Graphic design plays a pivotal role in shaping visual communication, whether for businesses, creative professionals, or hobbyists. Choosing the best graphic design software is essential for creating eye-catching visuals, from logos and social media graphics to illustrations and marketing materials. With a wide range of tools available, from beginner-friendly options like Gimp to professional-grade software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. By combining the power of graphic design tools with a versatile Website Builder, you can create stunning websites and visuals that captivate your audience and elevate your brand. This guide will help you explore the top graphic design software options, compare their features, and find the perfect fit for your needs—whether you’re a novice or an expert in the field.

Best graphic design software featuring top tools for photo editing, logo design, and creative projects.

List of the best Graphic design software

1. PhotoShop
2. Illustrator
3. Adobe InDesign
4. Coral Photoimpact
5. Blender
6. Cyberlink
7. Cinema 4D
8. GIMP
9. CorelDraw
10. Inkscape
11. ACDSEE Photo Editor
12. Autodesck 3D Max
13. Autodesk Maya
14. Vector
15. Paint.net
16. Coral Paintshop Pro
17. Sumo Paint

Graphic design software for graphic designers (Review)

1. Photoshop – graphic design software

Photoshop graphic design software

Photo editing is an interesting piece of art which was never so easy. However, with the automatic options, you can infuse life into your images. Also you will able to craft beautiful designs with Photoshop that become ‘the talk of the town’ in minutes. Also, with Photoshop graphic design software you can easily combine multiple images to make a beautiful amalgamation. Moreover, it provides you the features to remove unwanted objects from the image. And you can use its basic features like perspective correction, channel mixing, and clone stamp tool and have a stunning piece of design in a couple of minutes. Therefore, Photoshop runs smoothly both on Windows and Mac operating systems, and apps available for iOS and Android. In fact, Photoshop is also considered one of the best graphic design software for beginners as it comes with many simplified options. However, this graphic designing tool does have a higher learning curve. But for the comprehensive amount of features, and control, it is certainly worth that hassle.

Main Features of Photoshop:

  • Basic: Cropping, straightening, rotating and flipping.
  • Auto-Fix: One touch adjustment.
  • Blemish Removal: Ability to remove any spot or dirt from the image.
  • Colour: Slide controls to enhance the colors of the image.
  • History Panel: Keep track of all the changes you’ve made to the image.
  • Image Rendering: Panoramic image option.
  • Borders: Add your personal touch.
  • RAW photo support: RAW format support.
  • Sharing: via sites like Facebook, Revel, Twitter, Tumblr, and more.
  • Layers: Make changes to the image, without affecting the pixels.
  • Pen Tool: Draw any shape, or edit any existing shapes.
  • Photoshop 3D: Import 3D objects directly.

Pros of graphic design software

  • Video editing is smooth.
  • Create images, professional graphics, and 3D artwork from the scratch.
  • The crop tool is quite effective.
  • Highly advanced image effects.
  • Performance is highly improved.
  • Great customer support.

Cons

  • Image cannot be scaled.
  • The interface is crushing.
  • Higher learning curve
  • Some tools lack progress bar visibility.

2. Illustrator – best graphic design software for beginners

Illustrator graphic design software

If you want to use vector art to create logos, sketches, typography, icons or even complex illustrations for videos or mobile then Illustrator is the tool for you. So you can create artwork with seamless alignment by drawing pixel-perfect shapes. With Illustrator designing could never be faster. Illustrator comes with its own plugins that help in making a blank web page into a brilliant looking web page. And some plugins are made for older versions of AI and have a zest of new features for new versions like Creative Cloud, making it an ideal and best graphic design software. So you get Cloud libraries, where you can store amazing design assets, like colors, brushes, graphic text, and more. Also being part of Creative Cloud, you get to use the app on both your desktop and Mac. You may read Indesign vs Illustrator, Coreldraw vs Illustrator, Illustrator vs Photoshop, Lightroom vs Photoshop , Affinity designer vs Illustrator and Coreldraw vs Photoshop.

Features of Illustrator:

  • Amazing image library.
  • Drag and drop.
  • Font library with search option.
  • Advanced color options.
  • Grid features with anchor points and snapping.
  • CAD tools.
  • Activity tracking.

Pros of graphic design software

  • Touch-type tool is awesome.
  • Powerful vector design tool.
  • The Free Transform tool is very simple to use.
  • Third party integration.

Cons

  • The price is high.
  • No perpetual license option.

3. Adobe Indesign – best graphic design software for designers

Indesign graphic design software

Backed by the Adobe brand, InDesign is an excellent graphic design software for beginners to creating clean layouts for desktop and mobile devices alike. Typically, Adobe InDesign is ideal for layout design usage like online magazines, And meet the professional demands of the graphic designers. Whether you want to create layouts for printed books, brochures or digital magazines Adobe InDesign is the tool you need. Also the flexibility is great as it allows you to easily drag-drop isolated layers. And you can resize images with ease. Being part of Creative Cloud you get easy access to the desktop app for PC and Mac. Also you get the comparison app Comp CC available for tablets and Smartphone devices including 29 desktop apps and 10 mobile apps. And you can also use Behance and Typekit services to enable you to connect your workflow between photography, videos, good designing and web or app development. And with Adobe Creative Sync you can share or sync all your work between your desktop and mobile apps so you can work efficiently. Once you join as a member you will get the latest updates and new features with installation decision being solely yours.
Typically, Adobe InDesign is easy to use, however, few advanced features like text control may take time to learn. However, it is a simple graphic designing software for easy-going work, yet has advanced features to support professional use as well.

Features of Adobe InDesign

  • Print and digital document creation.
  • Great typographical support.
  • Creative cloud syncing.
  • Easy online publishing.
  • Rich images and graphics.
  • Cross-program object library.

Pros

  • The combining of text and graphics becomes easy.
  • Intuitive and beautiful designs.
  • The learning curve is very low, ideal for newbies.
  • The features that come with InDesign are unbelievable.

Cons

  • Limited tools for creating graphics.
  • The graphic design tools are not as powerful.
  • The adjustment of photos is limited as this is not a photo-editing software.

4. Corel PaintShop Pro

PaintShop Pro

The Corel Paintshop Pro was released by the Coral team. Also it is a powerful photo editor that provides features for image editing, correction, and drawing tools. And even possesses professional grade tools that can be easily used by both professionals and newbies. Also it provides video tutorials and other forms of support forums to better the understanding of the software. And has more than 90 creative filters that can be used to improve the texture and color of your image. Moreover, it is compatible with image files like RAW, JPG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, PSD and PDF.

Features

  • Keyword tagging.
  • Layer editing.
  • Photoshop like features at lower price.
  • Good vector drawing tools.
  • Automatic noise removal.

Pros

  • Features similar to Photoshop at lower price.
  • A supporter of batch processing, i.e. multiple files can be edited at the same time.
  • Powerful effects and editing tools.

Cons

  • Only compatible with windows.
  • Interface is not that great.

5. Blender

Blender

Blender is a powerful open source 3D creation suite that allows graphic designers to to create 3D animations,  through digital sculpting, animation tools, and 3D modelling. Also it supports complete 3D pipeline- modeling, rigging, simulation, animation, rendering, motion tracking, compositing, video editing, and 2D animation pipeline. Blender has a low learning curve making it approachable for both graphic designers as well as beginners. While Blender is loaded with features and functionalities that let you handle every simple to complex design without any difficulty. Moreover, working on intricacies becomes easier with this graphic design software. One can not only work on 3D animations, add effects to the images but also, create 3D modelling.

Pros

  • Easy of use.
  • Free and open source.
  • Powerful 3D modelling tools.
  • Digital sculpting features.
  • Plugin and third party support.

Cons

  • Offers better performance on Mac.
  • Not all tools are free.
  • Unintuitive UI.

6. Cyberlink

CyberLink
Features of graphic design software tool

  • A bunch of tools to offer under these tabs, namely, Library, Adjustment, Edit, Layers, Slideshow, and Print.
  • A pen tool to draw colored pixels on photo layers.
  • Fast rendering.
  • Amazing effects and AI tools.
  • History log: serve the purpose of undoing the unwanted changes.
  • Multicam and motion tracking.
  • Screen recording.
  • Cyberlink provides a strengthened support system like support forums, telephone support, video tutorial, user guides, etc.

7. Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D
Features 

  • Cinema 4D comes in four levels: Prime, Broadcast, Visualize and Studio.
  • Involve 3D animation without any formal training.
  • Stunning animations and transitions.
  • Drag and drop.
  • 3D modeling and animation.
  • Image editing and tracing
  • Amazing support for materials and textures.
  • Accessible user interface.
  • Smooth learning curve.

8. GIMP

GIMP graphic design software

GIMP or GNU Image Manipulation Program is the perfect alternative to Adobe Photoshop. So, what makes GIMP a better choice over Photoshop, it is an open-source free image editing software. In fact, the professional graphic design tools make it ideal for not just graphic designers but photographers as well. And the photo manipulation feature of this software is highly used to craft crystal-clear graphics. However, once you start using GIMP, it will definitely achieve the pedestal of being your main desktop publishing tool. The GIMP interface is totally customizable. On the other hand, the full-screen mode allows you to view and edit at the same time. However, it does not include all the extensive features. But, there are many notable features that will provide you a great designing experience. GIMP runs on GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows, and other OS. Also being a cross-compatible graphic design software program, it has a strong community support. Again this is, hands down, one of the prime choices when selecting the best graphic design software for beginners. Also you can check the difference GIMP vs Photoshop.

Features of GIMP:

  • Graphic design elements.
  • Customizable interface.
  • Export images in different file formats.
  • Photo enhancement.
  • Digital retouching.
  • Great community support.

Pros of graphic design tool

  • The UI is bright and modern.
  • Free image editing software.
  • Very easy to use.
  • Comes with single windows usage.

Cons

  • Have a few bugs.
  • Struggles with Cintiq tablets in the initial stage.

9. CorelDraw

Corel graphic design software

Are you an aspiring web designer and looking for a graphics editor that gives you the ability to create infinite designs without any restrictions while honing your skills at the same time? If so, you might want to check out CorelDraw, a vector graphics editor. That is hands down one of the most popular Industry Standard editors presently. While CorelDraw has some cool productive functions and such an ease of use that no other vector editor can match up to. However, the tool gives you full control so you can get fast and dynamic results. Notably, CorelDraw version X5 and above, you get an inbuilt organizer (Corel CONNECT) also. With tools like Twirl, Smear, Repel and Attract – vector object editing was never so easy. Likewise, the Alignment guide enables you to position objects as per your requirement. CorelDraw works smoothly with large files in Corel Photo-Paint, making it a must-have in the graphic design software list. In fact, it also supports apps like Barcode wizard, Duplexing wizard, Bitstream Font Navigator, etc. And it was always a Windows software. But now is compatible with Mac also.

Main Features of CoralDraw:

  • Live sketch tool.
  • Vector illustration tool.
  • Organize and manage font library.
  • AI-powered tools.
  • Apply colour and change transparency.
  • Various file format compatibility.

Pros

  • The interface customization is ideal.
  • The design is very fresh.
  • The training videos are very helpful.
  • Choose from perpetual license or subscription.
  • The right-click gives awesome vectorization.
  • Shaping docker gives maximum usage.

Cons

  • Tools are hard to learn for newbies.
  • Navigation is not easy.
  • Navigation board is not visible.
  • The freehand brush is hard to use.

10. Inkscape

Inkscape graphic design software

Inkscape is a professional tool ideal for vector art lovers and graphic designers who use SVG file format. Also the tool is perfect for Windows, Linux, OS, FreeBSD, and Mac as well. And it doesn’t matter whether you are a professional or just a person who wants to create vector images for a personal blog. Also this software allows you to create and edit works including various pieces of artwork, charts, illustrations, and so on. And in terms of sketching, coloring or making illustrations Inkscape is very easy to use. Again with the Ghostscript extension .eps files are easily readable.  Also allows you to import other file formats like, JPEG, PNG, BMP, and more. You can check difference between Inkscape vs Illustrator.

Inkscape Features:

  • Ability to directly edit the source code.
  • Keys to move screen pixels.
  • Various drawing and shape tools.
  • Text tool
  • Edit clones on the canvas.
  • Edit gradients.
  • Fill paint-bucket with one click.

Pros

  • Absolutely free.
  • Layer system.
  • Endless Filters.
  • New effect tools as a bonus.

Cons

  • Extremely slow.
  • Some features are paid.

Best Graphic Design Software Compared

Best Graphic Design SoftwareFree VersionEase of UseTrialMoney BackDevice Supported
Adobe PhotoshopNoModerate7 Days30 DaysMac, Windows
Adobe IllustratorNoSimpleOne Month30 DaysWindows, Mac
InkscapeYesEasy to useOpen-sourceFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
Adobe IndesignNoEasy to useOne Month30 DaysWindows, Mac
CorelDRAWTrialEasy15 Days30 DaysWindows, Mac

Bonus Graphic design software tools

11. ACDSEE Photo Editor

Features of graphic design tool

  • Availability of numerous standard photo editing tools.
  • One can draw their own web designs or use the software’s pre-designed templates.
  • Better sharing options to offer.
  • Graphic design tools.
  • With 3200% as the maximum zooming option. It has a lot of basic editing tools at hand.
  • ACDSEE Photo editor offers to import and export options as well.

12. Autodesk 3D Max

Autodesk 3D Max Features

  • Polygon modeling.
  • Procedural modeling.
  • Interactive viewports.
  • Multiple file support.
  • High quality materials.
  • Integrated Arnold renderer.

13. Autodesk Maya

Features:

  • 3D animation.
  • Motion graphics.
  • 3D modeling.
  • 3D rendering and shading.
  • Fast playback.
  • Time editor.
  • Character setup.

14. Vector

Features 

  • Not just a standalone app but a web-based app as well.
  • Vector has a low learning curve.
  • Its basic graphics editor is free.

15. Paint.net

Features

  • A tabbed document interface is used to manage multiple images.
  • Simple and intuitive user interface.
  • Supports popular file formats.
  • Automatically updated.
  • Highly responsive and said to be one of the “fastest image editor available”
  • Paint.net has layers for enriched image composition experience.

16. Corel PhotoImpact

Corel PhotoImpact provides an easily navigated and friendly interface. The Corel PhotoImpact X3 provides one with a wide collection of designing and editing tools made easily accessible to you. This can make it appear tricky. Hence, it has been divided into eight operative fields. ExpressFix or Full Edit mode serve the purpose of editing the photos. ExpressFix provides the option to adjust exposure, color, skin tone and focus with just a click. Whereas, Full Edit has the editing options like portrait touch-ups, enhancements and effects. And it has an interesting combination of both basic and advanced tools. It holds the compatibility with 32 file formats inclusive of RAW, JPG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, PSD and animated GIFs. PhotoImpact is designed to help beginners as well as professionals meet there designing needs. Again the tool provides features that help them meet there designing needs, along with stunning customization features.

Pros of graphic design tool

  • Availability of panorama and HDR imaging tools to create visually captivating effects.
  • It offers an extensive support system.
  • It has the main docked panel to hold all the other panels and swiftly hide and show them as per requirement.

Cons

  • Limited sharing features.
  • Sluggish development in its software.
  • Apart from the above-mentioned graphic design tools which had broad.

17. Sumo Paint

Sumo Paint is an online image editing tool for the graphic designers that allows them to quickly edit photos, and design them. And it comes with an attractive interface that support full retina resolution, and provides a great image editing experience. Also Sumo Paint is a great graphic design software for beginners starting of with digital art, photo editing, and graphic designing. And it is a great graphic designing tool for beginners as it has an easy learning curve. Again it has as a smooth interface, and offers varied capabilities to create, edit, and touch photos and digital art.

Pros

  • Wide range of tools and features.
  • Easy to use interface, with light learning curve.
  • Digital drawing tools like Symmetry and Cube Designer.
  • Free version.

Cons

  • Free version does not have many features.
  • Advanced features may not be enough for professionals.

Key Features to Look for in Graphic Design Software

When selecting the best graphic design software, it’s essential to consider features that align with your creative needs and technical requirements. Below are the key aspects to evaluate before making your choice:

User-Friendliness
The software should have an intuitive interface and tools that cater to your skill level. Beginners may prefer drag-and-drop platforms with pre-built templates, while professionals might look for advanced editing and customization options. The ease of learning the software is a critical factor, especially for those new to graphic design.

Versatility
Graphic design spans multiple areas, such as photo editing, vector illustrations, 3D modeling, and UI/UX design. Choose software that supports various design tasks to avoid switching between tools. For instance, tools like Adobe Photoshop excel in photo editing, while Adobe Illustrator is ideal for vector graphics.

Compatibility
Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and integrates well with other tools you use, such as video editing software, website builders, or cloud storage services. Also, check if the software supports popular file formats like PNG, JPEG, SVG, and PSD for seamless sharing and collaboration.

Performance and Speed
Graphic design software can be resource-intensive, so it’s crucial to choose a tool that performs efficiently on your device. Look for software that is stable, responsive, and optimized for your computer’s hardware specifications. Lagging or crashing tools can disrupt your workflow.

Pricing and Affordability
Graphic design software ranges from free options like GIMP and Inkscape to premium tools like Adobe Creative Cloud. Decide whether you prefer one-time purchase software or subscription-based services. Free tools are great for beginners, but professionals might benefit from paid software with advanced features.

Collaboration Features
In today’s collaborative work environment, tools that support real-time collaboration and cloud-based sharing are invaluable. Many modern software allows teams to work together seamlessly, making it easier to share designs, gather feedback, and edit in real-time.

AI-Powered Tools
Modern graphic design software often includes AI features like background removal, smart cropping, and automated layout suggestions. These tools save time and make complex tasks more accessible to users of all skill levels.

Customizability and Plugin Support
Advanced users often benefit from software that supports plugins and extensions. These allow you to add specific functionalities, like extra brushes, templates, or tools, tailored to your unique design needs.

Cross-Device Compatibility
If you work on multiple devices, look for software that syncs across platforms. Cloud-based tools like Adobe Creative Cloud ensure you can start a project on your desktop and continue on a tablet or smartphone without losing progress.

FAQs:

Can I import and edit PSD files in non-Adobe software?

Yes, several graphic design tools, such as Affinity Photo, GIMP, and CorelDRAW, allow you to import and edit PSD files. However, some advanced features may not transfer perfectly due to compatibility limitations.

Are there lifetime license options for graphic design software?

Yes, tools like Affinity Designer and CorelDRAW offer one-time purchase options with lifetime licenses, unlike subscription-based tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud. These are great for those looking to avoid recurring costs.

Is there software specifically for print design like flyers and brochures?

Yes, tools like Adobe InDesign and CorelDRAW are excellent for print design projects, including flyers, brochures, business cards, and magazines. They provide precise layout controls and CMYK color support for professional printing.

Can I use graphic design software to create website layouts?

Yes, many graphic design tools, such as Adobe XD, Figma, and Sketch, are specifically designed for creating website layouts and UI/UX designs. These tools allow you to create wireframes, prototypes, and responsive designs that can be exported for web development.

Conclusion:

Selecting the right graphic design software plays a pivotal role in transforming your creative vision into reality. Whether you’re a professional designer seeking advanced tools or a beginner exploring the world of design, there’s a wide range of options available to suit every need. Professional grade tools like Adobe Creative Cloud offer unparalleled features for detailed and complex projects, while budget-friendly options like Affinity Designer and free tools like GIMP provide excellent functionality without breaking the bank.

The key is to identify software that aligns with your goals, enhances your workflow, and supports the specific type of projects you aim to create, be it illustrations, photo editing, or branding materials. With the right tool in hand, you can streamline your process, nurture your creativity, and bring stunning designs to life. Whether you’re designing for print, digital platforms, or multimedia, the possibilities are endless when you choose the right software to complement your skills.

If you are looking for video compression you must go through video compression software.You can also read Essential Photo editing software , video editing software and best logo designing software for beginners and top Wireframe tools for UI/UX designers.