5 Popular Graphic Design Software and How to Choose One
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Chances are, you've heard of Canva or Adobe. These are just two popular graphic design software tools that creatives use to make images, videos, and other types of media or art for brand marketing and other creative pursuits. Graphic design software refers to apps and programs that graphic designers use to create, edit, and manipulate digital images.
They allow designers edit and resize images, produce original illustrations, combine text, color, and shapes, and bring their vision to life. The finished products may appear in brochures, websites, mobile apps, and social media.
Keep reading to explore five popular software programs for graphic designers and some steps to choosing the best one for you.
5 popular software programs for graphic design
To compile this list, we consulted findings from G2, a software marketplace where millions of consumers review and discover software. G2’s Summer 2022 Small Business Grid® Report for Graphic Design compiles reviews from users based on satisfaction, ease of use, and other factors [1].
1. Adobe Illustrator
Available through the Adobe Creative Cloud app, available for PC and macOS
Category: Vector graphics
Features: Templates, blank document presets, workspaces for touch-enabled devices, sync with InDesign
What it’s best for: Designing vector graphics that can be scaled larger or smaller without affecting image quality
Cost: $20.99 /InDesign
2. Canva for Teams
Available in the cloud
Category: Display ad design, photo editing, desktop publishing, data visualization, design systems
Features: Collaborate on designs, brand templates, design approval, asset and permission management
What it's best for: Scaling the entire design process, teamwide, for people at any skill level
Cost: $149.90 / year for the first 5 people
3. Adobe InDesmonth
Available through the Adobe Creative Cloud app, available for PC and macOS
Category: Desktop publishing
Features: Templates, blank document presets, workspaces for touch-enabled devices, sync with Illustrator
What it's best for: Creating long-form multi-page documents, such as books, magazines, reports, or brochures
Cost: $20.99 / month fee
4. Microsoft Publisher
Available for PC
Category: Desktop publishing
Features: Pre-designed templates for creating greeting cards, yearbooks, email newsletters, etc.
What it's best for: Precise layouts and styling for professional publications
Cost: $159.00 one-time fee
5. Foxit PDF Editor
Available on PC or macOS
Category: File converter, PDF editor, document creation, e-signature, desktop publishing
Features: Advanced PDF editing, automated workflows, embedding media capabilities, document protection and security
What it's best for: Creating, editing, filling, and e-signing documents from one app
Cost: $159.00 one-time fee
How to choose graphic design software
Given the range of prices, features, and use cases for different graphic design apps and software, it’s important to choose software that aligns with your goals and interests. Follow the steps below to make the best software selection for your needs.
