21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (2024)

Here's a list of the best free and paid graphic design software for creatives ideal for making awesome digital art.

Whether you are an amateur graphic designer or an experienced digital artist, using the right tools can multiply your talent exponentially.A well-built graphic design software provides intuitive controls and flexibility that can be easily understood by a beginner but also has vastly superior tools for an experienced user.

The best way to know which software would suit you best is to get hands-on with the tool and experiment with them. Each of the software is characterized by its features, ease of use, performance, cost, and availability. Many paid graphic design software provide a free trial for users to give them a better understanding of the product. Here are stunninggreat design portfolio website templatesdesigned for your use.

We have researched and put together a list of the best graphic design software in the field today. These tools are tried and tested and can help you create spectacular custom designs that will leave your clients spellbound. Graphic design can be used to take your portfolio website, email marketing campaigns, advertising, and more to the next level.

Get ready to express yourself in stunning new ways and create awesome digital art with ease and efficiency!

How we reviewed the list oftop graphic design software

In our carefully curated list of the finest graphic design software, we've selected tools that offer seamless usability across devices, ensuring a smooth experience for users of all skill levels. These tools are not only user-friendly but also come equipped with advanced features to unlock your creative potential.

We ensure that our recommendations are always in line with the latest industry trends and include access to an extensive library of design assets, making your design journey as effortless and productive as possible.

    Here is the list of top graphic design software toolsthat you can try for your work

    1. Adobe Photoshop
    2. Sketch
    3. Adobe Illustrator
    4. Lunacy
    5. Mega Creator
    6. Affinity Designer
    7. Adobe InDesign
    8. CorelDRAW Graphics
    9. Eagle
    10. Designer
    11. GIMP
    12. Gravit Designer and more

    Best graphic Design Softwares of 2024

    1.Adobe Photoshop

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (1)

    Platform: Windows and Mac

    Adobe Photoshop is arguably the most popular graphic design software and is used by millions of artists around the world. Whether you are looking to create banners, posters, websites, or logos, this best graphic design software can do it all for you. From small edits to sophisticated designs, Adobe Photoshop has tools for every level. If you are someone who works in graphic design with illustrative designs, you can even draw or paint anything you like.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: 64-bit, 2 GHz processor, 8GB RAM, DirectX 12, 4GB GPU, 7.4 GB storage.

    macOS: 10.14 or later, 64-bit, 8GB RAM, 6.5 GB storage.

    Along with image editing, you can create naturalistic artwork and composition in this software. You can define the size of your canvas, isolate elements from backgrounds, create custom brushes, work in 3D, do much more.

    Pricing:

    Photoshop Plan: US$20.99/mo, Includes Photoshop on desktop and iPad, 100GB cloud storage & Adobe Express (premium)
    Photography Plan
    :US$19.99/mo, Includes Photoshop on desktop and iPad, 1TB GB cloud storage & Lightroom and Lightroom Classic subscription.
    All Apps Plan
    :US$54.99/mo, Includes 20+ Adobe desktop and mobile apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD and Premiere Pro comes with 100 GB storage and all features covered in base plans

    PROSCONS
    User-friendly interfaceDifficult program to master
    Wide range of featuresNot Suitable for Batch Work
    Full Support of Drawing TabletsRequires a powerful computer
    Professional Color GradingNo annual updates

    2.Sketch

    Platform: Mac

    Sketch is a Mac-only graphic design program that focuses mainly on digital design. These digital designs are used to create websites, apps, and interfaces. Unlike Photoshop, Sketch isn’t built for photo editing or print work. With Sketch, you can create a prototype by collaborating with other designers on the platform itself. The program has a smart layout feature in which the component will automatically resize based on the content.

    System Requirements:

    Sketch 90 and above requires macOS Big Sur (11.0.0) or newer

    There are hundreds of plugins in the software which will let you do vector editing and other design work with precision down to the pixel. Digital icons are another thing that can be created through this software. Sketch, on the downside, is not great for print design or illustrations. Here is an article about best photoshop alternatives which you can go through.

    Pricing:

    Standard Plan: US$9/mo, Includes Real-time collaboration on Mac, Design offline option and more.
    Business Plan
    : US$20/mo, Includes everything in Standard with Single Sign-On (SSO), Unlimited Cloud Storage & more features

    PROSCONS
    The UI is very intuitiveInability to freehand draw in the program
    Vector-based designProblem with merging of components
    Customizable pluginsNo direct support for animation
    Plenty of plugins to downloadOnly available on Mac

    3.Adobe Illustrator

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (2)

    Platform: Windows and Mac

    Adobe Illustrator is a design software that is centered around vector design.Illustrator is available as a subscription, part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. You can create artwork, icons, posters, etc. and the designs created in Adobe Illustrator can be used in business cards or billboards and from smartphones to 8k screens. You can use this software to draw, mix, and refine designs to create something spectacular. Adobe has made a mobile version called Adobe Illustrator Draw, which is one of the best graphic design apps out there.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: Intel or AMD processor with 64-bit support, Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit) versions V21H1, and V20H2., 8GB RAM, and 2GB of storage.
    macOS
    : macOS v10.15(Catalina) or later, 8GB RAM, and 3GB of storage.

    To draw, you can use the shaper tool and create vector shapes. Geometric shapes can be added to other outlines and can be moved, reshaped, and scaled. Even the fonts in the software can be manipulated according to your needs by adjusting their weight, slant, or width. For beginners, Adobe provides professionally designed templates to save time. The user interface of the program is helpful, but there is a steep learning curve to get good at illustrator.

    Pricing:

    Illustrator Only Plan: US$20.99/mo, Includes Illustrator on desktop and iPad, 100GB cloud storage.
    All Apps Plan
    : US$54.99/mo, Includes 20+ Adobe desktop and mobile apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD and Premiere Pro comes with 100 GB storage.

    PROSCONS
    Vector-Based Design SoftwareIllustrator Requires User Training
    Professional-grade ToolsLack of Advanced Graphic Design Tutorials
    Integrates seamlesslyResource-intensive
    Allows for multiple page outputsLimited raster image editing capabilities

    Do check out these articles on design:

    • What is Graphic Design?
    • Best Graphic Design Portfolio Website Examples
    • 10 Best Laptops for Graphic Designing
    • 25 Best Design Portfolio Websites to Inspire You.
    • How to Design a Website - A Step by Step Guide.
    • 47 Best Drawing Apps and Art Apps in 2024 (Free and Paid).
    • Understanding the Seven Principles of Design

    4.Lunacy

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (3)

    Platform: Mac, Windows, and Linux

    Lunacy is a free graphic design software for UI, UX, and web design. It has everything you are used to in other similar apps and goes beyond. With Lunacy, you will save tons of time that you normally spend googling for graphics. Thousands of icons, illustrations, and photos are available right inside the app. What’s more, Lunacy is charged with handy AI-powered tools to automate routine tasks: background remover, image upscaler, avatar and text generators.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: Intel or AMD processor with 64-bit support, Windows 11 or Windows 10, 4GB RAM, and 1GB of storage.
    macOS
    : macOS v10.14 or later, 4GB RAM, and 1GB of storage.
    Linux
    : Debian-based non-Asian versions

    Unlike Figma, Lunacy is not addicted to the internet, and most of its features work offline. If you prefer online collaboration with fellow designers, it is also possible. Unlike Sketch, which runs only on macOS, Lunacy natively handles .sketch files on all the basic platforms. The interface of the app comes in 21 languages.

    Pricing:

    Free Trial available, Pricing starts from US$13 to US$29. With the The Graphic + Music package ($29) you can use 100 icons, 50 photos, 25 illustrations, and 15 tracks per month.

    PROSCONS
    Creating mockups and prototypesLimited file compatibility
    Reasonable resource consumptionPerformance issues with larger files
    Vector editing capabilitiesNo cross-application import/export
    Built-in icons and templatesNo additional shapes and slicing tools

    Checkout TheBest Website Builders for UI/UX Designers

    5.Mega Creator

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (4)

    Platform: Web Browser

    Mega Creator is an online DIY graphic editor for building catchy graphics from pre-made elements. It is among the best online graphic design programs for web and mobile app designers, social media marketers, bloggers, copywriters, teachers and students, everyone who needs pro-looking pictures in a short time. You can compose illustrations by customizing thousands of flat and 3D illustrations. Or you can craft custom photos by mixing backgrounds and cut-out photos of people, animals, objects, and even AI-generated faces.

    You can also get creative by mixing illustrations and pictures for a beautiful collage. If you need a little inspiration, start with basic templates and edit them beyond recognition. And, of course, you can upload your graphics and mix them up with the elements from the Mega Creator’s gallery. No special skills are required.

    Pricing:

    Subscribe at US$89, You can create design using drag-n-drop library of high-quality graphics
    Up to 100 assets per month.

    PROSCONS
    Convenient to design adsExpensive paid version
    Wide range of featuresNot suitable for professional use
    Change orientation with one clickFree version exports in low resolution
    Millions of customizable assetsTechnical issues

    Checkout theBest Website Builder for Designers

    6.Affinity Designer

    Platform: Windows, iPad, and Mac

    The Affinity Designer is a cheaper alternative to illustrator, which is especially suitable for someone who is in the early stage of design career. The software is known to work smoothly, which can improve your workflow and make you express your creativity more freely. You can move and zoom your artwork at 60fps; see the gradients, effects, and adjustments changing live along with the transforms and curve edits.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: Intel or AMD processor with 64-bit support, Windows 11 or Windows 10 May 2020 Update (2004, 20H1, build 19041) or later, 8GB RAM, and 1GB of storage.
    macOS
    : macOS v10.15 (Catalina) or later, 8GB RAM, and 2.8GB of storage.
    iPad:
    iPadOS 15 or later. Compatible with iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 & later

    Affinity Designer lets you work on both vector and raster workspaces, and you can switch between them easily. This software can work on any device, and you can create unlimited artboards within it. Affinity designer provides a graphic design app for the iPad with the same features offered on the desktop versions. Advanced color controls are provided where you can work in RGB or LAB color spaces with up to 32-bits per channel. You can find a wide range of toolset in the program which can be used to achieve a high level of accuracy and productivity. The grids and guides are fully customizable, where you can change the spacing, sub-divisions, gutters, angles, etc. Another powerful feature of Affinity designer is that you get floating-point accuracy by zooming your artwork, even by more than a million per cent.

    Pricing:

    You can get Affinity V2 Universal License (For macOS, Windows & iPadOS) at US$169.99. Includes Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo and Affinity Publisher Or buy Affinity Designer desktop version at US$69.99 & iPad version at US$19.99

    PROSCONS
    Ability to toggle between workspacesCan’t export files
    Create isometric and 2D designsLimited 3D design capabilities
    Vector design toolsDifficult to comprehend quickly
    Design history is always availableNo natural perspective grid

    7.Adobe InDesign

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (5)

    Platform: Windows and Mac

    Another software by Adobe that can be used to create designs is the Adobe InDesign. This graphic design software is used primarily in the publishing industry because you can design magazines, info sheets, books, posters, interactive PDFs, brochures, etc. with it. With the ‘adjust layout’ option that InDesign provides, you can change the text of your document, and the graphic will adjust accordingly.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: Requires a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or 11, and at least 8GB of RAM with 3.6 GB storage space.
    macOS
    : Requires macOS 10.15 (Catalina), macOS 11.0 (Big Sur), or later, and at least 8 GB of RAM with 4.5 GB storage space.

    The properties panel has been redesigned to give you more intuitive control over the tools. The Sensei technology integrated into InDesign makes the automatic arrangement and resizing of images. Beginners can quickly learn this graphic design software because it has a low learning curve. To work with other members of your team in creating a design, you can use Adobe InCopy. The Creative Cloud Libraries can help you share text, colors, and graphics with other members.

    Pricing:

    Adobe InDesign Single App: US$20.99/mo, Includes Photoshop on desktop and iPad, 100GB cloud storage & Adobe Express (premium).You could also subscribe by purchasing creative cloud all apps bundle at US$54.99/mo

    PROSCONS
    Able to open the pmd fileDifficult to master quickly.
    Professional-quality designsLimited support for web design
    Integration with other Adobe toolsBit too short for complex layouts
    Robust featuresProduct crashing randomly

    8.CorelDRAW Graphics Suite

    Platform: Windows and Mac

    CorelDRAW was earlier built only for Windows OS; it is now available for Mac as well. With this graphic design program, you can create professional vector illustrations. There are powerful design tools to help you work faster and smarter. You will find numerous customization options, whether you are working on logos, web design, or print projects. CorelDRAW now uses AI technology to provide you with LiveSketch, which converts sketching into precise vector curves. The suite contains tools for graphic design as well as layout. It has Photo-Paint and Corel Font Manager for photo editing and font management.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: Requires Windows 11 or 10(Version 21H2 or later), 64-bit. An Intel Core i3/5/7/9 or AMD Ryzen 3/5/7/9 processor, and 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended).
    macOS
    : Requires macOS Ventura (13) or Monterey (12), an Apple M1 or Intel processor with 4 cores, and 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended).

    The software has web graphic tools and presets to develop creative web content; you can publish directly into your Wordpress site through it. The file compatibility is also overwhelming; the program supports over 100 file formats.

    Pricing:

    Annual Plan: US$22.42/mo.
    Monthly Plan:
    US$39.00/mo.
    2023 version. One-Time Purchase
    : US$549.00

    PROSCONS
    Effortlessly add and manage curve pointsBitmap editing is extremely slow
    Supports multiple file formats.Limited compatibility
    User-friendly interface.Performance issues with larger files.
    Offers a one-time purchase optionPrinting preview is not precise

    9.Eagle

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (6)

    Platform: Windows and Mac

    Eagle is a powerful digital asset management software to easily collect, search and organize your design files in a logical manner, all in one place. Whether you are a graphic designer or a concept artist, Eagle can help in collecting images and organizing your digital assets including cases, inspirations, video clips, etc in a streamlined way. Creating your design library is no longer time-consuming and tedious, as Eagle solves this task with efficiency and style. Any file format can be imported and organized with Eagle, so there is no need to manage your project files in a separate organizer.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: Requires Windows 10 or or later. An Intel Core i3 7100/AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or better processor, and 4GB of RAM or higher
    macOS
    : Requires macOS 10.13 or later, an Apple M1 or Intel processor with 4 cores, and 4GB of RAM or higher.

    The easy-to-use platform allows you to create folders, tags, colors, and many other features to manage, categorize and sort images. You can arrange digital assets in the fittest layouts so that you can easily locate the desired image whenever required.

    Pricing:

    Offers licence for two different devices and available on Windows & Mac. A one time payment of US$29.95 required to purchase.

    PROSCONS
    Automated workflowsLack of support especially in english
    User-friendly and intuitiveRelatively expensive
    Easy collaborationLimited integration, not cloud based
    Customizable metadata fieldsCurrently only for desktop

    10.Xara Designer Pro X

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (7)

    Platform: Windows

    Xara Designer is built for both bitmaps and vectors. The program can handle desktop publishing, graphic design, illustration, photo editing, all in one place. The graphic design software provides you with hundreds of template layouts, design elements, and over a million archive photos to get you started quickly.

    System Requirements:

    64-bit version of Windows 10/11, 4GB of RAM (minimum), 300MB of available hard-disk space, and a graphics card that supports DirectX 9 or higher with at least 512MB of VRAM.

    While drawing any shape, lines, or curves using vectors, you would not face any loss in quality when you scale it up. You can create custom design elements and use them in any of your designs. Tools like gradients, outlines, and transparency in the software will give your artwork a special touch.

    Pricing:

    Purchase the latest version (Pro X 19) at £129.00 or upgrade to new version at £74.99. Free trial is also available

    PROSCONS
    Advanced Photo ManipulationLimited third-party integration
    Extensive toolsetNot suitable for large projects
    Responsive web design softwareLimited collaboration features
    Top-Quality Screen DisplayFrequent pop-ups to pay subscription

    11.GIMP

    Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac

    GIMP is a free graphic design program that works on many platforms like Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. GIMP is an open-source program that allows you to change its source code and distribute the program.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: GIMP requires Windows 7 or later, a processor with SSE2 support, and at least 2 GB of RAM.
    Linux
    : GIMP can run on most modern Linux distributions and requires a processor with SSE2 support and at least 2 GB of RAM.
    macOS
    : GIMP requires macOS 10.9 Mavericks or later and a 64-bit processor.

    There are many customization programs and 3rd party plugins that can be used in GIMP to improve your productivity and create better designs. GIMP can also be used to retouch images, wherein you can even make creative composites. Interface components and mockups can also be designed, along with print designs such as icons and logos.

    Pricing:

    Free & Open Source Image Editor

    PROSCONS
    Free and open-sourceLimited options for 3D design development.
    Powerful featuresConfusing and difficult to navigate
    Compatibility with other software'sNo built-in batch processing
    Export images in various formatsLimited color management

    12.Gravit Designer

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (8)

    Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS

    This is another free graphic design software that can be used to create vector-based designs. You can create logos, edit photos, and create animations and illustrations in this program.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: 2 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 512 MB VRAM, Windows 7 or later.
    Linux
    : 2 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 512 MB VRAM, Ubuntu 16.04 or later, Fedora 28 or later.
    Chrome OS
    : 2 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 512 MB VRAM, Chrome 59 or later.
    macOS
    : 2 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 512 MB VRAM, macOS 10.11 or later.

    Gravit does not have an offline version in the free plan. The software is fully customizable according to the user’s needs. The pro version of Gravit is paid and has more advanced features like advanced export options, offline version, more color space, etc.

    Pricing:

    Pricing starts from US$48.78, Free trial is available

    PROSCONS
    Entirely customizable interfaceLack of option for real-time collaboration
    Cross-platform portabilityNo bitmap editing
    Friendly keyboard shortcutsComplex designs make it slow
    Easy to use and navigate dashboardCompatibility issues when exporting

    13.Visme

    Platform: Web Browser

    Visme is an online design tool that goes above and beyond basic design capabilities, without requiring you to learn any complex software. It has an easy drag-and-drop editor, which lets both businesses and individuals create stunning and interactive visual content. There are hundreds of templates to choose from across 40+ categories, from presentation and infographics to press releases, reports and social media images.

    With a free Visme account, you can use some of these templates, but you get full access to millions of stock photos, videos, icons, animated graphics, fonts and graphs to customize these templates as much as you want. If you want to access premium templates and features like the brand kit, you need to upgrade to a paid account. There are multiple download formats available in Visme, from image to offline web. You can also publish your projects online and share them with a live URL. The unique thing about Visme is you can bring your content to life with advanced animation and interactivity features. For example, you can create a custom animated character, or add links, hover effects and pop-ups to your designs.

    Pricing:

    Visme has 2 paid plans, a personal plan at US$12.25 and a Business plan at US$24.75.

    PROSCONS
    Engaging and vibrant designs for slidesAlign feature could have been better
    Best for data visualization.Limited features in free version
    Allows for team collaborationErrors with formatting and layout customization
    Audio and video addition feature.Limited animation options

    14.Genially

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (9)

    Platform: Windows and Mac

    Genially is an accessible all-in-one tool for creating interactive and animated designs. You can choose from thousands of templates or you can start from scratch to create posters, infographics, social media content, client pitches, interactive images, website sliders, and more. Best of all, Genially puts no limit on the number of creations you can make as a free user.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: Windows 7 or later, an Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor, 2GB of RAM, and an internet connection.
    macOS
    : macOS 10.9 or later, an Intel processor, 2GB of RAM, and an internet connection.

    There are thousands of visuals to choose from within Genially’s interface from vectors and image libraries (Unsplash, Giphy, and Pixabay are integrated within the editor) to maps and charts. You can also make any element interactive and add animation effects to it in seconds. Finally, Genially allows you to add buttons to your creations to turn your designs into microsites, product catalogs, and other interactive spaces, and it also gives you the option to insert media such as videos and social media posts within your creations.

    Pricing:

    Genially pricing starts from US$7.49 to US$79.15 (both yearly and monthly payments available). You can also try Genially free with limited features

    PROSCONS
    Extensions are great and easy to use.Takes time for loading
    It has many animations.No offline access
    Exceptional graphic qualityCollaboration features are limited
    Great variety of templatesRequire extra time to learn

    15.Vectr

    Platform: Windows, Web Browser, Linux, Mac, and Chrome OS

    Free graphics software, Vectr can be used to create vector graphics. These vectors created won’t lose their quality when scaled. Vectr doesn’t use pixels to create the design; it uses mathematical equations. This free graphic design software is available both online and for desktop. Vectr provides you with an easy to use platform which you can use to create any 2D graphics. It can be business cards, logos, posters, brochures, etc.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: Requires Windows 7 or later, with at least 2GB of RAM.
    Linux
    : Vectr runs on most Linux distributions, and requires at least 2GB of RAM.
    macOS
    : Requires macOS 10.9 or later, with at least 2GB of RAM.

    Vectr provides you with detailed guides on how to use the program, which you can use to learn and create anything with your imagination.

    Pricing:

    Vectr is free and open source graphics editor

    PROSCONS
    Intuitive vector graphics editingLimited export options
    Extremely beginner-friendly.No mobile app available
    Cross-platform supportLimited customer support options
    Blur-free presentations & brochuresNo free trial

    16.Colorcinch

    Platform: Web Browser

    Colorcinch is a fan favorite! It’s a simple-to-use free online photo editor that is rich in features. You can quickly and easily edit photos using the array of editing tools to adjust exposure, contrast, color, etc, or crop and rotate images, but Colorcinch goes much furtherthan basic image editing. It can be used for creating all kinds of graphic design projects too.You can use their specialty effects such as the cartoonizer to turn any photo into a cartoon with a huge variety of cartoon styles, and they have the most extensive libraries available on the internet for filters, effects, overlays, masks, graphics, and icons.

    All of this is wrapped up in one of the most polished and efficient UI’s of any online photo editor. Getting started on Colorcinch couldn’t be simpler - there’s no need to register with the site, and you can simply upload your image and start editing. When it comes to exporting your finished image, there’s a choice of export options to suit you.

    Pricing:

    Monthly plan available at US$8.99 per month. Annual plan at US$4.99 per month

    PROSCONS
    One-time payment for lifetimeLimited file format support
    No internet connectionSome imports are limited
    Artistic effects & filtersBrowser based software
    Interesting masks and overlaysInteresting masks and overlays

    17.VistaCreate

    Platform: Web Browser

    VistaCreate is an online graphic design tool for those in need of original and impressive visual content. It allows creating customizable social media, web, print, and ad content for your personal and professional needs. With its intuitive online editor, not only does it offer a massive library of trendy templates, but it also lets you download content and create your own designs from scratch.

    Everything you need to do is sign up for free, choose a template, and customize it the way you want. Instruments are many: add texts and objects, remove image backgrounds, change colors and fonts, resize images, upload illustrations, and much more. VistaCreate offers about 10,000 animated objects to follow the latest trends in design and helps you craft high-quality visuals. Most instruments are free here; for the unlimited downloads and some extra features, you can upgrade to a Pro plan for a token payment.

    Pricing:

    Monthly plan available at US$13 per month. Annual plan available at US$10 per month. You could also try the Free starter plan with limited features and 10 GB storage space.

    PROSCONS
    Professionally designed templatesLimited customization options
    Affordable pricing plansBetter integration required
    Easy social media integrationLimited customization options
    Automatically formatsNo option to save designs offline

    18.Canva

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (10)

    Platform: Web Browser, Android, iOS

    If you have no previous experience in designing and you are looking for something very easy, then Canva is for you. This free online graphic design software allows you to create designs easily and quickly. There are a ton of templates, fonts images, many of which are free to use. Canva works on the drag and drop concept, where you only need to select the elements and drag it to your work area and customize it.

    System Requirements:

    iOS: Canva requires iOS 13.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
    Android
    : Canva requires Android 6.0 or later and at least 2GB RAM.

    This program does not provide you with advanced features like Photoshop. It, however, solves a beginner’s design need who doesn’t want to get into the process of learning and purchasing premium software. Canva is available as a graphic design app that can be used in Apple and Android devices. The basic features in Canva are free; you will, however, be charged if you want to use more features in it.

    Pricing:

    Canva has two paid plans Pro & Enterprise. If you are opting for monthly payment, the pro plan will cost you US$12.99 per month and for yearly payment US$9.99 per month. Enterprise plan is available at US$30 per month. Canva’s also has a free plan with basic features

    PROSCONS
    Easy to use drag and dropOutput formats are limited
    Collaboration and sharing featuresNo professional design support
    Integration with other toolsLimited features in the free version
    Variety of Templates and ElementsNot suitable for complex designs

    19.PixTeller

    Platform: Web Browser

    PixTeller is an easy to use editor tool that can be used to create graphic images (downloadable in PNG, JPG, PDF format) and animations (downloadable in MP4, GIF format). Anyone can use it to make images, animated gifs & videos for personal or business use, with no technical or design knowledge. Creating graphics is a time demanding process, but with this design tool, anyone can make personalized visuals from scratch or by customizing any pre-made templates in minutes.

    Pricing:

    PixTeller has Two plans Pro and Diamond. If you are opting for monthly payment, the pro plan will cost you US$9 per month and for yearly US$7 per month. Diamond plan is available at US$19 and US$12 per month(Monthly and annual payment).

    PROSCONS
    Fabulous images designs and animation.Limited image editing tools
    Extensive library of graphicsCharges for privacy mode.
    Real-time collaborationLimited font options
    Free plan + affordable paid plansOccasional glitches/technical issues

    20.Design Wizard

    Platform: Web Browser

    Design Wizard is an online graphic design software, the pricing of which starts at free and increases along with the features. This graphic design software provides users with more than a million curated images, 15000+ templates. Another interesting feature of Design Wizard is its integration with Hubspot, Marketo, and Buffer.

    Pricing:

    Pro plan is available for US$9,991 per month with 1 GB storage and Free Previews. Business plan is available at US$49.99 per month with all pro features and 10 GB storage. Free plan is also available with basic features.

    PROSCONS
    Large library of templatesLimited space on uploads
    Simple and intuitive interfaceFree version is limited
    Video creation featuresNo drag and drop feature
    Affordable paid plansMust pay for each template used

    21.Infinite Design

    Platform: Android and iPhone

    This graphic design app is built for Android and iOSdevices, which can be used to create vector graphics. The app can be used to create complex and eye-catching designs without much effort. As the name suggests, this app provides an infinite canvas where you can zoom, pan, or rotate.

    System Requirements:

    iOS: Requires iOS 15.0 or later, and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
    Android
    : Requires Android 5.0 and up, and at least 2GB of RAM for optimal performance.

    There are four types of symmetry that you can experiment with, and there are unlimited layers that you can work on. This app provides advanced features also like translate, scale, flip, distort, etc. The image you are creating on the graphic design app can be turned into a fully editable vector path. The advanced features in this app are accessible by purchasing it only.

    Pricing:

    You can subscribe to get every feature at US$9.99. Free plan is also available

    PROSCONS
    Perfect for vector edits and creationSlow customer service
    No intimidating user interfaceLack of customization preferences
    Allows for precision in designHigh maintenance costs
    Variety of export optionsOnly available on Android devices

    22.Flipsnack

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (11)

    If you want to create shareable, visually stunning marketing materials but don’t have the skillset of a professional graphic designer, Flipsnack might just be right for you.Flipsnack is a digital design and publishing tool that provides designers of all skill levels with the tools they need to bring their vision to life. With a powerful design studio, interactive content integration features, robust privacy options and a variety of distribution channels, Flipsnack is a one-stop-shop for empowering creativity.

    With Flipsnack’s design studio, you can do a lot more than just design. The drag-and-drop design flow can be used to insert pictures, videos, slide shows and much more into your projects. If you’re feeling bold, start from scratch; if you need inspiration, try one of thousands of premade templates!Whether you want to design newsletters online, create interactive brochures for your business or publish your own digital magazine, Flipsnack is the way to go!

    Pricing:

    Flipsnack has three subscription types (Starter, professional and Business) under Standard and Enterprise plans. Pricing starts at US$14 per month to US$ 99 per month (Monthly and Yearly payments available)

    23.Inkscape

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (12)

    Platform: Windows, Linux, and Mac

    Inkscape, like many other platforms, provides multi-purpose use. It can be used by designers, illustrators, or web designers. The software has flexible drawing tools, which make it easy for beginners to understand the software and create art without difficulty. As the text is an integral part of graphic design, Inkscape has a powerful text tool at your disposal.

    System Requirements:

    Windows: Inkscape requires Windows 7 or later, a 1GHz processor, and at least 1GB of RAM.
    Linux
    : Inkscape requires a Linux distribution with GTK+ 2.24 or later, a 1GHz processor, and at least 1GB of RAM.
    Mac
    : Inkscape requires macOS 10.7 or later, a 64-bit processor, and at least 1GB of RAM.

    This software is open source and can be used with any platform. A designer has to spend some time understanding how to use this software. This software is best used to create images that are vector-based and needs to be required in SVG format. Inkscape provides a lot of filters and a helpful community for the designer to grow.

    Pricing:

    Free and Open source Graphics editor

    PROSCONS
    Free and open-source softwarePoorly documented features
    Wide range of design toolsLimited selection of fonts
    Supports SVG and vector graphicsCompatibility issues
    Active user communityDifficult learning curve

    24.DocHipo

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (13)

    Platform: Web Browser

    DocHipo is a graphic design software for marketers, content creators, busy entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to create stunning graphics without spending countless hours. You can use it to design posters, flyers, brochures, book covers, cards, invitations, web banners, social media graphics, advertisements, and so much more. The tool provides thousands of eye-catching templates for various industries and occasions. The highlight of this graphic design software is its exclusive design assets like illustrations, stickers, animations, icons, etc., covering a wide range of themes. Apart from these, you can get creative with its text editing, built-in photo editor, one-click photo background removal capability, etc. The intuitive interface and drag-and-drop editor eases your workflow, leading to almost no learning curve.

    You'll be able to resize a design into multiple other dimensions with just one click. It will again save you a lot of time when you need to share the same creative on all your social media channels. Because of their seamless integration, you can add YouTube videos to your design, save your designs to MailChimp, or share them on social media directly from the DocHipo editor. This tool allows you to collaborate on any design in real-time with multiple team members. Moreover, DocHipo's multi-company capability enables users to be a part of different companies under one login. Finally, you can download your designs in multiple formats like PNG, PNG (transparent), JPG, PDF, GIF, and MP4 without any watermark.

    Conclusion

    Graphic design software in the early days was hard to use. Technology has come a long way, and software is now intuitive and helps a user express creativity more freely. Selecting the right platform would depend on your work and what you want to achieve with the software.

    Businesses are always on the lookout for good graphic designers to boost their business. Therefore, as a graphic designer, you need to present your work in a stunning way through a website.Your design portfolio is the prism through which your workwill be evaluatedbynew clients and potential employers. How much you earn in your career will bedependent upon this.A great design portfolio can propel you toward success, open up new opportunities and get you just the kind of work you want. However, failing at putting your best foot forward with your design portfolio can lead to rejects and spell doom.

    Given that it can make or break your career, creating your design portfolio in itself becomes the most important design exercise of your career. With online design portfolio websites becoming thedefault medium of presenting your work to the world, its important to make sure that you understand the dos and don'ts of a successful design portfolio website. We had earlier put together acomprehensive guideon20 pro tips that every designer needs to follow to create a successful online design portfolio website.

    However, just following any guide is not enough. You also need to think out of the box, find your own expression and figure out how to present your work in the best way possible. That's where a bit of inspiration comes in handy. AtPixpa, we have witnessed (and helped) thousands of designers around the world create their design portfolio websites. We have curated a list of our favorite design portfolio websites for you to explore andlearn from.

    Create your professional graphic design portfolio website on Pixpa easily. No coding is required. Start your free trial.

    Get Started

    Disclaimer: The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the final product. All images are copyright to their respective owners.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What software do most graphic designers use?
    Adobe Photoshop is the most popular and versatile software on the market that is favored by most graphic designers, digital artists, and photo editors, etc.

    Which software is best for graphic design for beginners?
    Canva is an incredibly accessible software that is designed especially for people with no graphic design training or knowledge. It is easy to use and the templates make graphic design possible for everyone.

    What software is needed for graphic design?
    You need designing and editing software that can handle both text and graphics for graphic design. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, GIMP, CorelDraw, and Canva are some of the popular graphic design software on the market today.

    How much does graphic design software cost?
    Depending on the software, graphic design applications can be expensive or accessible. GIMP is a popular, free and open-source graphic design software. Adobe Photoshop which is the most popular software on the market costs $20.99/ month billed annually.

    21 Best Graphic Design Software in 2024 (Free and Paid) (2024)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Golda Nolan II

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6232

    Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

    Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Golda Nolan II

    Birthday: 1998-05-14

    Address: Suite 369 9754 Roberts Pines, West Benitaburgh, NM 69180-7958

    Phone: +522993866487

    Job: Sales Executive

    Hobby: Worldbuilding, Shopping, Quilting, Cooking, Homebrewing, Leather crafting, Pet

    Introduction: My name is Golda Nolan II, I am a thoughtful, clever, cute, jolly, brave, powerful, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.