The 9 Greatest Free Graphic Design Instruments I’ve Tried (and Liked!)

Let me let you know a secret: I’m no graphic designer, however I’ve managed to drag off some fairly spectacular designs over time.  

From my college days, I’ve tried greater than dozen design instruments from the OG Adobe InDesign and Illustrator to now the brand new and trendier apps like Canva and Figma. I’ve used them to create illustrations and infographics for my weblog, designed pages for my web site, polished pictures for LinkedIn posts, and crowd pleasing Instagram content material. I’ve even whipped up logos and flyers for my mother’s enterprise and designed adverts for social media and e-mail campaigns.

After all, designing can really feel intimidating at first, particularly for those who’re not a skilled skilled. But when there’s one key factor that I’ve realized over these years, it’s that the proper graphic design instruments make all of the distinction, whether or not it’s for skilled tasks or simply for enjoyable.

That’s precisely why I’m sharing the very best free graphic design instruments for 2025, based mostly on my expertise spending hours (okay, days) of testing, tweaking, and experimenting. Spoiler alert: you don’t want a design diploma to make use of these!

Whether or not you’re trying to design your subsequent viral Instagram publish, create a brand on your aspect hustle, or impress your purchasers with smooth visuals, they make the artistic course of a lot smoother and far more pleasurable. 

And irrespective of who you’re – a fellow marketer like me, or a freelancer aiming to impress purchasers, or somebody simply beginning your design journey, there’s one thing right here for everybody.

What makes the very best graphic design software program?

With over 100 graphic design apps on G2, from vector instruments to photograph editors and 3D modeling software program, selecting the best one might be overwhelming. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “finest” software relies on your targets. However that mentioned, after years of dabbling in design, there are a couple of non-negotiables that I regarded for when testing the  graphic design instruments:

• Ease of use: I’m not a fan of overly sophisticated interfaces or options hidden in obscure menus. The most effective instruments are i beginner-friendly, making it straightforward to leap in and begin creating with no steep studying curve.
• Flexibility and options: Whether or not I’m designing a minimalist brand, a fancy infographic, or a colourful social media publish, the software program must have options that permit me to experiment. Bonus factors if it lets me mess around with each templates and customized designs!
• Price (or lack thereof!): Graphic design software program might be dear, however I get it–these prices usually include superior options that skilled designers, businesses, or companies depend on for complicated tasks. For somebody like me, although, free instruments with fundamental functionalities work simply tremendous for less complicated design duties, artistic experiments, or fast advertising and marketing wants.
• Accessibility: As somebody who switches between usually, I want instruments which are accessible wherever. Cloud-based software program or apps with cross-platform compatibility at all times stand out to me.
• Pace and efficiency: Nothing kills creativity sooner than laggy software program. If a software slows me down whereas designing, it’s a dealbreaker.
• Collaboration and export choices: Typically, I want suggestions on a design, or I’m creating one thing for a staff mission. Instruments that permit straightforward sharing, collaboration, and export in a number of file codecs are at all times on the high of my listing.
• Enjoyable issue: Lastly, the very best instruments make designing enjoyable. Whether or not it’s quirky templates or playful fonts, I need one thing that sparks creativity and makes the method pleasurable.

Let’s have a look at which instruments made the lower.

* This information was pulled from G2 in 2024. The product listing is ranked alphabetically. Some critiques might have been edited for readability.

9 free graphic design software program I like

My listing of design instruments contains a mixture of beginner-friendly instruments and extra superior choices, catering to a variety of design wants. My expertise has taught me that the very best design instruments are people who steadiness ease of use, and flexibility with out compromising on high quality. Some even embrace spectacular AI options for picture era, background elimination, modifying and designing.

Whereas they’re not excellent and have limitations like restricted options or templates on free plans, they nonetheless present glorious performance for creating gorgeous designs. Let’s check out the instruments that made the lower. 

As somebody who as soon as closely invested in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, I discovered the free plan of Adobe Artistic Cloud Categorical to be a pleasing shock. It’s a implausible software for constructing fast, on-brand social media posts or growing easy advertising and marketing supplies.

The person interface (UI) of Adobe Categorical

I used to be impressed by how user-friendly it was proper from the beginning. From the product tour to tutorials and workouts, I discovered it straightforward to get began on the platform. It was fairly clear that the platform is designed with non-designers in thoughts who aren’t used to working with Adobe’s flagship software program like Illustrator or Photoshop, that are technical and feature-rich with a steep studying curve.

Tutorials to get began on Adobe Categorical

Making a brand was one of many first issues I attempted, and it was an absolute breeze. I preferred with the ability to filter templates by free or premium choices, which saved time and saved issues clear.

Making a brand on Adobe Categorical

One characteristic I didn’t anticipate to get pleasure from a lot was the free AI picture generator. Whereas it had a little bit of hassle absolutely adhering to prompts, it allowed me to create customized inventory photographs proper inside the platform–one thing that felt progressive and helpful. The vary of templates was additionally spectacular.

Utilizing AI picture generator on Adobe Categorical

Whether or not I wanted an infographic, a social media publish, or advertising and marketing supplies like brochures, flyers, visiting playing cards, or adverts, I may discover a variety of templates.

Creating infographics for my weblog with templates on Adobe Categorical 

I discovered the Beneficial characteristic helped me customise designs rapidly and successfully.

Designing flyers on Categorical with concepts from the Beneficial characteristic 

After all, the free plan has its limits. For example, you may’t export PNG information with a clear background, a should for logos and vector designs. The dearth of an erase software was one other disadvantage. Additionally, you may’t import .ai or .psd information immediately with the free account, which I really feel is crucial for skilled graphic designers.

Storage is capped at 5GB, and templates, inventory photographs, and movies are all restricted within the free plan, which works for smaller tasks however may really feel restrictive for those who’re engaged on extra intensive designs.

That mentioned, I discovered Adobe Categorical to shine in different areas. For one, the watermark solely appeared after I used premium templates or components, so most free assets have been completely usable with none added branding. Collaboration was one other standout characteristic–I beloved with the ability to tag individuals and edit collectively in actual time, which made it a implausible possibility for staff tasks.

Whereas it’s not as superior or technical as Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, I see Adobe Categorical as a strong, no-fuss design software for fast tasks. The number of templates obtainable for social media posts, flyers, and advertising and marketing supplies made it extremely resourceful for somebody like me who juggles a number of design wants.

Adobe Categorical is offered on net browser software and as a cellular app. 

What I preferred about Adobe Categorical: 

• Intuitive interface and various templates.
• Actual-time collaboration for staff tasks.

What I did not like about Adobe Categorical: 

• Common limitations on free plan assets like templates, inventory photographs, and storage.
• No PNG export with a clear background on the free plan.

Affinity Designer is similar to Adobe Illustrator or, as I like to consider it, the hip model of Illustrator. It’s excellent for skilled graphic designers, hobbyists, and anybody working with vector illustrations.  

Owned by Canva, Affinity presents a 7-day free trial, giving me sufficient time to discover its options earlier than deciding. I had to join an account on their web site after which obtain the free trial model for my Mac to attempt it out. It is obtainable for MacOS, Home windows, and iPad. 

The person interface of Affinity Designer

I felt that it was not beginner-friendly. Particularly for those who’ve by no means used graphic design software program like Adobe’s instruments, Affinity Designer can really feel overwhelming at first. The brand I created with the template on Adobe Categorical in 5 minutes took me a superb 20 minutes earlier than I received the dangle of the software. However when you get previous the training curve, it turns into surprisingly straightforward and quick to work with.

Making a brand with Affinity Designer

Regardless of being feature-heavy like Adobe Illustrator, I felt the efficiency of Affinity is one in all its largest strengths. It’s quick, responsive, and handles most duties with ease. I additionally beloved its flexibility in exporting information as PNG, JPEG, SVG, and PDF and importing designs from different platforms, together with .psd and .ai information of Adobe software program. This meant I may simply transfer information between Affinity Designer and different software program to refine my tasks.

Export choices on Affinity Designer

Surprisingly, I may additionally save the file with model historical past utilizing Save Historical past with Doc. Additionally, each time I had a doubt or received caught, I may flip to the energetic use base on platforms like Reddit and YouTube.

Save Historical past with Doc possibility on Affinity Designer

Nonetheless, Affinity Designer isn’t with out its limitations. As talked about earlier, it does have a steeper studying curve, particularly for inexperienced persons. Additionally, it doesn’t embrace options like picture hint or gradient mesh. Whereas actually, these aren’t capabilities I exploit usually for my design wants at present, that is one thing skilled designers undoubtedly care about. 

On the efficiency aspect, whereas it’s typically clean, I did discover a slowdown after I overloaded a mission with results and layers.

Regardless of these limitations, Affinity Designer stays a powerful software and appeals to me probably the most as a result of it requires only a one-time license cost. Whereas it’s not excellent, I really feel it’s an reasonably priced and highly effective various to Illustrator for {most professional} design wants, like logos, icons, UI design, gaming artwork, illustrations, and,  vector graphics.

What I preferred about Affinity Designer:

• Versatile file import and export choices. 
• One-time cost for a lifelong license, making it reasonably priced and subscription-free.

What I did not like about Affinity Designer:

• Steeper studying curve, particularly for inexperienced persons unfamiliar with design instruments.
• Lacks superior options like picture hint and gradient mesh present in Adobe Illustrator.

Now, if there’s one design software I preserve coming again to, it’s Canva. Whereas it was not the primary on-line graphics design software, Canva arguably revolutionized the {industry} by mainstreaming the web-based design software with its easy interface and intensive templates. 

Whether or not I want social media graphics, weblog banners, displays, or advertising and marketing supplies, Canva makes the design course of fast, intuitive, and, dare I say, enjoyable. It’s the final word all-in-one free design software for non-designers and even seasoned entrepreneurs like me who need outcomes with out the trouble of complicated software program.

All it’s essential to do is join an account, and you’re set. Canva lately refreshed its person interface. Whereas it is completely different from the outdated one, it is nonetheless the simplest graphic design software program to make use of. You need to use it on cellular units and net browsers. 

The person interface of Canva

Every little thing in Canva is extremely intuitive. You’ll be able to click on on “Create a Design” or select from one of many icons on the house display to get began rapidly. Whereas Adobe Categorical presents an analogous possibility, I believe Canva does a significantly better job of showcasing your present information and guiding you towards what it’s essential to create subsequent.

I completely beloved the number of templates it provided when designing my brand, poster, and no matter I got down to create, and I additionally discovered them to be a lot classier. I may begin with one in all their hundreds of templates, tweak it with my model colours, fonts, and pictures, and have a refined design prepared in minutes.

Templates on Canva for my brand design

On high of that, Canva’s huge library of components–shapes, graphics, inventory photographs, icons, animations, and AI-powered instruments just like the picture generator and background remover–gave me the whole lot I wanted to experiment and produce my concepts to life. I attempted designing posters, brochures, and even net pages, calendars and magazines and will do it with ease.  

Designing net pages on Canva

The free AI picture generator, like Adobe’s, comes with 50 free credit. However for me, the free video generator powered by Runway was a shock. It comes with simply 5 free credit and creates actually quick movies, although. 

Producing pictures utilizing Magic Media on Canva

Nonetheless, Canva is not with out limitations. The free model additionally doesn’t permit SVG downloads or high-resolution exports with clear backgrounds, which is usually a dealbreaker for issues like logos or vector graphics. You want to improve to Professional or Groups.

Obtain choices on Canva free 

Plus, Canva isn’t splendid for extremely technical design work. You received’t discover the extent of precision or management you’d get with instruments like Affinity Designer or Adobe Illustrator.

Nonetheless, for fast, professional-looking designs, Canva is unmatched. Whether or not I’m engaged on social posts, displays, and even movies, it’s my go-to design software for velocity, and comfort.

What I preferred about Canva: 

• Fast and straightforward to make use of 
• Unmatched collections of templates and the library of components 

What I did not like about Canva: 

• Restricted obtain choices
• Not suited to extremely technical design works

CorelDRAW is a reputation I’ve heard for years as one of many long-standing opponents to Adobe Illustrator, and I lastly gave it a attempt with its 15-day free trial of the CorelDRAW Graphic Design Suite.

The UI appears a bit dated, however proper off the bat, I seen that it’s a powerhouse for vector graphic design. For my part, it is well-suited for skilled designers, particularly these engaged on logos, illustrations, and print supplies.  

The person interface of CorelDRAW

When you’re in, you can begin with templates for necessities like logos, brochures, menus, resumes, and commonest design wants or create your individual design from scratch. Nonetheless, I discovered the templates to be very restricted in comparison with what Canva and Adobe Categorical supply. However they nonetheless get the job achieved. 

Templates on CorelDRAW

Surprisingly, I preferred the templates it had for infographics, and I completely beloved that I may simply customise them to my satisfaction.

Designing infographics on CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW presents a considerably bigger canvas measurement in comparison with many different design instruments, which I believe makes it splendid for engaged on large-scale tasks like banners, signages, posters, or detailed illustrations.

A significant disadvantage is, nevertheless, efficiency. The software usually slowed down, even with easy designs, and it took up numerous my system reminiscence, which might change into irritating when engaged on bigger tasks. 

General, I discovered CorelDRAW to be a sturdy possibility for skilled designers who want precision and superior instruments for vector work. In the event you’re critical about design and keen to speculate the time (and cash) to study it, you’ll discover that CorelDRAW has the whole lot it’s essential to ship distinctive outcomes. However I would not advocate it for easy and fast design wants. 

CorelDRAW presents each subscription-based and one-time licensing plans. Nonetheless, it is likely to be dear for some customers. 

What I preferred about CorelDRAW: 

• Important templates for many design wants that may be personalized 
• Properly-suited for large-scale and technical tasks

What I did not like about CorelDRAW: 

• Too sluggish, and typically the software program crashes with bigger information
• Expensive paid plans 

Now, for those who’ve ever looked for a free graphic design software, I’m fairly certain you’ve come throughout GIMP, quick for GNU Picture Manipulation Program. I like GIMP further as a result of it’s fully free, open-source, and surprisingly highly effective for what it presents. 

I discovered GIMP filled with unbelievable options for photograph modifying, retouching, and even fundamental graphic design work.

The person interface of GIMP

One factor I seen was its template choices are measurement presets for various tasks, like enterprise playing cards, net banners, and even HD video, not like the ready-to-use templates you discover in Canva or Adobe Categorical. That mentioned, the inclusion of a “rest room paper” measurement as a template undoubtedly gave me a chuckle, however it highlights GIMP’s sudden selection and open-source nature. 

Templates on GIMP

It’s received a strong vary of options you anticipate in any photoshop software program, like layers, masks, filters, brushes, you title it. 

I additionally discovered the export and import choices in GIMP to be far more expansive than different instruments I’ve tried. It helps a ton of file codecs like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PSD, SVG, and even .webp, which makes it tremendous versatile for various design wants. Whether or not I’m saving one thing for the net, printing, or working throughout different software program, GIMP handles all of it with no hitch.

File codecs supported by GIMP for export

Additionally, GIMP has a really energetic neighborhood help on boards like Reddit and Youtube. After I had hassle getting the software engaged on my Mac the primary time, the  YouTube movies and the threads on Reddit saved my day.

That mentioned, it’s not probably the most user-friendly software on the market. The interface feels clunky, particularly for those who’re used to fashionable instruments like Canva or Adobe Categorical. It took me some time to determine the place the whole lot was, and I undoubtedly needed to search for a couple of tutorials to get began.

Additionally, whereas it really works properly for vector pictures, photograph modifying, and fundamental design duties, I wouldn’t advocate it to entrepreneurs if you’re in search of fast designs.

So, who’s it actually for? I’d say GIMP is ideal for anybody who wants superior photograph modifying or graphic design instruments for illustrations and vector pictures however doesn’t need to spend a dime. In the event you’re like me and revel in experimenting with free instruments, it’s completely value a shot–simply be able to climb that studying curve. 

What I preferred about GIMP: 

• Fully free and open-source.
• Energetic neighborhood help.

What I did not like about GIMP: 

• Clunky interface and a steep studying curve
• Restricted options in comparison with industrial options; Must depend on third-party plugins. 

I’ll be sincere–I had by no means heard of Plasfy till I stumbled upon it on G2. However after studying critiques calling it “the very best Canva various,” I knew I needed to give it a attempt. My signing-up course of was a breeze, and getting began felt simply as straightforward as utilizing Canva, which is saying one thing.

That they had a wide range of design codecs to start with proper out of the gate. From social media posts to enterprise playing cards, flyers, and even Pinterest pins, the whole lot was obtainable.  The setup felt intuitive, and it was tremendous straightforward to select a format, customise the design, and begin experimenting with clipart and components like textual content, shapes, and icons.

Totally different design codecs on Plasfy 

I discovered the brand templates sorted by enterprise sort to be tremendous sensible. Whether or not you’re in style, training, or finance, there’s one thing to get you began with out spending hours looking.

Making a brand on Plasfy

The actual spotlight for me, although, was the overlays part. I found Plasfy filled with ready-made badges, sale tags, and net buttons that are excellent for social media promotions, on-line outlets, and advertising and marketing supplies. From Black Friday banners to Boxing Day and Cyber Monday badges, there’s no scarcity of choices to make your content material pop.

These pre-designed components add a refined, skilled contact to my designs. I felt that this could save time for anybody making an attempt to market their enterprise or construct eye-catching visuals. Be aware that these will not be customizable with the free plan. 

Overlays on Plasfy for badges, net buttons, overview testimonials

That mentioned, there are a couple of caveats. Most of the most helpful components, like some overlays, results, icons, and templates, and embedding Google Maps are locked behind the premium plan. And when it got here to downloading my designs, I discovered I may solely export in JPEG on the free plan; codecs like PNG, SVG, or PDF require an improve. And the storage is simply 500 MB, which is admittedly restrictive. 

I additionally seen the platform isn’t as quick as I’d like—loading templates and options typically examined my endurance.

Ready to load templates on Plasfy

Nonetheless, I really feel Plasfy is nice for creating social media graphics, advertising and marketing supplies, and small enterprise visuals. It’s beginner-friendly and presents sensible options for rising companies. In the event you’re keen to place up with a couple of limitations on the free plan, it’s an excellent software to have in your design toolkit.

Plasify is offered on an internet browser, and the cellular app is at present in beta. It presents month-to-month subscription plans in addition to a restricted lifetime deal for almost $10.

What I preferred about Plasfy: 

• Straightforward to make use of 
• Designs, templates, and components appropriate for social media advertising and marketing and on-line enterprise 

What I did not about Plasfy: 

• Gradual to load 
• Some helpful options locked behind Premium

I’ll admit that PosterMyWall was additionally not on my radar till I stumbled throughout it throughout my seek for design instruments. I gave it a shot, and to my shock, it turned out to be a strong possibility for anybody trying to create fast, professional-looking designs with no steep studying curve.

The person interface of PosterMyWall

As traditional, I began off with a easy brand to start with, and inside 5 minutes, I had it prepared utilizing one in all PosterMyWall’s templates. The method was fast, easy, and precisely what I wanted. I simply picked a design, tweaked the textual content, performed round with the colours, and increase–achieved.

Making a brand with PosterMyWall

I used to be a bit skeptical in regards to the “Made with PosterMyWall.com” watermark that was on my design the entire time. I assumed it will stick round on the ultimate obtain, however to my aid, it didn’t seem after I downloaded the design. Later, I discovered the watermark seems if we use any premium components, inventory pictures, or movies within the designs. Whereas I may get issues achieved with out getting the watermarks by discovering another components or workarounds, it felt a bit limiting at occasions. 

Additionally, I used to be genuinely impressed that I may scale my design to any measurement with ease utilizing the Resize possibility, which is commonly paywalled in different design instruments like Canva. 

Resizing pictures on PosterMyWall

If I needed to level out a draw back, although, PosterMyWall solely permits fundamental picture downloads in JPG format on the free plan. In the event you want high-quality pictures, you’ll should improve or pay one time for the design. Additionally, like Plasfy, it has a really restricted storage of simply 500 MB. 

What I preferred about PosterMyWall: 

• Fast, intuitive, and user-friendly
• Excellant library of templates for a wide range of design wants 

What I did not like about PosterMyWall:

• Solely fundamental high quality picture downloads and watermarks on some designs
• Restricted cupboard space. 

Sketch is a type of instruments I’ve heard about eternally, particularly within the person interface and person expertise (UI/UX) design world. As somebody who dabbles in a little bit of the whole lot, I gave it a attempt with its 30-day free trial to see the way it helps with designing. 

As soon as I downloaded the app and signed up, I instantly seen how smooth and fashionable the interface was. It felt skilled and well-organized, making it straightforward to seek out my manner round, whilst a first-time person.

The person interface of Sketch

Now, let me be upfront with this. Sketch isn’t essentially for everybody. It’s a distinct segment software that basically shines for the UI/UX work of internet sites and apps. That mentioned, it does have good templates for a variety of enterprise design wants, like enterprise playing cards,  mockups, invites, adverts, and even some social media promotions. I discovered the templates to be elegant, fashionable, and minimalist. 

Templates on Sketch

I attempted my hand with some social media promotional posts and adverts and I may customise the templates the best way I wished and export it as PNG and PDF. 

Testing a social media carousel template on Sketch

Nonetheless, the most important limitation is that it’s Mac-only and likewise requires a subscription after the free trial, which can not work for all customers. Sketch additionally has an internet browser model, however that comes with a pricier paid plan. 

What I preferred about Sketch: 

• Trendy and smooth interface
• Straightforward to customise templates 

What I did not like about Sketch: 

• MacOS solely
• Subscription might be dear 

VistaCreate, in my view, is a hidden gem amongst graphic design apps.  I bear in mind it being referred to as Crello earlier than. It feels tremendous intuitive, and I beloved how straightforward it was to start out creating.

The person interface of VistaCreate

This time, I started with a easy social media publish, and inside 10 minutes, I had a refined design able to go. I beloved that the templates have been fashionable and versatile, and I may tweak just about the whole lot–fonts, colours–you title it. I additionally beloved the way it had music alternatives able to go along with the Instagram posts. 

Creating an Instagram publish on VistaCreate

Creating the brand was additionally fairly straightforward. I may even create an animated brand with one in all their templates. VistaCreate allowed me to obtain it as PNG, JPEG, PDF, and PNG with a clear background. However there isn’t any choice to obtain in SVG format.

Creating an animated brand on VistaCreate

I additionally preferred how properly VistaCreate caters to small companies and entrepreneurs. The templates are designed for particular industries and events, which saved me a ton of time trying to find the proper one. For instance, I looked for templates associated to writing and located 100s of them. 

Discovering industry-specific templates on VistaCreate

Nonetheless, resizing the design, some templates, components, and options are locked in premium plans, similar to Canva. One other draw back I seen is that sharing and collaborating can be solely obtainable on paid plans, which is likely to be a dealbreaker for anybody working in groups or needing suggestions on their work.  

General, I’d say VistaCreate is a implausible possibility for anybody trying to create professional-looking designs with out investing an excessive amount of money and time. It really works properly for each static and animated content material.

What I preferred about VistaCreate:

• Trendy and intensive templates for various advertising and marketing supplies 
• Straightforward to create animated designs 

What I did not like about VistaCreate:

• Resizing and sharing locked beneath paid plans 
• Can’t export in SVG format 

Whereas I’ve lined the 9 finest free graphic design software program, there are additionally different instruments value contemplating. Inkscape is superb for vector-based designs, whereas Krita caters to digital artists and illustrators. In the event you’re venturing into 3D modeling, Blender is a strong, free possibility

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