The Top Graphic Design Software In 2022, Including Both Paid-For and Free Options

Find the finest graphic design software, including the best free graphic design software, for various needs and price ranges.

  The greatest graphic design software can give both experienced and novice designers the resources they need to create. While those working on personal projects may be able to get by with more basic program or even the finest free graphic design software, professional graphic designers need fully featured tools that provide them the creative flexibility to realise their vision when reacting to various briefs. Since we started analysing the top graphic design programs more than ten years ago, the alternatives have exploded. There used to be only a few excellent graphic design software options. However, there is now a lot of competition from less expensive graphic design software that offers at least some of the tools offered by these industry heavyweights. While some big names still dominate, with Adobe’s Illustrator and Photoshop maintaining their position as industry standards, there is still a lot of dominance by certain big names. There are also more efficient tools with shorter learning curves or features tailored to particular requirements.   Based on the experiences of expert, we’ve compiled the following list of the top graphic design software currently on the market, including both specialised tools and more widely usable alternatives.   The top graphic design programs available today:

1.  Adobe Ilustrator

The Overall Top Graphic Design Software for Vector Editing

SPECIFICATIONS Platform: Windows, Mac OS, and iPad Mode of payment: Subscription $29.99 per month at Adobe REASONS TO BUY  :It is a well-known software and the industry standard +Time-saving AI features +Good vector and type tools REASONS TO AVOID : Requires a recurring monthly fee You should really use Adobe Illustrator if you want the greatest graphic design software for vector drawing and editing. It continues to be the industry-standard software, so if you’re working for someone else or anyone other than yourself, you’ll probably be expected to use it for vector design work. Regular updates have kept it ahead of growing competition in terms of the range of features and tools, and it also remains that way. With a lot of creative freedom, Illustrator enables you to create anything from illustrations to logos. Additionally, it contains a tons of helpful functions and shortcuts that can help you speed up your work. Although there is initially a pretty steep learning curve, we believe that once you are familiar with the software, it offers a pleasant user experience. We’ve also been happy with some of the most recent toolbar customization upgrades from Adobe. Additionally, a Width Tool and Rotate View have been added, making it simple to apply changes to vector lines. The only drawback that we can really identify is the fact that Illustrator is a component of Adobe Creative Cloud, which means that it can only be accessed through a monthly subscription, either for Illustrator alone or for the entire Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Photoshop, InDesign, and other apps. This has the benefit of ensuring you always have access to the most recent software updates, but over time, it makes Illustrator far more expensive than products of a similar nature. It is advisable to enroll while there is a promotion so that you can at least receive a first-year discount. Students also receive a discount.  

2.  Affinity Designer

The Top Vector Software Available Without a Subscription

SPECIFICATIONS Platform  Windows, Mac OS, and iPad Mode of payment: One-time payment REASONS TO AVOID : its missing a few cutting-edge features As the greatest graphic design software for vector design, there are now some real alternatives if the high monthly or yearly price of Adobe’s subscription model turns you off. Serif’s Affinity Designer is the standout rival. Affinity Designer, which is available for a one-time fee, matches Illustrator’s feature set the most closely of all the software as tested. In fact, Affinity Designer has some options that aren’t available in Illustrator, such unlimited redos and a zoom that can be increased by a million times or more, and we discovered that it typically runs faster than Adobe Illustrator as well. If your coworkers or clients use Adobe’s software, you won’t have to worry about compatibility because it can handle Illustrator AI and Photoshop PSD files. The nicest aspect is that there is only one payment required, and it is a rather cheap one at that. In the long term or even in the short term, it becomes much more reasonable because there are no membership costs and you still receive software updates as they are launched.  

3.   CorelDRAW

 The Most Adaptable Graphic Design Software

SPECIFICATIONS Platform: Windows, Mac OS, browser, and iPad Mode of payment: one-time or recurring   REASONS TO BUY:   Numerous features + presently accessible online and via iPad + strong user community REASONS TO AVOID :   No Longer the Standard in the Industry Even now, some newer choices are more expensive. Although Adobe Illustrator has overtaken CorelDRAW as the market leader in vector design, it still has a devoted following and keeps improving its product to stay up with most of the capabilities provided by rivals. It is now offered in two formats: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, a broader set of tools targeted at professional designers, and CorelDRAW Standard, which is marketed to amateur hobbyists.   The latter also has two versions, with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021 being available for a one-time fee while the new 2022 edition requires a subscription, further adding to the confusion. You may get the most recent features, such as dynamic asset management and a quicker adjustments docker for photo editing, using the subscription model.   Although it takes some time to get used to all the choices, we believe CorelDRAW is currently the most adaptable graphic design software because you may pick between purchasing the software entirely and subscribing for access to newer features. In addition to the Windows and Mac desktop applications, it also offers an iPad app and a browser-based app, allowing you greater choice in how you work.   With list prices of $299 and $549, respectively, CorelDRAW Standard and CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021 have relatively high upfront costs. However, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2022 costs about $22 per month and includes the pixel-based Corel PHOTO-PAINT and a RAW image editor for a cost comparable to an Adobe single-app subscription.   Many of the features are shared with Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Serif, however CorelDRAW users claim that the interface is simpler to use. However, we believe that a lot of it depends on personal preference and what you are accustomed to, so we advise signing up for the free trial to see how you like it. The good news is that there is no problem with importing and exporting AI, PSD and PDF files, if you choose Corel.  

4.  Corel Vector

The Top Vector Editor Available for People on a Tight Budget

SPECIFICATIONS Platform: browser, iPad and pen devices Mode of payment: Subscription REASONS TO BUY:  +Good selection of tools +Compatible with Sketch and AI files+More reasonably priced than                                                                                             CorelDRAW Graphics Suite for subscription   REASONS TO AVOID:   Only browser-based   Our choice for the best vector program for individuals on a tight budget is Corel Vector, a new offering from Corel. The browser-based tool, which was formerly known as Gravit Designer, now needs to be subscribed to (Gravit Designer had a free alternative), although the yearly fee of about $69.99 makes it less expensive than the entire professional CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. We appreciate the simple and easy-to-use interface, and we have discovered that it can handle a wide range of design tasks, including icon design, prototyping, vector drawing, and animation. With the free version, you may access your work from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and export files as PDF, SVG, or bitmaps.  

5.   Creative Cloud Express

The Finest Free Application for Graphic Design

SPECIFICATIONS Platform : Browser and mobile app Mode of Payment: subscription and free REASONS TO BUY:  +Extremely user-friendly interface +Large collection of photos and content +Free-forever plan REASONS TO AVOID : Rarity of bugs or lag problems, Forgetting a few shortcuts, No margins or guidance Adobe Creative Cloud Express, formerly known as Adobe Spark, is the newest member of the Adobe family and represents the company’s effort to compete with less expensive entry-level graphic design software like Canva and Picsart. It consolidates the fundamental photo/video editing capabilities and the Asset library from across Adobe’s family of products into a convenient one-stop shop and is accessible online and as a mobile app for iOS and Android. The app’s ability to be downloaded and used for free forever—for a select few simple tools—is its best feature. By purchasing a premium CC express account for $9.99 / £10.10 per month or $99.99 / £101.15 per year, you can access additional services. The premium version is available for a 30-day free trial so you can try it out before you buy.