My Top Graphic Design Software for 2024 | Expert Picks

Are you a graphic designer looking for top tools to boost your work in 2024? You're in the right place! We'll cover the best graphic design software that pros and experts suggest for next year. You'll find everything from advanced vector graphics to easy photo editing and team-friendly design tools¹.

If you're experienced or just starting, the right software is key to making your creative ideas shine. We'll look into the good and bad of top graphic design apps. This will help you pick the best one for your needs and how you work².

Key Takeaways

• Discover the best graphic design software for 2024 based on expert reviews and industry trends
• Explore the top-rated options for vector graphics, photo editing, UI/UX design, illustration, and more
• Understand the pricing structures and key features of each leading graphic design suite
• Learn about the latest advancements in AI-powered tools and collaborative design platforms
• Determine the most suitable software for your specific graphic design needs and skill level

top 1. Affinity Designer 2

Affinity Designer 2 is a top choice for vector graphics. It has many tools and features for designers, illustrators, and creative pros³. It has gotten even better with new updates, adding more features that make it more versatile and appealing.

Pros of Affinity Designer 2

• Impressive Vector Toolkit: Affinity Designer 2 has lots of vector tools like a Shape Builder and Warp tools. Users can make graphics that look great in any size or medium.
• Flexible Raster Tools: This software is mostly for vectors but also has raster tools. This lets users mix vector and raster elements in their designs easily.
• Affordable Pricing: It's a great deal, with a 50% discount for macOS, Windows, and iPad, making it $34.99 instead of $69.99³. The Affinity V2 Universal License, which includes three apps, is now $82.99, down from $164.99³.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: It uses the same file format on all platforms, including macOS, Windows, and iPad. This makes it easy for users and teams to work together on different devices³.

Cons of Affinity Designer 2

• Learning Curve: Affinity Designer 2 is easy to use, but it might take some time to get used to for beginners in vector software.
• Limited Plugin Ecosystem: It has fewer plugins and extensions than Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. This might be a problem for users who need specific plugins.
• Compatibility Concerns: While it can export files in many formats, there might be issues with compatibility when working with different design software, especially with teams using various tools.

Affinity Designer 2 is a strong choice for graphic design. It has great vector tools, flexible raster features, and is priced well. Its ability to work on different platforms and its powerful features make it a good option for designers and illustrators looking for a versatile vector graphics tool⁴.

top 2. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a top choice for graphic design and photo editing. It's known for its powerful tools and professional features⁵. This photo editing suite is great for color management, handling layers, and selecting objects. It also uses AI for tasks like cleaning up images².

Photoshop is a favorite in the design world for many reasons. It has tools for UI/UX design, 3D modeling, animation, and branding. This makes it a top pick for professional designers and artists⁵².

Pros and Cons

Adobe Photoshop is known for its versatility. It lets users easily switch between different design areas. It has advanced color correction and non-destructive editing. This helps creatives work on a variety of projects with confidence².

But, Photoshop can be hard to learn and uses a lot of resources. It also costs money, starting at $20.99/month or $54.99/month for the full Creative Cloud suite. This might be a problem for some creators or small businesses⁶.

Even with its challenges, Adobe Photoshop is still the top choice for many. Graphic designers, photographers, and creative pros use it to make their ideas come alive. Its leading features and easy integration with Adobe make it a strong contender in 2024 and beyond⁵².

"Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard for digital image editing, offering unparalleled control and precision for professional-grade design work."

top 3. Canva

Canva is a popular graphic design tool that's easy to use⁷. It's often seen as a top choice for 2024⁷. This is because it's free, making it great for both designers and those new to design⁷.

Canva stands out for its simple drag-and-drop interface⁷. This lets anyone create professional graphics easily. It's perfect for artists and beginners alike, helping you improve your online look, promote your brand, and more⁶.

Pros of Canva

• Completely free to use, with optional premium features
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface, even for non-designers
• Vast library of templates, graphics, and design elements
• Collaboration features for team-based projects
• Mobile app for on-the-go design work
• Extensive range of design formats, from social media posts to presentations

Cons of Canva

• Limited customization options compared to professional design software
• Premium features can add up in cost for businesses
• Some users may find the interface too simplified for advanced design needs

Canva is great for both designers and those new to design⁷. It offers a friendly platform for making beautiful graphics⁷. With its free tools, easy design features, and lots of options, it's a top pick in graphic design software.

top 4.Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a top choice for graphic design, known for its powerful tools for making stunning vector graphics⁸. It's great for creating designs that look good on any platform, from print to mobile⁸.

Illustrator is amazing at adding 3D effects and textures to designs, making them pop⁸. It also makes working with others easy, letting you share and get feedback on your work quickly⁸.

It has great vector drawing tools and works well with other Adobe apps like Photoshop⁸. This makes designing easier, letting you switch between tools smoothly.

If you're into graphic design, Adobe Illustrator is a must-have⁹. It has advanced features, works well with other tools, and makes teamwork easy.

top 5.Corel Vector

Corel Vector is a key part of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. It's a digital art platform with lots of features for graphic design, branding, and print solutions¹⁰. Unlike other vector graphics editors, Corel Vector comes with a suite of tools. This includes CorelDRAW for vector illustrations, Corel PHOTO-PAINT for editing photos, AfterShot for RAW files, and FontManager for fonts¹⁰.

Pros of Corel Vector

• It has strong vector graphics tools with CorelDRAW for precise and scalable designs.
• It has photo editing and RAW file tools to make designing easier.
• FontManager helps with managing fonts for consistent branding and quality text.
• It has desktop publishing tools for print and digital projects.
• The interface is user-friendly with many customization options.
• There are flexible licensing options, including a one-time purchase or an annual subscription¹¹.
• It has powerful tools like PowerTRACE for converting bitmaps to vectors and online collaboration tools for teamwork¹⁰.

Cons of Corel Vector

• It might be harder to learn for beginners.
• While it has many tools, each app might not be as specialized as standalone software.
• It mainly supports Windows, with limited macOS support, which could be a problem for some users¹².

Corel Vector, part of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, is great for graphic designers, branding experts, and those in print solutions. It combines various design apps with a user-friendly interface and flexible licensing. This makes it a strong choice for those looking for a full digital art platform¹⁰¹¹.

top 6. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a top choice for graphic design pros for many years¹³. It's part of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, which also includes tools like Photo-Paint, AfterShot, PowerTRACE, and FontManager¹³.

Pros:

• It's great for vector illustrations, perfect for logos, branding, and technical drawings¹⁴.
• Designers love its detailed typography tools for precise text control¹⁴.
• It works well with other CorelDRAW tools, making design work smoother¹³.
• It's affordable, starting at $69.99 for the full suite¹³.
• The interface is easy to use, and it offers many customization options¹⁴.

Cons:

• New users might find it hard to learn because of its complex features¹⁵.
• It lacks cloud-based collaboration tools, which could be a problem for remote teams¹⁴.
• It's mainly for desktop use, not as optimized for mobile or tablets¹⁴.

CorelDRAW is a powerful graphic design tool that shines in vector illustrations and typography¹⁴. It's not the easiest for beginners, but it has lots of features for pros¹⁵.

top 7. Inkscape

Inkscape is a top choice for designers, illustrators, and creative pros. It's free and open-source, offering powerful tools for vector artwork. This makes it great for those looking for a budget-friendly option¹⁶.

Pros of Inkscape

• It has excellent vector drawing skills, making high-quality graphics that scale well.
• It supports many file formats like SVG, PDF, and EPS, making it easy to work with different design tools.
• It has advanced path editing tools for complex designs, including Boolean operations and node editing.
• It's great for branding and print design with its text and font tools.
• The gradient tool is robust, helping to create stunning gradients for designs.
• It works with many file formats, fitting into various design workflows.

Cons of Inkscape

• The interface might be tricky for those used to other design software, requiring some learning.
• It's not the best for 3D modeling or animation, which could be a minus for some users.
• It sometimes has stability problems or crashes, especially with big projects, but the team is improving it.
• It doesn't have all the advanced features of top-tier design software, like color management and layer tools.

Even with some downsides, Inkscape is a strong vector graphics editor. It's a great alternative to pricey design software¹⁷. Its wide range of features and free, open-source nature make it perfect for designers and artists looking for value¹⁸.

top 8. Sketch

Sketch is a top choice for UI and UX designers¹⁹. It runs only on Macs and needs macOS Big Sur (11.0.0) or newer¹⁹. You can pick from two plans, starting at $9 a month for the Standard or $20 a month for the Business Plan¹⁹.

Pros of Sketch

• It has an easy-to-use interface, helping designers quickly make and improve their designs.
• It's great for making prototypes, letting designers test their work with real users.
• Designers love its workflow tools like symbols, shared styles, and artboards for a smoother process.
• It has a big community with many plugins and resources to make designing better.
• It's perfect for user interface design, ideal for web and mobile app designers.

Cons of Sketch

• It only works on macOS, leaving out Windows and Linux users.
• The subscription model might not appeal to all, especially those who prefer buying once.
• New users might find it hard to learn, especially if they're moving from raster tools.
• It's not great for 3D design and animation, which could be a problem for complex projects.

Sketch is a top graphic design software for UI and UX design. It's known for its easy tools, strong prototyping, and efficient workflow. But, its Mac-only use and subscription plan might not be for everyone²⁰²¹¹⁹.

top 9. Xara Designer Pro X

Xara Designer Pro X is a powerful graphic design tool. It combines vector illustration, photo editing, and page layout in one place²². It has many features for making designs, like advanced text handling and 3D effects. Plus, its "Live Effects" system lets you edit without harming your work²².

Pros and Cons

Xara Designer Pro X is very versatile²². It has a wide range of tools for different design needs, from bitmap to illustration²². It's also a budget-friendly option with discounts and various licenses for all levels of designers²².

When it comes to cost, Xara Designer Pro X is a top pick for 2024²³. It's great for professionals with its desktop publishing and graphic design tools²³. Users get to use a huge photo library, many templates, and design elements²³. It's especially good for making professional logos with its versatile tools²³.

Some might find Xara Designer Pro X a bit hard to learn, especially if they're new to design²⁴. But for those with experience, it's a powerful tool for top-notch designs²².

In summary, Xara Designer Pro X is a great choice for both new and experienced designers²². It's affordable, versatile, and packed with features for a full design solution²².

top 10. Procreate

Procreate is a top choice for artists and designers. It's made just for the iPad and Apple Pencil. It has many tools for illustration, typography, and more²⁵.

It works great with the Apple Pencil for natural brushstrokes. You can also do 3D painting, see your work in real-time, and edit photos. It's great for making logos, UI/UX designs, and more²⁵.

It costs just $19.99 once, which is a great deal compared to Adobe Illustrator. It's easy to use and has lots of brushes, textures, and layers. It's perfect for print and web design²⁶.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Apple Pencil for natural, expressive digital art
• Comprehensive set of tools for illustration, typography, and branding
• Powerful 3D painting capabilities and real-time AR previews
• Intuitive interface and extensive collection of brushes, textures, and layers
• Excellent value with a one-time purchase price of $19.99

Cons:

• Only available on iPad, limiting accessibility for non-Apple users
• Learning curve may be steeper for users unfamiliar with digital art software
• Limited functionality for advanced graphic design tasks compared to Adobe suite

"Procreate has revolutionized the way I create digital art on the go. The seamless Apple Pencil integration and powerful 3D tools have transformed my creative process." - Jane Doe, Freelance Illustrator

Procreate is a top choice for artists and designers. It has a user-friendly interface and lots of tools. Plus, it's priced well, making it a great pick in the graphic design world²⁵.

Conclusion

The world of top graphic design programs 2024 has changed a lot. Designers now have many graphic design software reviews 2024 to pick from. Programs like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are top choices. But, there are also user-friendly graphic design apps and affordable graphic design solutions like Canva and Affinity Designer for different needs²⁷.

These innovative graphic design platforms and cutting-edge graphic design suites offer lots of features. They meet various design needs, from advanced image editing and vector graphics creation to photo manipulation tools and ui/ux design solutions²⁷²⁸.

As the industry grows, graphic design software comparisons 2024 will be key. They will help both graphic design software for beginners and professional design applications users. The future looks bright, focusing on making design software easy to use, affordable, and accessible to all²⁹.

FAQ

What are the top graphic design software options for 2024?

For 2024, top graphic design software includes Affinity Designer 2, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Vector, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, Sketch, Xara Designer Pro X, and Procreate.

What are the key features and capabilities of Affinity Designer 2?

Affinity Designer 2 is a top vector design tool with both vector and raster tools. It now has Shape Builder, Warp tools, variable fonts, and QR code creation. These updates make it more versatile and powerful.

How does Adobe Photoshop stand out in the graphic design software market?

Adobe Photoshop leads in photo editing and design. It's known for its color management, layer handling, and selection tools. AI helps automate effects like image cleanup and object removal.

What makes Canva a popular choice for graphic design?

Canva is easy to use for both designers and non-designers. It lets users create professional graphics by dragging, dropping, and resizing vector graphics. Its simple approach makes it great for all skill levels.

What are the key highlights of Adobe Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is packed with features for vector graphics and design. Updates include font identification, realistic mockups, and Firefly AI integration. These features make it more powerful.

What does the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite offer?

The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite includes CorelDRAW for vector drawing, Photo-Paint for photo editing, AfterShot for RAW files, PowerTRACE for vector conversion, and FontManager for fonts.

What are the strengths of the CorelDRAW vector graphics editor?

CorelDRAW is a key app in the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. It offers vector drawing and desktop publishing for complex layouts.

What are the key features of the open-source vector graphics editor Inkscape?

Inkscape is a free vector editor with many tools for graphics creation and editing. It has path editing, shape tools, text tools, and gradient fills. It's great for logos, icons, diagrams, and illustrations.

What makes Sketch a popular choice for UI/UX design?

Sketch is a top tool for UI/UX design. It offers artboards, symbols, shared styles, and strong prototyping. It's ideal for interface design.

What are the distinguishing features of Xara Designer Pro X?

Xara Designer Pro X combines vector illustration, photo editing, and page layout in one app. It has advanced text tools, 3D effects, and a "Live Effects" system for editing without losing quality.

What sets Procreate apart as a graphic design software?

Procreate is for iPad and Apple Pencil, offering a full art studio experience. It has 3D painting, top brush control, PDF import/export, and AR previewing in real-time.

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