Choosing the best graphic design software is essential to maximize your skills and meet all project criteria. With the versatility and capabilities to elevate your drawings, the best graphic design software should not have a high learning curve. Finding a graphics program that fits your goals in terms of style, expertise, and price range can be challenging.
When selecting graphic design software, consider the specific features you need, such as vector graphics, photo editing or 3D modeling. It is also important to factor in the availability of tutorials, community support and whether the software offers free trials or affordable pricing for beginners.
This article provides an overview of the top 5 graphic design software for beginner designers. It should help you select a tool to fulfill your needs and support you as you progress through the graphic design learning process.
Adobe Photoshop
These days, graphic design is synonymous with Photoshop. Adobe is the market leader in the photo and design software market, and it did not earn that name without reason.
If you analyze this design tool, you will discover it has the best color management, layer handling, and selection tools. It also uses AI to automate tasks such as object removal and image cleaning.
Photoshop’s ability to refine and enhance photos with pixel-perfect precision sets it apart from many other programs.
After using the new Photoshop, you can see that Adobe’s Firefly and Sensei models provide remarkable performance, from subject selection to object removal. Even though the outcomes aren’t always flawless, Photoshop is still fantastic for creative professionals looking to push the boundaries of design.
It is also easily integrated with other programs like Lightroom and Illustrator which makes the workflow smooth for professional designers. Adobe Photoshop can be purchased separately or as part of the Creative Cloud All Apps subscription plan which gives access to a suite of other powerful tools.
Key Features
- Complete customization tools
- Pixel-perfect precision
- Custom brushes
- Image layering (compositing)
- Photo editing and transformation
Affinity Designer 2
Although it has robust raster-type capabilities, Serif Affinity Designer 2 is primarily a vector-based graphic design program for Mac and Windows.
Among many other strong features in this tool, the most recent update to the application focuses mostly on the vector side of the designer. It got a new Shape Builder and a variety of Warp tools which enhances its flexibility and precision in creating complex vector artwork. These features make it easier to manipulate shapes and create intricate designs without using external tools.
You will be astonished by how simple and natural it was to use such potent capabilities, which gave an already amazing software more adaptability and versatility. The intuitive interface and responsive performance make it accessible to both beginners and seasoned designers alike.
Its value-for-money price tag and lack of a subscription could lead you to believe otherwise. But, you can contend that Designer has enough features in its toolbox to be taken seriously as an alternative to Adobe Illustrator. Without the burden of monthly payments, Affinity Designer is an excellent option for freelancers and small businesses looking for professional grade tools without a high subscription fee.
Key Features
- Layer groups for organizing complex projects
- Color tagging for efficient asset management
- Live outline view for quick previews of vector outlines
- Intuitive user interface for a smooth design experience
Canva
Canva is an excellent choice for designers and non-designers who are developing branded assets. It is a visual design application that mostly uses dragging and dropping vector graphics to resize.
You have the skills to produce highly professional-looking graphics to increase your online presence, market your company, and more, regardless of your artistic ability or experience with Photoshop. Many templates for quick development may be completely altered to match your identity. Whether you are creating social media posts or personal projects, Canva’s user-friendly platform offers a smooth design experience.
However, this is also a website builder, PDF editor, and basic video creator, all bundled into a design program that serves as a content marketing tool. If you are editing a short video, Canva provides a multi-functional platform to handle it all. Brand-aware businesses could consider the Canva Pro subscription, which unlocks the Brand Kit and guarantees consistency in design throughout all designs.
Key Features
- Free stock images
- Image enhancer for professional-level edits
- Photo blur for creating depth and focus
- Text animations for engaging content
- Background remover for clean designs
Adobe Illustrator
This tool has been around forever and will continue to be. Adobe Illustrator is a strong, intricate, and incredibly adaptable vector-based graphics design tool that is rising to fame.
It adds intriguing new features like Intertwine, which lets you adjust the layer order at particular image regions to create intricate overlaps between objects. This feature enhances control over complex designs which gives you the freedom to create sophisticated artwork without the constraints of a rigid layer structure.
Although they still feel like a work in progress, collaboration tools are also welcome. With the features like shared cloud documents, team collaboration and live comments, Illustrator is becoming increasingly versatile for teams. Thanks to Quick Actions, you can make many step modifications with only one click. This has a lot of potential—that is, once you have more than five of them.
A monthly or yearly subscription will also give you access to new collaborative features and several performance-boosting improvements. Illustrator’s subscription model ensures that the software is regularly updated with new features, bug fixes and enhancements which keeps it at the forefront of design technology.
Key Features
- Repeat for Patterns for faster pattern creation
- Shape Builder for effortless shape manipulation and object construction
- Vector Recoloring (AI tool) to generate multiple color scheme options instantly
- Review link for collaboration allows teams to review, comment and collaborate easily
- Tutorials and guides to help you get the software
CorelDRAW
CorelDRAW is a component of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. It comes as a software bundle instead of a single application.
Among the tools in the bundle are Photo-Paint for editing photos, AfterShot for working with RAW files, PowerTRACE for converting bitmap pictures to vectors, and FontManager for managing the text styles you use. These tools provide various options for professionals who need photo editing and vector design in one package.
Of course, the biggest attraction is CorelDRAW itself. This desktop publishing tool is also a vector drawing program, allowing you to build projects with multiple-page layouts. If you are creating a logo, CorelDRAW offers precision and flexibility to meet the needs of all design professionals.
The company has made numerous improvements to the most recent version. These include a simpler template menu, improved handling of web graphics, and vector effect modification which makes the software more intuitive and user-friendly. You now have the option to quickly browse through your thumbnails of photographs.
The fact that it has returned to the Mac with an operational version is an additional bonus.
Key Features
- Vector illustration tools for creating detailed and scalable graphics
- Collaboration tools for team-based design projects including cloud access
- Scaling tools that preserve image quality when resizing vector graphics
- Objects and color styles for efficient design with reusable elements
- Automation support to streamline repetitive tasks
Final thoughts
These are the top 5 design software programs for 2025. When selecting a design program, choose one that balances simplicity and professionalism.
Choose software that suits your design needs, offers scalability as you grow and supports high-quality output. Consider features like collaboration tools and integration with other platforms. The right software will enhance your creativity while making your design process smooth whether you are a beginner or an experienced designer.
