Top 10 Graphic Design Editors of 2024
Graphic design software is an essential tool for designers, developers and creators. There are powerful and versatile options available in this area that cater to a variety of needs and skill levels.
In this blog post, we will try to examine the top 10 graphic design editors, their general features, advantages and disadvantages, pricing models, user experiences and the unique extras they offer.
Adobe Photoshop
General Features
Adobe Photoshop remains a powerhouse in the graphic design world. It offers comprehensive editing tools, from basic photo retouching to advanced compositing. Key features include layers, masks, brushes, text tools, and extensive filters.
Advantages
- Industry standard with a robust feature set
- Regular updates with new features
- Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps
Disadvantages
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Subscription-based pricing can be expensive
Graphic User Experiencess
Users appreciate the depth and precision of Photoshop’s tools but often mention the complexity and cost as drawbacks.
Extra Features
Photoshop’s AI-powered features like Neural Filters and Adobe Sensei provide advanced capabilities such as automatic colorization and content-aware fills.
Adobe Photoshop
Free Version: 7-day free trial available.
Paid Version: Subscription starts at $20.99/month.
Adobe Illustrator
General Features
Illustrator is the go-to vector graphic editor, ideal for creating logos, icons, and illustrations. It offers precision drawing tools, custom brushes, and advanced typography features.
Advantages
- Excellent for scalable vector graphics
- Wide range of export options
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
Disadvantages
- Steep learning curve
- Subscription pricing
Graphic User Experiences
Users value Illustrator’s precise control over vector graphics but note that it can be overwhelming for beginners.
Extra Features
The Shape Builder tool and Puppet Warp feature add flexibility in design.
Adobe Illustrator
Free Version: 7-day free trial available.
Paid Version: Subscription starts at $20.99/month.
CorelDRAW
General Features
CorelDRAW is a versatile graphic design suite that includes vector illustration, layout, photo editing, and typography tools. It is known for its intuitive interface and powerful features.
Advantages
- Comprehensive suite for various design tasks
- User-friendly interface
- One-time purchase option available
Disadvantages
- Less industry penetration compared to Adobe
- Occasional performance issues
Graphic User Experiences
Users appreciate the value and versatility of CorelDRAW but sometimes report stability issues.
Extra Features
CorelDRAW offers unique features like the LiveSketch tool, which converts freehand sketches into precise vector curves.
CorelDRAW
Free Version: 15-day free trial available.
Paid Version: One-time purchase of $499 or subscription at $34.95/month.
Affinity Designer
General Features
Affinity Designer is a vector graphic design software known for its performance and affordability. It offers tools for vector and raster design, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.
Advantages
- One-time purchase with no subscription
- Smooth performance and intuitive UI
- Regular updates and new features
Disadvantages
- Limited integration with other software
- Smaller community and fewer tutorials
Graphic User Experiences
Users love the affordability and performance of Affinity Designer but miss the extensive ecosystem of Adobe products.
Extra Features
The Persona feature allows seamless switching between vector and raster workspaces.
Affinity Designer
Free Version: 90-day free trial available.
Paid Version: One-time purchase of $49.99.
Sketch
General Features
Sketch is a vector graphic design tool primarily aimed at UI/UX design. It offers a clean interface and a variety of plugins to extend functionality.
Advantages
- Optimized for UI/UX design
- Large library of plugins and integrations
- Cloud collaboration features
Disadvantages
- Mac-only software
- Subscription required for cloud features
Graphic User Experiences
Users appreciate Sketch’s focus on UI/UX design and its collaborative features but are limited by its Mac-only availability.
Extra Features
Sketch offers powerful prototyping tools and integration with many popular design and development platforms.
Sketch
Free Version: 30-day free trial available.
Paid Version: Subscription starts at $9/month.
Inkscape
General Features
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphic editor known for its extensive features and customizability. It offers tools for object creation, manipulation, and path editing.
Advantages
- Completely free
- Powerful and customizable
- Extensive community support
Disadvantages
- Less polished interface
- Can be slow with complex projects
Graphic User Experiences
Users appreciate the value and community support of Inkscape but often find the interface less intuitive compared to commercial software.
Extra Features
Inkscape supports a wide range of file formats and has a robust extensions system.
Figma
General Features
Figma is a web-based design tool known for its collaborative features. It offers vector graphics editing, prototyping, and real-time collaboration.
Advantages
- Excellent for team collaboration
- Web-based, works on any platform
- Regular updates and improvements
Disadvantages
- Requires an internet connection
- Free version has limited features
Graphic User Experiences
Users praise Figma for its collaboration features and ease of use but note the dependence on an internet connection.
Extra Features
Figma offers powerful prototyping tools and integration with many popular design and project management platforms.
Figma
Free Version: Limited free plan available.
Paid Version: Subscription starts at $12/month.
Canva
General Features
Canva is a web-based design tool aimed at non-designers. It offers drag-and-drop functionality and a wide range of templates for various design projects.
Advantages
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive template library
- Affordable pricing
Disadvantages
- Limited advanced features
- Requires an internet connection
Graphic User Experiences
Users love Canva’s ease of use and template library but often find it lacking in advanced design features.
Extra Features
Canva offers design collaboration and social media integration tools.
Canva
Free Version: Free plan available with limited features.
Paid Version: Subscription starts at $12.95/month.
GIMP
General Features
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source raster graphic editor. It offers a wide range of tools for photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring.
Advantages
- Completely free
- Powerful and versatile
- Extensive community support
Disadvantages
- Steep learning curve
- Interface can feel outdated
Graphic User Experiences
Users appreciate the power and flexibility of GIMP but often mention the outdated interface and steep learning curve.
Extra Features
GIMP supports a wide range of plugins and customization options.
Procreate
General Features
Procreate is a raster graphics editor designed specifically for the iPad. It offers a wide range of brushes, advanced layering, and robust performance.
Advantages
- Optimized for touch input and Apple Pencil
- Wide range of brushes and tools
- One-time purchase with no subscription
Disadvantages
- iPad-only software
- Limited to raster graphics
Graphic User Experiences
Users love Procreate for its intuitive touch interface and powerful tools but are limited by its iPad-only availability.
Extra Features
Procreate offers advanced features like animation assist and time-lapse recording of your artwork creation process.
Conclusion
Choosing the right graphic design editor depends on your specific needs and preferences.
While Adobe’s products maintain industry standards, alternatives like Affinity Designer and CorelDRAW offer powerful features at a lower cost.
Tools like Figma and Sketch are great for UI/UX designers, and free options like Inkscape and GIMP provide powerful features without the price tag.
Whether you’re a professional designer or a beginner, you’ll find a graphic design editor on this list that will meet your needs in 2024.
We hope it will be useful.
