It’s a good time to be a graphic designer because, thanks to the variety of advanced software and tools, you don’t have to jump through hoops anymore. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, there are at least a dozen software out there that can bring your imagination to life.
Modern software has a user-friendly interface, so even beginners can quickly get a hang of how they work. Graphic designing is a lucrative and convenient career choice, given that you get plenty of options to work remotely on your own terms.
Nothing will come your way to securing big projects and high-paying clients as long as you have passion, skills, and–of course, a reliable internet connection. Get your ATT Bundle to avail unlimited data and consistent speeds during peak times. You w on’t find another internet provider with better uptime and tech support, so you know what to do.
Now that we have the internet conundrum sorted out, it’s time to unbox the best graphic design software of 2024:
1. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is known to set the standards for professional graphic designing, so it’s a gift that keeps on giving (in exchange for a paid monthly plan). Like most modern illustrators, this software leverages AI to improve options in themes, colors, and more. It’s a great tool to start from scratch and it easily integrates with other tools in the Adobe family.
2. Procreate
If you create most of your artwork on an iPad, Procreate is the software for you. The best part is that it only requires a one-time purchase, so you can generate unlimited designs with your Apple Pencil. This software offers 200 customizable brushes and allows 3D painting, which is cool. It also has an impressive collection of finishing filters and hover features, so you’re going to end up with good stuff.
3. CorelDRAW
Anyone interested in editing existing images rather than creating from scratch could get used to CorelDraw. This software is on the pricier side and has high system requirements, but everything you can achieve with it makes it worthwhile. I would like to add that this software is fairly complicated; hence, if you’re a beginner, prepare for a steep learning curve.
4. Figma
As a rookie, it’s understandable if you want to experiment with free tools first. Figma is one such graphic designing software that lets you access plenty of sophisticated features for free. Once you’re ready to go the extra mile, you can shift to the paid version for a small monthly fee. This software is highly recommended for animations, prototyping, and third-party integrations.
5. Canva
When speaking of graphic designing tools with the most user-friendly interface, Canva is a frontrunner. You can always start with Canva if you know almost nothing about creating professional designs. You get access to an abundance of ready-made templates that you can build upon or manipulate to make your own. This software is also great for efficient photo editing solutions, but you don’t get much in the free plan.
6. Sketch
If you need a software program that was exclusively built for Mac, you’ll like Sketch. This software is good for basic designing and editing, so not the best option for professionals out there. Beginners can avail a 30-day free trial and decide if it’s worth investing in a paid plan later. This platform is mostly known for its helpful community, as you can seek all sorts of graphic designing solutions on their forums.
7. Krita
Krita is an open-source platform for designers who are new to the field and want to test their skills without spending money. It’s a powerful tool that works with various media and formats, so you are unlikely to face incompatibility issues. I would certainly suggest it to students and people who are learning the skill of graphic design on their own.
8. Visme
Now, let’s talk about a software program that is suited for seasoned graphic designers. It allows multiple integrations and real-time collaborations, which is useful if you’re working with a team. Learning to use Visme doesn’t require too much grey matter, so you’ll turn into an expert in no time. You can always make use of pre-built templates accessible in its user-friendly library to speed things up.
9. Affinity Designer
Getting back to novice designers, Affinity Designer is an excellent option for undertaking personal projects and honing your skills. This one is called a notable competitor of Adobe, so you can count on it to assist you in putting together a striking portfolio. It is affordable (no subscription required), lacks high system requirements, and is easy to set up.
10. Adobe Photoshop
Last but not least, Adobe Photoshop continues to retain a promising and prominent position in the world of graphic design software. It’s a tried and true application, useful for designers of all levels. The only downside is that it’s expensive and resource-demanding.
Have you tried any of the mentioned graphic designing tools? Tell us about your preferred software, as well as the one you would never go back to.
