Top Graphic Design Software Comparison
By Unknown Author | Published: Review Finalized Q3 | Category: Graphic Design Software
About Graphic Design Software
Graphic design software encompasses tools used by professionals and hobbyists to create and manipulate visual content. This includes applications for image editing, vector illustration, page layout, user interface design, and digital painting.
Scoring Criteria
- → Features
- → Ease of Use
- → Performance
- → Value
- → Ecosystem/Integration
- → Platform Availability
The Best Graphic Design Software
#10
Inkscape
By Inkscape Project (Open Source)
A free and open-source vector graphics editor with a comprehensive feature set.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best For: Vector Illustration, Logo Design, Web Graphics, Technical Diagrams, Hobbyist Design
Key Features
- ✓Vector Editing Tools: Includes Pen tool, shape tools, text tools, path operations.
- ✓SVG Native: Uses Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) as its native format.
- ✓Extensibility: Supports extensions to add new features.
- ✓Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- ✓Free and Open Source: No cost to use, modify, or distribute.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Full application functionality
Pros
- + Completely free and open source
- + Powerful vector editing capabilities
- + Cross-platform availability
- + Good SVG standards compliance
- + Active community support
Cons
- - Interface can be less polished or intuitive than commercial alternatives
- - Performance can lag with very complex files
- - Steeper learning curve for some users
- - Less seamless integration with other professional tools
Verdict
"An excellent free alternative for vector graphics work. While it may lack the polish and performance of paid options, its capabilities are impressive for a no-cost solution."
#9
Procreate
By Savage Interactive
A powerful digital painting and illustration app designed specifically for iPad.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: iPad
Best For: Digital Painting, Illustration, Sketching, Lettering, Concept Art
Key Features
- ✓Brush Engine (Valkyrie): Highly responsive and customizable brushes.
- ✓Layer System: Robust layer management with masking and blending modes.
- ✓Performance: Optimized for iPad hardware, providing a smooth experience.
- ✓Animation Assist: Tools for creating simple frame-by-frame animations.
- ✓Touch Interface: Intuitive gesture controls designed for touch and Apple Pencil.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
iPad App
$12.99 / one-time
- Full application access
- All features included
Limitations: Requires iPad
Pros
- + Incredible value (one-time purchase)
- + Superb performance and responsiveness on iPad
- + Intuitive interface optimized for touch/pencil
- + Excellent brush engine
- + Popular among digital artists
Cons
- - iPad only, no desktop or Android version
- - Primarily focused on painting/drawing, not vector or layout
- - Limited integration with desktop workflows
Verdict
"The definitive digital painting app for iPad users, offering professional-grade tools and performance at an exceptionally low price. Unbeatable for iPad-based artists."
#8
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
By Corel Corporation
A comprehensive suite of graphic design software for vector illustration, layout, photo editing, and typography.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Web, iPad
Best For: Vector Illustration, Page Layout, Photo Editing, Signage, Print Production, Technical Illustration
Key Features
- ✓CorelDRAW: Main vector illustration and page layout application.
- ✓Corel PHOTO-PAINT: Image editing application integrated with CorelDRAW.
- ✓Corel Font Manager: Tool for exploring and organizing fonts.
- ✓PowerTRACE: AI-powered bitmap-to-vector tracing.
- ✓Collaboration Tools: Cloud-based commenting and review features.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Annual Subscription
$269.00 / yearly
- Full suite
- Collaboration features
- Updates included
One-Time Purchase
$549.00 / one-time
- Perpetual license for specific version
- No major version upgrades included
Limitations: Does not include future major releases
Monthly Subscription
$39.00 / monthly
- Full suite
- Collaboration features
- Updates included
Limitations: Higher cost over time compared to annual
Pros
- + Comprehensive suite with vector, raster, and layout tools
- + Available as subscription or one-time purchase
- + Strong features for print production and technical illustration
- + Good compatibility with various file formats
Cons
- - Interface can feel dated or complex to some users
- - Less dominant in Mac environments compared to Windows
- - PHOTO-PAINT is generally considered less powerful than Photoshop/Affinity Photo
Verdict
"A versatile and feature-rich suite, particularly strong in the print and signage industries. The option for a perpetual license is appealing to many."
#7
Sketch
By Sketch B.V.
A vector graphics editor primarily focused on UI/UX design and digital interfaces, exclusive to macOS.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: macOS, Web (Viewing/Commenting), iOS (Mirror App)
Best For: UI Design, UX Design, Prototyping, Icon Design, Wireframing, Design Systems
Key Features
- ✓Vector Editing Tools: Intuitive tools optimized for interface design.
- ✓Symbols: Create reusable components for consistent design systems.
- ✓Prototyping: Link artboards to create interactive prototypes.
- ✓Collaboration Tools: Shared workspaces, commenting, and developer handoff features.
- ✓Extensibility: Large library of plugins to extend functionality.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard
$10.00 / monthly (per editor)
- macOS app
- Web app access
- Collaboration features
- Shared workspace
Limitations: Billed annually ($120/year)
Business
$20.00 / monthly (per editor)
- All Standard features
- SSO
- Invoice billing
- Priority support
Limitations: Minimum 25 editors, Billed annually
Pros
- + Clean, intuitive interface focused on UI design
- + Strong symbol and design system features
- + Good performance on macOS
- + Mature plugin ecosystem
- + Effective collaboration tools
Cons
- - macOS only, limiting platform availability
- - Less versatile for general graphic design than competitors
- - Web app is primarily for viewing/collaboration, not full editing
- - Subscription model
Verdict
"A highly polished and efficient UI/UX design tool for Mac users, particularly strong for building design systems, though its macOS exclusivity is a major limitation."
#6
Affinity Photo
By Serif
A professional raster graphics editor providing a comprehensive alternative to Photoshop with a one-time purchase.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad
Best For: Photo Editing, Digital Painting, RAW Development, Compositing, Retouching
Key Features
- ✓Non-destructive Workflow: Extensive use of layers, adjustments, filters, and live filters.
- ✓RAW Editing Persona: Dedicated workspace for processing RAW camera files.
- ✓HDR Merge & Tone Mapping: Combine multiple exposures and adjust tones.
- ✓Focus Stacking: Combine images with different focal points for maximum depth of field.
- ✓Performance: Optimized for speed and efficiency, even with large files.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Desktop License
$69.99 / one-time
- Full software license for macOS or Windows
Limitations: Platform specific license
iPad App
$18.49 / one-time
- Full-featured iPad version
Limitations: iPad only
Universal License
$164.99 / one-time
- All Affinity apps (Designer, Photo, Publisher) on all platforms
Pros
- + Fantastic value (one-time purchase)
- + Professional-level feature set
- + Excellent performance
- + Strong RAW development tools
- + Non-destructive editing options
Cons
- - Interface can be dense for beginners
- - Smaller plugin ecosystem compared to Photoshop
- - Some niche high-end features missing compared to Photoshop
Verdict
"A powerful and affordable Photoshop alternative. It offers a vast majority of the features needed by professionals at a fraction of the long-term cost."
#5
Canva
By Canva
An easy-to-use online design platform for creating social media graphics, presentations, posters, and other visual content.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows (Desktop App), macOS (Desktop App), iOS, Android
Best For: Social Media Graphics, Marketing Materials, Presentations, Simple Video Editing, Resumes, Invitations
Key Features
- ✓Template Library: Vast collection of professionally designed templates for various purposes.
- ✓Drag-and-Drop Interface: Intuitive user experience suitable for non-designers.
- ✓Stock Asset Library: Access to photos, illustrations, icons, and fonts within the platform.
- ✓Collaboration Features: Share designs and work together with team members.
- ✓Brand Kit: Store logos, color palettes, and fonts for consistent branding (Pro feature).
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- 250,000+ free templates
- 100+ design types
- Free photos and graphics
- 5GB cloud storage
Limitations: Limited template access, Limited stock assets, Basic brand kit features
Pro
$12.99 / monthly
- 100+ million premium stock photos, videos, audio
- 610,000+ premium templates
- Brand Kit
- Background Remover
- Magic Resize
- 1TB cloud storage
Teams
$14.99 / monthly (per person)
- All Pro features
- Team collaboration tools
- Approval workflows
- Team reports
Pros
- + Extremely easy to use, great for beginners
- + Huge library of templates and assets
- + Accessible on multiple platforms including web and mobile
- + Good collaboration features
- + Affordable Pro plan with significant value
Cons
- - Limited creative control compared to professional software
- - Not suitable for complex illustration or photo manipulation
- - Template-driven approach can lead to generic designs
- - Vector editing capabilities are basic
Verdict
"An excellent choice for non-designers, small businesses, and social media managers needing to create visually appealing content quickly and easily without a steep learning curve."
#4
Figma
By Figma (acquired by Adobe, pending regulatory review)
A collaborative, web-based interface design tool focused on UI/UX design and prototyping.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows (Desktop App), macOS (Desktop App), iOS (Mirror App), Android (Mirror App)
Best For: UI Design, UX Design, Prototyping, Wireframing, Team Collaboration, Design Systems
Key Features
- ✓Real-time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same file simultaneously.
- ✓Vector Network: Flexible vector editing beyond traditional paths.
- ✓Prototyping: Build interactive prototypes directly within the design file.
- ✓Component Library: Create reusable UI elements and manage design systems.
- ✓Web-Based: Accessible from any browser, no installation required for core use.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- 3 Figma files
- Unlimited personal files
- Unlimited collaborators
- Plugins and templates
Limitations: Limited project count, Limited version history
Professional
$12.00 / monthly (per editor)
- Unlimited Figma files
- Unlimited version history
- Sharing permissions
- Team libraries
Organization
$45.00 / monthly (per editor)
- Org-wide libraries
- Design system analytics
- Branching and merging
- Centralized admin
Pros
- + Excellent collaboration features
- + Web-based accessibility
- + Strong prototyping capabilities
- + Generous free tier
- + Rapidly growing plugin ecosystem
Cons
- - Primarily focused on UI/UX, less suited for complex illustration or print
- - Requires internet connection for most features
- - Performance can depend on browser/system specs
Verdict
"The leading platform for collaborative UI/UX design and prototyping, offering unmatched real-time teamwork and accessibility via its web-based nature."
#3
Affinity Designer
By Serif
A powerful vector graphics editor with integrated raster editing capabilities, offered as a one-time purchase.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad
Best For: Vector Illustration, UI/UX Design, Web Graphics, Concept Art, Print Projects
Key Features
- ✓Vector and Raster Personas: Switch seamlessly between vector and pixel editing environments.
- ✓Performance: Optimized for speed, handling complex documents smoothly.
- ✓One-Time Purchase: No subscription required, offering significant cost savings.
- ✓Advanced Grids and Guides: Flexible grid systems including isometric grids.
- ✓Symbol Linking: Create reusable elements that update across the document when edited.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Desktop License
$69.99 / one-time
- Full software license for macOS or Windows
Limitations: Platform specific license
iPad App
$18.49 / one-time
- Full-featured iPad version
Limitations: iPad only
Universal License
$164.99 / one-time
- All Affinity apps (Designer, Photo, Publisher) on all platforms
Pros
- + Excellent value (one-time purchase)
- + Combines vector and raster tools effectively
- + High performance
- + Professional feature set
- + Clean user interface
Cons
- - Smaller community and fewer tutorials than Adobe
- - Less extensive plugin support
- - No equivalent to Adobe's full cloud ecosystem
Verdict
"An outstanding alternative to Illustrator, offering professional-grade vector and raster tools at an unbeatable price point. Ideal for those seeking power without subscription."
#2
Adobe Illustrator
By Adobe
The leading software for creating vector graphics, illustrations, logos, and typography.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad
Best For: Logo Design, Illustration, Iconography, Typography, Print Layouts, Web Graphics
Key Features
- ✓Vector Drawing Tools: Precise creation and manipulation of paths and shapes using Pen Tool, Shape Builder, etc.
- ✓Artboards: Manage multiple design variations or pages within a single document.
- ✓Advanced Typography: Extensive control over text formatting, styling, and layout.
- ✓Integration with Creative Cloud: Works seamlessly with Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, etc.
- ✓Scalability: Create resolution-independent graphics that scale infinitely without loss of quality.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Single App
$22.99 / monthly
- Illustrator
- 100GB Cloud Storage
- Adobe Fonts
- Adobe Portfolio
Creative Cloud All Apps
$59.99 / monthly
- All Adobe creative apps
- 100GB Cloud Storage
Pros
- + Industry standard for vector graphics
- + Powerful and precise tools
- + Excellent typography features
- + Seamless integration with Adobe suite
- + Scalable output
Cons
- - Complex interface for newcomers
- - Subscription-only pricing
- - Can be resource-heavy
Verdict
"The essential tool for professional vector illustration and design. Its power and integration justify the subscription for most professionals."
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#1
Adobe Photoshop
By Adobe
The industry standard for raster graphics editing, photo manipulation, and digital painting.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad
Best For: Photo Editing, Digital Painting, Web Design Mockups, Compositing, Print Design Elements
Key Features
- ✓Layer-based Editing: Non-destructive editing workflow using layers and masks.
- ✓Content-Aware Fill: Intelligently fill selections by sampling surrounding pixels.
- ✓Advanced Selection Tools: Precise selection capabilities using tools like Object Selection, Quick Selection, and Pen Tool.
- ✓Brush Engine: Extensive customizable brushes for painting and drawing.
- ✓Integration with Creative Cloud: Seamless workflow with other Adobe applications like Illustrator and InDesign.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Photography Plan (20GB)
$9.99 / monthly
- Photoshop
- Lightroom
- 20GB Cloud Storage
Limitations: Limited cloud storage compared to other plans
Single App
$22.99 / monthly
- Photoshop
- 100GB Cloud Storage
- Adobe Fonts
- Adobe Portfolio
Creative Cloud All Apps
$59.99 / monthly
- All Adobe creative apps
- 100GB Cloud Storage
Pros
- + Unmatched feature set for raster editing
- + Industry standard, wide adoption
- + Excellent integration with Creative Cloud
- + Powerful tools for professionals
- + Regular updates
Cons
- - Steep learning curve for beginners
- - Subscription-only model can be costly
- - Can be resource-intensive
Verdict
"The definitive tool for professional photo editing and raster manipulation, offering unparalleled depth but requiring significant investment in time and money."
Author information could not be loaded for this review.
Final Thoughts
The graphic design software landscape offers diverse options, from industry-standard subscription suites like Adobe's to powerful one-time purchase alternatives like Affinity's, collaborative web-based platforms like Figma, accessible tools like Canva, and capable free software like Inkscape. The best choice depends heavily on specific needs, budget, platform, and whether the focus is on raster, vector, UI/UX, or general design tasks.