Graphic designing is an integral part of today’s visual-centric world. Therefore, the right software can make all the difference, from creating stunning artwork to designing captivating marketing materials. So, In this article, we’ll explore the top 15 software for graphic designing, detailing their features, costs, premium packages, free usage options, advantages, and disadvantages. We’ll also provide a summary table and address frequently asked questions.
Adobe Photoshop for Graphic Designing
Description: Adobe Photoshop is a versatile and widely-used graphic design software for creating and editing images.
Cost: Subscription plans start at $20.99/month.
Premium Packages: Adobe Creative Cloud offers various subscription tiers with additional features.
Free Usage: 7-day free trial available.
Advantages: Extensive tools and features, industry-standard software, deep image manipulation capabilities.
Disadvantages: Steeper learning curve, high cost for premium packages.
Adobe Illustrator for Graphic Designing
Description: Adobe Illustrator focuses on vector graphics, ideal for creating logos and illustrations.
Cost: Subscription plans start at $20.99/month.
Premium Packages: Adobe Creative Cloud offers tiered subscriptions with more features. Free Usage: 7-day free trial provided.
Advantages: Excellent for vector-based artwork, scalable designs, and integration with other Adobe tools.
Disadvantages: Complex for beginners, subscription-based pricing.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite for Graphic Designing
Description: CorelDRAW offers a comprehensive suite for vector illustration, layout, and image editing.
Cost: $499 as a one-time purchase; subscription option available at $16.50/month. Premium Packages: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite offers a perpetual license and a subscription plan with added features.
Free Usage: No true free version, but a trial period is available.
Advantages: Powerful vector editing, affordable one-time purchase option. Disadvantages: Fewer advanced features compared to Adobe products.
Affinity Designer for Graphic Designing
Description: Affinity Designer is a vector graphic design software focusing on speed and precision.
Cost: One-time purchase at $49.99.
Premium Packages: No subscription; one-time purchase includes all features.
Free Usage: No free version, but a trial period is provided.
Advantages: Fast performance, no subscription commitment, advanced vector tools. Disadvantages: Smaller user base, less extensive community resources.
Sketch for Graphic Designing
Description: Sketch is a vector-based design tool for creating user interfaces and web designs.
Cost: $99 as a one-time purchase.
Premium Packages: No subscription; includes one year of updates.
Free Usage: No free version or trial.
Advantages: Optimized for UI/UX design, lightweight, vast plugin ecosystem. Disadvantages: Limited to macOS, not ideal for print design.
Canva for Graphic Designing
Description: Canva is a user-friendly online graphic design platform for creating various visual content.
Cost: Free version available; Canva Pro starts at $9.95/month.
Premium Packages: So, Canva Pro offers additional features and assets.
Free Usage: Basic features are available for free.
Advantages: Easy-to-use, vast template library, suitable for non-designers. Disadvantages: However, Limited advanced features, subscription needed for premium assets.
Adobe InDesign for Graphic Designing
Description: Adobe InDesign specializes in desktop publishing and layout design.
Cost: Subscription plans start at $20.99/month.
Premium Packages: Available through Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions.
Free Usage: 7-day free trial offered.
Advantages: The industry standard for print design, and robust layout tools.
Disadvantages: However, with subscription-based pricing, the learning curve for beginners.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Description: GIMP is an open-source raster graphic editor for tasks like photo retouching and image composition.
Cost: Free and open-source software.
Premium Packages: No premium packages; all features are free.
Free Usage: Completely free to use.
Advantages: Cost-free, community-driven development, extensive features. Disadvantages: However, UI may be less intuitive than other paid software.
Procreate
Description: Procreate is a digital painting app designed for use on iPads.
Cost: $9.99 as a one-time purchase.
Premium Packages: No subscription; one-time purchase includes all features.
Free Usage: No free version, but a one-week trial is available.
Advantages: Natural painting experience, vast brush library, intuitive interface. Disadvantages: Limited to iPad, less suitable for complex vector work.
Inkscape
Description: Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor ideal for creating illustrations, logos, and diagrams.
Cost: Free and open-source software.
Premium Packages: No premium packages; all features are free.
Free Usage: Completely free to use.
Advantages: Free, strong community support, comprehensive vector tools. Disadvantages: However, UI might not be as polished as paid software.
Figma
Description: Figma is a collaborative interface design tool that works online.
Cost: Free version available; Figma Pro starts at $12/month per user.
Premium Packages: Figma Pro offers team collaboration features and more.
Free Usage: Basic features available for free, limited by projects.
Advantages: Real-time collaboration, cloud-based, suitable for UI/UX design. Disadvantages: Therefore, the Online-only subscription is needed for advanced features.
Adobe XD
Description: Adobe XD is a vector-based design tool for creating user interfaces and prototypes. Cost: Subscription plans start at $9.99/month.
Premium Packages: Adobe XD is available through Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions. Free Usage: Basic features are available for free with limitations.
Advantages: Seamless integration with other Adobe tools and prototyping features. Disadvantages: However, Subscription-based less feature-rich compared to other Adobe tools.
Gravit Designer
Description: Gravit Designer is a vector design application for creating web and print designs. Cost: Free version available; Gravit Designer Pro is $49/year.
Premium Packages: Gravit Designer Pro offers more storage and advanced features. Free Usage: Basic features are available for free.
Advantages: Cross-platform, both web and desktop versions, affordable Pro plan. Disadvantages: Smaller feature set compared to Adobe products.
Vectr
Description: Vectr is a simple yet powerful vector graphics editor suitable for beginners. Cost: Free and open-source software.
Premium Packages: No premium packages; all features are free.
Free Usage: Completely free to use.
Advantages: User-friendly, real-time collaboration, free of cost.
Disadvantages: Fewer advanced features compared to more established software.
PaintShop Pro
PaintShop Pro is a comprehensive photo editing and graphic design software.
Cost: One-time purchase starting at $79.99; subscription option available at $63.99/year. Premium Packages: PaintShop Pro offers one-time purchase and subscription options.
Free Usage: No free version, but a trial period is available.
Advantages: Advanced photo editing features and affordable pricing options. Disadvantages: Therefore, the learning curve for new users is less known compared to Adobe products.
Summary Table:
| Software | Description | Cost | Free Usage | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Image editing and creation | $20.99+/month | 7-day trial | Industry-standard, extensive tools | Steeper learning curve, high cost |
| Adobe Illustrator | Vector graphics | $20.99+/month | 7-day trial | Vector-based artwork, integration with Adobe tools | Complex for beginners, subscription pricing |
| CorelDRAW | Vector illustration and layout | $499+/$16.50/month | Trial period | Powerful vector editing, affordable option | Fewer advanced features compared to Adobe |
| Affinity Designer | Vector graphic design | $49.99 | Trial period | Fast performance, advanced vector tools | Smaller user base, limited community resources |
| Sketch | UI/UX design tool | $99 | No trial | UI/UX optimization, plugin ecosystem | Limited to macOS, not ideal for print design |
| Canva | Online design platform | Free/$9.95+/month | Basic features | Easy-to-use, template library | Limited advanced features, subscription required |
| Adobe InDesign | Desktop publishing and layout design | $20.99+/month | 7-day trial | Industry standard for print design, layout tools | Subscription pricing, learning curve |
| GIMP | Raster graphic editor | Free | Completely free | Cost-free, extensive features | UI may be less intuitive |
| Procreate | Digital painting on iPads | $9.99 | 1-week trial | Natural painting experience, brush library | Limited to iPad, less suitable for vector work |
| Inkscape | Open-source vector graphics editor | Free | Completely free | Free, strong community support, comprehensive tools | UI might not be as polished |
| Figma | Collaborative interface design | Free/$12+/month | Basic features | Real-time collaboration, cloud-based | Online-only, subscription for advanced features |
| Adobe XD | Vector-based design for UI/UX and prototypes | $9.99+/month | Basic features | Adobe integration, prototyping capabilities | Subscription-based, fewer features compared to Adobe |
| Gravit Designer | Vector design for web and print | Free/$49/year | Basic features | Cross-platform, affordable Pro plan | Smaller feature set compared to Adobe products |
| Vectr | Beginner-friendly vector graphics editor | Free | Completely free | User-friendly, real-time collaboration | Fewer advanced features compared to established software |
| PaintShop Pro | Photo editing and graphic design | $79.99+/one-time | Trial period | Advanced photo editing, affordable pricing | Less known, learning curve for new users |
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FAQs
What is the best software for beginners in graphic design?
Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Affinity Designer, and Vectr are good options due to their user-friendly interfaces and accessibility.
Which software is best for vector-based design?
Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Affinity Designer, and Inkscape are excellent choices for vector-based graphic design.
What’s the most cost-effective software?
GIMP, Inkscape, Vectr, and some free versions of the listed software options are cost-effective, as they are free or have lower pricing.
Which software is best for UI/UX design?
Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, and Adobe Illustrator are often used for UI/UX design due to their prototyping and interface design features.
What’s the most popular professional software?
However, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are regarded as industry standards for professional graphic design work.
Is there a free alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud?
GIMP, Inkscape, and other open-source options provide alternatives to Adobe’s paid software.
Therefore, Remember that the choice of software depends on your specific needs, preferences, skill level, and budget. It’s a good idea to explore trial versions and tutorials before committing to a particular software for your graphic design projects.
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