI | Sketch | UI/UX design, Real-time collaboration, Plugins |
| Best for Windows | Xara Designer Pro X | Combines vector & raster design, Fast rendering, User-friendly |
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