These days, just about everyone from businesses, creators, and marketers can benefit from knowing how to execute some basic graphic design skills. Specialized tools combined with software are critical components in creating a masterpiece and aids in organizing a design anywhere from a logo to a website, or a social media post. These tools are designed to ease your workflow while maximizing efficiency. This content will delve into the tools and software necessary to execute excellent graphic design with ease.
Why Graphic Design Tools Matter
Let’s start with a simple fact: graphic design tools are more than just software; they are the bridge between your creativity and the final product. You want to make a jaw dropping poster for an event in the near feature. Without the right tools, you are likely to become confused about the layout colors that need to be used or even what to do with the files. These are just a few ways design tools simplify your task to make you seem like a pro.
I remember trying to design graphics for the first time and coming across a ton of trial and error. I would probably spend hours and hours on a design using the most simplistic programs and the outcome left much to be desired. That was the moment I understood how effective it is to use the right software for the right purpose. My entire approach towards designs changed on the spot.
Best Softwares for Graphic designing for Beginners and Professional:
Adobe Photoshop – The King of Graphic Design
There is no denial that among the most used software for graphic design is Adobe Photoshop. From photographers to graphic designers to anyone in the creative field uses Photoshop and there’s a good reason why. The software is completely invaluable. It is the only software you would ever need for editing pictures, illustration, designing and marketing due to the sheer amount of tools which it offers.
Key Features:
Photo editing tools that are advanced
Exceptional collection of brushes and textures
Control editing through layers
With time and practice, it becomes incredibly intuitive. There are countless tutorials on the Adobe website designed to assist you, but you still need to put in work. It’s beyond doubt that Photoshop is the most used graphic design software in the world.
Canva – User-Friendly and Accessible
Canva works well for people new to design. It’s simple, and free, and has a paid premium option. I remember taking Canva to design a quick flyer for an event, that would have otherwise taken me hours on different software. User can choose and modify any of the thousands of templates provided. This is the main reason for its popularity with marketers and social media managers.
Key Features:
Easy and simple to use editor
Templates for social media, presentations, posters, and other graphics.
More than a million free photos and graphics to use.
No matter the type of design, Canva would produce pro level designs in a few minutes.
CorelDRAW – Powerful Vector Graphics Software
CorelDRAW is for people into making logos, illustrations, and other vector-based works. It’s CorelDRAW is one of the most favored software for vector graphics. Used by professionals in the print and signage businesses. Very helpful for designs that need to be increase, and still need to retain its quality.
Key Features:
- Vector illustrations have precision tools included.
- Advanced text handling has tools for typography.
- There is both multi – document and multi page support.
For client logos, I have illustrated vectors using CorelDRAW and the ability to easily scale and control the shapes was tremendously helpful.
Figma – Design with ease with the help of collaborators.
Figma is ideal for teams as it is cloud based. If you’re supposed to work in a team for a design, Figma makes it easily possible to work in real time together. In one of the projects I worked on, I was in a team of five and Figma allowed all of us to work on the same file which made communication and revisions far easier.
Key Features:
- You can work on the file simultaneously.
- Real time collaboration is possible as it is cloud based.
- UI/UX, prototypes and wireframes are simple to design.
No other tool helps you design a user interface with prototypes easier than Figma. Figma is packed with design tools and has amazing collaboration capabilities.
Inkscape – Free and Open-Source Vector Graphics Editor
As for Inkscape, it is one of the best free alternatives to Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. It is an editor of vector graphics and, while it is free, it stocks up to the professional tools in many aspects. It is still one of the best free options in the market for graphics designing, although it does not have the entire feature set offered by the paid options.
Key Features:
Completely Free and Open Source
Tools available for creating and editing logos, diagrams, and illustrations
Can export and import Multiple File Formats
I have honestly worked with Inkscape to create basic logos and graphics and one thing I still commend it for is the ability to scale without losing quality.
Sketch Best for UI/UX Designers
If you do UI/UX design, there is no getting away from Sketch. It is designed specifically for UI, while also catering to mobile applications and websites. Sketch is equipped with vector design tools, and these features enable it to create wireframes, high-quality prototypes, and icons seamlessly.
Key Features:
Offers an effortless experience for user interface and website design
Diverse selection of integrations and plugins
As much as Sketch is only available for iOS, the UI/UX circles of the community have growing unmatched popularity for it. It is tailored perfectly for mobile and web designers.
How to Choose the Right Graphic Design Tool for You
Choosing the software to use for graphic design largely depends on your case situation. If you’re in your early stage of the career, you can use tools like Inkscape or Canva. On the other hand, If you want to start working on professional design, you can use tools like Photoshop, CorelDRAW, or Figma.
To make your decision easier, think of the design you want to do:
For photo editing: Use Photoshop. It is the best in the business.
For vector graphics: Use CorelDRAW or Inkscape.
For web design and application design: Use Figma and Sketch. They are the best.
For collaboration: Figma is the best tool to use. It is perfect for teams.
Conclusion
Choosing the right design tool to use can make a difference in the productivity of the designs you make. Everyone is catered for. you either want affordance or are a pro, you are guaranteed to the right tool.
Experimenting with different tools is key, figuring out how each of them is best utilized, and developing personal mastery. So, why delay any further? Jump right into the graphic design tools and get started!
