Brand identity is essential to stand out in today’s highly competitive market. You need to be memorable enough so you’ll stay top of mind among your target audience. This is where the need for the best graphic design software solutions comes in.
According to a report, the global graphic design market size was valued at $57.5 billion in 2023. By 2030, it is estimated to reach $80 billion. This growth shows how important graphic design has become in recent years.
Image via NMSC
From ecommerce and architecture to manufacturing and entertainment, businesses in every industry require the services of a professional graphic designer to create images, videos, banners, and various types of visual assets for many purposes.
To meet the growing demand for professional and creative graphic designs, graphic designers not only need to use the best graphic design software but also sharpen their skills from time to time.
Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, if you’re looking for a reliable tool to produce a vast variety of graphics to impress your clients, then this post is for you.
We’ve put together a list of the best graphic design software solutions you should consider to fulfill your projects in 2025.
Let’s dive in.
Disclaimer: This content contains some affiliate links for which we will earn a commission (at no additional cost to you). This is to ensure that we can keep creating free content for you.
We’ve compiled a list of 33 top graphic design software solutions every graphic designer must try for their projects. We’ve included free graphic design software suited for beginners as well as ones that have advanced features to help you handle the most demanding projects effortlessly.
Let’s get started.
Image via Canva
One of the best graphic design software solutions that don’t require you to download anything is Canva.
This online designing tool has taken graphic design to the masses through its drag-and-drop design feature. You can seamlessly choose from its many templates and start customizing them in minutes.
And the best part?
It also gives you the ability to animate elements in your design in a few clicks. This, in turn, can make them even more engaging.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Canva offers two membership plans for individuals and teams and teachers and schools.
Image via Canva
Image via Canva
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Save your branded templates to improve your design quality and save time developing graphic designs.
Image via Inkscape
If you’re looking for the best open-source free graphic design software solution, your search ends at Inkscape.
This tool is widely popular among graphic designers for its ability to create stunning vectors. You can use it to manipulate graphic assets like text, clones, gradients, transparency, and more.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can click photos of handwritten text and convert it into a vectorized version by clicking its photo and using the Trace Bitmap panel on Inkscape.
Image via Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a lot like Adobe Illustrator but is the cheaper alternative of the two. It gives you the capability to work with both vector and raster workspaces.
What’s more?
You can also zoom into your artwork and move it at 60 fps. Also, the advanced color controls make it one of the best graphic design software solutions for you.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Affinity offers a range of affordable, subscription-free buying options for individuals, businesses and educational institutions. It also has a free trial for individual plans.
Image via Affinity Designer
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can seamlessly switch between the Draw, Pixel, and Export personas to combine vectors and bitmaps.
Image via GIMP
GIMP is one of the top free and open-source graphic design software tools. It also is one of the best and oldest in the field. Loaded with tons of image editing and graphic designing features, this tool can give even the most expensive tools a run for their money.
And the best part?
It offers loads of customization options and supports third-party plugins too.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can seamlessly round the corners of the images by using the “Rounded Corners” feature. All you have to do is select the edge and blur radius and provide a shadow offset.
Image via SketchUp
SketchUp is considered one of the best graphic design software options available, perfect for creating 2D and 3D models. With its robust features and user-friendly interface, it caters to both beginners and experienced designers looking to bring their ideas to life.
Whether you’re designing furniture or intricate market displays, SketchUp provides the tools necessary for detailed and creative projects.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
SketchUp offers a free plan for users, providing essential features to get started. Below are the paid plans:
Image via SketchUp
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Explore the tutorial feature extensively; it can significantly shorten your learning curve and help you master tool functionalities more effectively.
Image via Pixlr
Pixlr brings you a set of graphic designing and image editing tools. While Pixlr E is an image editing software, Pixlr X is its graphic design software solution.
The best part about this tool is that it’s all hosted online so you don’t need to download the application. All you have to do is open the website and start creating your design from scratch.
And guess what?
Being one of the best graphic design software also offers numerous templates that you can customize to create your design.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Pixlr offers a 7-day free trial, which can then be upgraded to any of these paid plans:
Image via Pixlr
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can use the history feature to look at your previous projects quickly and modify them.
Image via Placeit
Placeit by Envato makes designing graphics extremely easy through its many free and paid templates which is why it is considered one of the best graphic design software. Using its drag-and-drop editor, you can seamlessly customize the template to suit your needs and have your designs ready in minutes.
And the best part?
This software solution supports both images and videos, so you can comfortably develop professional-looking designs without any expertise.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Image via Placeit
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Explore thousands of templates and free mockups to create stunning designs and logos. Use them to create customized print-on-demand designs for your online store.
Image via Appy Pie
Appy Pie is one of the best graphic design software solutions that lets you create stellar designs without much effort.
The best part about this solution is that from social media posts and banners to business cards and brochures, you can work on a wide range of designs on this software solution.
And how does it work?
To start, you can choose from one of the many free templates available on the website and start editing it. You can add text, photos, background and so much more.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
No commitment free trial available for 7 days
Image via Appy Pie
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can seamlessly create memes using the meme maker tool. Loads of popular meme templates are already available for you to customize and publish.
Image via PaintShop Pro
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned editor, PaintShop Pro is one of the best graphic design software you must use.
It's a versatile software offering a comprehensive toolset for image editing, graphic design, and photo management. PaintShop Pro makes use of AI-based solutions to enhance your graphic design elements. You can even add effects for a bigger impact.
Here's why it's a solid choice.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Users can test the PaintShop Pro for 30 days — free of charge, no credit card required. Here’s the pricing for its paid versions:
Image via PaintShop Pro
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Don't just use the History Palette to undo and redo. Also use it to revisit your steps so you can replicate your best work, learn from your successes and mistakes, and experiment fearlessly.
Image via Fotor
Fotor is one of the best graphic design software solutions that lets you do a lot more than just creating designs. Using it, you can seamlessly make a collage, edit photos, or develop a design from scratch.
And the best part?
This solution features numerous stock photos and templates for you to choose from.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Fotor offers two plans i.e premium plans and credit plans where the basic plan is free and other paid plans include:
Image via Fotor
Image via Fotor
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Use the focus feature to your advantage to add the blur effect around a certain region.
Image via Xara
Whether it’s image editing, vector graphic design, or even web design, Xara Designer Pro X is the best graphic design software solution for all of this. It’s got loads of preset photo filters that you can choose to give the right edits to your images.
What’s more?
Its drag-and-drop graphic design builder makes it easy for even newbies to create stunning visuals.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Image via Xara
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Use smart duplication to quickly multiply your elements and arrange them in perfect order.
Image via Snappa
When you’re talking about the best graphic design software solutions, Snappa has to be included in the list. This powerful software solution helps you create stunning graphics for your blog, social media posts, and ads with ease.
What’s more?
Being one of the best graphic design software tools, it also provides presets for social media posts so that you don’t have to worry about the right dimensions in any situation.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
A free version is available with basic features where only 1 user is allowed. The tool offers two paid plans:
Image via Snappa
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Opt for the team version to collaborate with your team while creating stunning graphic designs.
Image via Stencil
Creating graphics for social media posts can be a time-consuming process. Additionally, you’d have to hire top-of-the-class graphic designers to ensure that those designs are nothing short of extraordinary.
But what if there was a way to avoid all of this?
Stencil is your way out of this expensive process of creating graphics for social media posts. You can seamlessly add elements to your design with its drag-and-drop builder.
It also features millions of stock photos from which you can choose the ones you need for your designs with ease. This is one of the reasons why Stencil is among the best graphic design software solutions in today’s market.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
A free version of the tool is available which you can use for personal projects. Two paid plans are available for more images and unlimited photos:
Image via Stencil
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can seamlessly search for quotes on Snappa without the need to go to any other website. All you have to do is find the quote and start designing your graphics with it.
Image via Colorcinch
If you’re looking for the best graphic design software solution that helps you edit your photos and also converts them into cartoons, Colorcinch is the one for you. Armed with the power of AI, this software solution helps you convert boring photos into incredible ones.
Apart from its numerous editing options, one feature that makes this graphic design software stand out is that you can save all your work online and resume editing from where you stopped.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Colorcinch offers two paid pricing plans:
Image via Colorcinch
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can seamlessly change any image into a cartoon with the one-click image cartoonizer.
Image via PixTeller
Creating beautiful visuals is no longer a challenge with PixTeller. This graphic design software solution not only helps you develop images but also creates the best animated videos.
What’s more?
Its customizable templates simplify the process of creating stunning designs. You can further edit them by adding geometric shapes and gradient colors.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Free version of the tool is available, which can be upgraded to any of the premium plans:
Image via PixTeller
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can seamlessly animate your designs by choosing from one of the many animations provided by PixTeller.
Image via DesignWizard
DesignWizard is one of the best graphic design software solutions out there that lets you develop stunning images and videos with ease. It's got thousands of premium images, themes, videos, and more for you to choose from.
And that’s not all.
Its resizing feature lets you seamlessly resize your designs without the need to create a new one.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
You can start with a free trial plan and upgrade to Pro at $9.99/month.
Image via DesignWizard
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can integrate DesignWizard with Buffer, HubSpot, or Marketo for scheduling social posts.
Image via Adobe InDesign
If you’re into the business of publishing and need the best graphic design software solution for it, Adobe InDesign is the answer to your questions. This software solution offers a host of features that let you design magazines, brochures, and more with ease.
And the best part?
Unlike Photoshop, which requires a long learning curve, Adobe InDesign requires a low learning curve. This means that you’d be able to start creating great designs quickly using this software.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Adobe InDesignoffers a 30-day free trial of Adobe stocks with up to 10 standard assets. You can upgrade to individual, students and teachers or teams plan
Image via Adobe InDesign
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Get the HTML code for the design and integrate it with your posts on WordPress for seamless integration with your blog posts.
Image via Sketch
Sketch is the best graphic design software solution if you’re a macOS user as it’s got a native app specifically made for it.
Yes, you heard that right.
Sketch has a native app for macOS and this means that you get the true-blue native macOS app experience when you use it.
And the best part?
With features like local document versioning and dark and light UI, this graphic design software is definitely worth your money. It also has a web app for everyone else.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Sketch offers a 30-day free trial, no credit card required, before you upgrade to any of its paid plans:
Image via Sketch
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Download the macOS native app if you’re a Mac user to get the most out of this graphic design software solution.
Image via CorelDraw
CorelDraw Graphics Suite is a power-packed bundle of the best graphic design software solutions. This professional-level application helps you create exceptional-looking designs for your brand’s marketing materials.
And what’s the best part?
It gives you access to a wide range of photographs that you can incorporate into your designs with ease.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
This tool provides two pricing options:
Image via CorelDraw
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Use the GPU acceleration mode when you’re working on creating sophisticated graphics that require more system resources.
Image via Adobe
When it comes to the best graphic design software solutions, no list is ever complete without the inclusion of Adobe Photoshop. It’s one of the most advanced tools that you can use to create stunning graphics for your brand.
The platform brings advanced features like generative fills, editing 3D designs, expanding images beyond their boundaries, using brush to apply selective edits, and much more. The tool can be used independently. Alternatively, you can opt for Creative Cloud All Apps plans to leverage the benefits of 20+ editing tools.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Adobe Photoshop offers three membership plans for individuals, students and teachers and teams.
Image via Adobe
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can select colors from anywhere using Photoshop. All you have to do is use the Eye Dropper tool and minimize Photoshop. Then, click the dropper onto your canvas and drag it outside Photoshop to any window.
Image via Corel Vector
If you’re looking for an HTML-based graphic design software solution, none can come closer to Corel Vector (formerly Gravit Designer). It’s the best when it comes to vector graphics.
Its dashboard is direct and you can easily trace all the functions you need to get started. This platform is perhaps the most useful for graphic, web, and product designers.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Corel Vector offers a 15-day free trial, with its Pro plan costing $99.99/year.
Image via Corel Vector
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can seamlessly open multiple documents and see them all in different tabs on this graphic design software.
Image via Visme
Visme is a fine web-based graphic design software solution that’s best for beginners who want to create stunning graphics and charts. It’s got a drag-and-drop design editor that lets you customize their templates with ease.
And guess what’s the best part?
It’s got things for seasoned designers too. While the platform is easy to use, experienced designers can leverage it to speed up the designing process with many advanced features of this graphic design software.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
The tool comes with a free plan. Its paid plans are:
Image via Visme
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Use the built-in analytics tracking capabilities of Visme to find out the traffic on your presentations and infographics.
Image via Genially
If you’re looking for the best graphic design software solution that helps you create eye-catching infographics, presentations, and more quickly, your search ends here.
Genially serves as the one-stop destination for all your graphic design needs and it helps you communicate, educate, and reel in your audience with interactive visual content.
The best part about this graphic design software is that it’s got loads of ways to control your animations.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
This graphic design software has two different free and paid plans for company and educational purposes.
Image via Genially
Image via Genially
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Create interactive elements when you’re considering creating a presentation or an infographic.
Image via Vectr
As the name suggests, Vectr is yet another powerful graphic design software solution for designing vectors. The best part about this platform is that it’s got cross-platform functionality across the web and desktop.
What’s more?
It’s got a short learning curve so it’s the best platform for an intermediate user who’s willing to put some hours into reading its thorough guides.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
The tool comes with a free plan and offers monthly subscriptions:
Image via Vectr
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can share the link of your work with anyone on the internet and they can watch the design being created in real-time.
Image via Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a professional graphic designing software solution for both marketers and artists. Using it, you can create a wide range of designs from banners for websites to brand logos and ebooks. It’s particularly great when it comes to vector images.
And that’s not even the best part.
You can use its pen tool to create custom vector objects from scratch. However, this also means that you’d need a professional designer to do that for you.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Adobe Illustrator offers a 30-day free trial of Adobe stocks with up to 10 standard assets. You can upgrade to monthly or annual paid plans.
Individuals
Image via Adobe Illustrator
Business
Image via Adobe Illustrator
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Use the pen tool to create amazing graphic designs by creating and editing anchor points and paths.
Image via Desygner
Your search for the best graphic design software solution ends at Desygner. This software solution makes the entire process of creating eye-catching graphics extremely simple and straightforward.
From social media posts to presentations and business cards, you can design it all with Desygner. This graphic design software brings you the world’s largest stock image library. What’s more, the AI image generator allows you to create impressive and unique images to meet your requirements.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
A free version of the tool is available. Its paid plans include:
Image via Desygner
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can use the social media resizing option to seamlessly resize your posts for various social platforms.
Image via VistaCreate
Graphic design no longer has to be difficult if you’re a beginner thanks to Crello. This web-based graphic design software solution is one of the best and lets you create amazing graphics through its drag-and-drop functionality.
What’s more?
The best part about Crello is that it’s got loads of trendy templates that you can seamlessly customize to suit your design needs. This can save a lot of time that you’d otherwise have to spend on creating a design from scratch.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
A free version of the tool is available with limited design templates.
Image via VistaCreate
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip:Create a brand kit to seamlessly create branded content for your marketing campaigns using Crello.
Image via Designbold
DesignBold is the best graphic design software solution that simplifies designing for you. With over 20,000 professionally designed customizable templates, you can seamlessly create amazing designs using this platform.
What’s more?
It also backs up your designs automatically so that you don’t lose them, ever. And the best part is that you can download your designs in high-resolution with ease using this platform.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Image via Designbold
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can seamlessly generate a unique URL for your design and share it with your team for quick collaboration to create the graphic.
Image via Ripl
Looking for an all-round graphic design software solution that lets you create the best static posts, videos, and animations? Ripl is the solution for you.
This simple graphic design platform makes the entire process of creating these posts easier. You can choose from their many templates and have your designs ready in minutes.
What’s more?
It also lets you set your logo, color, and font preferences to improve your branding.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Image via Ripl
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can leverage Ripl to find the best hashtags to post your content on social media for maximum reach and engagement.
Image via Creatopy
Creatopy brings to you the best and easiest way of creating stunning graphics and visuals for your branding materials. It allows you to develop both static and animated designs and helps you bulk download them or even export them to other platforms.
What’s more?
This graphic design software solution also lets you use your brand’s color schemes, logos, and fonts to personalize your branding even further.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
The tool comes with a free plan which can be upgraded to any of the paid plans.
Image via Creatopy
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: You can seamlessly create feed ads using Creatopy for your social media promotions using the Feed Ad Builder.
Image via Linearity
As the name itself suggests, Linearity is one of the best graphic design software solutions for anyone looking to create stunning vector graphics. From spectacular mockups to sophisticated illustrations, you can do it all using this platform.
And that’s not all.
It also offers powerful gesture controls that can help you change your node types on the go. You can also change all the nodes on your screen with a single finger.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
The starter pack of the tool comes with a free plan. Two paid plans are also available.
Image via Linearity
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: To get the true paper drawing experience, you can leverage the Apple Pencil. Vectornator is pressure-sensitive too, so each stroke will appear differently based on the pressure you apply using the pencil.
Image via DocHipo
DocHipo lets you create eye-catching marketing collateral for your brand, including infographics, banners, social media posts, and more through its easy-to-use editor.
What’s more?
This graphic design software solution offers the best advanced editing features like removing image backgrounds, editing your photos, adding illustrations, and more.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Free version of the tool is available and has one paid plan
Image via DocHipo
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Add animated icons with motion to make your graphics even more engaging.
Image via Lunacy
Lunacy is a top professional graphic design software to help you with UI/UX design apps. It allows you to create responsive designs easily, both online and offline. You can also turn your drafts into clickable prototypes so you can test your ideas before you launch them.
Lunacy uses AI-powered tools such as background remover and image upscaler, to speed up your design process. This way, you can skip the repetitive tasks and focus on creativity.
Key features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Lunacy offers the following plans:
Image via Lunacy
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: When working with complex designs, use the feature to hide layers that don’t fit the screen. This keeps your workspace clutter-free and focused on relevant elements.
Q1. Which software solutions do graphic designers use?
A. The best graphic design software solutions are:
Q2. Which Adobe software is best for graphic design?
A. Adobe Photoshop is perhaps the best Adobe software solution when it comes to graphic design. It’s one of the most versatile graphic design platforms available out there. Loaded with features like layers, lasso tool, and more, this should be your go-to software solution if you’re a professional graphic designer.
Q3. What is the best graphic design software for beginners?
A. The best graphic design software solutions for beginners are:
Q4. Which software is famously known for graphic design?
A. The best-known software solutions for graphic design are:
Q5. Where can I get a graphic design tool for free?
A. Here are some of the best free graphic design tools you can use:
Q6. What is the best graphic design software to design a company logo for free?
A. The best free graphic designing tools to design company logos are:
Q7. Are there any free logo makers?
A. Yes, there are many free logo makers that you can leverage. Some of the best ones are:
Q8. What are graphic tools?
A. Graphic tools are solutions that can help you create stunning visual designs. While some of these software solutions may be web-based, others can be downloaded on desktops or mobile devices. You can use them for creating social media posts, presentations, banners, postcards, infographics, animations, and so much more.
Q9. What is the importance of graphic design software?
A. Visual content can help you communicate with your audience quickly in an engaging way. Content like infographics, social media images, and banners can play a major role in it.
Even the visual nature of your logo can help improve brand recognition. The best graphic design software solutions can help you develop all of these visual assets so that you can use them for your brand’s marketing.
Q10. Why do we need design tools?
A. Design tools are necessary for the creation of visual content such as infographics, blog post banners, social media posts, and more.
These visual assets are essential for promoting your brand online and offline and are typically more effective than text content. Thus, design tools play a key role in marketing your brand.
Graphic design is important for marketing your brand both online and offline. Using graphics, you can catch the attention of your target audience and engage them well too.
Visual content tends to attract people more than text content so graphics can play a major role in your brand’s growth if used correctly.
What’s more?
Using the best graphic design software solutions we’ve explored, you can seamlessly develop stunning graphics for your social media posts, blog posts, and more. You can also create infographics, videos, and animations using them.
However, it always helps to have an experienced partner to help you create and promote such graphics. We help you promote your infographics and earn backlinks. So, get in touch with us today.
Disclaimer: This content contains some affiliate links for which we will earn a commission (at no additional cost to you). This is to ensure that we can keep creating free content for you.
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