Graphics are the backbone of impactful marketing, serving as visual storytellers that captivate audiences and convey brand messages effectively.
They play a pivotal role in creating a memorable and compelling brand identity, making it crucial to have the right tools at your disposal.
Crafting those amazing graphics requires creativity, precision, and, most importantly, suitable graphic design software. Graphic design software empowers designers to bring their visions to life, offering a myriad of features and functionalities.
The good thing is, there are numerous graphic design software options available in 2024, each with its unique strengths.
And to help you choose the best for your projects, we’ve compiled a list of the 9 best graphic design software.
Keep reading!
9 Must Have Graphic Design Software in 2024
Graphic design software fuels the creative engine of visual communication, and in 2024, the landscape is brimming with innovative options.
Here are nine of the best graphic design software solutions, essential for unleashing your artistic prowess and staying ahead in the dynamic world of design.
1. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator stands out as the premier software for vector graphics design, maintaining its reputation over time.
This comprehensive toolkit empowers designers to create a wide range of visuals, from logos to intricate floor plans. Its adaptability ensures seamless integration with almost every available design tool.
Illustrator excels as a go-to solution for crafting intricate vector graphics. Equipped with an array of built-in tools, designers can effortlessly draw, paint, or modify digital masterpieces that scale seamlessly to any size.
This versatility makes it the perfect choice for generating SVGs, delivering high-resolution graphics that adapt flawlessly to web design and various other applications.
Features
- Cutting-edge tools for precise vector graphic design and manipulation
- Support for CMYK grading and EPS format
- Quick and intuitive color generation with prompts
- Seamless compatibility across devices
- Integration with voiceover tools
- Advanced exporting options for added flexibility
Best For:
Adobe Illustrator is the preferred choice for graphic designers, illustrators, and creative professionals seeking unparalleled pixel-perfect precision.
Whether you’re crafting vector-based artwork, designing logos, creating intricate illustrations, delving into typography, crafting icons, or even sketching, this tool is your ultimate canvas.
Whether you’re a freelancer looking to impress clients or an agency shaping brand identities, Adobe Illustrator elevates your design endeavors to gallery-worthy heights.
2. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop takes the lead as the ultimate selection in the domain of photo editing and manipulation software. With its comprehensive suite of editing tools, users can unleash their creativity in diverse digital art applications.
While sharing some capabilities with Illustrator, Photoshop distinguishes itself with unparalleled image editing prowess.
In the realm of image refinement, Photoshop stands unmatched, offering unique nondestructive editing capabilities alongside a myriad of graphic design tools, limited only by one’s imagination. Its extensive features and advanced algorithms cater to those who seek precision and versatility in their creative endeavors.
Features
- AI-powered photo editing tools for enhanced images and upscaling.
- Professional-grade tools for precise photo and text editing.
- Lens distortion correction for impeccable visuals.
- Advanced filters and color adjustments for creative flexibility.
- Automated actions streamline repetitive tasks.
- Batch image processing for efficient workflow.
- Cinematic color LUTs for captivating visual effects.
- Puppet Warp manipulation for flexible image transformations.
Best For:
Adobe Photoshop serves as an essential tool for photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists. With expertise in photo editing, retouching, and manipulation, it caters to both seasoned professionals and emerging creatives.
Its feature-rich suite can elevate your work from ordinary to captivating, and the addition of new AI features enhances its appeal even further.
3. CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Formerly a competitor to Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW remains a top-tier, full-featured graphic design editor, excelling in vector illustration and page layouts.
Renowned for its versatility in both digital and print designs, it offers a suite of tools that enhance photo editing and typography capabilities. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is compatible across major platforms like Windows, Mac, Web, and iPad, with the added benefit of real-time collaboration through CorelDRAW.app for clients and team interactions.
Ideal for beginners passionate about illustration and vector graphics, CorelDRAW is a comprehensive solution for creative pursuits.
Features
- Robust suite of tools for graphic and image editing.
- Broad support for various file formats.
- Advanced typography tools with access to Google Fonts.
- Optimized for both web design and print production.
- Compatible with third-party plugins.
- Available on both Windows and Mac platforms.
Best For:
CorelDRAW caters to graphic designers, small business owners, and print professionals, functioning as a versatile tool for vector illustration, layout design, and photo editing. Its strength lies in print projects, providing specialized features for brochures, signage, and merchandise design.
Whether crafting marketing materials or shaping a brand identity, CorelDRAW offers a comprehensive set of tools to breathe life into your creative vision.
9 Ways to Make Money Online in Kenya
7 Easy Ways to Make Your First $1 Online
4. Adobe InDesign
Adobe InDesign stands as the undeniable leader in print media production, meticulously crafted for text-centric projects such as magazines, newspapers, and books.
Offering designers unparalleled flexibility, it excels in arranging text around graphics, ensuring precision in creating stunning layouts. InDesign emerges as the optimal solution for branding, thanks to its distinctive interactive features.
By incorporating immersive elements, designers can impress clients with elevated presentations of brand assets—whether it’s adding animations that dynamically open and flip through a meticulously designed brochure or magazine.
Features
- Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud for effortless file access and sharing.
- Precision layout and design control for professional print media and branding.
- Pre-made templates for streamlined project initiation and consistency.
- Advanced typography tools for refined text design.
- Collaboration features for sharing designs with the team and receiving feedback.
- Interactive PDF and eBook design elements, including dynamic bookmarks.
Best For:
Adobe InDesign caters to layout designers, publishers, and print professionals, serving as the industry standard for crafting multi-page documents such as magazines, brochures, and eBooks.
With exceptional typesetting capabilities, it offers precise control over text, images, and intricate layouts. Whether compiling a product catalog or designing an interactive PDF, InDesign equips you with the tools to transform your vision into a tangible printed reality.
5. GIMP
GIMP stands out as the top graphic design software for Linux users, but it’s versatile, extending support to major platforms like Windows and Mac OS.
As a free, open-source solution, GIMP provides a broad spectrum of tools for photo editing and 2D art creation. In comparison to Adobe’s tools, GIMP is lightweight and resource-efficient.
Originally intended for photo manipulation, it excels with RGB or raster graphics, although it lacks native CMYK support, making it less ideal for print designs.
Features
- Diverse exporting support for various file formats.
- Open-source and free graphic design solution.
- Native Linux support for seamless integration.
- Customizable docking interface for personalized workflows.
- Script-Fu scripting enables automation.
- GEGL integration enhances image processing capabilities.
- Free plugin ecosystem for extended functionality.
Best For:
GIMP is a reliable option for cost-conscious graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists, delivering features akin to paid alternatives like Adobe Photoshop.
From photo retouching to graphic design and text editing, it covers a diverse range of creative tasks. Its affordability renders it accessible to freelancers, small businesses, or those embarking on their creative journey.
While it may not boast the polished features of premium counterparts, GIMP stands as a potent and budget-friendly solution for your editing requirements.
6. Affinity Designer
Looking for a cost-effective design solution? Look no further than Affinity Designer.
With a one-time payment, it provides comprehensive features suitable for businesses of any scale and freelancers alike. Capable of handling both vector and raster graphics, it supports the opening and exporting of diverse file types, including PSD, SVG, EPS, and PDF.
Affinity Designer is renowned for its efficient performance across all devices, particularly excelling on the iPad. Thanks to its universal file format, you can effortlessly take notes, receive feedback, and continue designing seamlessly.
Features
- Integrates vector and raster capabilities.
- Budget-friendly design tool.
- Cross-platform support.
- Compatible with various file types.
- Exceptional zoom functionality.
- Low resource usage for efficient performance.
- Adaptable workspace for personalized workflows.
Best For:
Affinity Designer is the top choice for graphic designers, illustrators, and web creators seeking quality without the ongoing subscription cost.
With a single payment, it provides an affordable alternative to subscription-based counterparts like Adobe Illustrator.
Excelling in vector design, raster art, and hybrid projects, it boasts a robust feature set that competes with similar tools, making it a compelling option for both professionals and hobbyists. Whether crafting logos or diving into digital art, Affinity Designer delivers excellence without breaking the bank.
7. Affinity Photo 2
Affinity Photo 2 emerges as an excellent and cost-effective substitute for Adobe Photoshop, serving as a dedicated raster graphics editor.
With efficiency and precision, it operates seamlessly even with limited resources. Users can effortlessly edit photos, manipulate layers, and craft stunning raster paintings, making it a favored option for many.
Features
- RAW image processing with Adobe DNG support.
- Merging multiple exposures into a single HDR image.
- Panorama stitching for expansive visual compositions.
- Compatibility with third-party plugins.
- High-end retouching capabilities.
- Focus stacking for enhanced depth of field.
Best For:
Affinity Photo stands out as the preferred option for budget-conscious photographers, graphic designers, and retouching artists who refuse to compromise on quality.
Excelling in photo editing, manipulation, and retouching, it boasts a feature set that competes with pricier alternatives like Adobe Photoshop. With a one-time payment, it offers an affordable yet robust solution for individuals seeking to enhance their visual projects without recurring costs.
Whether you’re working on RAW files or intricate composites, Affinity Photo provides the tools to make your work truly shine.
8. Pixlr
Pixlr stands out as a premier web-centric solution for photo editing and graphic design. Its platform-neutral approach allows users to access its extensive array of editing tools from any device through a modern web browser.
Additionally, Pixlr provides a design library complete with templates, icons, and fonts specifically curated for essential photo manipulation and editing tasks.
The AI-driven background removal tool operates with skill, while the AI-generated image feature may benefit from additional refinement for enhanced input and result generation.
Features
- Preserved layer and history functionality for precise editing.
- Comprehensive photo editing and manipulation tools.
- AI-driven image generation and background removal for efficiency.
- Support for most major file types, including PSD.
- Integrated stock library for convenient access to assets.
Best For:
Pixlr caters to beginners, social media managers, and casual users in search of swift photo edits without a daunting learning curve.
Providing basic to moderate photo editing capabilities, from cropping and filters to more advanced layering tasks, it’s web-based for easy access without downloads or installations.
While not a substitute for professional-grade software in intricate projects, Pixlr serves as a convenient and user-friendly choice for straightforward editing tasks.
9. Sketch
Sketch is primarily designed for web and mobile applications but also excels in vector graphics. Notably presented as a Mac app for designers on their homepage, it allows others to view and comment from any browser.
Before the ascent of Figma, Sketch was the preferred choice for web design and prototyping. Moreover, it features plugins facilitating seamless design sharing and enabling developers to access associated CSS.
Features
- Nearly 2,000 extensions and plugins for extended functionality.
- Support for multiple artboards streamlining design workflows.
- Developer-centric exports for efficient collaboration.
- Cloud collaboration capabilities for seamless teamwork.
- Shared design libraries enhance consistency.
- Integrated prototyping tools for interactive design exploration.
Best For:
Sketch caters to UI/UX designers, web developers, and product designers concentrating on digital interfaces. Specializing in vector-based design, it’s perfect for crafting user interfaces, wireframes, and prototypes.
Utilizing features like Symbols and Shared Styles, Sketch enhances design efficiency, fostering seamless collaboration and consistency across projects.
For those dedicated to crafting engaging digital experiences, Sketch provides specialized tools to make designs intuitive and visually compelling.
Final Thoughts
Graphic design software is the linchpin of visual expression, offering endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. They empower designers to shape ideas into captivating visuals that resonate with audiences.
Remember, the right tool can elevate your design game, making your projects stand out.
Try one of the above graphic design tools and embark on a journey of artistic exploration, where your ideas transform into stunning realities, leaving a lasting impact in the realm of visual storytelling.
Share this Post
