best graphic design tools in 2023
Discover some of the best graphic design software and tools for all types of designers.
Designers can now select from a wide choice of design tool options, including open-source platforms because the field is now open.
Additionally, graphic design tools are no longer just compatible with PC or Mac operating systems. Many of them support Linux and Chrome OS and also offer iOS and Android mobile apps.
The best graphic design software may be difficult to choose due to the bewildering amount of editing capabilities. Our list focuses on some tried-and-true programs from the past, such as Adobe Photoshop, as well as some fresh newcomers, like Affinity Photo.
1. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator wrote the book on vector graphics software. It sets the standard for professionally designed logos, artwork, infographics, icons, and much more. You can work from a freehand sketch to a vector image that is scalable to any size. Adobe Illustrator works with graphics differently, using mathematical formulas instead of pixels for seamless resizing.
Adobe Illustrator offers a seven-day free trial, but you have to provide a credit card to start. If you select the annual plan, paid monthly — it’s $20.99 per month. Otherwise, you’ll pay $31.49 per month for the monthly plan. Either way, it’s expensive. However, Adobe Illustrator is one of those products that will have you learning something new all the time, even if it’s not the most user-friendly software available.
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Platform: Windows, Mac, iPad, Android
2. Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is an excellent choice for personal projects or novice graphic designers with its intuitive user interface. It’s a worthy competitor to Adobe Illustrator, with a similar suite of design tools and added user-friendly features. It’s a good fit for individuals who want a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing functionality.
Affinity Designer boasts a 1,000,000% zoom, which puts it squarely in the CAD realm. If that’s too fine a resolution, you can set the levels you prefer. The other noteworthy feature is its version history. You can go back up to 8,000 steps, making it an excellent choice when working with clients. That and zoom put you in charge of revisions.
Key features:Pros:Cons:Platform: Windows, Mac, iPad
3. Procreate
Procreate bills itself as a complete art studio, made exclusively for iPad and Apple Pencil support. It is a one-time purchase with no free trial or version available. You dive right into its vast array of templates, fonts, and customizable brushes. You can also bring your favorite Photoshop ones into the app, which will perform better with the Valkyrie engine. The developers went the extra mile to make it user-friendly.
One of its standout features is its ability to work in 3D and preview it in real-time in AR. If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at animation, Procreate provides an excellent starting point. However, the app has so many tools and functions that it may seem overwhelming to beginners. If you select one type of brush, you’ll find several from which to choose. You’ll learn something every time you use it.
Key features:Pros:Cons:Platform: iPad
4. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop has long remained the industry standard for desktop publishing. It is a popular favorite with graphic designers for a reason. Its array of image editing tools supports the beginner to the pro with a user-friendly interface and a plethora of well-written tutorials. The graphic design software puts you in control, from the canvas size to the artistic filter.
Like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop offers a seven-day free trial. Interestingly, you can get Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom at a cheaper cost. The trial for Photoshop includes 100 GB of cloud storage, and Lightroom includes 1 TB. It also has some extra functionality with its paint application, Adobe Fresco, and its storytelling program, Adobe Spark. The collaboration between the programs is outstanding.
Pros:Cons:Platform: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
5. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a value-priced alternative to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator for touch-up jobs on existing images. It works with layers and filters to create stunning effects, with both vector and raster images. The software also supports the SVG file format like CorelDRAW. While you can create templates, none are included with the program. However, it is lightweight with a generous 90-day free trial.
Affinity Photo has garnered many accolades in recent years because of its versatility and functionality. It packs a lot of features for the price. You can do sophisticated editing with its 360-degree image editing, panoramic stitching, and HDR merge. It provides real-time editing without the bloat. You can work with PSD files, too. It also supports nondestructive live filter layers for the ultimate in creativity.
Key features:Pros:Cons:Platform: Windows, Mac, iPad
Choosing the best graphic design software for your needs
When you look for the best graphic design software, you’ll find everything from free, open-source, web-based offerings to full-blown image editing programs with steep learning curves that make them suitable for professionals — and everything in-between.
As you consider which software to go with, start with your current needs and what capabilities you anticipate as you grow your business and skill set. Many software packages are expensive, particularly those using subscription models. Buy what you need to find the best value with these programs.
Features, such as real-time collaboration, version history, and master page setups, are most useful for businesses to work efficiently with their clients. Most of the platforms on our list include the basic functionality of design tools, such as the ability to resize, image editing, gradients, and overlays.
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