Popular Graphic Design Tools and Software

It doesn't matter whether you’re a seasoned professional or just a rookie getting started in graphic design, there’s a universal rule you need to learn: having the right software is crucial!

With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming and actually hard to choose the best tool for your needs, but don't worry, though, we're here to break down the most popular, most used, and best graphic design software in case you need it!

What is Considered Graphic Design Software?

Graphic design software is basically a computer program that lets seasoned designers and people create visual content.

This can include anything from logos and advertisements to web graphics and illustrations. The primary purpose of these tools is to give designers the capabilities needed to bring their creative visions to life.

Nowadays you can find even phone apps that are dedicated to photo editions and graphic design as well as other features like transcribe audio.

Importance of Graphic Design Software in Modern Design

First, why would you need to pick the right software? Well, in today's digital and fast-paced age, graphic design software is indispensable and nowadays software can do a lot, offering more and more features each year, and with so many features and changes, picking the right tool is essential.

It streamlines the design process, helps creativity a lot, and makes sure that the outputs are high-quality and meet industry standards. So, whether it is for professional use or personal projects, these tools make design accessible to everyone.

Popular Graphic Design Tools and Software

With the growth and exposure internet, a whole set of tools and software for designers have popped up in the last years but only the most used and popular have survived, from the all-time popular Adobe Photoshop to a tool that convert a video to text, and more…

Here are the best and most popular graphic design tools and software:

Scriptme

While it’s not a graphic design software directly, it’s certainly a handy tool. More often than never designers end up forgetting their ideas while working on a new illustration, that’s why many professionals end up recording their thoughts and ideas and use tools like Scriptme to convert the audio to text.

Not only that, but many clients prefer to send videos explaining the work, and you can easily turn that video into a text to help your creative process.

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is perhaps the most well-known graphic design software in the world, it has been around for ages and it has always been a powerful tool for photo editing, digital painting, and graphic design. With features like layers, masks, and a vast array of filters and effects, Photoshop offers a ton of versatility.

It is perfect for photo retouching, creating digital artwork, and designing web graphics. It's a go-to tool for photographers, digital artists, and graphic designers alike.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is another super popular tool that has been around forever, it is a vector graphics editor used primarily for creating scalable graphics. It offers tools for drawing, typography, and color management, making it ideal for logo design, illustrations, and print work.

It is best for creating logos, icons, typography, and complex illustrations. Its vector-based approach makes sure that designs remain crisp and clear at any size.

CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is an all-time favorite for drawing, it’s a comprehensive vector graphic design tool known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. It includes tools for vector illustration, photo editing, and layout design.

It is excellent for creating detailed illustrations, designing marketing materials, and handling desktop publishing tasks.

Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is usually seen as the affordable alternative to Adobe's tools, without compromising on quality. It offers a combination of vector and raster design tools, making it a versatile pick for different projects.

This software is ideal for creating illustrations, UI/UX designs, and print projects. It boasts a smooth performance, even with complex designs, and supports a wide range of file formats.

Sketch

Sketch is a popular design tool focused on user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design. It gives the user powerful vector editing tools, symbols for reusable components, and real-time collaboration features.

It is perfect for designing websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. Its intuitive interface and robust feature set make it a favorite among UI/UX designers.

Inkscape

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor. It offers a range of drawing tools, node editing capabilities, and support for several file formats.

A great option for beginners and those looking for an affordable or free solution for vector graphic design. It's suitable for creating illustrations, logos, and diagrams.

Best Graphic Design Software for Beginners

Now, if you are just starting and want an easier option that doesn’t lack the top main features, then these options are for you:

Canva

Canva has risen in popularity due to its drag-and-drop approach and for offering a TON of customizable templates for ANY, yes, ANY project you have in mind. It makes design affordable, and easy for anyone to create stunning designs.

It includes a vast library of templates, images, and fonts, which makes it perfect for creating social media graphics, presentations, posters, and other marketing materials.

It's ideal for beginners who want to get professional-looking designs without a hard learning curve.

Gravit Designer

If you’re looking for an option that’s easy but still gives you the liberties other software like Photoshop has then Gravit Designer is for you. It’s a free vector design app that offers a range of design tools, from vector illustration to photo manipulation.

It has a clean interface and cross-platform support.

This software is great for beginners and hobbyists who need a versatile design tool for creating graphics, icons, and web designs.