5 Top-Rated Graphic Design tools for 2022
Designers may now select from a wide choice of design tool alternatives, including open-source platforms because the field is now open.
Plus, software for making visuals isn’t limited to either the Mac or PC platform anymore. Many also have mobile apps for iOS and Android as well as Linux and Chrome OS.
The finest graphic design software may be tough to choose due to the bewildering amount of editing capabilities. Our list focuses on tried-and-true programs from the past, such as Adobe Photoshop and some fresh newcomers, like Affinity Photo.
- Canva
Canva is a one-stop shop for doing many projects, including infographics, websites, and t-shirts. It uses an intuitive drag-and-drop user interface that is simple even for those without prior graphic design skills. The application offers a vast collection of photos, layouts, backdrops, and fonts to get things started. Many of these objects are available for Free on Canva. However, some need in-app payments.
Canva excels in that because of its extensive template library; it can work with various sectors. The example we viewed was polished and gave us some excellent fodder for further thought. Three price options are available, one of which is free for individuals and small teams. Even though the premium plans only provide 100 GB of cloud storage, they give the complete package.
- Procreate
Procreate markets itself as a full-featured creative studio designed just for the iPad and Apple Pencil. No free trial or version is available; it is a one-time purchase. Its creators went over and above to make it user-friendly. You immediately start using its enormous selection of templates, typefaces, and movable brushes. Additionally, you may import your own Photoshop images into the program, which will run faster thanks to the Valkyrie engine.
Its capacity to operate in 3D and preview it in AR in real-time is one of its unique qualities. Procreate is a great tool to start if you’ve wanted to experiment with animation. However, the program contains many features and options that new users could find confusing. There are several brush options available if you choose one kind. Every time you utilize it, you’ll pick up something new.
- Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop has been used extensively in desktop publishing for many years. There is a good reason why graphic designers love it so much. With a user-friendly interface and a ton of well-written tutorials, its selection of image editing tools accommodates everyone from beginners to experts. You have control over everything with the graphic design program, from the canvas size to the creative filter.
A seven-day free trial is available for Photoshop, the same as Adobe Illustrator. It’s interesting to see that Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom are less expensive. Lightroom’s free trial gives 1 terabyte of cloud space, whereas Photoshop’s trial only provides 100 gigabytes. Adobe Fresco, a painting program, and Adobe Spark, a storyboard program, give even more functionality to the suite.
- Affinity Designer
Its simple user interface makes Affinity Designer an excellent alternative for independent projects or beginning graphic designers. It is a solid rival to Adobe Illustrator, offering a comparable set of design tools and additional user-friendly features. People who desire a cost-effective option without losing functionality should consider it.
With a 1,000,000% zoom, Affinity Designer belongs firmly in the CAD category. You can adjust the settings if that resolution is too delicate for you. The history of its versions is another significant aspect. It puts you in command of revisions along with the zoom. With this feature, you may retrace up to 8,000 steps, which is quite convenient when interacting with clients.
- PhotoScape
A minimal toolbox of drawing tools is included in the free picture editing program PhotoScape, which covers all the essentials. Its user-friendliness stems from a drag-and-drop interface. It will swiftly and pleasantly complete any straightforward operations you need, including resizing or cropping. Additionally, it has several batch operations, including file renaming and minor editing to speed up your work.
The application’s creators also provide premium PhotoScape Pro X, which increases its compatibility with Mac, and an improved version of the program called PhotoScape X. PhotoScape adds motion effects, additional filters, macros, more frames, and an HDR merging feature. A single payment is made at either the Apple Store or the Microsoft Store.
How to Pick the Right Graphic Design Program
The finest graphic design software includes free, open-source web-based options to comprehensive image editing packages with high learning curves that are ideal for pros — and everything in between.
Start by thinking about your existing requirements and the features you expect as your business and skill set expand when you choose which software to use. A lot of software is pricey, especially subscription-based programs. With these programs, buy what you need to get the most outstanding deal.
