10 Must-Have Graphic Design Software in 2021: An Ultimate List for Designers

As graphic designers, we all want to create stunning designs that capture our audience’s attention and communicate the message effectively. To achieve this, you need the right tools to help you bring your ideas to life. With so many graphic design software available today, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top graphic design software in the market. Whether you’re a professional designer or just starting, this list will help you find the perfect software for your design needs. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and explore the best graphic design software out there.

Adobe Photoshop

When it comes to graphic design software, Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular and widely used tools available. Photoshop allows designers to not only edit photos, but also create graphics and illustrations from scratch. Its extensive range of features, such as its powerful layer system and various filters and effects, make it the go-to tool for many designers.

Additionally, Photoshop’s integration with other Adobe programs such as Illustrator and InDesign allows for a seamless workflow between design projects. While there are many other graphic design software options on the market, Adobe Photoshop’s versatility and popularity make it a must-have tool for any designer’s toolkit.

Pros, Cons, and Key Features

Adobe Photoshop is a widely used photo editing software that has proven its efficacy over the years. Among its pros is the powerful and vast range of photo editing tools it offers. It allows users to adjust color, brightness, contrast, saturation, and much more, making it an indispensable asset to professional photographers, graphic designers, and businesses that rely on visual representation.

However, the downside of Adobe Photoshop is its steep learning curve. Its plethora of features could be overwhelming, and users may require extensive training to master them all. However, once mastered, Adobe Photoshop is a powerful tool for creating high-quality images.

Additionally, Adobe Photoshop is continuously seeking to improve the user experience by introducing new features that make photo editing simpler and faster. Overall, it provides brilliant abilities that are beneficial for anyone whose profession involves image manipulation, and it remains one of the best photo editing software on the market.

graphic design software list

Price Points and Subscription Options

When it comes to photo editing software, Adobe Photoshop is undoubtedly one of the most reputable ones out there. But with its popularity comes a price, and that’s why understanding the price points and subscription options is crucial for anyone considering using this program. Adobe Photoshop offers two subscription plans, the first being the Photography plan that costs $

99 per month. The plan includes 20GB of storage and access to both Photoshop and Lightroom. The second plan is the Creative Cloud All Apps that costs $5

99 per month, providing access to all applications in the Creative Cloud suite, including Photoshop. The price might seem steep, but the features and capabilities of Photoshop are impressive, making it worth the investment for professionals and hobbyists alike. With Adobe’s subscription plans, you can also rest assured that you always have access to the latest updates and features.

Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful editing software, Adobe Photoshop is worth considering- after all, it’s the industry standard for a reason.

Sketch

Looking for the best graphic design software to bring your creative vision to life? Look no further than Sketch, one of the most popular graphic design programs on the market. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, Sketch makes it easy for designers of all skill levels to create stunning digital art, logos, and illustrations. Some of the key features of Sketch include a vector-based design toolkit, intuitive layer management tools, and easy-to-use export options.

Plus, with regular updates and a robust user community, Sketch is constantly evolving to meet the needs of today’s designers. So if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use graphic design software, Sketch should be at the top of your list.

Pros, Cons, and Key Features

Sketch is a digital design tool that has gained popularity among designers and creative teams. One of its key features is its vector editing capabilities, allowing designers to create scalable designs and graphics with ease. Sketch also offers a range of useful plugins and integrations with other design tools, making workflow more efficient.

However, Sketch does have some drawbacks, such as the inability to work with raster graphics and limited support for Windows users. Additionally, some users have reported issues with stability and performance when working on larger files. Overall, Sketch is a powerful design tool that offers many benefits, but its limitations must also be considered before making the decision to use it.

Price Points and Subscription Options

Sketch offers a variety of pricing options to fit the needs of different users. The most popular option is a monthly subscription that costs $9 per month, but there is also an option for an annual subscription that costs $99 per year, offering a savings of almost 10%. Additionally, there is a free trial available for new users to test out all of the features before committing to a plan.

For those who require more advanced features, there is also a Sketch for Teams option that allows for collaboration and sharing among team members. This plan starts at $25 per user per month. Regardless of the plan chosen, Sketch provides excellent value for the price point, making it a popular choice among designers and digital professionals.

Canva

If you’re looking for graphic design software, one option that tops the list is Canva. Canva is a design tool that allows users to create designs for social media, presentations, print materials, and more. It’s user-friendly, intuitive, and offers a wide range of templates and design elements to work with.

What’s great about Canva is that it doesn’t require a background in design, making it accessible to anyone who wants to create professional-looking graphics. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur or just someone who loves design, Canva is a great tool to have in your arsenal. Best of all, it offers both free and paid subscriptions, so you can choose the level of functionality that works best for you.

So, if you’re in the market for graphic design software, Canva is definitely a tool worth checking out.

Pros, Cons, and Key Features

Canva is an incredibly versatile design tool that enables users to create beautiful graphics, presentations, and more, without the need for any design experience. Whether you’re looking to create social media graphics, posters, flyers, or even ebooks, Canva has a variety of templates and customization options to suit your needs. One of the significant pros of the tool is easy accessibility, both in terms of its user-friendly interface and the fact that it offers a free version, making it accessible to individuals and companies of all sizes.

Additionally, Canva offers a plethora of design resources, including a vast library of images and fonts, as well as the ability to upload your own designs. One of the significant cons of Canva is that its paid version comes with a steep learning curve, with a lot of advanced features that can take time to master. However, if you’re willing to put in the effort, the possibilities with Canva are endless.

Overall, Canva is an exceptional tool for anyone looking to create stunning visuals quickly and easily.

Price Points and Subscription Options

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use design tool that won’t break the bank, Canva might be just what you need. With a free version that offers basic design features and a low-cost Pro plan that unlocks a wealth of additional tools and features, Canva offers great value for anyone looking to create professional-quality designs without spending a fortune or investing significant time learning complex software. The Pro plan includes access to a wide range of premium templates, custom fonts, and advanced design tools, making it a great option for small business owners, marketers, and creative professionals alike.

Overall, Canva offers a great balance of affordability and functionality, making it a popular choice for both personal and professional projects.

Figma

When it comes to graphic design software lists, one tool that should not be overlooked is Figma. Figma is a cloud-based design tool that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its collaborative features and accessibility. Unlike other design software, Figma allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, which makes it an excellent option for remote teams.

Additionally, Figma is user-friendly, offering intuitive editing tools and an easy-to-understand interface that makes it easy for beginners to start designing right away. One of the standout features of Figma is its vector editing capabilities, which allow designers to create sharp, high-quality graphics that can be easily resized without losing quality. With Figma, designers can create everything from logos and icons to website layouts and mobile app designs.

Overall, Figma is a powerful graphic design software that should be on the list of any designer looking for a versatile and collaborative tool.

Pros, Cons, and Key Features

Figma is a popular graphic design tool that is known for its collaborative design features. One of the major advantages of Figma is that it operates entirely in the cloud, which makes it easy to access and use from anywhere. Figma has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for beginners.

The tool has also gained popularity due to its advanced design features, including vector networks and auto-layouts. However, unlike other design tools, Figma requires an active internet connection to work, which can be a limitation if you are in an area with poor network coverage. Additionally, Figma has a monthly subscription fee, which may be a drawback for users who want a free tool.

Overall, if you are looking for a collaborative design tool that is easy to use and offers advanced design features, Figma is a great choice.

Price Points and Subscription Options

Figma offers a range of price points and subscription options to suit a variety of needs. Its starter plan is free and includes unlimited files, but it’s limited to just three pages per file and one editor. The professional plan is $15 per editor per month, and it allows for unlimited pages and editors.

This plan also includes robust collaboration features, commenting tools, and version history. For larger teams, Figma offers an organization plan with advanced security and admin controls, starting at $45 per editor per month. With these options, Figma has made its tool accessible to everyone from freelancers to enterprise-sized businesses, making it a versatile and affordable option for all design needs.

So whether you’re a solo designer or part of a large team, Figma has a pricing plan that caters to your needs.

Conclusion

In the world of graphic design, having the right tools is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, having access to the best graphic design software can make all the difference. From Adobe Creative Suite to Canva and Sketch, the options are endless.

So, whether you’re creating a stunning website, designing a logo, or editing photos, make sure you have the right software at your fingertips. Because, let’s face it, in the world of design, it’s not about what you say, it’s about how good it looks!”

FAQs

What are the top graphic design software available in the market?
The top graphic design software available in the market include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, CorelDRAW, and Sketch.

Is Adobe Photoshop the only graphic design software available for photo editing?
No, apart from Adobe Photoshop, other photo editing software for graphic designers include GIMP, PaintShop Pro, and Affinity Photo.

What is the best free graphic design software for beginners?
Canva, Gravit Designer, and Inkscape are some of the best free graphic design software available for beginners.

Which graphic design software is best for creating logos?
Adobe Illustrator is the go-to software for logo designing as it offers vector-based graphics that can be scaled without compromising the quality.

Are there any online graphic design software available for use?
Yes, some online graphic design software include Canva, DesignBold, and Crello. These software allow access to templates and design elements from anywhere as long as there is an internet connection.