Whether you’re an experienced graphic designer or an amateur, you can multiply your talent exponentially with the right tools. An excellent graphic design software makes your work easier with its intuitive controls and flexibility. Such software can also be extremely useful for a beginner. Experienced users can find a wide range of superior tools in it.
The only good way to know which software suits you as a graphic designer is getting a hands-on experience. Every software is characterized by features like performance, ease of use, availability, and cost. The best aspect of several paid graphic design software is that they provide a free trial for users. Here are some of the best graphic design software used across the world by designers:
1. Adobe Photoshop
Arguably the most popular of all software for graphic design, Adobe Photoshop is used by millions of artists worldwide. Whether you’re creating websites, logos, banners, or posters, all of them can be made effectively through this software. It can help in small edits as well as the creation of sophisticated designs.
Adobe Photoshop has the right set of tools for every level. You can work with illustrative designs or even paint or draw using Adobe Photoshop. It allows you to edit images as well as draw or paint. The software also allows you to define your canvas size, isolate elements from backgrounds, and do a lot more.
2. Sketch
This is a Mac-only graphic design program. Sketch focuses mainly on digital design used to create websites, interfaces, and apps. This program has not been built for print work or photo editing. It allows you to create a prototype by collaborating with other designers on the platform.
Sketch has a smart layout feature that facilitate the automatic resizing of a component based on the content. Hundreds of plugins available in the software allow vector editing and other design work with amazing precision. You can also create digital icons through this software.
3. Adobe Illustrator
This is a design software centered around vector design. It allows you to create artwork, posters, icons, and much more. The designs created using Adobe Illustrator can be used in business cards, billboards, smartphones, and 8k screens. It can be used to draw, refine, and mix designs for creating something truly marvelous. A mobile version known as Adobe Illustrator Draw is also available today.
You can create vector shapes by using a sharper tool to draw. Geometric shapes can be moved, reshaped, and scaled. Even the fonts available in the software can be utilized according to your needs by making a few adjustments. It also provides professionally-designed templates for beginners to save time.
4. Affinity Designer
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to Adobe Illustrator, this would be the best one. It is suitable mostly for the ones who are in their early stage of design career. The software works smoothly and can improve your workflow. You can also express your creativity more freely by using Affinity Designer.
Artworks can be zoomed at 60 fps with this software. It allows you to work on both raster and vector workspaces and switch between the two easily. Affinity Designer has been made to work on any of the devices. The software also allows you to create unlimited artboards within it.