Best Free & Paid Tools Every Graphic Designer Should Know

Introduction

For a graphic designer, the best tools can simplify the design process and make your designs better. The tools you choose will depend on your professional graphic design skill level, unique needs, and your budget. There are many free tools with which a beginner or professional can use to further their craft. Yet, many premium tools have enhanced features and functionalities that can evolve your designs. 

In this post, we will discuss both the free and paid options, their features, and compare them. By the end of this post you will have the needed information to decide what is best to suit your graphic design needs.

Free Graphic Design Tools

The market features free graphic design software, which meets the needs of novices as well as users who avoid weighing their budgets heavily for software investments. The tools provide numerous beneficial functions that serve both novice and intermediate designers. A list of exceptional free tools exists as follows:

 1. Canva

The graphic design application Canva is one of the popular free options available. New users to design will find it easy to start using Canva as it has an easy-to-use interface that allows for drag and drop. You need no specific design training to make social media posts and presentations alongside posters through this system. Canva provides users access to a comprehensive collection of templates and fonts together with images which you can adapt for your individual requirements.

Features

• Large library of templates and design elements
• Drag-and-drop interface
• Collaboration tools for team projects
• Since the application runs through the cloud, you can view your designs from any location.

 2. Gravit Designer

Both macOS and Windows machines can work with the vector design application Gravit Designer. The application suits well for designing logos alongside illustrations along with other artwork. Users obtain a complete set of essential design functions within the free version even though Gravit Designer provides a commercial alternative. The application presents a modern interface design that supports numerous functions that duplicate Adobe Illustrator capabilities.

Features

• The platform offers designers vector design capabilities to make scalable graphics.
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Intuitive interface
• Ability to work offline

 3. Inkscape

The software application known as Inkscape functions as an open-source program to create vector graphics. Users can access Inkscape as a free alternative solution to conduct their design tasks in Adobe Illustrator. The complete set of Inkscape tools enables users to create logos along with illustrations and technical drawings. It takes some effort to master at first but users who adapt to its usage discover its great power.

Features

• Full set of vector design tools
• Open-source and free to use
• The program accepts multiple types of files through its supported format collection
• Active user community and tutorials available

 4. Pixlr

Photos editing with Pixlr occurs through its free online interface which makes image creation and modification simple for users. Pixlr serves as a user-friendly version for Adobe Photoshop functionality. Utilizing Pixlr enables users to edit raster and vector graphics thus creating opportunities for various design operations from photo manipulation to image modification.

Features

• Easy-to-use photo editor
• Users can apply numerous picture filters together with various effects through this tool.
• This application functions from the web without needing any installation process.
• Users can apply it to work with both vector and raster interfaces.

 5. Vectr

The vector design application Vectr exists as both a downloadable program and a web-based solution. You can operate this online tool easily because it serves users who create illustrations along with logos and icons. Vectr offers a visually appealing interface which leads to easy use for design beginners.

Features

• User-friendly vector design tool
• The application operates through the cloud system while supporting collaborative work simultaneously.
• Users can employ this service without any additional expenses for their drawings.
• Available for both web and desktop platforms

Paid Graphic Design Tools

Professional artists rely on paid graphic design tools because these solutions present superior functionality features. Such programs are capable of handling intricate projects in addition to operating with superior capability. Such tools cost more, yet the additional capabilities they bring match the investment cost.

 1. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop functions as the top choice standard software for graphic design professionals together with photographers working on photo editing tasks. This application delivers diverse tools that let users modify images and create comprehensive designs alongside multiple additional capabilities. Photoshop serves as the essential tool which professional designers and photographers need across the world to complete their work.

Features

• Advanced photo editing tools
• Designers can produce elaborate artwork structures through this software
• This tool supports advanced functionality through layers with masks, together with additional professional elements.
• Integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools

 2. Adobe Illustrator

Users can design logos along with icons and illustrations through the vector graphics editor of Adobe Illustrator. Vector art scalability becomes possible with this program because of its precise and adaptable system. Professional design practitioners heavily utilize Illustrator for designing objects that require size adjustments without satisfying quality standards.

Features

• Powerful vector design tools
• Supports typography, gradients, and patterns
• Users can access sophisticated drawing instruments for making unique drawings.
• Seamless integration with other Adobe apps

 3. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW functions as a well-known alternative graphic design tool that delivers advanced vector design functionality. Customers use this application instead of Adobe Illustrator because it provides similar performance at a lower cost. The design purposes of CorelDRAW include logos and brochures as well as websites and various other types of projects.

Features

• Advanced vector editing tools
• Multiple document windows for better workflow
• The program contains built-in template options that help users design projects in a hurry.
• Works well for both beginners and professionals

 4. Affinity Designer

Users who need an alternative to Adobe Illustrator can select Affinity Designer which functions as an available paid solution. This application provides a single payment option which serves as more affordable than subscription costs thus becoming suitable for designers on a budget. The tools in this program provide considerable power to users who need to produce logos illustrations and web design elements.

Features

• Vector and raster design tools in one app
• One-time payment with no subscription fees
• Advanced features like artboards, pixel-perfect designs, and real-time previews
• User-friendly interface

 5. Procreate

Procreate serves as a superior digital illustration and painting platform that serves iPad users best. The application serves well to make stunning artwork in addition to drawings and illustrations. Professionals from the illustration and artistic fields use the Procreate option due to its simple user experience alongside robust capabilities.

Features

• Brush-based design tool for digital art
• Time-lapse recording of your design process
• Customizable brushes and tools
• Affordable one-time purchase

Comparing Free and Paid Tools

There are both benefits and drawbacks of free tools and paid tools. Free tools are suitable for people who are new to designing, or for someone who is on a budget. They have essential features for putting together simple designs, however, they might not have some of the advanced features that paid tools offer. 

Paid tools have more robust features, are more powerful, and offer support. These tools are great for professionals who do more design work and want advanced tools and quality output. They are usually much more expensive, but sometimes worth the investment for some professions.

How to Choose the Right Tool for You

Your budget together with your requirements determine which tool you should select. The graphics design tools Canva and Pixlr serve as ideal options for beginners who want to build their design skills without spending cash. You can easily learn these tools because they contain all necessary features which beginners need.

Working professionals whose design tasks require complex features should consider investing in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator alongside CorelDRAW since these paid tools offer superior capabilities. The professional-grade tools supply enhanced features together with higher platform adaptability.

Several factors should guide your decision process on which tool to pick.

• Skill Level: Beginners who design like you or advanced designers make up your profile. Applications that suit your current design experience level must be your selection choice.
• Project Type: You need tools to develop logos as well as websites or illustrations. Each design task requires a specific tool which performs best for its specific needs.
• Budget: Decide on your maximum spending amount. Tools which are free at first are good for beginners but paid professional tools provide more advanced capabilities.

Conclusion

In graphic design, tools can do a lot to change your design process. Free tools work great for beginners or those on a tight budget. Paid tools provide additional features that can help a designer, especially if they are more advanced. Bottom line is that it is important to find a set of tools that fit your skills, budget, and requirements regardless of the tool being free or paid. Try a few and see what works. The right tools can produce some great designs that will stand out.

If you have any questions or doubts related to this blog post or if you want to pursue a course in Graphic Design, then you can contact us at BBSMIT. We hope our expert team will contact you soon and guide you perfectly.