It is probably impossible to find the best graphic designing software because there are thousands of programs to choose from, and each program has its pros and cons. This free graphic designing software list suggests some of the best gear for a beginning graphic designer. It also provides tips on how to pick a good graphics editing program.
I bet you’ve asked yourself this question countless times: “What is the easiest graphic design software to use in 2021?” In this article, I will give you a list of different free graphic design software choices that are easy to learn and use.
Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is a free vector design application that’s great for logo making, photo manipulation, illustrations and animations. You can use Gravit online with their cloud-based software—though some reviews claim that it runs a bit slower than the locally-installed version. The layout is sleek and fully customizable, but Gravit Designer Pro is no longer free ($49 per year).
Gravit is great for logo making, photo manipulation, illustrations and animations.
Best used for: vector images
Skill level required: beginner
Pros:
- Plenty of features and capabilities
- Cloud program is great
Cons:
- Free version not nearly as effective as Pro
Inkscape
There’s something beautiful about a good community. Inkscape’s user base is passionate and helpful, with this cross-platform software bringing out the best of open-source design. Users can put together good-looking graphics and designs with the breadth of learning resources available. However, a steep learning curve, clunky interface and less-than-stellar Mac version keep Inkscape from being a perfect program.
Best used for: vector images and SVG file format
Skill level required: advanced
Pros:
- Lots of filters
- Helpful website and community
Cons:
- Can run slow
- Steep learning curve
Vectr
Accessed through your web browser or its standalone app, Vectr is great for designing (you guessed it) vector images. For high-end designers, Vectr likely doesn’t have all of the features you’ll want. But casuals and amateurs alike will find the low learning curve attractive. Plus, there are dozens of tutorials available on their website for newbies.
Best used for: vector images
Skill level required: beginner
Pros:
- Very beginner friendly
- Good selection of tutorial videos
Cons:
- A bit limited in capabilities
- Clunky sign-up process
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Colorcinch
Colorcinch is a fan favorite! It’s a simple-to-use free online photo editor that is rich in features. You can quickly and easily edit photos using the array of editing tools to adjust exposure, contrast, color, etc, or crop and rotate images, but Colorcinch goes much further than basic image editing. It can be used for creating all kinds of graphic design projects too. You can use their specialty effects such as the cartoonizer to turn any photo into a cartoon with a huge variety of cartoon styles, and they have the most extensive libraries available on the internet for filters, effects, overlays, masks, graphics, and icons.
All of this is wrapped up in one of the most polished and efficient UI’s of any online photo editor. Getting started on Colorcinch couldn’t be simpler – there’s no need to register with the site, and you can simply upload your image and start editing. When it comes to exporting your finished image, there’s a choice of export options to suit you.
Platform: Web Browser
Crello
Crello is an online graphic design tool for those in need of original and impressive visual content. It allows creating customizable social media, web, print, and ad content for your personal and professional needs. With its intuitive online editor, not only does it offer a massive library of trendy templates, but it also lets you download content and create your own designs from scratch.
Everything you need to do is sign up for free, choose a template, and customize it the way you want. Instruments are many: add texts and objects, remove image backgrounds, change colors and fonts, resize images, upload illustrations, and much more. Crello offers about 10,000 animated objects to follow the latest trends in design and helps you craft high-quality visuals. Most instruments are free here; for the unlimited downloads and some extra features, you can upgrade to a Pro plan for a token payment.
Platform: Web Browser
Canva
If you have no previous experience in designing and you are looking for something very easy, then Canva is for you. This free online graphic design software allows you to create designs easily and quickly. There are a ton of templates, fonts images, many of which are free to use. Canva works on the drag and drop concept, where you only need to select the elements and drag it to your work area and customize it. This program does not provide you with advanced features like Photoshop. It, however, solves a beginner’s design need who doesn’t want to get into the process of learning and purchasing premium software. Canva is available as a graphic design app that can be used in Apple and Android devices. The basic features in Canva are free; you will, however, be charged if you want to use more features in it.
Platform: Web Browser, Android, iOS
CorelDraw
Are you an aspiring web designer and looking for a graphics editor that gives you the ability to create infinite designs without any restrictions while honing your skills at the same time? If so, you might want to check out CorelDraw, a vector graphics editor, that is hands down one of the most popular Industry Standard editors presently. CorelDraw has some cool productive functions and such an ease of use that no other vector editor can match up to. However, the tool gives you full control so you can get fast and dynamic results. With CorelDraw version X5 and above, you get an inbuilt organizer (Corel CONNECT) also. With tools like Twirl, Smear, Repel and Attract – vector object editing was never so easy. Likewise, the Alignment guide enables you to position objects as per your requirement. CorelDraw works smoothly with large files in Corel Photo-Paint, making it a must-have in the graphic design software list. In fact, it also supports apps like Barcode wizard, Duplexing wizard, Bitstream Font Navigator, etc. Check out more about CorelDRAW.
Pros
- The interface customization is ideal.
- The design is very fresh.
- The training videos are very helpful.
- Choose from perpetual license or subscription.
- The right-click gives awesome vectorization.
- Shaping docker gives maximum usage.
Cons
- No Mac version.
- Tools are hard to learn for newbies.
- Navigation is not easy.
- Navigation board is not visible.
- The freehand brush is hard to use.
Conclusion
The easiest graphic design software to use is whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. Some packages might seem easier to use right out of the box, but if you’re new to graphic design and a more difficult tool is your best bet, give it a try!