Essential Adobe Software for Graphic Design
Looking for the best graphic design software? Take your designs to the next level with these top
In the past, designers were often confined to a select few graphic design tools and software options. Today, however, they are faced with an overwhelming selection, ranging from versatile, multi-purpose software packages to specialized tools tailored for both print and digital projects. With such a vast array of choices, it can be daunting to determine which graphic design software best meets your needs.
As design and technology rapidly advance, itās crucial for designers to keep abreast of the most popular tools currently in use and to regularly update their toolkits to stay competitive and maintain their skills.
Endorsed by a panel of expert designers, we have compiled a list of some of the top graphic design tools available today, including both well-established favorites and promising new entries to the market. Weāve thoroughly explored the features, uses, and pros and cons of each tool to assist you in making the best choice for your needs.
Among the essentials, youāll find Adobe Photoshop and Blender, as well as Figma and Envato Elements. These are the top 10 graphic design tools that every designer should have in their creative arsenal.
1. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe PhotoshopĀ stands as one of the premier graphic design applications available today. Originally launched in 1988, it has become the cornerstone tool for a multitude of creative tasks, utilized by professionals across various fieldsādesigners, photographers, web developers, and content marketers alike. Its uses range from straightforward tasks such as image resizing and retouching to more complex endeavors like illustration, digital art, and photo manipulation.
Photoshop is known for its intuitive interface, comprehensive editing capabilities, and an extensive selection of online tutorials, making it accessible for users at all skill levelsāfrom complete novices to professionals earning a living from their creative work. It empowers users with complete control over their creative projects, offering limitless possibilities for those willing to learn its intricacies through various tutorials, courses, and other educational resources.
Digital artist and collage specialist Paria Mahboobi, also known as Labyrinth of Collages, praises Adobe Photoshop as her primary tool. āIāve tried other Adobe programs, but I always return to Photoshop,ā she says. āItās perfect for incorporating elements like scanned flowers, paper, and my own handwriting into my work, all of which are effortlessly editable in Photoshop.ā
How Much Does Photoshop Cost?Ā Adobe Photoshop is priced at USD$20.99 per month, or for those interested in the Photography plan, which includes Lightroom and Lightroom Classic, itās available for USD$9.99 per month. The Creative Cloud plan offers access to all Adobe programs for $52.99 per month. Additionally, Photoshop offers a seven-day free trial and integrates smoothly with other Adobe products, enhancing its collaborative capabilities.
Photoshop Pros:
- Extensive suite of design tools including masking, image wrapping, alpha compositing, fluid camera rotation, file display tools, and much more.
- User-friendly interface.
- Excellent integration with other Adobe software.
- Supports a wide range of file formats.
- Availability of a free trial.
- Abundance of tutorials and learning resources.
Photoshop Cons:
- Relatively high cost.
- Steep learning curve which might be daunting for beginners.
- Can be overwhelming for newcomers to graphic design.
2. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe IllustratorĀ is renowned as the premier software for vector drawing, design, and editing. Recognized as the industry standard, it enables users to craft a broad range of visuals including illustrations, digital art, fonts, and logos. Illustrator is celebrated for granting designers complete creative liberty along with numerous shortcuts that enhance workflow efficiency.
Kristy Campbell, founder of Pink Pony Creative, shares her experience: āI use Illustrator, Photoshop, and Indesign daily, but Illustrator is my favorite, particularly for branding. Pairing it with my Wacom drawing tablet has been a game-changer. It allows me to produce higher quality work more easily and efficiently.ā
How Much Does Adobe Illustrator Cost?Ā Adobe Illustrator is available for USD$20.99 per month, or for USD$52.99 per month as part of the Creative Cloud plan, which includes Photoshop, InDesign, and other tools. Adobe also provides a seven-day free trial for Illustrator along with its other products.
Adobe Illustrator Pros:
- Highly versatile
- Free trial available
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent integration with other Adobe software
- Supports multiple file formats
- Allows for expansive creative freedom
Adobe Illustrator Cons:
- Requires significant expertise to use effectively
- Considered costly
- Limited availability of online tutorials and resources
3. Adobe Indesign
Adobe InDesignĀ stands out as a premier tool for desktop publishing and layout design. Widely utilized by graphic designers, artists, and publishers, it is especially effective for creating a range of both digital and print materials, including posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, presentations, books, ebooks, and other marketing collateral.
InDesign can function as a standalone application or integrate seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud software, like Illustrator and Photoshop. Unlike its Adobe counterparts that are used for creating designs or images, InDesignās strength lies in its ability to organize and format layouts, compiling text, images, and graphics created in other software.
How Much Does Adobe InDesign Cost?Ā Adobe InDesign is priced at USD$20.99 per month for an individual subscription, or USD$52.99 per month as part of the broader Creative Cloud plan. Adobe also offers a free trial period for new users to test its capabilities.
Adobe InDesign Pros:
- Streamlined and user-friendly interface.
- Integration with the Creative Cloud Library.
- Advanced features like Text Management and Paragraph Borders.
- Unparalleled capabilities in publishing design.
Adobe InDesign Cons:
- Limited scope for creative design.
- High cost.
- Not as well-suited for digital artists and illustrators.