Top Graphic Design Tools Every Designer Should Know in 2025

Have you ever worked on a design file and said, “Gee, with better graphic design tools, this would be a lot easier? Well, you’re not alone because I felt that too as a designer.

Now that we are living in a world that is busy in world where everyone is open to creativity, the graphic design games have reached heights. Knowing how to use graphic design tools is like having some kind of superpower.

With the help of graphic design tools, you can not only speed up the creative work but think beyond your imagination. You will see how the outcomes will speak for themselves.

Before we jump into tools and technologies, let’s clear the basic concepts like what is graphic design.

What is Graphic Design?

 

It is the form of visual communication. Now, how do they communicate? The answer lies in its ability to combine art, science and strategy into graphic that has a message or an emotion to it.

Role of Graphic Designs

The emotion you convey through a graphic design depends on the use of design elements like color scheme, layout design, font style and or use of infographics. There are three things that require focus while designing graphics and these are brand image, voice and goals. Designers then choose design elements accordingly and create something purposeful.

What are Graphic Designers?

 

Previously, to hire graphic designer designs, it was important to consult or approach agencies. Now, almost every creative person is a designer. This has become possible because people have learnt the skills to use the graphic design tools.

In 2025, we have digital creators, freelances, entrepreneurs, content creators, social media managers, students and even AI designers.

Graphic Design Tools

 

 

Graphic design tools are software’s that popular graphic designers use to create outstanding graphics. If you get a chance to sneak peek at best graphic designers at some random hour, you will how employ tools to ease their work.

Be it a digital graphic design that they make at 2 AM at night or working on a commercial graphic design for a brand during the 9-hour shift, the right use of tools can both outshine or disregard your creativity.

Need for Graphic Design Tools

Today, you can be as creative as possible but the only way you can put that creativity into action is through the graphic design tools. These tools provide you with:

• Smart automation
• Quality design outputs
• Keep you ahead in the competition
• Rapid and quick results
• AI powered creative ideas
• Efficient communication between teams and clients
• A distinct brand identity

There is recent advancement which has provided us with some of the best tools for graphic design in 2025. Well, they are AI tools that are much more potent and user friendly.

Whether it is adobe design software or the graphic design app free, with the perfect toolkit in hand, you can design according to your style, likes and objectives.

Ready to discover the best graphic design tools that can fasten your workflow? Let’s talk in detail about the graphic design software list.

We will divide the best free design software or paid into categories which can help us understand what software does graphic designers use to create smarter, faster and professional design.

Major Categories of Graphic Design Tools

Not every design tool has the same purpose. Each software design tools have different roles. There are tools that are best graphic design software for beginners while others are for both amateurs and professional.

Beginners often fail to understand that each tool fulfill different requirements. You need to learn them in order to apply. Only this way, you can have these tools serve your purpose.

What is graphic design software? It is the tool that can speed up your work and provide you with clean, premium and professional graphics. They are classified in to various types which we will discuss below.

Vector Design Tools

The art of keeping the graphic look professional and premium require vector design tools. These tools keep the pixels untouched even when you zoom in.

Such tools help designer create clean and scalable visuals and you can use them to design business card or highway billboard.

The tools play with mathematical paths instead of pixels. They are perfect with brand identities, iconography, and smooth illustrations as vectors keeps the sharpness of image at any scale.

Vector design tools are favorite among logo designers, brand strategists and illustrators who desire complete creative control.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe graphic design software is the most popular drawing software among designers. It helps you create logos, icons as well as adobe visual design that are crystal clear. Big brands use it because of its premium results.

However, it is time consuming to learn since it has numerous features and buttons. Once you get it familiar, you can easily design professionally in a short time.

Logo designers and brand creators often use this tool. Moreover, well- known brands like Nike, Pepsi, and Airbnb use adobe software to create striking graphics. To use, you need to pay for the monthly membership.

CorelDRAW

It is another widely used tool which is for people who want to print or print out various objects such as T-shirts, posters, or packaging. It is user friendly and quite useful in print. In print shops, the tool helps in cut and print designs.

Print designers, T-shirt manufacturers, packaging departments use it. To use, you need to pay once to get a subscription.

Inkscape

Inkscape is free to use which is a great opportunity for beginners who do not want to spend money on designing. It is a simple tool, not so fancy but still generate beautiful logos and illustrations.

The tool is an excellent choice among students and those who are still learning. If designing is your hobby, you can use one of this free graphic design apps tool to learn and practice.

Affinity Designer

The tool is an excellent choice for professionals who are not willing to spend money every month. You need to pay once and use it forever. It is simple to operate, quick, and can be applied in both vectors and pixel drawings.

It is popular among many freelancers, illustrators and brand designers. The tool is a one-time purchase and if you have a small budget, use it produce high quality results.

Gravit Designer

The program is called Gravit Designer, or Corel Vector. One of the best things about this software is that it can be use directly in your browser. You do not need to install any bulky or large software.

It is easy to use and you can easily create simple logos, and icons using this software. Whether you want to work online or any other device, this tool is best for beginners, website creators and collaborative workers.

There is in both free and paid version.

Photo Editing/ Retouching Software

Most of the time, the picture doesn’t come out perfect either because of poor lightning or background issues. This is where photo editing and retouching tools come in as a savior. The tools can turn raw photograph into a polished one.

This polishing and color correcting features help transform boring design into captivating ones that can be used in ads, social media posts, and online campaigns.

Also, removing the background or adding a precise lighting also requires tools. These come under the editing tools that assist brands in marketing and branding.

This type of graphic design tools is popular among designers wanting to add a spark in their visual story telling. Such designers include that photo designers, social media designers, advertisement designers, and digital artists.

Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop graphic design is obtained through Adobe Photoshop. It allows you to delete objects, mix a variety of pictures, provide artistic effects to help you create your own designs.

The graphic design in photoshop can fit all your needs, all you have to do is get a paid subscription. Big brands like Netflix, Nike, and Disney use graphic design photoshop to achieve extensive pixel control. You can see the features in ads, posters and their entire commercial campaigns.

Canva

The simplest tool that beginners can use to achieve great designs without complex instructions is Canva. It is a drag-and-drop editor that comes with thousands of templates to social posts, flyers, invitations, and presentations.

It is being referred to as the best graphic design software by many. There is both a free a pro version that you can choose from. Either way, it is one of the programs graphic designer and beginners find easy to use.

As a student, influences or a small business owner, you can use to get rapid results. For Canva, zero-design background is needed.

Pixlr

Pixlr is a lightweight, web-based version of Photoshop graphics tool. It opens in your browser and allows you to make basic to moderate edits, such as background removal, photo filters and quick touch-ups.

This graphic designer program is used by bloggers, freelancers as well as beginners. The graphic design packages cost for Pixlr vary, depending on the membership you’re getting. The tool is also free to use but then you cannot use every feature.

You can get the best graphic for design without any downloads. With Pixlr, you can edit right on the spot.

Fotor

Fotor is also recognized as an AI-based retouching tool. This is one of the best apps for graphic design considering its use in the digital media. You can remove wrinkles, sharpen faces, correct lighting, and can even add photo effects with just a single click.

The too is ideal among those who desire great results without the complicated tools. As a social media developers and marketers, this tool can do wonder for you. The AI effects in this save time and enhance photos quickly. Also, you can use it for free or pay to get more advanced feature.

Affinity Photo

Wondering what programs do graphic designers use to get professional graphics? Well, it is Affinity Photo which is a one-time purchase. It works like Photoshop, but in an advanced way.

The tool can easily edit RAW photos, make composites, and do detailed retouching without having to pay monthly. Freelance designers and photographers often use this tool to deliver powerful images to clients.

Adobe Lightroom

The tool is ideal in to manage colors, brightness, and making boring photos look bright and aesthetic. It is especially trendy with photographers and content creators who require a set of standards in their editing.

To use it, you have to get the subscription. Once subscribes, you can easily fine tune bulk collections of photos in the shortest amount of time.

GIMP

The tool is considered one of the best graphic design software for mac because it works on macOS and is also free. The tools allow you to manipulate with layers, filters, and do moderate level editing.

It is open-source, which means that you can make your own versions by adding new features. Student, hobbyists, Linux use it to learn how to edit without spending any money.

Snapseed

Snapseed is a mobile app with features such as selective editing, color tuning, lens blurring, and healing brushes. It works well with creators who require instant, professional editing.

You will see a lot of Instagram creators and travelers using Snapseed. The main reason being that it allows you to edit your photos at the comfort of your smartphone.

Layout & Publishing tools

If you are still thinking that designs are used to create one single image, then that wrong. Sometimes, design is also about arranging different elements together to create a story.

In layout and publishing, tools are used are used to organize content. For examples, in magazines, brochures, presentations, portfolios, and digital publications, layout design tools are used to add balance and alignment.

These tools can be used to organize the content to make sure that the readers find it comfortable to read. It also allows viewers to stare for more than a second.

Layout and publishing tools are used by editorial designers, marketing teams, and agencies to develop multi-page designs.

Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a paid tool, widely used in layout application amongst magazines, agencies, and marketing teams. It allows you to design cool pages with beautiful spacing, grid system and professional typography.

In this era, it is a needed tool to design program for branding and print ready designs.

Figma

Figma is both, free and paid, depending on the plan you choose. It is web-based layout and interface design tool, ideal when teams collaborate remotely.

The tool is used by designers to design websites, apps screens and presentation layouts. It is also possible to integrate Figma with the graphic design project management software to take follow up on feedback and revisions by many users.

Sketch

Sketch is a weight light graphic design software for mac users to create digital layouts. It is extremely clean and easy to learn tool. The tool is extensively used by many UI/UX designers. You need to pay one time to get a subscription, rest you can enjoy all the features.

Canva Docs and Presentations

Canva is not only used to make Instagram posts. Its docs and presentations feature allow amateurs to build reports, pitch decks and eBook through drag-and-drop layouts. It is among the most user-friendly design tools that can be used by novices who do not want to master complex programs.

Adobe XD

Adobe XD assists the designers to design the layouts of apps and websites using clickable prototypes. Other designers go to the extent of exporting XD layouts into an Adobe HTML editor to create web pages.

The tools have a free starter plan as well as paid subscription for you to choose. Overall, it is an excellent in designing digital experiences from start to the end.

3D and Motion Graphic Tools

Moving object takes the most attention. It directs your eyes from one place to another, working as a guide.

In design, motion design elements play an important role. For example, you want to present a product with 3D rotating effect, motion design tools can help you with this. They can add liveliness into static images.

Motion graphic design tools are gaining popularity in branding, advertising, UI animation, and video material. This is particularly because the viewers spend more time social media posts with dynamic and moving graphic.

Motion designers, animators, video creators, and product visualizers use this tool to add depth, energy, and narrative flow in designs.

Blender

It is a free graphic design tool which can be used to create powerful 3D design images. With Blender, you can model, animate, render and even edit videos, all in one place.

It is the favorite graphic design tool among motion designers and 3D artists. With Blender, you can generate product mockups, short animation work, and more.

Cinema 4D

To use this tool, you need to buy the subscription. This tool has amazing 3D and 4D features. as well as a reputation of a smooth learning curve.

Because of its ability to generate high quality 3D models, and animation versions, the tool is widely used by professionals in motion graphics, advertisements, and cinematography designs.

After Effects

It is a paid tools and also a software of choice when it comes to motion graphics and visual effects. After Effects is used by designers to animate logos, create video intros, and generate cinematic effects. It works well with Illustrator and Photoshop to create smooth workflows.

Autodesk Maya

Maya is a high-end 3D animation and visual effects software. It is a popular choice among professional animators. The tool is often used in films, games, and advertising, offering powerful tools of modeling, simulation, and rendering. All you have to do is to get a paid subscriptions to enjoy the high-end features.

Artificial Intelligence Design Tools

There are times when designers face short deadline or increase design demand load. In these times, AI tools work, AI tools work like a savior.

These tools are helpful in creating everything. Be it automatic layouts, drawings, or brainstorming the logo ideas or palettes, AI tools assist in everything.

Most believe that the use of AI can be dangerous when it only enhances creativity and speed up the work.

The smart use of AI tools depends on the designers. They can get the repetitive process done or generate inspirational idea with AI.

They fit well with designers who work under pressure. Furthermore. they also work as best design software for beginners who require tips or guidance.

Adobe Firefly

The tools are free unless you need an adobe subscription. Firefly is an AI-generated tool that creates striking graphics, text effects, and color variations, depending on prompts. It is an amazing tool because it can quickly generate design ideas, mood boards and has no labor work involved.

Canva AI

The Canva AI, such as Magic Design or Magic Edit, allow users to generate quick templates, and redesign layouts. It has both the free and pro plan subscription available. You can also use it to improve design work in real-time. The tool is best for novices and marketers who need quick results.

Designs.ai

This is an all-in-one AI design tool that allow designers to design logos, social posts, videos, and brand kits. All you need to do is type your brand name and niche and the Designs.ai will create ready-to-edit visuals for you.

Uizard

It is the perfect tool when it comes to app and web design mockups. Uizard can transform text descriptions into UI layouts and wireframes. The tool is best amongst UX/UI designers who require prompt concept validation.

Looka

Looka is an AI-based logo design tool that makes branding kits, type combinations and mockups. The tools is an ideal choice for startups that require a quick brand identity.

Digital Drawing and Illustration Tools

With digital illustration tools, designers can easily take benefit of both the digital and traditional drawing. This means that the artists have both the choices, to either draw by hands or design using digital tools.

The tools mimic as the physical brushes, pencils and paints. Designers can easily undo, layer and refine their work. These are used in concept sketching, ideal in character art, digital comics and custom illustrations.

These tools are commonly used by illustrators, concept artists and designers who like to work freehand.

Procreate

The tool is popular among illustrators and digital painters. Procreate is famous in the market for its features like natural brush stroke, layer blending, and the ability to animate. It is portable, quick, and it is ideal to use by artists on the run. You need to pay in order to use it.

Adobe Illustrator

The tool is best for illustrating vectors, logos, icons, and scalable graphics. It is popular among professional designers and branding experts that require high-resolution and editable art. And yes, the tool requires paid subscription.

CorelDRAW

The tool is commonly used by logo designers, signage creators and print designers. CorelDRAW is known for its strong vectors drawing and typography features. You will need to pay once in order to subscribe and then you are all good to use its advance features.

Clip Studio paint

A one-time paid subscription tool, popular amongst manga artists, comic creators and animators. It provides amazing features like inking instruments, storyboarding capabilities, and also help with frame-by-frame animation.

Krita

An excellent tool choice for beginners or those who are working on a low budget project. The tool is free to use but offers high-quality painting software, tools and brushes, and a custom workspace.

Collaboration, Storage and Project Management Tools

Adobe design can be a collaborative process, with plenty of updating and tracking of versions. Tracking can become confusing in the absence of appropriate tools.

Designing can be a lot easy with collaboration and storage tools. These tools allow designers to easily share files, receive feedback, edit, make revisions. They can sit in peace as the tool secures files without losing sight on the various versions.

The project management tools make it easier for designers and clients to track deliveries, timelines and assets. This is particularly useful for freelancers who deal with multiple clients or huge creative teams.

Although they are not graphic best design tools but they play a vital role in designing by ensuring the work remain effective and stress free.

Trello

It is a card-based project management tool that help you structure work, assign tasks, and visualize progress. It is both a free and paid tool, ideal for freelancers and teams having several design phases.

Asana

The tool can be used to manage large-scale design work. You can use a free plan or get a paid subscription depending on the need. The tools help in assigning tasks, deadlines, and maintain team work flows.

Notion

A workspace where you can plan, take notes, brainstorm and collaborate. Designers rely on it to create mood boards, project briefs, and track of revisions. Use it free for a month, if you find it worthy enough, get a paid subscription for further use.

Google Drive

A secure way of storing and sharing large design files. It is excellent in getting prompt feedback and collaboration with team. Once you reach the limited storage, you need to pay for further use.

Dropbox

A cloud-based storage and collaboration tool that stores design files in order where they can be accessed by any device. It is both paid and free, depending on the level of features required.

Slack

Slack provides faster communication through real-time chat. It has both a free plan and a paid subscription. The tool is used by many graphic and digital design companies to assign task, track deadline, tempo and file exchange.

Choosing the Right Graphic Design Tool

If you are wondering about what is design software and how you can choose the best of all, then this guide explains it all. Design software are tools that help you with the kind of assistance you want. Choosing the right tool depends on your needs, experience and workflow.

Project Need

First, think about what type of project you are working on. If its UI/UX designs then go for Figma or Adobe XD. Making an illustration design, you will be more comfortable with Adobe Illustrator or Procreate.

Budget

Furthermore, choosing the right tool or tool in general also depends on your budget. Ask yourself if you can invest in getting a subscription or you want to start with free tools. See, premium tools are paid but they have more sophisticated features. Free tools such as Canva or Gimp are great for user working on a small budget project.

Skills and Expertise

One more think, whatever you choose, always consider the level of skills or expertise you have. Are you a beginner wanting to learn or a professional working with a design agency? For example, a beginner designer can make simple interfaces using any tools they want but a professional will require a control-based toolset.

Solo/Collaboration

If you are working with a team and you need to collaborate in real time, there are cloud-based apps that can save time and effort. You must be thinking, oh, but they are not design tools. Right, they are not but they play an important part in keeping the design process intact. You can use them to share files in its premium form and save generous amount of design data.

It is not about grabbing just any tool but a tool that drives your design process. Experience the best graphic design software with Artisticore now.

Use of Multiple Tools for Best Results

Nowadays, majority of designers combine two or more tools to establish an effective and smooth workflow. For example, you could start with Procreate or Adobe Fresco to create digital drawing. Then, perfect that design using Adobe Illustrator, edit them in Photoshop and then create an interactive prototype in Figma.

According to Cropink, Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and Figma will remain the top three graphic design tools in 2025.

AI makes it so easy for designers to generate creative ideas and that too at a fast face just by using Midjourney or Adobe Firefly.

Designers can now save a lot of time by using plugins, shared libraries, and cloud syncing. These help you shift between tasks and activities without having to lose design quality and time.

It is always a great idea to use combination of tools to get the best out of each tool. Use of two or more tools can be expensive but if you are a professional designer, it can help you deliver fast and more refined results.

The Future of Graphic Design Tools

Automation, intelligence, and collaboration are the future of the graphic design tools. AI based tools are making it a lot easy for designers to speed up the work flow. With these tools in place, it is easy to create layout, remove background or change it. Moreover, AI also assists designers by generating different versions of one design idea.

With further advancement, we also have cloud-based tools that facilitates real-time collaboration. It is now easy to collaborate with designers, clients, and developers to collaborate regardless of their location.

Moreover, there is a growing use of AR, VR, and 3D designs. Brands like IKEA use these technologies to display their products that make the experience more immersive and interactive.

Graphic design tools are changing and the fight is no more about a mere drawing tool but intelligent creative partner that can increase productivity and innovation.

Conclusion

The graphic design tools are important if you want to transform the idea into reality. The right tool makes your work smarter, faster and creative.

Whether you need to design to illustration, edit or redesign to provide a better user experience, there are tool for everything. As we are moving forwards, the tools are also getting more advanced.

Nowadays, designers need to be in sync with the technology in order to stay ahead in the competition. Keep trying new tools and learn about them. Be one step ahead when it comes to future trends.

The more you read, the more you practice, the more you will develop. If you understand the power of each graphic designing tool and where to use each, agencies, brands and businesses will hire you in a blink at your comfort.

Ready to hike your work?

Contact Artisticore to develop smarter, faster, and bolder designs. We are a graphic design agency that can make your ideas come to life.