There are so many free graphic design software that you can use to learn and create you own. But there are some specific ones that work best in the Linux environment. Not sure what kind of Linux software is best for graphic design? The types below are the most popular choices among hobbyists and professionals, but you can also find great open source programs for other operating systems.
Linux is known for its stability and security, but did you know it could also be an ideal platform for graphic design? On this page you’ll learn about free download graphic design software for Linux, which programs are best for Linux, find out about the top four popular Linux graphics software, the best Photoshop alternative for Linux, the best vector editor, how to get started with linux freelance graphic design, how I became a linux freelance graphic designer and much more.
Figma
Figma vector graphics editor
Figma is a cross-platform online service for interface designers and developers. Interfaces are developed directly in the online application.
With Figma you can create:
- Interactive prototypes of websites and mobile apps
- Interface elements, such as icons, buttons, menus, windows, feedback forms
- Vector illustrations
This browser-based UI and UX design application allows several designers to work on one project, supports versions and provides many other opportunities. It greatly simplifies the working process for a designer or developer.
Figma is a free software for graphic design available online. However, there is also a desktop version. To work in it, you need to log in and have a permanent Internet connection. Files are saved locally and imported to the browser version, if necessary.
Krita
Yet another impressive Linux tool for digital artists. Krita was meant as an add-on with KOffice to facilitate image editing within the suite of office tools. However, it turned out to have a lot more potential to be an independent desktop application competing with programs like GIMP.
To our surprise, it still is not like GIMP. However, more focused for use by illustrators, cartoonists, and concept drawing artists. It definitely offers a range of features and is constantly developing as we talk. Also, you could argue that Krita provides a better user interface compared to GIMP.
Recently, it introduced render animation capability, full support for OSX, enhanced color picker and more. It is similarly extensible with the use of plugins or extensions. It brings in a good collection of filters to choose from and also provides the ability to control layers in an image just like Adobe Photoshop. It can import a lot of files, but it has discontinued support for PSD files.
Features and usability are the strong point of Krita. No wonder this French university dumped Adobe Photoshop for Krita.
Inkscape
Whether you are an illustrator, designer, web designer or just someone who needs to create some vector imagery, Inkscape is for you! The design process may begin by doodles on a napkin, a sketched mindmap, a photo of a memorable object, or a mockup in software which really wouldn’t work to complete the project. Inkscape can take you from this stage to a final, professional-grade design format which is ready for publication on the web or in physical form. Inkscape is free! By this, we mean it is free of cost, free to use and distribute, and open to peek into the source code.
Pricing
Pricing Details: Free download. Free Version: Free Version available.
Karbon
An open source vector drawing program. Karbon is also recognized as Karbon 14, Kontour, and KIllustrator. It lets you edit and create vector drawings. It is one of the most suitable Linux tools for digital artists who deal with vector graphics. It does include gradient tool, path shape tool, pencil tool, calligraphy tool, and so on.
It brings in support for shapes as well as texts. You can import SVG images and edit it with great ease. Karbon provides a great user interface which is customizable. In addition, it offers advanced path editing tool. Also, it is extensible for a variety of use by utilizing the plugins compatible with it.
You can directly install it from Ubuntu’s Software center. In either case, you can type in the following command in the terminal to install it:
sudo apt install karbonVectr (not open source)
Like the above two graphic tools in the list and as the name indicates, Vectr is a tool for vector graphics. It is slightly different than the regular desktop software.
You can use Vectr in your web browser as well. It also has the real time collaboration feature. You can provide the URL of your design and others can watch you editing an image in real time.
The user interface is another plus point. The modern UI and aesthetic looks certainly sets the mood for creative designs. It also has a set of documentation for new users to get started with creating vector design.
The desktop app is available for Linux, Windows and MacOS. It is not an open source software, however, you can download it for free.
Lunacy
Lunacy is a vector graphic software for UI/UX and web design. It’s faster than Figma, smarter than Sketch!
Key features:
* FREE for personal and commercial use
* Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
* WORKS ONLINE AND OFFLINE
You can work both with cloud and local documents. It’s up to you to choose. You can switch between the cloud and local modes whenever you want.
* REAL-TIME COLLABORATION between users on different platforms
* BUILT-IN GRAPHICS (Icons, Photos, Illustrations) and AI-POWERED TOOLS (Background remover, Image upscaler, Avatar & Text generators)
* FULL SUPPORT of .SKETCH DOCUMENTS: Open, Edit, Save.
* LOW SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS and MINIMUM LEARNING CURVE
*NO BOUNDS
Thanks to the native support for the Sketch format, you can use Lunacy with all major hand-off and version control tools like Avocode, Zeplin, Abstract, Simpli, etc.
If it is necessary, you can easily import .sketch files to Figma or XD.
Pricing
Pricing Details: Free to use.
Several integrated third-party services offer paid features. Free Version: Free Version available.
Pinta
Just like any other image editing software utilities, Pinta came out of nowhere to become one of the favorite Linux tools for digital artists. It is an open source software utility that brings in a lot of features.
If you previously used Paint.Net software, it is pretty much the same. In other words, you can keep it as an alternative to Paint.Net for Linux/Ubuntu. You will find a variety of drawing tools that include – paintbrush, freehand drawing tool, pencil, shapes, and so on. It is not just an ordinary paint tool but also brings in support to let you control the layers of an image. Also, you get the ability to add extensions for experimental abilities.
In addition, it offers a lot of filters and effects (motion blur, red-eye removal, glow, warp) to help enhance the image. You can easily adjust the toolbar to the required position (Either as a floating window or as a docked toolbar). It incorporates a dock-style adjustment feature, with which you can configure various pads to dock or undock according to your work style. It does come with support for file formats such as OpenRaster and others.
Conclusion:
Graphic design software is an application that provides a user interface for non-experts to create images, interactive interfaces, logos, typography and simple artwork. The general purpose of graphic design software is to ease of use for both the designer and the computer itself. The basic principles of graphic design are also well incorporated within these kinds of programs.