Nowadays, graphic designers have an abundance of options when it comes to choosing design tools. Each software offers its own unique benefits, from versatility to budget-friendly pricing plans. To help you navigate through the myriad of options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 graphic design software tools in 2024. Whether you’re a professional designer or a solopreneur on a budget, there’s something for everyone on this list.

20 Graphic Design Software Tools & Apps to Try

If you’re in search of the perfect graphic design software, look no further. The following list compares the top graphic design apps and tools, taking into consideration their features, compatibility, and pros and cons.

1. Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard when it comes to vector-based graphics software. It sets the bar for professionally designed portfolio artwork, infographics, and icons. Illustrator constantly updates its features to meet the needs of its users. For example, their Generative Recolor tool, released in 2023, leverages the power of AI to explore limitless color palettes and themes.

However, Adobe Illustrator may not be the best fit for everyone, especially those on a budget. The monthly plan costs $37.99 with no discount for annual prepayment.

Key features:

• Image trace: Auto-detect a specific kind of art, remove image coloring, and simplify tracing.
• Retype: Identify unknown fonts from artwork and use them instantly in your design.
• Artwork export: Export your graphic design as a WebP image for website and app usage.
• Hand lettering: Digitize freehand fonts.
• Retain PDF hyperlinks: Export your graphic design as a PDF without removing links.

Pros:

• Integration with other Adobe editing tools.
• Start from scratch or choose a template.
• Wide range of vector design tools.
• Versatility in graphic design creations.
• Supports multiple file formats.

Cons:

• Resource-heavy.
• Expensive subscription plans.
• Steep learning curve.
• Complex file management.
• Limited photo-editing capabilities.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, iPad, Android

2. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a great choice for personal projects or novice graphic designers. It offers a beginner-friendly user interface and a suite of design tools similar to Adobe Illustrator. Custom keyboard shortcuts save time and effort in the design process.

One standout feature of Affinity Designer is its affordability. After a 30-day free trial, customers can make a one-time purchase to continue using the software: $69.99 for Mac OS and Windows, and $18.49 for iPad.

It’s worth noting that Affinity Designer has been acquired by Canva. While the quality of the product is expected to be maintained, the future direction of the software remains uncertain.

Key features:

• Color management: Supports a variety of standard formats, including CMYK (for print designs) and RGB (for digital designs).
• Time-saving tools: Grids and guides simplify graphic design.
• One-time purchase: No subscription fees.
• Zoom: Allows for precise designing and editing with a 1,000,000% zoom.
• X-ray view: Examine the skeleton of your work for more precise projects.

Pros:

• Unlimited artboards.
• Less resource-demanding.
• Affordable pricing.
• Quick setup.
• Raster and vector workspaces in one program.
• Excellent customer service.

Cons:

• Confusing onboarding and installation documentation.
• No cloud services.
• Steep learning curve.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, iPad

3. Procreate

Procreate is a complete art studio exclusively designed for iPad and Apple Pencil support. With a one-time purchase of $19.99, customers gain access to 3D painting, state-of-the-art brush control, and the ability to import and export PDFs. Procreate’s design tools work in 3D and preview in real-time AR.

Key features:

• Editing tools: 200 customizable brushes.
• Color management: Intuitive selection of complementary colors and ColorDrop tool for fill.
• Finishing filters: Unifying image management for creating the perfect look.
• One-time purchase: No in-app purchases.
• Hover features: Brush Cursor, Gallery Previews, Selections, and Brush Size and Opacity Gestures.

Pros:

• Extensive tutorial library.
• Intuitive UI.
• Apple Pencil support.
• Import Photoshop brushes.

Cons:

• No free version.
• Limited layering.

Platforms: iPad

4. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop has long been the industry standard for desktop publishing. It offers a wide array of image editing tools that cater to beginners and professionals alike. With a user-friendly interface and well-written tutorials, Photoshop is a popular choice among graphic designers.

Like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop comes with a premium price of $37.99 per month.

Key features:

• Time-saving features: Batch operations and automation scripts streamline the workflow.
• Generative fill: Use text prompts to generate designs and ideas.
• Collaboration options: Manage feedback and editing permissions.
• Intuitive editing: Layers, selection tools, and masking tools are well incorporated into the UI.

Pros:

• Extensive library of stock images, templates, fonts, videos, and icons.
• Excellent integration with other Adobe programs.
• Support for multiple file formats, including JPG and PNG.

Cons:

• Expensive pricing plans.
• Resource-demanding.
• Slow load times.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

5. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is a value-priced alternative to Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. It excels at touch-up jobs on existing images, offering a range of features for both vector and raster images.

Despite the lack of included templates, Affinity Photo is lightweight and offers a generous 30-day free trial.

Key features:

• Powerful digital editing tools: Includes HDR merge, raw editing, and layer editing.
• One-time purchase: No subscription plans or in-app purchases.
• Optional overlay packs: Additional editing tools available for free with registration.
• Asset library: Store everything you need for quick graphic design.

Pros:

• Supports the SVG file format.
• Affordably priced.
• Lightweight.
• 30-day free trial.
• Customizable brushes.
• Quick setup.
• Great customer support.

Cons:

• No templates.
• No keyword tagging feature.
• Occasional software bugs/crashing.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, iPad

6. Canva

Canva is an all-around solution for creating various projects, from social media posts to web designs to T-shirts. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it beginner-friendly and streamlines the design process.

Canva offers a vast selection of images, templates, backgrounds, and fonts. While some are free, many require in-app purchasing.

With three pricing plans available, including a free version for individuals and small teams, Canva caters to a wide range of needs. Paid plans offer access to the full suite of features, including 1TB of cloud storage.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop design: A user-friendly interface helps beginners start creating right away.
• Collaboration tools: Built-in editing tools offer real-time collaboration.
• Social media integration: Share Canva-created social media posts directly to popular platforms.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly.
• Free version available.
• Wizard for on-the-fly creation.
• Robust collection of resources and tutorials.

Cons:

• Limited free features, requires in-app purchases.
• Uneditable downloads.

Platforms: Web browser, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

7. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW goes beyond image editing, offering precise design, advanced illustration capabilities, and built-in collaboration tools. With subscription-based and up-front pricing options, CorelDRAW caters to both beginners and experienced designers.

Key features:

• Unlimited storage: Vector Cloud offers unlimited space.
• Outstanding compatibility: Supports PDF, SVG, SVGZ, EPS, JPEG, PNG, and GIF files.
• Powerful touch interface: Supports iOS and Android, Chromebooks, and PCs with touch screens.
• Advanced illustration technology: 3D modeling and visualization in a fully immersive digital space.

Pros:

• Full Google Fonts library.
• Template library.
• Multi-language support.
• Collaboration tools.

Cons:

• High system requirements.
• Costly.
• Steep learning curve.

Platforms: Windows, Mac; iOS and Android supported via web browsers

8. Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a stand-alone desktop publishing program offered by Adobe. It has a unique UX design that may be challenging for uninitiated users, but it excels at creating image-heavy posters, presentations, and documents.

InDesign is resource-hungry, like most Adobe software. However, in exchange, you gain access to a full suite of tools, from resizing to subject-aware text wrapping to color location. It’s important to note that finding and using all available functions can be a bit difficult.

Key features:

• Adobe Creative Cloud integration: Tap into the rich resource library of images, templates, and fonts available on the Creative Cloud.
• Ebook creation: Offers a user-friendly setup guide and templates for creating professional e-books.
• Cloud storage: Automatically backs up your work.
• Automatic styling: Detects headings and other text formats when you paste unformatted text into a block.

Pros:

• Excellent for image-heavy presentations.
• Collaboration features.
• Layering functionality.

Cons:

• Pricey.
• Steep learning curve.
• Large file sizes.

Platforms: Windows, Mac

9. Pixlr

Pixlr is an AI-powered image-editing web app that can be used in your browser on desktop, iOS, or Android. It offers essential editing tools without the complexity of more sophisticated software.

After being part of the Autodesk family, Pixlr is now a stand-alone product. It supports several file formats, including SVG and PSD. With a free trial and free version available, Pixlr is an excellent choice for those on a budget. However, the free version includes ads, and priced packages starting at $0.99/month offer an ad-free experience.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop interface: Features a beginner-friendly user experience.
• Template library: A vast collection of professional-looking templates for ads, flyers, and business cards.
• Social media content: Choose from pre-designed social media posts.
• AI-powered tools: Background remover and image generator enhanced with AI.
• Animations: Use presets to animate any design.

Pros:

• Affordably priced.
• Version options for varying skill levels and needs.
• Batch editing.

Cons:

• No TIFF or BMP support.
• Limited templates.
• No online cloud storage.

Platforms: Cloud, web-based, iPad, Android

10. Figma

Figma offers a generous number of features for a free graphic design software. It stands out with its unlimited cloud storage and provides on-canvas commenting, prototyping, and advanced animation capabilities.

This platform offers businesses customization options, particularly at the organizational level. Users can create and integrate private plugins. For increased features and access, the paid version starts at $12/month/editor.

Key features:

• Collection of creative tools: Hundreds of freebies to enhance your work, including shapes, fonts, and colors.
• Small business-friendly: Great for small teams, with unlimited cloud storage and drafts for free.
• Third-party integrations: Users can integrate their favorite apps.
• Prototyping: Supports overlays, transitions, and videos for publishing functioning prototypes.

Pros:

• Excellent features in the free plan.
• Private plugins available for organization-level plans.
• Great customer support.

Cons:

• No shared fonts for lower-price tiers.
• No extra security features until organization level.

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS

These are just a few of the top graphic design software tools available in 2024. Whether you’re a professional designer or a beginner enthusiast, there’s a software on this list that will help you bring your creative visions to life. Remember to choose the tool that best suits your needs and budget. Happy designing!

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