Best Graphic Design Software

What is Graphic Design Software?

Graphic design is an art where visual content is created to communicate a message. In order to do this, graphic design software is needed. This is because this software can provide artists with a range of tools in order to create their designs. This can include typography, vector images, and the like. Additionally, graphic design apps can help users to meet their specific needs when it comes to creating elements within their designs.

Each solution does come with a range of different options though. For instance, the best logo design software will offer more painting and colorization options than the best interior design software, which will focus more on vector images and line work.

This makes it important for users to carefully select the software they need. On top of that, it’s not only big businesses using this type of software, but individuals too. As such, there is a range of different options out there from free graphic design software with only basic functions to more costly graphic design software with a huge array of features.

What Does Graphic Design Software Do?

It is an incredibly useful software solution that can edit images. Images can be created from scratch, manipulated, and typography added. Here we quickly outline the different functions that the best graphic design software can do.

• Photo editing — Most graphic design apps will allow photo editing even in basic form. This means changing colors, adding textures, text, additional images, creating layers, vector masks, and more.
• Vector art — The best logo design software will utilize vector image editing as this will allow users to adjust objects and elements without losing their shape or size. It’s perfect for creating multiple versions of the same thing without having to redraw.
• Typography — Adding in text and notations is a must in the best interior design software in order to enable the diagrams to be understood. Most free graphic design software will offer a range of different fonts and text options.
• Page layout — Top software will also provide options for page layout including different page sizes, and the option for layers, transparency, and masks. All of this makes design so much easier.

How We Rank the Best Graphic Design Software

We follow a strict ranking method to provide unbiased recommendations for graphic design software. Our experts thoroughly analyze and evaluate each software based on key factors such as performance, ease of use, features, and support. Check out our methodology on our site and discover the top-rated graphic design software that best fits your needs.

Main Features of Graphic Design Software

The best interior design software has a wide array of different functions and features. It should not only be solely for image editing. The best graphic design apps will have a lot more, as well. Not only should it enable drawing and vector art manipulation, but it should enable individuals and companies to create and maintain brands through consistent software tools. Below are some main features found in the best graphic design software.

Photo Editing

All free graphic design software has the basics of photo editing in its arsenal. This includes the option to actually create images from scratch. However, not all solutions give the option to actually paint and draw within their tools.

Vector Images

Vectors are the digital shapes that make up images in software. They are made up of lines and curves based on mathematical algorithms. Also known as paths, these are the lines that enable users to scale images without losing the overall shape and design. Particularly when it comes to the best logo design software, having this feature is hugely important. Some software also provides the option to convert bitmap images into vectors, which is an additional plus.

Color Editing

As part of the photo editing process, it’s important for users to be able to employ color editing too. This is particularly noticeable in the best interior design software options out there, which often also have a massive array of different color and tonal options to employ.

Benefits of Using Graphic Design Software

Before getting into using the best design software, it is important to understand what the benefits are from using such software. Of course, this will depend on your needs as the programs and software available all have different features and, subsequently, benefits. Large publishing companies for instance will need the best logo design software, while an individual house designer will be searching for the best interior design software. Small businesses and charities with limited budgets will want the best free graphic design software that still offers the most features.

There are almost endless benefits to picking the top graphic design solutions. Here we will take a look at the different use-cases for each product. So, no matter if you’re a big business or a freelancer, here are some of the best reasons to get graphic design software.

Branding

Excitingly, most graphic design tools are geared towards branding. Creating your images and logos in such software has never been easier. This is because the software can save designs, rescale them, edit them, and everything else. Complex design work is also possible, although some software is a little slower in this area.

Shortcuts

Helping to make processes faster and more streamlined are shortcuts. Most software will have various shortcuts giving you faster access to the necessary tools for your design work.

Drawing Tools

Being able to create images from scratch is a must in graphic design. Most solutions will have a wide array of drawing tools for this reason. These will include simple line tools, paintbrushes, erasers, and much more.

Resizing and Arranging Images

With vector image options, resizing, moving, and layering elements and images has never been easier. This makes it very easy to create complex, layered designs. Better yet, these can be repeated for adding to various different projects. Additionally, software that can create templates and that includes desktop publishing for multi-page layouts can provide a whole new set of features for users.

File Size and Exporting

Being able to cope with a variety of file sizes is a must. These days, the top graphic design solutions can handle RAW files easily. Additionally, they can save files and images in a range of different file types so that they can be easily exported.

Customizable UI

All software needs to be easy to use. This means that the interface is understandable and allows you to access the tools you need efficiently. Some software also has customization options which makes it even easier.

Mobile Compatible

Nowadays, all software must be mobile optimized too. This means that not only can the designs be used on a mobile device, but the software can too. There are now smaller app versions of these types of software so that it’s possible to get editing on the go as well.

Who Should Use Graphic Design Software

The type of software you need will depend, not only on the size of the company but also on the level of proficiency and what users specialize in. This is because there is some graphic design software that specializes in certain elements of design such as focusing on interior design, while others focus on painting. What you plan to use the software for is the first thing you should be thinking about. In the section below, we take a look at some of the companies that need to carefully consider what software they need to use.

Freelance Individuals

There is a growing number of freelancers out there in the world of graphic design. This means that these professionals need to be able to access good quality software programs. However, they won’t need quite the same level as a business or studio. This means that it’s possible to take on a smaller package geared towards individual use.

Interior Designers

One of the larger groups that create digital graphics, companies, and businesses such as this often need a much more comprehensive software. The best interior design software programs will offer the company the chance to store huge file sizes in a range of file types for export, as well as integrate a wider range of different editing tools into their solution.

Publishers and Marketing

Similarly, publishers, sales, and marketing professionals also require a lot of extras in the best logo design software. It’s important that the software can handle large files and complex designs, It should offer the ability to draw, and to use vectors for rescaling, repeating, and repurposing the same designs in different formats.

How Much Does Graphic Design Software Cost?

Depending on the software and the level of the business, the best graphic design software can actually be quite pricey. Many options do have lengthy trial periods allowing you to test out the product for free, usually for a couple of months. However, for some packages, you don’t get the full version. For the most part, buying this type of software is going to set you back, usually around at least $500.