Explore different graphic design software programs and select the best one to achieve your graphic design goals. Show
Chances are, you've heard of Canva or Adobe. These are just two popular graphic design software tools that creatives use to make images, videos, and other types of media or art for brand marketing and other creative pursuits. Graphic design software refers to apps and programs that graphic designers use to create, edit, and manipulate digital images. They allow designers edit and resize images, produce original illustrations, combine text, color, and shapes, and bring their vision to life. The finished products may appear in brochures, websites, mobile apps, and social media. Keep reading to explore five popular software programs for graphic designers and some steps to choosing the best one for you. 5 popular software programs for graphic designTo compile this list, we consulted findings from G2, a software marketplace where millions of consumers review and discover software. G2’s Summer 2022 Small Business Grid® Report for Graphic Design compiles reviews from users based on satisfaction, ease of use, and other factors [1]. 1. Adobe IllustratorAvailable through the Adobe Creative Cloud app, available for PC and macOS
2. Canva for TeamsAvailable in the cloud
3. Adobe InDesignAvailable through the Adobe Creative Cloud app, available for PC and macOS
4. Microsoft PublisherAvailable for PC
5. Foxit PDF EditorAvailable on PC or macOS
How to choose graphic design softwareGiven the range of prices, features, and use cases for different graphic design apps and software, it’s important to choose software that aligns with your goals and interests. Follow the steps below to make the best software selection for your needs. Professional designers may be looking for the advanced features of Creative Cloud, while a marketing manager working on social media content may need easy-to-use software catered to beginners, such as Canva. Reflect on your design goals.What are your design goals? You may be searching for jobs as a graphic designer, starting a graphic design business, doing freelance work, or designing graphics to promote your business. Try asking these questions to get you started:
Take a graphic design course.Learning graphic design skills and concepts can make selecting the right software for your purposes easier. Look for courses that introduce you to different software programs and guide you through using them to complete projects. Research graphic design software.Become familiar with software programs and what they offer, how much they cost, and how you can use them to complete projects. Marketing industry leader Hubspot recommends DesignWizard, Canva, Adobe Express, and Lunacy as the best free programs for beginners and marketers. As you gather more information, make a list of features like a photo editor or background remover that you need a software program to have. Here are some examples of what you may be looking for:
What software programs do employers use?Adobe Creative Cloud is popular for graphic designers, while Canva is designed to be easy-to-use for anybody in any industry (not just designers). Peruse job listings on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed to find out which program employers prefer their designers to be proficient in. If you're hoping to go freelance, review social media profiles and portfolios of freelance designers who offer the kind of services you want to offer. Experiment with different software tools.Before deciding on graphic design software, you can sign up for free trials or basic plans of the software that suits your needs. That way, you can feel confident in selecting a program and making a long-term investment in it. Be sure to give yourself enough time to complete a project, even a small one, and test all of the features of each software before committing to your favorite. Learn graphic design at CalArtsTaking online courses can be a great way to gain exposure to important graphic design software and skills for today’s business world. CalArts' Graphic Design Specialization takes you through the fundamentals of graphic design, typography, image making, history of graphic design, and brand development. This series of courses may just inspire graphic design newbies to hop on this exciting and creative career path. Written by: Editorial Team Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact... This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals. What app is used for graphic design on PC?Adobe Creative Cloud is popular for graphic designers, while Canva is designed to be easy-to-use for anybody in any industry (not just designers). What is the number 1 graphic design app?Adobe Photoshop It's the industry standard, so any clients or vendors you deal with will accept files from Adobe's class-leading image software. What software do most graphic designers use?Photoshop, Sketch, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects are among the best software for graphic design.. Photoshop. Photoshop is a graphic editor that is best used for image editing. ... . Sketch. Sketch is a vector-based tool available on Mac and focuses on web, app, and interface design. ... . Illustrator. ... . InDesign. ... . After Effects.. What is the best design software for PC?In this list, we'll delve into each software's unique features to help you determine the best fit for your needs.. Adobe Illustrator. ... . Adobe Photoshop. ... . CorelDraw Graphics Suite. ... . Adobe InDesign. ... . GIMP. ... . Affinity Designer 2. ... . Affinity Photo 2. ... . Pixlr.. |