Learning to design can be fun and fun is good. One of the best ways to start learning graphic design is through free graphic design software (GDS) tutorials and free graphic design software. Some people don’t want to buy anything so that’s why you need to get to know about free graphic design applications. I’ll tell you how to find good free graphics software for beginners, what reasons you have for using them and which platform they’re available under.
You can find thousands of free design programs available online. There are free graphic designing software like CorelDraw and free photo editing software you can use to create your own designs. This doesn’t have to cost a dime. You can learn how to use these programs for free even if you’re using a Mac or Windows computer. These days, a lot of people think that graphic designing is expensive because most pro graphic designer companies require you to pay them for their services but it doesn’t always have to be that way.
MediBang Paint
Price:- Free
Compatibility:- Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
MediBang Paint Pro is one of the good drawing programs that are appealing and ingenious to create comics, manga, and digital art with a realistic presentation. Like other computer drawing programs, it comes loaded with features like great layer management, smooth workflow, easy comic panel, good community support, etc.
MediBang Paint has a library with over 800 pre-installed backgrounds and templates, wide variety of customizable brushes, multiple fonts and styles to choose from to create an illustration as per your imagination.
MediBang Paint has a built-in tool to upload your artwork on the cloud for free, thus saving space on your device and transferring your art between different devices effortlessly.
Key Features of MediBang Paint
- It lets you work on multiple pages and save them all in one place
- You can easily add the files from other applications and devices
- You get a stabilization tool to draw with your shaky hands
- You get access to perspective grids for creating clean backgrounds
Pros
- Simple Interface.
- PSD file support.
- Versatile brush presets.
- Supports multiple platforms.
Cons
- Distracting ads pop-up when the app starts.
Inkscape
Price:- Free and Open-Source
Compatibility:- Linux, macOS, Windows
Inkscape is the best free drawing software for graphic designers created by a team of very talented artists and enthusiasts. This free drawing software for Windows is loaded with outstanding features and excellent tools, making it a powerful alternative to premium tools like Adobe Illustrator.
Inkscape comes with a simple and customizable interface, easy node editing, well-designed vector editing tools, and filters, advanced effects, Creative Commons metadata, generous export options, wide range of snapping tools, etc. for rich image creation experience. It is especially useful in cases when there are hundreds of different pictures on the webpage.
Notable Features of Inkscape
- You can easily import or export in various file formats as the software is compatible with most of the file extensions
- The software has flexible drawing and text tools to make your work easy
- You get shape, drawing, objection creation, pencil, pen, and calligraphy tools
- The software is even compatible with path insetting and outsetting
Pros
- Vast range of vector managing tools.
- Multiple file formats support.
- Optimized speed
- Great International community.
Cons
- Unsuitable for highly experienced designers.
- Cluttered Interface.
- Text tools lack flexibility.
Corel PaintShop Pro
Price:- $7.99/ month
Compatibility:- Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10
First up on our list of drawing software for Windows is Corel PaintShop Pro. The software offers some of the best features which make the work easy for every user. Irrespective of your work you can use this software to create the best art. It offers flexible and cost-effective licensing. It offers many other features which can help you in creating animation and images.
The software can create animation with just three steps easily. While for transforming images you can use the Photoshop brush. It offers integration with Photoshop which makes it easy for you to work with the tools. It offers three versions which include PaintShop Pro, PaintShop Pro Ultimate, and Photo Video Bundle Ultimate. You can choose whichever version you like as per your genre of work.
Notable Offerings of Corel PaintShop Pro
- The software supports a majority of file formats for import and export
- It offers various brush formats of Adobe, PaintShop, and Jasc
- Photo Video Bundle Pro is a one-stop solution for photos and videos editing
- With every update, the software gets new tools and features
Pros
- All files format supported
- Offers a variety of brush formats
- Regular updates to make the software user friendly
- Free trial available for new users
Cons
- The price of the software cannot be considered as budget-friendly
- It does not support older versions
GIMP
Price:- Free
Compatibility:- GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows
GIMP is a powerful and flexible open-source image editor tool. Its professional-quality features allow the user to easily fine-tune their illustration or create an image from scratch, making it the best free drawing software. With practice, it can certainly work like Photoshop.
GIMP provides top-notch tools for high-quality image manipulation such as automatic image enhancement, color adjustment, customizable brushes, cloning, filters, and much more. GIMP allows easy integration with several programming languages such as Python, Perl, Scheme, etc. Its highly customizable UI gives artists the power and flexibility to create their unique designs.
Notable Offerings of GIMP
- The software can be easily customized according to the requirements
- Unlike other software, you can manipulate the photos in high quality
- It also has graphic design elements
- The software lets you create mockups for re-use
Pros
- Professional features for image editing like the smudge tool, dodge and burn tool, fuzzy select tool, healing brush, etc.
- High customization.
- Offers extensibility with custom plugins.
- PSD support.
- Supports loading and saving of virtual files.
Cons
- The UI is overwhelming for new users.
Krita
Price:- Free
Compatibility:- macOS, Linux, Windows
Krita is fast, flexible, and the best free drawing software for Windows. Its pro-level set of tools provides an innovative solution to both amateur and professional artists. Krita is one of the best drawing apps for PC with powerful 2D and 3D animation.
Krita has a highly intuitive interface that allows designers to create a customized layout. In addition, Krita comes with many advanced features for image editing like the brush stabilizers, drawing assistants, professional effects, vector tools, smooth layer management, mirroring tools, etc.
Krita is an extraordinary computer drawing program that makes the process of creating digital drawings very realistic. The Resource manager lets artists share brush and texture packs and expand their toolset.
Notable Offerings of Krita
- Using the software you can easily import brush packs and texture from anywhere, you can even export them to other artists
- It offers a handy wrap-around mode to help users easily create textures and patterns
- The software has 9 brush engines that can be customized and changed according to the requirements
- For all the users who has shaky hand, this software offers brush stabilizer that can help you work easily
Pros
- Intelligent and unique 9 brush engines.
- High customization.
- PSD files support.
- Skilled Wrap-around mode.
- HDR image Support.
- Enhanced OpenGL provides increased canvas size and speed.
Cons
- Cumbersome text tool.
- May experience a few lags after updating.
Conclusion:
If you’re trying to learn graphic art, then you should know all of the available tools at your disposal. You may find that some are better for beginners, and others are better for more advanced designers. But if you never know where to begin, it’s best to do a little research. Also, keep in mind that what others may consider one of the best tools for graphic design is often not the same as what you would pick.