The 18 Best Graphic Design Software Apps in 2024 [Free + Paid]

We evaluated the best graphic design software of 2024. Our goal was simple. Graphic designers earn salaries starting from $45,000 to $50,000 a year, and they need the best tools for the job. Of course, some graphic design books and courses cover graphic design software. But what about the latest?

That's where we come in. Our evaluations considered several industry-standard features. We also looked at the cost, which means we also evaluated free graphic design software. Then, we determined the overall value. 

Our research included all the biggest names. We evaluated Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Corel PaintShop Pro, Serif Affinity Designer 2, and even that open-source standard GIMP. Below, we break down our method and, most importantly, the detailed evaluations for each piece.

So if you’re looking to find the best graphic design software, we’ve got you covered. Our article dives into the 18 best graphic design apps in 2024, including the best free and paid options for raster, vector, and 3D design.

Featured Graphic Design Software [Editor’s Picks]

• Adobe Creative Cloud - Best All-Around Software Solution
• Adobe Illustrator CC - The Industry Standard Vector Design Tool
• Adobe Photoshop CC - The Industry Standard Raster Design Tool
• Serif Affinity Photo 2 - Best Alternative to Adobe Photoshop
• Blender - Best Free 3D Modeling App
• Domestika - Best Online Design Courses

What Are the Key Features of Graphic Design Software?

Before discussing the best software for graphic design, let’s look at some of the key features you can expect in these apps.

User Interface

Graphics programs need to have interfaces that are intuitive and user-friendly, especially considering how many features and tools are crammed into one window.

Tools for Drawing and Painting

Any graphic design software will have drawing and painting tools to create lines, shapes, and other design elements. Expect to see a pencil, pen tool, brushes, shape tools, line tools, and more. You can also import assets like new brushes and more to paint exactly what you’d like.

Vector Tools

Not all arts graphic software will have vector tools. These allow you to create vector art and graphics, which are fully scalable to any size. The pen, smart shape, and line tools allow you to create and edit vector lines, curves, and shapes.

Adobe Illustrator is a classic example of a vector-based design app. If you only need to create raster images rather than vectors, you may prefer a raster-focused program like Adobe Photoshop.

Tools for Editing Images

Most graphics editing software will have image editing tools, like adjustments, filters, levels, and curves. You’ll likely also see other retouching tools like the healing tool to retouch blemishes or the clone tool to clone parts of an image.

Typography Tools

The best graphic design apps allow users to work with typography and fonts, allowing users to manipulate and customize with different styles, sizes, and more.

Colors and Color Management

All graphic design software will allow you to work with colors, with robust color management systems that allow you to pick your colors, set your color mode, and more.

Sharing and Exporting

There’s no point in creating designs if you can’t share or export your work. Most graphic arts software offers various sharing and exporting methods for you to save and share your work in various file types.

Disclaimer: All prices shown were correct at the time of writing (April 2024) 

Best Graphic Design Software in 2024: 18 Apps to Try

1. Adobe Illustrator CC - The Industry Standard Vector Design Tool

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Adobe Illustrator CC (and even its previous versions) is one of the biggest industry-standard vector design tools available today. This tool can help users create all sorts of scalable designs, from logos to print assets. Before you subscribe to the full experience, check Amazon to find out whether there’s an Adobe Creative Cloud discount running.

Pros

• Robust feature set
• Customizable workspaces and intuitive user interface
• Frequent updates
• Wide range of export options
• Extensive library of brushes, shapes, and patterns
• Advanced typography tools
• Huge community with plenty of tutorials and guides

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Expensive subscription pricing model

2. Serif Affinity Designer 2 - An Excellent Alternative to Adobe Illustrator

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Serif Affinity Designer was recently updated to the second version. It offers many of the same features you’ll find in Adobe Illustrator, making it a great alternative to the more expensive industry standard. This graphics application is also available as a one-time purchase to save money in the long run.

Pros

• One-time purchase pricing model
• Available on iPad, Mac, and Windows
• Save money with the universal license
• Offers many features available with Adobe Illustrator

Cons

• Lacks some features from Adobe Illustrator, requiring workarounds
• Some reports of compatibility issues with some file types
• Not as many third-party plugins/add-ons as other software
• Steep learning curve

3. Adobe Photoshop CC - The Industry Standard Raster Design Tool

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop has long been seen as a candidate for the title of best designing software available. This tool is stellar at handling raster work, including image editing and manipulation. However, if you need to work with vectors, many tools are available to help.

Note that we often see discounts on the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription package on Amazon. There’s also a pared-down version of this photo-editing software. Check out Adobe Photoshop Elements to get the basics. This also tends to see discounts from time to time.

Pros

• Extensive tool and feature set
• Great for raster work with some vector capabilities
• Customizable workspace and intuitive user interface
• Plenty of export options
• Multi-platform availability
• Frequently updated
• Huge community means plenty of guides and tutorials

Cons

• Expensive subscription pricing model
• Steep learning curve for new users

4. Serif Affinity Photo 2 - Best Alternative to Adobe Photoshop

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Serif Affinity Photo, also now on its second version, is an excellent alternative to Adobe Photoshop. If you’re just starting out, this may be the best program for graphic design because you can save a lot of money by avoiding a pricey subscription. It offers many of the same features as Photoshop and has a growing community behind it, making it easy to find tutorials and guides.

Pros

• More affordable than Adobe Photoshop
• Offers many of the same features as Adobe Photoshop
• Many tutorials and guides are available
• Also available on the iPad

Cons

• Lacks some features available on Adobe Photoshop
• Some file format compatibility issues reported
• Limited plugins/add-ons

5. GIMP - Best Graphic Design Program for FREE

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Why we chose this graphic design app

If you’re looking for free graphics editor software, GIMP is one of the best you can find. This app is free and open source, making it a great option if you are on a budget. The best part is it’s available on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Pros

• Free + open source
• Tutorials and guides available
• Has some plugins
• Many features

Cons

• Not as polished as some paid software
• Steep learning curve
• Less support than other software with larger communities

6. Corel Vector - Best Web-Based Vector Program

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Corel Vector is in contention for the best software for design — especially if you’re looking for a web-based option that you can use anywhere. The only issue is you’ll need an internet connection (and it’s a bit expensive).

Pros

• User-friendly and easily navigable UI
• Plenty of features, including many advanced features
• Multiple file format support
• Has a decently-sized community for support

Cons

• Web only
• Expensive yearly subscription
• Steep learning curve
• Can be resource-intensive for your machine
• May lack some features available in other apps

7. Corel PaintShop Pro - Another Great Photoshop Alternative

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Why we chose this graphic design app

We would have happily named this the best graphic arts software alternative to Photoshop if not for the fact that it’s only available on Microsoft Windows. However, it has plenty of features, much like Adobe Photoshop — including advanced features like AI enhancement.

Pros

• One-time purchase, affordable price
• Plenty of supported file formats (import/export)
• Supports Adobe Photoshop brushes
• Has many advanced features much like Photoshop

Cons

• Windows only
• Requires you to pay for an upgrade to next year’s version

8. Inkscape - Another Great Vector Tool

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Inkscape is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a free tool that can do basic (and some advanced) vector design. It’s available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Pros

• Free and open source
• Plenty of features for vector design
• Many extensions/add-ons available

Cons

• Not as polished as paid tools
• Lacks some features available in other tools

9. CorelDRAW - An Adobe Creative Cloud Suite Alternative

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Why we chose this graphic design app

CorelDRAW is best for graphic design professionals who want an alternative to the Adobe CC suite. This suite of tools is available on Windows and macOS and is available for a one-time purchase or a yearly subscription.

Pros

• Available for a one-time purchase or subscription
• Versatile suite for various design use cases
• Highly customizable
• Many advanced features

Cons

• Some file format compatibility issues
• Limited support
• Lacking integrations

10. Krita - A Free Digital Painting Program

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Krita is one of the best free painting software options in 2024, as it offers many of the features you’ll want in a digital painting app and all for free!

Pros

• Free and open source
• One of the best illustration and digital painting apps around
• Great color management system

Cons

• Limited support
• Complaints of performance issues on some systems
• Steep learning curve

11. Pixlr - Best Free Web-Based Graphic Design App

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Pixlr is an excellent free web-based graphic design app that offers two versions: Pixlr X and Pixlr E. X offers design templates and assets that make it easier to create, while E offers a few more advanced features.

Pros

• Available for free, or you can subscribe monthly/yearly to premium
• Simple and intuitive
• Choose between Pixlr X or E
• Cloud storage
• Mobile apps available

Cons

• Lacking many features
• Limited file type compatibility
• Can be buggy

12. Canva - Best Graphic Design App for Templates and More

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Canva is an extremely popular design app that offers you access to millions upon millions of templates, stock photos, and other design elements. Working in this app feels intuitive, making it great even for beginners.

Pros

• Robust free forever plan
• Access to millions of templates, elements, and stock photos
• Easy designing on various platforms
• Intuitive exporting process
• User-friendly

Cons

• Limited compared to more full-featured pro tools
• Subscription-based

13. Adobe Express - A Web and Mobile-based Design Tool for Quick Designs

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Why we chose this graphic design app

If you need to edit images or videos while on the go, Adobe Express is an app to consider. It’s available on the web and mobile and has a great free version if you don’t want to spend a dime!

Pros

• Create quick designs on the go
• Robust free forever plan allows you to create designs at no cost
• User-friendly and intuitive
• Plenty of tools
• Integrates with Adobe CC

Cons

• Still greatly limited compared to full-fledged design apps
• Limited customization
• Requires you to have an Adobe ID
• In-app purchases

14. Adobe InDesign CC - Best Layout Design App

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Why we chose this graphic design app

InDesign is arguably one of the best layout design apps available today. It offers many features that allow you to work well with typography, multi-page documents, interactive content, and more. As with the other programs in the Adobe suite, the Creative Cloud sometimes gets a discount on Amazon.

Pros

• Integrates with Adobe CC Suite
• Plenty of tools for typography
• Create multi-page designs and interactive content

Cons

• Expensive
• Steep learning curve

15. Serif Affinity Publisher 2 - An Excellent Alternative to Adobe InDesign

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Affinity Publisher 2 rounds out Serif’s suite of tools. This app is much like Adobe InDesign and is functionally an excellent alternative. It’s even available on the iPad!

Pros

• Save money with a one-time purchase
• Plenty of typography tools
• Work with raster or vector
• Wide file format compatibility

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Not as refined as Adobe InDesign

16. Sketch - A Great Vector and Raster Design App for Mac

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Sketch is a vector graphics editor and digital design tool for creating user interfaces, websites, icons, and other digital assets. It’s known for its simple, intuitive interface and a range of design-specific features, such as customizable grids and layout templates, as well as advanced vector editing tools. 

Pros

• Simple and intuitive UI
• Robust vector editing tools
• Active third-party add-on/plugin community

Cons

• Mac-only software
• Limited file compatibility
• Occasional bugs

17. Blender - Best Free 3D Modeling App

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Why we chose this graphic design app

If you’re looking for 3D animation software, Blender is one of the best options around. This tool is completely free and has a massive community around it, meaning you’ll never be short of tutorials or guides. There are also a ton of assets and 3rd-party add-ons available.

Pros

• Free and open-source
• Comprehensive tools for 3D modeling
• Built-in physics engine & particle system
• Active community for support, 3rd-party add-ons, and assets

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Overwhelming for beginners
• Limited 2D design abilities
• Resource-intensive

18. Procreate - Best Digital Illustration App on iPad

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Why we chose this graphic design app

Procreate is one of the absolute best digital illustration and painting apps around. It’s only available on the iPad, but it pairs perfectly with the Apple Pencil and feels light, easy, and intuitive. Because of the low price and native iOS design, we prefer this to many other tablet illustration applications.

Pros

• Cheap one-time purchase
• Import images and other assets
• Works well with the Apple Pencil
• Exports in many file types

Cons

• iPad only

What to Consider When Choosing Graphic Design Software

Design software comes in many varieties. Some work best on tablets. Others best serve desktop setups. When choosing your software for graphic design, you can consider some of the criteria below:

• Cost and Pricing Model: Whether starting out or looking to replace your current tool, look for a tool that fits your budget and offers the pricing model you prefer.
• Platforms: Tools like Canva are available on all platforms, be it the web, desktop, or mobile, while others are exclusive to one platform. Choose an app that is on your platform!
• Your Specific Use Case: If you need a tool for raster or photo editing work, choose an app made for that; alternatively, if you need to work with vectors, choose something like Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer 2.
• Difficulty level: Some tools are easier to learn and use than others, so if you don’t need something complex, choose a simpler tool like Adobe Express or Canva.
• Features: Choose a program that offers you the tools you need for your designs.
• Availability of Assets: Some graphics art software have many assets like templates, fonts, and other elements that can make designing much easier.
• File Format Compatibility: Choose a tool that works with the file types you need!
• Minimum System Requirements: Some design tools are more demanding than others, so choose an app that is compatible with your system.
• Community: Look for a graphic design app that has a large community around it, as this comes with plenty of tutorials, guides, and assets for you to use!

Conclusion

Choosing the best graphic design software can be challenging when considering the many options available today. To help you on your journey, this article has covered 18 of the best graphic design apps available in 2024, including free and paid apps on various platforms.

So whether you’re looking for the ultimate vector tool, a raster-focused app, or 3D design software, there’s something for you on our list. If your favorite software didn’t make it to this list, please let us know in the comments below!

Want to level up your designs in 2024? Check out:

The Best Wireframe Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the Best Graphic Design Software for Beginners?

The best graphic design programs for beginners mostly depend on the use case. Budding designers looking to work with vectors should consider the industry standard Adobe Illustrator CC or the more affordable Serif Affinity Design 2. Adobe Photoshop CC or Serif Affinity Photo 2 are great options for an all-around raster program.

2. Is the Best Free Graphic Design Software Any Good?

GIMP is one of the best programs for graphic design that happens to be free. It’s also available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it has a robust feature set that competes with paid professional tools. 

3. Which Software Is Best for Graphic Design for Beginners?

Beginners looking for a graphics program can start with Canva or Adobe Express if they want an easier design experience and the ability to work with templates. It’s also a good idea to start with popular, industry-standard tools like Adobe software to get over the learning curve sooner rather than later.