Best Graphic Design software
Create social posts, presentations, logos and vector illustrations.
20 apps
Top Graphic Design apps ranked by the community
After Effects is Adobe's application for motion graphics, title animations, compositing and visual effects. It works with layers and keyframes, includes keying, motion tracking and rotoscoping tools, and supports a large ecosystem of plugins, scripts and templates. It is typically paired with Premiere Pro and sold through a Creative Cloud subscription for Windows and macOS.
8 Adobe After Effects alternativesPros
- Standard tool for motion graphics and compositing
- Huge ecosystem of plugins, scripts and templates
- Tight integration with Premiere Pro and other Adobe apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Only available through a Creative Cloud subscription
- Demanding on hardware, with slow previews on complex projects
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesAdobe Firefly is Adobe's family of generative AI models and the app that hosts them. It creates images, vectors and video from text prompts, with style and structure references, and powers features like Generative Fill in Photoshop and Adobe Express. Adobe trains its Firefly models on licensed content and presents them as suitable for commercial use. It runs on the web and mobile, with monthly generative credits.
12 Adobe Firefly alternativesPros
- Trained on licensed content and positioned for commercial use
- Powers Generative Fill in Photoshop and Adobe Express
- Creates images, vectors and video from text prompts
Cons
- Monthly generative credits limit heavy use
- Gets most of its value from a Creative Cloud subscription
- Strict content filters can block some prompts
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPlayground is a browser-based AI tool that started as a general image generator and now focuses on graphic design. You describe what you need, such as a logo, flyer, t-shirt print or social media post, start from a template library and refine the result through chat or an editor, using an in-house model built to render text. A free plan with daily limits sits alongside paid plans.
10 Playground alternativesPros
- Template library for logos, flyers, t-shirts and social posts
- In-house model built to render text cleanly in designs
- Results can be refined through chat or in an editor
Cons
- Free plan comes with daily generation limits
- Less suited to artistic imagery since its shift to graphic design
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsRecraft is an AI design tool that generates both raster images and editable vector graphics (SVG), which suits icons, illustrations, logos and marketing assets. You can create custom styles from reference images so a whole set stays on brand, and its canvas includes background removal, upscaling, inpainting and mockups. It targets designers and marketers, with a free plan and an API for developers.
11 Recraft alternativesPros
- Generates editable SVG vector graphics, not just raster images
- Custom styles from reference images keep asset sets on brand
- Canvas includes background removal, upscaling and mockups
Cons
- Complex vector output can still need manual cleanup
- Higher limits and advanced features are reserved for paid plans
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsCanva is an online design editor built around drag-and-drop templates for social media graphics, presentations, posters, videos and documents. It targets non-designers and marketing teams, with a large stock library, brand kits, real-time collaboration and Magic Studio AI tools for creating and editing images and text. It runs in the browser and as desktop and mobile apps.
12 Canva alternativesPros
- Huge template library makes design accessible to non-designers
- Real-time collaboration and brand kits for marketing teams
- Available on web, desktop and mobile, with Magic Studio AI tools
Cons
- Many templates, assets and AI features sit behind the Pro plan
- Popular templates can make designs look like everyone else’s
- Limited precision for print production or advanced vector work
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesAdobe Express is a web and mobile design app for producing social media posts, flyers, logos, short videos and simple web pages from templates. It includes Adobe Stock assets, Adobe Fonts, brand kits, one-click background removal and Firefly generative AI. It is aimed at small businesses, students and marketers who need quick results without a full Creative Cloud workflow.
11 Adobe Express alternativesPros
- Templates plus Adobe Stock and Adobe Fonts for quick, polished results
- One-click background removal and Firefly generative AI
- Brand kits and mobile apps keep content consistent on the go
Cons
- Premium templates, assets and generative credits require a paid plan
- Less precise than Creative Cloud apps for detailed design work
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesAdobe Illustrator is a desktop vector editor used by designers to create logos, icons, typography, illustrations and print artwork that scale to any size. It offers precise pen and shape tools, multiple artboards, many plugins and tight integration with Photoshop, InDesign and other Creative Cloud apps, plus Firefly features such as text-to-vector generation. An iPad version is also available.
11 Adobe Illustrator alternativesPros
- Industry-standard vector tools for logos, icons and print artwork
- Tight integration with Photoshop, InDesign and Creative Cloud
- Large plugin ecosystem and Firefly text-to-vector generation
Cons
- Subscription-only, with no perpetual license
- Steep learning curve, especially the pen tool
- Can be resource-heavy on large, complex files
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesInkscape is a free, open source vector drawing program for Windows, macOS and Linux that uses SVG as its native format. Illustrators, hobbyists and web designers use it for logos, diagrams, icons, cutting-machine files and print layouts. It provides Bezier and calligraphy tools, path operations, text on path, many extensions and import/export for PDF, EPS and AI files.
10 Inkscape alternativesPros
- Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Native SVG format, ideal for web graphics and cutting machines
- Powerful path operations and a large set of extensions
Cons
- Can feel slow with large or complex documents
- Interface is less polished than commercial vector editors
- Limited CMYK support for professional print workflows
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesAffinity is a professional creative app from Canva that merges the former Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher into one program with vector, pixel and layout workspaces. It is free to download for Windows and macOS, while its optional Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan. It suits designers who want an alternative to Adobe subscriptions and can import PSD, PDF and IDML files.
12 Affinity alternativesPros
- Free download combining vector, pixel and layout workspaces in one app
- Imports PSD, PDF and IDML files from Adobe workflows
- Professional tools without a mandatory subscription
Cons
- Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan
- Smaller plugin and training ecosystem than Adobe’s
- Imported Adobe files can need manual adjustments
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesCorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a long-running vector design package for Windows and macOS, common in sign making, apparel printing, engraving and print shops. Alongside the CorelDRAW drawing and layout app, it bundles Corel PHOTO-PAINT for bitmap editing and a browser-based companion app. It is offered as a subscription or a one-time license, and a free trial is available.
7 CorelDRAW alternativesPros
- Long-standing favorite in sign making, apparel printing and engraving
- Bundles Corel PHOTO-PAINT for bitmap editing
- Choice between a subscription and a one-time license
Cons
- Less common in agencies, which can complicate file exchange with Adobe users
- Expensive for hobbyists and occasional users
- Dense interface with a learning curve for newcomers
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesKittl is a browser-based design tool focused on typography-heavy graphics such as logos, t-shirt prints, labels, posters and social posts. It combines a template library, text effects, vector editing and AI image generation in one editor, and is aimed at print-on-demand sellers and small brands that want polished results without installing desktop software.
10 Kittl alternativesPros
- Strong typography effects for logos, merch and labels
- Templates designed with print-on-demand sellers in mind
- Browser-based, combining vector editing and AI image generation
Cons
- Premium templates and larger AI allowances require a paid plan
- Web-only, so it needs a steady internet connection
- Less suited to multi-page documents or presentations
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsVisme is an online design tool for visual content that has to communicate data or ideas, such as presentations, infographics, reports, charts and social graphics. It offers templates, brand kits, animated and interactive elements, team workspaces and viewer analytics for shared projects. Marketing, training and communications teams use it in place of separate slide and graphics tools.
8 Visme alternativesPros
- Presentations, infographics, reports and charts in one tool
- Animated and interactive elements make content more engaging
- Viewer analytics show how shared projects are consumed
Cons
- Free plan is limited and adds Visme branding to designs
- Broad feature set comes with a learning curve
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesPlatformsVistaCreate, formerly Crello, is an online graphic design editor owned by Vista, the printing company. It provides ready-made templates for social posts, ads, flyers and animated graphics, a stock library of photos, videos and illustrations, brand kits and a background remover. Finished designs can be ordered as prints through Vista, which makes it practical for small businesses.
6 VistaCreate alternativesPros
- Ready-made templates for social posts, ads and animated graphics
- Stock library of photos, videos and illustrations included
- Designs can be ordered as prints directly through Vista
Cons
- Fewer advanced and collaboration features than Canva
- Premium assets and features require a paid plan
- Limited control for detailed or precise design work
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesAdobe InDesign is a desktop publishing application for laying out magazines, books, brochures, reports, interactive PDFs and ebooks. It handles parent pages, multi-column text threading, advanced typography, styles and print preflight, and integrates with Illustrator, Photoshop and Adobe Fonts. Publishers, agencies and in-house design teams use it for long or complex multi-page documents.
6 Adobe InDesign alternativesPros
- Industry standard for magazines, books and long documents
- Advanced typography, styles and multi-column text threading
- Print preflight and smooth handoff with Illustrator and Photoshop
Cons
- Subscription-only, which is costly for occasional use
- Steep learning curve for newcomers to page layout
- Overkill for simple flyers or one-page designs
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesScribus is a free, open source page layout program for Windows, macOS and Linux, used to design newsletters, brochures, posters, magazines and books. It supports CMYK and spot colors, ICC color management, PDF/X export for professional printing and Python scripting. Nonprofits, schools and small publishers use it to produce print-ready files without paid software.
6 Scribus alternativesPros
- Free, open source page layout for Windows, macOS and Linux
- CMYK, spot colors and PDF/X export for professional printing
- Python scripting to automate repetitive layout tasks
Cons
- Interface feels dated and less intuitive than InDesign
- Fewer templates and tutorials than commercial layout software
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesFigma is a design platform for user interfaces, websites and apps where teams edit the same file in real time from the browser or the desktop app. It covers vector design, interactive prototypes, shared component libraries and variables for design systems, and Dev Mode for developer handoff. Plugins, FigJam whiteboards and AI features extend it for product and design teams.
12 Figma alternativesPros
- Real-time multiplayer editing in the browser or desktop app
- Components and variables make design systems manageable
- Huge ecosystem of plugins and community files
Cons
- Paid seats add up quickly for growing teams
- Most work requires an internet connection
- Large files can become slow and memory-hungry
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesAdobe Photoshop is a professional image editor used for retouching, compositing, graphic design and digital painting. It combines layers, masks, adjustment layers, Camera Raw processing and a large plugin ecosystem with Firefly-powered tools such as Generative Fill and object removal. It runs on Windows and macOS, with web, iPad and iPhone versions that sync through Creative Cloud.
12 Adobe Photoshop alternativesPros
- Industry standard for retouching and compositing
- Generative Fill and object removal powered by Firefly
- Vast ecosystem of plugins and tutorials
Cons
- Subscription only, which adds up over time
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Demanding on hardware with large files
Cost / LicenseFree trialProprietaryCategoriesKrita is a free, open source digital painting program developed by the KDE community for illustrators, comic artists, concept artists and texture painters. It offers customizable brush engines, a brush stabilizer, layers and masks, a wrap-around mode for seamless textures and frame-by-frame 2D animation. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with a version for Android tablets and Chromebooks.
8 Krita alternativesPros
- Free, open source painting app with powerful brush engines
- Brush stabilizer and wrap-around mode for seamless textures
- Frame-by-frame 2D animation built in
Cons
- Not designed for photo editing
- Can be demanding on hardware with large canvases
- No version available for iPad
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesPixlr is a family of browser-based image tools, including an advanced layer-based editor, a quick editor for simple adjustments and a template-based designer for social graphics. It adds AI tools for background removal, generative fill and image generation, and is also available as mobile apps. Free use is supported by ads, with Premium plans unlocking more AI credits and tools.
8 Pixlr alternativesPros
- Browser-based editors for quick fixes or layered work
- AI background removal, generative fill and image generation
- Template-based designer for social graphics
Cons
- The free version shows ads
- AI features run on limited credits without Premium
- Less precise than desktop editors for detailed retouching
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesProcreate is a raster painting app built for iPad and Apple Pencil, used by illustrators, comic artists, letterers and hobbyists. It offers many customizable brushes, layers and blend modes, time-lapse recording of each artwork and Animation Assist for simple frame-by-frame animation. It is sold as a one-time purchase, and its developer has committed to keeping generative AI out of the app.
6 Procreate alternativesPros
- Responsive brush engine built for Apple Pencil
- One-time purchase with no subscription
- Time-lapse recording and Animation Assist built in
Cons
- Limited to iPad and iPhone, with no desktop version
- No vector tools for scalable artwork
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesPlatforms
