Graphic design software refers to computer programs and tools that graphic designers use to create, edit, and manipulate visual elements such as images, typography, and graphics for various purposes, including branding, advertising, marketing, and publishing.
Graphic design software can be divided into two main categories: raster graphics editors and vector graphics editors. Raster graphics editors, such as Adobe Photoshop, work with pixels and are primarily used for editing and manipulating photos and other images. Vector graphics editors, such as Adobe Illustrator, work with mathematical equations and are primarily used for creating illustrations, logos, and other graphics that can be scaled without losing resolution.
Best Graphic Design Software
1. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphics editor widely used for creating and editing images. It offers a variety of tools for retouching photos, creating digital paintings, and designing graphics for web and print. Photoshop is known for its layer-based editing system, which allows users to work on different parts of an image separately and merge them seamlessly. It is a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications and is available for both Mac and Windows.
2. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor primarily used to create illustrations, logos, and typography. It uses mathematical equations to create images, which makes them scalable without losing resolution. Illustrator is known for its precision tools, such as the Pen and Shape Builder tools, allowing users to create intricate designs. It is also a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications and is available for both Mac and Windows.
3. Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign is a desktop publishing software used to create layouts for print and digital media. It offers a variety of tools for designing page layouts, such as text and image frames, and allows users to import and export files from other Adobe applications. InDesign is often used for creating books, magazines, brochures, and other print publications. It is also a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications and is available for both Mac and Windows.
4. Sketch
Sketch is a vector graphics editor designed for web and app design. It offers a variety of tools for creating user interfaces, such as symbols and artboards, and allows users to easily export their designs for use in web and app development. The sketch is only available for Mac.
5. Canva
Canva is a web-based design platform offering a drag-and-drop interface and pre-made templates for creating social media, marketing materials, and other purposes. It offers a variety of design elements, such as images, fonts, and graphics, that users can easily customize to create their designs. Canva is available as a web application with mobile apps for iOS and Android.
6. Figma
Figma is a web-based design and prototyping tool primarily used for user interface and user experience design. It allows multiple users to collaborate on a design in real time and offers a variety of features for creating prototypes and animations. Figma is a web application with desktop Mac and Windows apps.
7. CorelDRAW
CorelDRAW is a vector graphics editor that offers a variety of tools for graphic design, page layout, and photo editing. It is known for its intuitive interface and offers a variety of features for creating logos, illustrations, and other designs. CorelDRAW is available for both Mac and Windows.
8. Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a vector graphics editor for Mac and Windows that offers similar features to Adobe Illustrator. It offers a variety of tools for creating vector illustrations, logos, and other designs and allows users to export their designs in various file formats. Affinity Designer is known for its speed and performance.
9. Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is a vector graphics editor to create illustrations, logos, and web graphics. It offers a variety of tools for creating vector designs, such as the Pen tool and the Shape tool, and allows users to easily export their designs in various file formats. Gravit Designer is a web application with Mac, Windows, and Linux desktop apps.
10. Eagle
Eagle is a potent digital asset management tool that makes it simple to gather, search, and logically arrange your design assets in one location. Eagle can assist you in gathering photos and efficiently organizing your digital assets, such as cases, ideas, video clips, etc., whether you are a graphic designer or a concept artist. Eagle handles creating your design library with efficiency and flair, so it is no longer time-consuming and laborious. Eagle can import and arrange any file type, so you don’t need to keep track of your project files in a different organizer.
11. Vectornator
A unique and entertaining experience is provided by the art and design app Vectornator, which is available on iOS 13, iPadOS 13, and macOS Big Sur and later. It’s for artists that enjoy creating vector graphics, illustrations, typography, user interface designs, and more.
12. Mega Creator
Mega Maker is a free online graphic editor that lets you create eye-catching images from already-created components. It’s one of the most excellent online graphic design tools for anyone who wants professional-looking images quickly, including web and mobile app designers, social media marketers, bloggers, copywriters, professors, and students.
Thousands of flat and 3D illustrations can be customized to create bespoke illustrations. Alternatively, you can create your photos by combining cut-out images of people, animals, objects, and even AI-generated faces with backgrounds.
Conclusion
Early versions of graphic design tools were challenging to use. Technology has advanced significantly, and today’s software is user-friendly and encourages more creative expression. The best platform to choose will rely on your job and the goals you have for the software.
