For professionals and beginners alike, personal computers and graphics software have forever changed the way designers and fine artists work. And the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI), as in the case of Adobe Firefly, is rapidly changing what people can do even more. Here we list the best graphic design software for a variety of artistic needs. We evaluate several programs that have been in the ring since the beginning (Illustrator, Photoshop, and CorelDraw), along with some newer arrivals that tackle fresh challenges, like creating the best marketing content for Instagram and other social media apps.
The selections here span a variety of needs: raster image editing, vector editing, typography, interface design, and page layout. Read on for our top picks. And for more help in picking the software that's right for you, see our guide toward the end.
The Best Graphic Design Software for Your Needs
Wherever you look, you see graphics of all kinds. The job titles of people who create them are similarly expansive: visual designer, web designer, illustrator, interaction designer, app designer, photo retoucher, type designer, and on and on. Even non-designers can get into the act with template-based products like Canva and Adobe Express.
Splendid tools are at your disposal, each with its own place in the toolbox. However, as developers expand what any one piece of software can do, those original boundaries among tools become harder to distinguish.
Adobe frequently adds new capabilities to its industry-standard Illustrator software. (Credit: PCMag)For example, while Adobe Photoshop is the go-to photo editing tool, it also creates awesome photo-realistic text effects. In 1989, no one could have guessed Photoshop would become the favorite front-end web design tool (with nods to Sketch, XD, and other capable newcomers). Though CorelDraw's forte is in the production and service bureau industry, it also lets graphic artists produce astounding photorealistic vector art and illustration using blends, gradients, and transparencies—though Illustrator is the most famous name in vector art.
Similar to Adobe's Creative Cloud suite is the eight-piece CorelDraw Suite. Although our review is specific to the CorelDraw graphic design app itself, it's satisfying to have access to a group of integrated tools between which you can enjoy the productivity of seamless asset interchange and compatibility. It's a similar story for Affinity Designer. While Adobe's suite remains the industry standard, it's a snap to export Affinity Designer or CorelDraw files to Illustrator (or Photoshop) formats, and it's just as simple to open an Illustrator file in those apps.
Affinity Designer lets you combine raster textures with vector drawings. (Credit: PCMag)Each designer has different goals, psyches, and abilities, and with this trio of apps, you're sure to discover the tools and processes that meet your needs. Ultimately, you should choose the tools that make you feel the most proficient, and stick with those that release timely and purposeful upgrades. It's important your graphic design software encourages your technical growth and challenges you to boost the skills you need to keep yourself relevant during today's visual design and interface sea changes.
What's the Best Free Graphic Design Software?
Working graphic design professionals will have to pay for their software, but there are options for those who want to dabble in the field without laying out any cash. Free levels of both Adobe Express and Canva will serve the needs of those who need to produce quick and easy graphics projects. Inkscape can get you started with vector graphics, and it is completely free and open-source. However, it forces you to do without some major creature comforts, such as easy installation on macOS.
Outside of these apps, your options are to pay a recurring subscription or a one-time fee, though some apps only offer one option.
There are a handful of free or freemium apps if you look for Photoshop alternatives, such as the free and open-source GIMP, or the best mobile photo editing apps.
What Software Should 3D Artists Use?
While we didn't include them in the list above, 3D modeling and animation software are another type of software you might need, depending on what type of artistic work you do. PCMag's Editors' Choice winners in this category are Maya for all-around 3D modeling and Houdini if you need to learn special effects. For a free option, try Blender.
For more graphic arts software reviews and related information, see our graphics arts page.
