Sometimes, finding the right tools to create digital images can be daunting. It’s kind of like going into a hardware store to look for a simple hammer, only to find dozens of styles, shapes, and sizes to choose from. Which one do you pick? What do you really need? Why does it have to be this complicated?
Whether you’re a professional graphic designer, a creative thinker, or an entrepreneur looking for ways to create projects and wow your audience, there are incredible tools out there that can help transform your work. But just like hammers, there are so many different resources to choose from, and it’s hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve created a list of some of the best graphic design softwares to help get you started, including AI tools! Check it out: the Ultimate Graphic Designer’s Digital Toolbox.
Vector graphics are images generated through mathematical formulas, allowing them to be resized infinitely without any loss of quality. They are particularly great for logos, icons, and other designs requiring precision and flexibility. Some vector graphics are free, but the higher the quality, the more you’ll pay. There are situations where you may find both free and paid vectors useful. Here are some of our go-tos.
Although your computer comes installed with a library of fonts, most designers look to an online graphic design tool to find additional fonts that will take projects to the next level. Here are a few of our favorite free font sites.
Have you ever looked at a finished design and thought that something was missing, but you just couldn’t put your finger on it? Many times, a simple solution is to add a layer of texture in the form of a subtle pattern as your background. Like magic, this addition can give your design that extra pizazz it was lacking. Just be sure to choose something that compliments the rest of your design (rather than distracting from it).
In a perfect world, clients would send you the vector file of their logo. But that’s not always how it goes. Instead of spending time tracking one down, start by searching on the Brands of the World database.
Brands of the World
If it’s not available there, try a Google search of “‘Company Name’ png” – you’ll most likely be able to find the logo you need with a transparent background. Just ensure the logo you choose has large enough dimensions so it won’t look pixelated.
Sooner or later, you’ll need to showcase a piece of work to a client, vendor, or team member. Whether it’s for a poster or a phone app, using mockups can be the difference between looking like an amateur graphic designer or a polished professional. This list has every type of mockup you could possibly dream of – be sure to bookmark it.
CSS Author
When you are struggling to come up with a design, simply deciding on the color palette can help get you started. Try drawing inspiration from your surroundings using the Adobe Color app, or look to one of these sites that seamlessly generate color palettes for your work!
Virtual work teams and workspaces are on the rise, and increasingly, companies and organizations recognize the value of flexibility and collaboration. However, creating awesome designs and impactful projects isn’t easy when team members aren’t in the same room, or even the same country.
Having the right collaboration software is key for successful information sharing. Here are a couple of our favorites.
Invision
Invision is the perfect app for gathering input on your designs from clients and coworkers. Simply share a link with them, and they can leave comments on specific parts of your design. This means less confusion and less time wasted.
Redbooth
One of the best collaboration software platforms out there is Redbooth, which is a robust, all-encompassing tool that accommodates virtual team environments, no matter how big or how small.
This is just a glimpse of some of the best software for graphic design that we keep ready in our toolbox. Each of these sites will propel you toward more productive, creative, and refined designs!
Vector Graphics
Vector graphics are images generated through mathematical formulas, allowing them to be resized infinitely without any loss of quality. They are particularly great for logos, icons, and other designs requiring precision and flexibility. Some vector graphics are free, but the higher the quality, the more you’ll pay. There are situations where you may find both free and paid vectors useful. Here are some of our go-tos.
Free Vector Sites
Sometimes, you don’t need the highest-quality vectors to achieve the desired look. The good news is that these vectors can be pulled apart and digitally enhanced to create whatever you need or envision, all without paying a dime.Subscription-based Vector Sites
Many high-quality vector graphics will not be free. We recommend purchasing a one-month subscription to a paid site and building a nice gallery to start from. It will be worth the investment to provide a higher level of service to your clients or colleagues.Images
Images by Search
Although free stock photos usually require a little extra Photoshopping, there is a good chance you can still find what you need. If you are on a budget, it is definitely worth the extra effort to search through these image databases before resorting to buying a $15 stock photo.Image Galleries
One of the best gifts you can give yourself as a designer is building up a stock photo gallery on your computer. Yes, taking the extra time to save quality photos you come across can feel a bit cumbersome, but you will thank yourself later. These sites are the perfect place to start, with galleries of gorgeous photos available for you to download for free.AI Image Generators
Exploring the best AI tools for graphic design is new and uncharted territory for many designers. However, having a few reliable software options on hand can be incredibly beneficial. An AI image generator has the power to create original images based on your prompts, vastly expanding the range of visuals you can instantly work with. Here are some excellent tools to get you started. Nervous about trying out AI graphic design tools? We get it—we’ve been there too. The concept of AI art may seem contradictory, but it can actually spark a wealth of creativity. Check out Proof Point’s podcast episode, “The Secrets of AI Image Generation.” In this episode, Senior Designer Anthony Robison shares how AI has revolutionized his workflow as a creative leader. Robison talks about AI’s rising influence on the creative landscape, particularly in image generation, and emphasizes why embracing AI in this field is crucial. His perspective suggests that AI tools not only improve creativity but also push forward major advances in marketing strategies. Tune in to discover how you can leverage AI’s innovations for your designs!Fonts
Although your computer comes installed with a library of fonts, most designers look to an online graphic design tool to find additional fonts that will take projects to the next level. Here are a few of our favorite free font sites.
Patterns
Have you ever looked at a finished design and thought that something was missing, but you just couldn’t put your finger on it? Many times, a simple solution is to add a layer of texture in the form of a subtle pattern as your background. Like magic, this addition can give your design that extra pizazz it was lacking. Just be sure to choose something that compliments the rest of your design (rather than distracting from it).
Logos
In a perfect world, clients would send you the vector file of their logo. But that’s not always how it goes. Instead of spending time tracking one down, start by searching on the Brands of the World database.
Brands of the World
If it’s not available there, try a Google search of “‘Company Name’ png” – you’ll most likely be able to find the logo you need with a transparent background. Just ensure the logo you choose has large enough dimensions so it won’t look pixelated.
Mockups
Sooner or later, you’ll need to showcase a piece of work to a client, vendor, or team member. Whether it’s for a poster or a phone app, using mockups can be the difference between looking like an amateur graphic designer or a polished professional. This list has every type of mockup you could possibly dream of – be sure to bookmark it.
CSS Author
Color Palettes
When you are struggling to come up with a design, simply deciding on the color palette can help get you started. Try drawing inspiration from your surroundings using the Adobe Color app, or look to one of these sites that seamlessly generate color palettes for your work!
Collaboration Software
Virtual work teams and workspaces are on the rise, and increasingly, companies and organizations recognize the value of flexibility and collaboration. However, creating awesome designs and impactful projects isn’t easy when team members aren’t in the same room, or even the same country.
Having the right collaboration software is key for successful information sharing. Here are a couple of our favorites.
Invision
Invision is the perfect app for gathering input on your designs from clients and coworkers. Simply share a link with them, and they can leave comments on specific parts of your design. This means less confusion and less time wasted.
Redbooth
One of the best collaboration software platforms out there is Redbooth, which is a robust, all-encompassing tool that accommodates virtual team environments, no matter how big or how small.
This is just a glimpse of some of the best software for graphic design that we keep ready in our toolbox. Each of these sites will propel you toward more productive, creative, and refined designs!
