11 Best Graphic Design Software for Beginners

Starting your journey in graphic design will be exciting and daunting with the multitude of software options available. Choosing the right tool is crucial whether you are looking for image editing, social media post, detailed illustration and UI/UX design. We have compiled a list of the 11 best graphic design software for beginners to help you navigate this decision. Let’s dive into our selected list and find the perfect software to kickstart your creative projects.

How to Choose a Graphic Design Software

Choosing the right graphic design software at the beginning of your journey can be overwhelming. Start with beginner-friendly tools if you are new.  and don’t hesitate to invest in more advanced software as your skills grow. Take advantage of free trials and explore online tutorials to make the most informed decision. Here are a ew tips to make an informed decision:

• Identify Your Needs such as purpose, complexity.
• Assess Your Skill Level to decide about advanced or beginner friendly software.
• Consider your budget when you are choosing the software
• Make sure the software works with the systems you have.
• Look for software with learning resources and a supportive forum.
• Make sure the file types you require are supported.
• Consider compatibility with other software for smooth workflow.

11 best graphic design software for beginners

#1. Canva

Canva is an online graphic design platform to create a variety of visual content easily.  It is especially popular for its drag and drop interface and an extensive library of templates. Canva is mostly used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters and documentations.

Canva is ideal for beginners because of its simple and user-friendly interface. Canva provides a vast library of assets that help beginners create design without advanced skills. 

Features of Canva

• Very easy for beginners to use, with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
• Ideal for users with no prior graphic design experience
• Wide Range of Templates for various purposes that save time and effort.
• Collaborative Capabilities allow multiple users to edit and comment on designs.
• Free Plan Available with many features that are accessible for a wide audience.
• As a web-based tool it may be accessed from any internet-connected device.

#2. Adobe Express (Adobe Spark)

Adobe Express is a web based graphic design tool developed by Adobe Inc. It is designed for helping users to create visual content quickly. Adobe Express provides a variety of tools to create social media posts, graphics, web pages and short videos.

This platform features an easy and user-friendly interface. Straightforward workflow making Adobe Express accessible for those who have no prior experience.

Features of Adobe Express

• Beginner friendly with drag and drop interface.
• A vast template library for producing content fast.
• Accessible with any internet-connected device.
• Built-in tutorials and tips to guide users for the working process.
• Provides a free version that has a lot of important features.
• Ability to maintain brand consistency on all types of visual content.
• Enables multiple people to work together on a single project.

#3. Affinity Designer

Affinity is a powerful tool with a user -friendly interface for newcomers. It is designed to create illustrations, UI/UX design, Web graphics and more. Affinity Designer is well known for its features, high performance and affordability.

They offer a one time purchase model which is cost effective. There are lots of tutorials, documentation and a supportive community for learning this software.

Features of Affinity Designer

• Paradigm of one-time purchases without recurring membership costs.
• An easily navigable interface that is accessible to novice users.
• Fast and responsive even with large and complex projects.
• Wide range of vector and raster tools for various types of design work.
• Available for Windows, macOS and iPad  for flexibility in the choice of devices.
• Regular upgrades that introduce enhancements and new features.
• Plenty of tutorials, guides and community support available.
• Capable of producing high-quality and standard professional designs.

#4. Gravit Designer

Gravit Designer is a cross platform vector graphics software. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for design available both as a web and desktop.

This application provides a straightforward user experience with a gentle learning curve. Additionally, Gravit Designer offers a free version with sufficient features for beginners. The availability of tutorials, documentation and community support enhance accessibility for beginners.

Features of Gravit Designer

• Available as a web app and desktop application for all systems.
• Provides a large feature set in a free version.
• Intuitive and clean interface that is easy to learn and navigate.
• Ability to export designs in multiple formats suitable for web and print.
• Cloud storage allows work to be easily accessed from any device.
• Active development with frequent updates with new features.
• Runs smoothly without requiring high system specifications.

#5 Krita

Krita is a powerful and versatile tool for digital drawing and painting. Krita has you covered whether you’re into concept art, calligraphy, matte painting or comics. Krita is beginner friendly for its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive features. It is designed especially for artists. Plus, there are available resources to help you get started

Features of Krita

• Completely free open source without any costs.
• A comprehensive set of tools focused for artists.
• Highly customizable interface to fit individual preferences.
• Strong Community Support with extensive online resources.
• Continuous development with new features.
• Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Efficient performance provides a smooth painting experience.

#6. Vectr

Vectr is a free vector graphics editor with an easy to use interface. It is designed for all level professionals. Vectr can be used both directly in web browsers and desktop applications. This software provides tools for designing logos, icons, presentations, mockups and more.

It provides real time collaboration and sharing capabilities. Availability of tutorials and guides make it easier for beginners to get started.

Features of Vectr

• Totally free to use; there are no membership costs.
• Simple interface that is ideal for beginners.
• Virtually usable on any device with a web browser.
• Facility of easy collaboration and sharing with others.
• Runs smoothly without needing powerful hardware.
• Projects can be saved and accessed from anywhere.
• Built-in tutorials and help guides for learning the software.
• Simple sharing options to easily show work to others.

#7. Inkscape

Inkscape is another open source software for creating and editing vector graphics. It works with many formats including SVG, EPS and PDF. People use Inkscape for making illustrations, diagrams, logos and intricate designs. 

Inkscape is an excellent choice for beginners for its cost free access. It focuses on essential vector graphic tools and simplicity for new users.

Features of Inkscape

• Totally free to use and has no further fees.
• Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Complete tools compared to professional software.
• Flexible and scalable interface to suit individual workflows.
• Strong community support with lots of resources and training.
• Typical development driven by the open source community.
• Ability to export to multiple formats for web, print and other media.

#8. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a standard software recognized by professionals. It is a raster graphics based software developed by Adobe Inc. this is the most popular common software in the designer community. Photoshop is powerful software but also suitable for beginners. Newcomers can easily learn Adobe Photoshop with the help of online tutorials and courses. 

Features of Adobe Photoshop

• Comprehensive Toolset for any type of image editing and design work.
• Widely Used as Industry Standard by professionals.
• Access to extensive Learning Resources and community forums.
• Regular Updates with new features and improvements.
• Simple interaction with additional Adobe services and products.
• Non Destructive Editing without permanently altering the original files.
• Highly customizable interface and tool options to suit individual workflows.

#9. Sketch

Sketch is a vector graphics editor widely used in UI and UX design. IIt’s a macOS app that has become a must have tool for designing websites and apps. People love Sketch for its wireframes, prototypes and interactive designs.

Sketch is perfect for beginners in UI/UX design because of its clean, simple interface. It emphasizes important design functions without unnecessary features.

Features of Sketch

• Clean and User Friendly Interface especially for UI/UX design.
• Streamlines the design process and boosts productivity.
• Strong Community and Resources including tutorials and plugins. 
• Regular updates and features added based on user feedback.
• Integrated tools for prototyping and seamless handoff to developers

#10. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

GIMP means GNU Image manipulation program. It is an open source graphics editor used for image editing. There are a wide range of tools for photo retouching and  image composition. 

GIMP is beneficial for beginners for its free and extensive features. They can learn and experiment with advanced image editing without investment. Additionally GIMP provides a wealth of tutorials and documentation for learning.

Features of GIMP

• Completely Free Open Source with no subscription fees.
• Offers Powerful Features typically found in paid software.
• Extensive Plugin Support available to add functionality.
• Available on windows, macOS and Linux.
• A large community with tutorials, forums and resources.
• Highly customizable interface and tool options.
• Continuous development and updates by the community.

#11. Adobe Illustrator

Adobe illustrator is leading vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used to create scalable graphics such as logos, icons, illustrations and typography. Illustrator uses vector graphics which are composed of paths rather than pixels.

The user-friendly interface is designed to accommodate users at different skill levels. Workspace of Illustrator is customized to focus on the most commonly used tools. Beginners can begin by using simple tools and work their way up to more complex capabilities. 

Features of Adobe Illustrator

• Professional Standard making it valuable for career development.
• Scalable Vector based graphics without losing quality.
• Extensive range of tools for creating complex designs.
• Frequent updates of new features and improvements.
• Available on both Windows and macOS.
• Seamless interaction with additional Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
• Access to a vast library of tutorials, guides and community support.

Conclusion

Choosing the right software for graphic design will significantly impact your work. We have discussed the 11 software that cater various skill levels. These tools differ in their features and benefits from one another. Consider your specific needs, budgets and the type of project for software selection.

Start with software that feels comfortable and approachable for you. Don’t hesitate to explore more advanced options as your skills grow. You will be well equipped with the right tools to bring your creative visions into life.