16+ Best Graphic Design Software for All Businesses FREE & Paid

Are you someone who thrives on creativity, whether designing eye-catching logos, crafting compelling marketing materials, or transforming simple photos into stunning works of art? If the thought of diving into the world of graphic design excites you, you're exactly where you need to be.

In this article, we’ll take you through the best free graphic design software available in 2024, perfect for businesses of all sizes. We'll look at some of the best resources to help you realize your artistic ambitions at a price you can afford.

What Types of Graphic Design Software Are There?

To help you choose, here’s a quick look at the main types of graphic design software and what they’re best for:

• Desktop Publishing Software: This software is perfect for creating professional-looking printed materials or polished online documents. If your business regularly produces content like catalogs or brochures, you'll need it.

Top 16 Best Free Graphic Design Software

Web Design 

1. Figma

Figma is widely recognized as one of the top free graphic design software options, especially for web design. Major brands favor it for its collaborative design platform, which includes features like live chat and comments that allow entire teams to work together seamlessly. Figma also offers live prototypes, enabling users to test features and share designs with stakeholders before launching a website. While it’s packed with advanced tools, Figma remains easy to use, making it an excellent choice for those with some design experience. 

Highlight Features:

• Advanced font features with OpenType support
• Auto Layout for instant resizing and stretching of items
• Instant Arc for easy design of circle shapes and arches
• Excellent collaboration features, including live chat and comments

Pricing: 

• Free 
• Professional Team - $15/full seat/mo 
• Organization - $45/full seat/mo or $25/mo for Dev Mode only
• Enterprise - $75/full seat/mo or $35/mo for Dev Mode only

2. Visme

Visme is versatile graphic design software that excels at creating presentations, slideshows, social media infographics, banners, and ads. Though some services are limited to subscription plans, users can access a vast library of photos, movies, audio, animated graphics, and symbols. 

Highlight Features:

• Extensive library of images, videos, and audio
• Access to animated illustrations and icons
• Numerous customizable templates, especially for presentations
• Functionality for creating simple animations
• User-friendly UI that is simple to pick up and use
• Collaboration tools, including direct link sharing and comment functionality

Pricing:

• Basic - FREE
• Starter - $12.25/mo
• Pro - $24.75/mo
• Enterprise - Contact support and book a demo

3. Wix

Wix is popular for creating a simple yet visually appealing website, blog, or portfolio. The intuitive drag-and-drop builder makes it easy for beginners to craft their websites quickly. However, upgrading to a paid plan or exploring other alternatives is necessary to gain more control over your site and unlock monetization options.

Highlight Features:

• 500 MB of storage
• Beginner-friendly page editor
• Intuitive drag-and-drop builder
• Wix hosting with a free subdomain
• A variety of mobile-responsive templates and design elements

Pricing:

• Light - $17/mo
• Core - $29/mo
• Business - $36/mo
• Business Elite - $159/mo

4. Canva

Canva is a versatile online tool perfect for handling various graphic design tasks, especially for routine content creation for social media and marketing campaigns. It offers hundreds of free templates, various color combinations, and font sets, allowing users to easily add shapes, stickers, and text to bring their ideas to life. Canvas Design School provides tutorials and courses that help users get up to speed quickly. 

Highlight Features:

• Numerous free templates for various content types
• Easy navigation and a simple interface, ideal for beginners
• Use a text prompt to change the texture of words and titles.
• Tools for editing videos for Reels, advertising, and TikTok
• Directly sketch onto templates using interchangeable brushes.

Pricing: Canva is free to use but has limited elements and features. To unlock advanced features, you must pay an amount depending on your needs. See details here!

Vector Graphic Editors

5. Vectr

Vectr is an excellent choice for quick, web-based designing, particularly for beginners who will benefit from the welcome tutorial and customizable editing interface. It supports SVG, PNG, and JPEG file formats, and its user-friendly layer editing ensures an efficient workflow without taking up hard drive space. 

Highlight Features:

• Live collaboration tool with real-time project viewing and chat functionality
• Support for SVG, PNG, and JPEG file formats
• User-friendly layer editing
• Web-based design, saving hard drive space
• Pen/Pencil tools for drawing vector paths
• Ability to create scalable watermarks for print or online
• Hundreds of design elements arranged by category

Pricing: 

• FREE
• Premium 1 - $3.99/month 
• Premium 2 - $5.99/month
• Credit purchases are also available for $2.99 (50), $4.99 (100), and $9.99 (300).

6. Inkscape

Inkscape is the greatest free graphic design program for making scalable vector graphics (SVG). It offers various object creation and manipulation tools, making it ideal for advanced or professional designers, illustrators, and animators. With pencil, pen, and calligraphy tools, Inkscape allows users to draw freehand paths, straight lines, Bezier curves, and filled paths. 

Highlight Features:

• Extensive object creation and manipulation tools, including pencil, pen, and calligraphy tools
• Advanced text tools with multi-line text, kerning, letter spacing, and line spacing adjustments
• Gradient editor with multi-stop gradients and various color selection options (RGB, HSL, CMYK, color wheel, CMS)
• Bitmap tracing for color and monochrome paths
• Support for a wide range of formats, including PNG, OpenDocument Drawing, DXF, sk1, PDF, EPS, and PostScript
• Integration with other open-source software like GIMP
• Ability to move, align, and distribute nodes and Bezier handles

Pricing: FREE

7. Lunacy

Lunacy is one of the best free graphic design software options for layering. It offers a vast collection of icons, illustrations, and photos that can be layered onto templates with ease. It simplifies layer editing by automatically arranging elements based on size, eliminating the need to manually move assets. Users can also draw directly onto designs, providing complete creative control and efficiency. 

Highlight Features:

• Thousands of icons, illustrations, and photos available for layering
• Automatic layer arrangement based on element size
• Ability to draw directly onto designs
• Excellent team collaboration tools and generative AI for text and avatars
• Image upscaling for enhancing photo resolution
• Background remover for transparent backgrounds
• Vector manipulation and web design capabilities
• Free access to features typically found in paid software

Pricing:

• FREE
• Pro - $11.99/mo
• Enterprise - Contact Lunacy Team

Video Editing and 3D Modeling 

8. Blender

Blender is open-source software for creating short films, visual effects, advertisements, and 2D and 3D drawings. While it is widely used by animation companies and digital artists, Blender also seamlessly integrates into commercial projects, including interior and automotive design, video retouching, and VR learning. The software offers advanced features like rendering, sculpting, and modeling, which are well-suited for professionals. However, beginners can still use Blender's basic video editing capabilities, such as video cuts, splicing, and audio syncing.

Highlight Features:

• Open-source software for 2D and 3D creation
• Ideal for animation, visual effects, and short films
• Suitable for commercial projects like interior design and VR learning
• Advanced features include 3D modeling, sculpting, and VFX
• Basic video editing capabilities for beginners
• Supports video cuts, splicing, and audio syncing

Pricing: FREE

9. SketchUp

SketchUp is a beginner-friendly graphic design software tool primarily focused on 3D modeling. The free plan offers access to a web-based app, a mobile viewer for iOS and Android, and 10 GB of cloud storage for saving and sharing projects. SketchUp is versatile and well-suited for various fields, including interior design, architecture, construction, product design, and retail. It also features a 3D Warehouse filled with pre-built models, allowing users to start their projects without building from scratch.

Highlight Features:

• Web-based app with a mobile viewer for iOS and Android
• 10 GB of cloud storage for project saving and sharing
• 3D Warehouse with a database of pre-made 3D designs
• Suitable for interior design, architecture, construction, product design, and retail
• Low learning curve, ideal for beginners

Pricing: SketchUp offers plans depending on the area. See details here!

Desktop Publishing Software

10. LibreOffice Writer

LibreOffice Writer is a versatile word processor that handles input texts in various file formats, enabling users to edit and export documents into print-ready formats. It is comparable to Microsoft Word and includes features for building forms, equations, charts, and indexes. The software is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS as part of the broader LibreOffice suite. Additionally, users can view and edit documents on smartphones using a mobile app based on the same source code.

Highlight Features:

• Advanced text editing tools
• As-you-type spelling and grammar checker
• Side-by-side document comparison to view changes between different versions
• Native support for building forms, equations, charts, and indexes
• Available for Linux, Windows, macOS, and a mobile app

Pricing: FREE

11. Scribus

Scribus is open-source desktop publishing (DTP) software that has been in use since 2001. It offers capabilities comparable to Adobe InDesign. It is ideal for creating page layouts for books, newspapers, brochures, and other printed materials, and it can export files as PDFs. Scribus is a desktop application for multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. The software includes all the essential tools for professional printing, from color management to templates and typographic grids.

Highlight Features:

• Professional publishing tools
• Extended color support, including national and government color standards
• Pre-designed templates for various print formats
• Classic typographic grid for precise layout design
• Active user community offering support and resources

Pricing: FREE

12. DesignWizard

DesignWizard is one of the best free graphic design software options for beginners. It offers a vast library of over 10,000 free templates and an easy-to-use interface. The software provides a straightforward design experience, allowing users to quickly create custom templates or utilize existing ones for social media posts, ads, and other visual content. Despite some limitations in the free version, such as restricted access to premium templates and tools, DesignWizard remains a strong choice for those new to graphic design.

Highlight Features:

• Over 10,000 free templates are available for various design needs
• Simple and intuitive interface ideal for beginners
• Flexibility to resize designs for different social media platforms
• Option to change background transparency for specialized printing needs
• Easy-to-visualize font selection with real-time text previews

Pricing: 

• Basic - FREE
• Pro - $9.99/mo

13. Adobe Express

Adobe Express, formerly known as Adobe Spark, is a versatile graphic design tool emphasizing predefined content formats. Users can start by selecting the type of content they wish to create, such as a brochure, poster, or business card, and then choose from a wide array of available templates to customize. The free version of Adobe Express provides access to over 1,000 Adobe fonts and basic shape and text settings that can be adjusted with just a few clicks.

Highlight Features:

• Thousands of professionally designed templates for various content formats
• Access to over 1,000 Adobe fonts in the free version
• Easy-to-use customization tools for basic shape and text settings
• Integration of generative AI tools to enhance design capabilities

Pricing: Adobe Express offers plans to suit different customers. See details here!

Raster Graphics Editors

14. GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source software that allows users to edit photos and create graphics. It is one of the best free graphic design software options for beginners aspiring to become professional designers. GIMP's cost-free nature makes it an ideal starting point for newcomers, offering a platform where users can develop their skills without any financial investment. Despite its age, GIMP remains a robust tool due to a dedicated community of developers who continuously maintain and improve it, ensuring high-quality, professional output for those who master its capabilities.

Highlight Features:

• Comprehensive brush-based tools for freehand illustration
• Extensive library of plugins for interface customization
• RAW support and CMYK color editing for professional photo editing and printing
• High-quality retouching and restoration tools for photo editing
• Ability to create icons and graphic design elements from scratch
• Customizable brush selection with options to create unique brushes

Pricing: FREE

15. Pixlr

Pixlr is a versatile photo editor integrating AI-driven design features to streamline the creative process. It includes advanced tools like background and object removal, generative fill and expand, and text-to-image capabilities, enabling users to craft unique illustrations and conceptualize creative ideas effortlessly. 

Highlight Features:

• Generative AI tools for background and object removal
• A wide-ranging template library for diverse design needs
• Batch photo editor tool for processing multiple images simultaneously
• User-friendly interface across browser, mobile, and desktop platforms

Pricing: FREE

16. Krita

Krita is a free, open-source, cross-platform graphic design software designed for artists who prefer creating artwork from scratch. It suits concept art, illustrations, comics, matte paintings, and 2D animations. The software recently received a significant update, introducing a re-coded brush editor, enhanced color selection, and improved audio support for animations.

Highlight Features:

• Three different ways to smooth and stabilize brush strokes
• Repeat images with real-time updates using Wrap-Around Mode
• Built-in vector tools and bubble templates for creating comic panels
• Extensive resource center with texture packs, vector libraries, and beginner-friendly templates

Pricing: FREE

What Makes A Good Graphic Design Software?

A good graphic design software should be a versatile tool that empowers you to create stunning visuals efficiently. Here are the key factors to consider:

Feature Richness:

• Vector and Raster Graphics: Support for both types is essential for various design needs.
• Drawing Tools: Pens, pencils, brushes, and shapes for precise drawing and illustration.
• Text Tools: Typography options, including fonts, kerning, and leading.
• Image Editing: Tools for adjusting color, brightness, contrast, and applying filters.
• Layout and Design: Grids, guides, and alignment tools for creating balanced compositions.

Ease of Use:

• Intuitive Interface: A user-friendly layout and clear navigation.
• Learning Curve: A gentle learning curve for beginners while offering advanced features for professionals.
• Customization: The ability to personalize the workspace to suit your workflow.

Performance:

• Speed: Handles large files and complex designs without significant lag.
• Stability: Reliable performance and minimal crashes.

Compatibility:

• File Formats: Supports many file formats, including popular ones like PSD, AI, and JPG.
• Operating Systems: Compatible with your preferred operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Integration:

• Plugins and Extensions: Offers a variety of plugins and extensions to expand functionality.
• Cloud Storage: Integrates with cloud storage services for easy backup and collaboration.

Community and Support:

• Online Resources: A large, active community with forums, tutorials, and documentation.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer support channels for assistance when needed.

Price:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Offers a good balance between features and price.
• Subscription Models: Considers subscription-based models versus one-time purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the art and craft of creating visual communications, using typography, imagery, and layout to inform, persuade, or entertain. It involves arranging elements to achieve specific goals, such as branding, advertising, or user interface design.

2. How long does it take to learn graphic design?

Learning graphic design on your own can vary depending on several factors, including your existing skills, dedication, and goals. If you're starting from scratch, you can grasp the basics within a few weeks by practicing consistently and using online resources. However, mastering graphic design and becoming genuinely proficient can take years.

If you want to create simple designs, like social media posts, you might feel comfortable after a few months of focused learning. But if you’re aiming for a professional career in graphic design, expect to invest much more time. While a university program typically takes about four years, self-learning or online courses might take several months to a few years, depending on how deeply you dive into the subject and how much time you dedicate to practicing and refining your skills.

3. What features should I look for in the best free graphic design software?

When choosing the best free graphic design software, there are several key features you should look for to ensure you have the tools you need to create stunning designs:

• Express Templates: Pre-made templates that make it easy to start your designs quickly.
• Stock Photos: Access a library of stock images to enhance your projects without needing to source them separately.
• Intuitive Interface: A user-friendly design that’s easy to navigate, even for beginners.
• AI-Powered Design Tools: Advanced tools using artificial intelligence to help you create more efficient designs.
• Digital Painting: Tools that allow you to create digital artwork with various brushes and techniques.
• Brush Tools: A range of brush options for drawing and painting in your designs.
• Text Tools: Flexible text editing options for adding and customizing text in your designs.
• Photo Editing Tools: Features that let you edit and enhance photos directly within the software.
• Beginner-Friendly: A platform that’s easy to learn and use, even if you’re just starting.
• Fast Performance: Software that runs smoothly and quickly so you can work without frustration or delays.

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Final Words

The right graphic design software can elevate your brand’s first impression and ongoing visuals. Whether you're a beginner or looking to advance your skills, there's a tool for every need. Adobe Express is perfect for easy, cost-free design, while Inkscape and GIMP offer more advanced options. Choose the software that best aligns with your goals, and start creating a lasting impact with your designs.