The 9 Finest Free Graphic Design Instruments I’ve Tried (and Beloved!)

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

From my faculty 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 photographs for LinkedIn posts, and attention-grabbing Instagram content material. I’ve even whipped up logos and flyers for my mother’s enterprise and designed advertisements for social media and e-mail campaigns.

In fact, designing can really feel intimidating at first, particularly in the event you’re not a skilled skilled. But when there’s one key factor that I’ve discovered over these years, it’s that the appropriate graphic design instruments make all of the distinction, whether or not it’s for skilled initiatives 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 seeking to design your subsequent viral Instagram publish, create a emblem to your aspect hustle, or impress your shoppers with glossy visuals, they make the inventive course of a lot smoother and far more fulfilling. 

And irrespective of who you’re – a fellow marketer like me, or a freelancer aiming to impress shoppers, 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, choosing the proper one could be overwhelming. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “greatest” instrument relies on your objectives. However that stated, after years of dabbling in design, there are a couple of non-negotiables that I appeared for when testing the  graphic design instruments:

• Ease of use: I’m not a fan of overly difficult 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 out a steep studying curve.
• Flexibility and options: Whether or not I’m designing a minimalist emblem, a posh 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!
• Value (or lack thereof!): Graphic design software program could be dear, however I get it–these prices typically include superior options that skilled designers, businesses, or companies depend on for complicated initiatives. For somebody like me, although, free instruments with primary functionalities work simply tremendous for less complicated design duties, inventive experiments, or fast advertising wants.
• Accessibility: As somebody who switches between typically, I want instruments which can be accessible wherever. Cloud-based software program or apps with cross-platform compatibility all the time stand out to me.
• Velocity and efficiency: Nothing kills creativity quicker than laggy software program. If a instrument slows me down whereas designing, it’s a dealbreaker.
• Collaboration and export choices: Generally, I want suggestions on a design, or I’m creating one thing for a group challenge. Instruments that permit straightforward sharing, collaboration, and export in a number of file codecs are all the time on the prime of my checklist.
• Enjoyable issue: Lastly, the very best instruments make designing enjoyable. Whether or not it’s quirky templates or playful fonts, I would like one thing that sparks creativity and makes the method fulfilling.

Let’s examine which instruments made the reduce.

* This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2024. The product checklist is ranked alphabetically. Some evaluations might have been edited for readability.

9 free graphic design software program I like

My checklist of design instruments consists of 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 embody spectacular AI options for picture technology, background removing, modifying and designing.

Whereas they’re not good 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 reduce. 

As somebody who as soon as closely invested in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, I discovered the free plan of Adobe Inventive Cloud Categorical to be a nice shock. It’s a unbelievable instrument for constructing fast, on-brand social media posts or creating easy advertising 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 workout routines, 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 emblem was one of many first issues I attempted, and it was an absolute breeze. I appreciated having the ability to filter templates by free or premium choices, which saved time and stored issues clear.

Making a emblem on Adobe Categorical

One function I didn’t count on to get pleasure from a lot was the free AI picture generator. Whereas it had a little bit of bother absolutely adhering to prompts, it allowed me to create customized inventory photographs proper throughout the platform–one thing that felt modern 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 supplies like brochures, flyers, visiting playing cards, or advertisements, I may discover a variety of templates.

Creating infographics for my weblog with templates on Adobe Categorical 

I discovered the Really useful function helped me customise designs rapidly and successfully.

Designing flyers on Categorical with concepts from the Really useful function 

In fact, the free plan has its limits. As an illustration, you possibly can’t export PNG recordsdata with a clear background, a should for logos and vector designs. The shortage of an erase instrument was one other disadvantage. Additionally, you possibly can’t import .ai or .psd recordsdata 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 initiatives however may really feel restrictive in the event you’re engaged on extra in depth designs.

That stated, I discovered Adobe Categorical to shine in different areas. For one, the watermark solely appeared once I used premium templates or components, so most free assets have been completely usable with none added branding. Collaboration was one other standout function–I beloved having the ability to tag folks and edit collectively in actual time, which made it a unbelievable choice for group initiatives.

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

Adobe Categorical is offered on internet browser instrument and as a cell app. 

What I appreciated about Adobe Categorical: 

• Intuitive interface and various templates.
• Actual-time collaboration for group initiatives.

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 think about it, the hip model of Illustrator. It’s good for skilled graphic designers, hobbyists, and anybody working with vector illustrations.  

Owned by Canva, Affinity gives 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 strive 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 in the event you’ve by no means used graphic design software program like Adobe’s instruments, Affinity Designer can really feel overwhelming at first. The emblem I created with the template on Adobe Categorical in 5 minutes took me an excellent 20 minutes earlier than I bought the grasp of the instrument. However when you get previous the educational curve, it turns into surprisingly straightforward and quick to work with.

Making a emblem with Affinity Designer

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

Export choices on Affinity Designer

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

Save Historical past with Doc choice 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 embody options like picture hint or gradient mesh. Whereas actually, these aren’t capabilities I exploit typically for my design wants presently, that is one thing skilled designers positively care about. 

On the efficiency aspect, whereas it’s typically easy, I did discover a slowdown once I overloaded a challenge with results and layers.

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

What I appreciated about Affinity Designer:

• Versatile file import and export choices. 
• One-time fee for a lifelong license, making it inexpensive 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 instrument I preserve coming again to, it’s Canva. Whereas it was not the primary on-line graphics design instrument, Canva arguably revolutionized the {industry} by mainstreaming the web-based design instrument with its easy interface and in depth templates. 

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

All you want to do is join an account, and you’re set. Canva not too long ago refreshed its person interface. Whereas it is completely different from the previous one, it is nonetheless the best graphic design software program to make use of. You need to use it on cell gadgets and internet browsers. 

The person interface of Canva

Every 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 screen to get began rapidly. Whereas Adobe Categorical gives the same choice, I feel Canva does a a lot better job of showcasing your present recordsdata and guiding you towards what you want to create subsequent.

I completely beloved the number of templates it provided when designing my emblem, poster, and no matter I got down to create, and I additionally discovered them to be a lot classier. I may begin with considered one of their 1000’s of templates, tweak it with my model colours, fonts, and pictures, and have a refined design prepared in minutes.

Templates on Canva for my emblem design

On prime 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 every little thing I wanted to experiment and convey my concepts to life. I attempted designing posters, brochures, and even internet pages, calendars and magazines and will do it with ease.  

Designing internet 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 brief movies, although. 

Producing photographs 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. It’s essential to improve to Professional or Groups.

Obtain choices on Canva free 

Plus, Canva isn’t superb for extremely technical design work. You gained’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, shows, and even movies, it’s my go-to design instrument for velocity, and comfort.

What I appreciated about Canva: 

• Fast and simple 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 strive with its 15-day free trial of the CorelDRAW Graphic Design Suite.

The UI appears a bit dated, however proper off the bat, I observed 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 personal 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 accomplished. 

Templates on CorelDRAW

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

Designing infographics on CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW gives a considerably bigger canvas dimension in comparison with many different design instruments, which I feel makes it superb for engaged on large-scale initiatives like banners, signages, posters, or detailed illustrations.

A serious disadvantage is, nonetheless, efficiency. The instrument typically slowed down, even with easy designs, and it took up plenty of my system reminiscence, which may turn out to be irritating when engaged on bigger initiatives. 

Total, I discovered CorelDRAW to be a sturdy choice for skilled designers who want precision and superior instruments for vector work. Should you’re critical about design and keen to speculate the time (and cash) to study it, you’ll discover that CorelDRAW has every little thing you want to ship distinctive outcomes. However I would not suggest it for easy and fast design wants. 

CorelDRAW gives each subscription-based and one-time licensing plans. Nonetheless, it may be dear for some customers. 

What I appreciated about CorelDRAW: 

• Important templates for many design wants that may be custom-made 
• Effectively-suited for large-scale and technical initiatives

What I did not like about CorelDRAW: 

• Too gradual, and generally the software program crashes with bigger recordsdata
• Expensive paid plans 

Now, in the event you’ve ever looked for a free graphic design instrument, I’m fairly positive you’ve come throughout GIMP, brief for GNU Picture Manipulation Program. I really like GIMP further as a result of it’s fully free, open-source, and surprisingly highly effective for what it gives. 

I discovered GIMP full of unbelievable options for photograph modifying, retouching, and even primary graphic design work.

The person interface of GIMP

One factor I observed was its template choices are dimension presets for various initiatives, like enterprise playing cards, internet banners, and even HD video, in contrast to the ready-to-use templates you discover in Canva or Adobe Categorical. That stated, the inclusion of a “bathroom paper” dimension as a template positively gave me a chuckle, nevertheless it highlights GIMP’s sudden selection and open-source nature. 

Templates on GIMP

It’s bought a stable vary of options you count on 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 online, printing, or working throughout different software program, GIMP handles all of it with out a hitch.

File codecs supported by GIMP for export

Additionally, GIMP has a really lively group help on boards like Reddit and Youtube. After I had bother getting the instrument engaged on my Mac the primary time, the  YouTube movies and the threads on Reddit saved my day.

That stated, it’s not probably the most user-friendly instrument on the market. The interface feels clunky, particularly in the event you’re used to trendy instruments like Canva or Adobe Categorical. It took me some time to determine the place every little thing was, and I positively needed to lookup a couple of tutorials to get began.

Additionally, whereas it really works nicely for vector photographs, photograph modifying, and primary design duties, I wouldn’t suggest it to entrepreneurs if you’re on the lookout for 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 photographs however doesn’t need to spend a dime. Should you’re like me and revel in experimenting with free instruments, it’s completely price a shot–simply be able to climb that studying curve. 

What I appreciated about GIMP: 

• Utterly free and open-source.
• Lively group help.

What I did not like about GIMP: 

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

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

They’d 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, every little thing was obtainable.  The setup felt intuitive, and it was tremendous straightforward to choose 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 emblem templates sorted by enterprise kind to be tremendous sensible. Whether or not you’re in trend, schooling, or finance, there’s one thing to get you began with out spending hours looking out.

Making a emblem on Plasfy

The actual spotlight for me, although, was the overlays part. I found Plasfy full of ready-made badges, sale tags, and internet buttons that are good for social media promotions, on-line retailers, and advertising 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 might save time for anybody making an attempt to market their enterprise or construct eye-catching visuals. Observe that these aren’t customizable with the free plan. 

Overlays on Plasfy for badges, internet buttons, assessment testimonials

That stated, there are a couple of caveats. Lots 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 observed the platform isn’t as quick as I’d like—loading templates and options generally examined my persistence.

Ready to load templates on Plasfy

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

Plasify is offered on an internet browser, and the cell app is presently in beta. It gives month-to-month subscription plans in addition to a restricted lifetime deal for nearly $10.

What I appreciated about Plasfy: 

• Straightforward to make use of 
• Designs, templates, and components appropriate for social media advertising 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 stable choice for anybody seeking to create fast, professional-looking designs with out a steep studying curve.

The person interface of PosterMyWall

As regular, I began off with a easy emblem to start with, and inside 5 minutes, I had it prepared utilizing considered one of 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 growth–accomplished.

Making a emblem with PosterMyWall

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

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

Resizing photographs on PosterMyWall

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

What I appreciated 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 primary high quality picture downloads and watermarks on some designs
• Restricted space for storing. 

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 every little thing, I gave it a strive 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 observed how glossy and trendy 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 instrument that actually shines for the UI/UX work of internet sites and apps. That stated, it does have good templates for various enterprise design wants, like enterprise playing cards,  mockups, invites, advertisements, and even some social media promotions. I discovered the templates to be elegant, trendy, and minimalist. 

Templates on Sketch

I attempted my hand with some social media promotional posts and advertisements and I may customise the templates the way in which I needed and export it as PNG and PDF. 

Testing a social media carousel template on Sketch

Nonetheless, the largest limitation is that it’s Mac-only and in addition 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 appreciated about Sketch: 

• Fashionable and glossy interface
• Straightforward to customise templates 

What I did not like about Sketch: 

• MacOS solely
• Subscription could be dear 

VistaCreate, for my part, is a hidden gem amongst graphic design apps.  I keep in mind it being referred to as Crello earlier than. It feels tremendous intuitive, and I beloved how straightforward it was to begin 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 trendy and versatile, and I may tweak just about every little thing–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 emblem with considered one of their templates. VistaCreate allowed me to obtain it as PNG, JPEG, PDF, and PNG with a clear background. However there is not any choice to obtain in SVG format.

Creating an animated emblem on VistaCreate

I additionally appreciated how nicely VistaCreate caters to small companies and entrepreneurs. The templates are designed for particular industries and events, which saved me a ton of time looking for the appropriate 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 observed is that sharing and collaborating can be solely obtainable on paid plans, which may be a dealbreaker for anybody working in groups or needing suggestions on their work.  

Total, I might say VistaCreate is a unbelievable choice for anybody seeking to create professional-looking designs with out investing an excessive amount of money and time. It really works nicely for each static and animated content material.

What I appreciated about VistaCreate:

• Fashionable and in depth templates for various advertising supplies 
• Straightforward to create animated designs 

What I did not like about VistaCreate:

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

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

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