10 Best Graphic Design Software for 2024: Simplified Guide

In 2024, graphic design has seen transformative evolution. Businesses need to adapt to the digital-first landscape, where visual content is of the utmost importance.

However, the challenge lies in creating aesthetically pleasing designs and producing them efficiently and on a scale. This is where graphic design tools become indispensable. They streamline the creative process, enabling designers to bring their visions to life with precision and creativity.

Selecting the right software is crucial for businesses aiming to elevate their graphic design game.

Here's a list of the top 10 best graphic design software for 2024. We have meticulously curated this to help businesses make an informed decision.

10 Best Graphic Design Software: Features, Price, Reviews

Whether you're working on intricate designs or basic layouts, the software you choose is your leading assistant. This year, the lineup of software stands out for its features, usability, and how they help bring creativity to life.

1. Adobe Photoshop

Key Features: Adobe Photoshop is a powerhouse for anyone keen on graphic design. It lets you edit photos in advanced ways, design in 3D, and use a wide range of brushes. Whether you’re retouching images or creating detailed digital paintings, Photoshop has the tools you need.

Pricing: Photoshop costs INR 2,435 a month. This subscription gives you access to a suite of features unmatched by any other software.

User Reviews: People love Photoshop for its depth and flexibility. The community around it is active, offering countless plugins, brushes, and tutorials to help you get the most out of the software. While some find it challenging to learn all its features, many praise its comprehensive customer support.

2. Adobe Illustrator

Key Features: Adobe Illustrator is top-notch in the Adobe graphic design software range and is best for creating vector art. This means you can design logos, icons, and illustrations that look sharp at any size. It has fantastic drawing tools and a wide range of options for typography. Plus, it works well with other Adobe products, making your design smoother.

Pricing: You can get Illustrator on its own for INR 2,435 monthly.

User Reviews: People who use Illustrator love how precise it is. They can create detailed and professional designs. But some say it's hard to learn at first. They enjoy the many features but believe it could be simpler to use.

3. Affinity Designer 2

Key Features: Affinity Designer 2 is a powerful tool for graphic designers. It works quickly, letting you see changes in real time. You can work with both vector and raster graphics in the same place. Plus, you don't have to worry about monthly fees.

Pricing: You can buy Affinity Designer 2 for a one-time payment. The Windows or macOS version costs INR 4,999. If you want it on all your devices, you can get the Universal Licence for INR 11,900.

There's also an iPad version available for INR 1,299. No matter what you choose, there are no extra monthly costs.

User Reviews: People appreciate the affordable and functional aspect of Affinity Designer 2. However, some miss having as many plugins as Adobe offers. One unique feature users love is seeing outlines without colour, which is not common in other software.

4. Blender

Key Features: Blender is not just a graphic design tool; it's a free, open-source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—rigging, modelling, simulation, animation, compositing, rendering, motion tracking, game creation, and video editing.

Pricing: Blender is completely free, making it accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced professionals looking to execute complex 3D projects.

User Reviews: Blender is highly regarded in the 3D design community for its robust features and flexibility. Users love that it's free and offers capabilities rivalling expensive commercial software. However, newcomers to 3D design find Blender's wide array of features daunting.

5. Sketch

Key Features: Sketch is excellent for designing user interfaces. It's vector-based, meaning you can change your designs' size without compromising quality. Teams can work together easily with its collaboration features. Plus, there are many plugins you can use to add more functions.

Pricing: You can subscribe to Sketch for $10 a month (billed yearly). If you have a business and need more features, it's $20 a month (billed yearly). These prices are per editor.

User Reviews: People love using Sketch for UI/UX (user interface and user experience) design. It's not the best for print work but excellent for digital designs. Since it's vector-based, the images always look sharp, regardless of size. However, Sketch only works on macOS, so you need a Mac to use it. The web app is browser-based and accessible on most systems.

6. Inkscape

Key Features: Inkscape is a free tool for creating vector graphics. This means you can design logos, cartoons, and more that look good at any size. It can also open and save many files, which is very handy.

Pricing: It's entirely free to use.

User Reviews: People like that Inkscape is free and can perform varied functions. However, some find it slow when working on detailed designs. It's a great option if you need to work on a budget or are just starting in graphic design.

7. Canva

Key Features: Canva is one of the best graphic design tools for beginners. Its drag-and-drop feature makes designing simple. It has a vast collection of templates for all types of projects. You can also collaborate with your team on designs.

Pricing: Canva is free. The Pro version costs INR 3,999 per year if you need more features.

User Reviews: People love how easy Canva is to use. It's great for quickly creating designs without needing much experience. However, it might not have all the tools required for very detailed or complex projects.

8. Gravit Designer Pro

Key Features: Gravit Designer Pro works on different devices and is cloud-based to access your work anywhere. It's packed with versatile design tools for a wide range of projects.

Pricing: You can start for free. For more advanced features, the Pro version starts at $48.79.

User Reviews: Users find Gravit Designer Pro's interface easy to understand and love its flexibility. They appreciate the ease of working with many file formats and on various operating systems. However, some mention it could use more vector tools and note it might slow down with detailed designs.

9. Pixlr

Key Features: Pixlr stands out for its web-based approach, allowing users to edit photos directly on their browser without downloading software. This accessibility is one of its strongest points. It harnesses AI-powered (artificial intelligence) tools, simplifying the editing process by automating tasks such as removing backgrounds, enhancing photos, and applying filters.

Pricing: You can use it for free. The Premium version costs $7.99 a month if you want extra features.

User Reviews: The convenience of Pixlr’s web-based platform is frequently praised, as it allows users to edit and transform their photos from anywhere, at any time, without the need for powerful hardware. However, some users express dissatisfaction with ads in the free version.

10. Figma

Key Features: Figma is great for teams working together on designs. Everyone can work on the same project simultaneously, which is very helpful. It has everything you need for UI/UX design, like tools for making vectors, prototypes, and even codes to hand over to developers. Since it's cloud-based, you can use it anywhere, making team projects easier.

Pricing: Figma has a free version for individual designers and minor projects. If you need more, the Professional plan is $12 a month for each person using it. There's also a plan for whole organisations at $45 monthly, which adds more features and support.

User Reviews: People love Figma because it lets teams work together in real-time. They find it easy to use. You can access your work from any computer without needing special software or a powerful system. Some say there's a bit to learn when you start, especially if you've used other design tools.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right software is key, whether you need AI graphic design software or tools for beginners. Think about what you need and how much you can spend. Each software has varied features, so pick the one that best fits your project.

If you're not sure which one to choose, GrowthJockey can help. We have expertise in graphic design and can guide you to the best choice for your needs. We can also cater to your graphic design requirements by leveraging the right tools.

Also read our researched blog: The Role Of User Research In The Field Of Design

FAQs

1. What should I consider when choosing between free and paid graphic design software?

Think about what you need to do. Free software is great for learning and small projects. Paid software often has more tools and support for bigger projects or work. Decide based on your project size and if you need special features.

2. Can I switch from one graphic design software to another easily?

Yes, but it may take some time to learn the new one. Many programs let you open files made in other software, but some features might not transfer perfectly. It's good to learn the basics of a few different ones.

3. Does all graphic design software require a powerful computer?

No. Some, like Canva or Pixlr, work in your web browser and don't need a strong computer. But, software for big projects, like Adobe Photoshop, might need a more powerful computer to run smoothly.