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

Let me let you know a secret: I’m no graphic designer, however I’ve managed to tug off some fairly spectacular designs over time.  

From my college 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 for those who’re not a skilled skilled. But when there’s one key factor that I’ve discovered over these years, it’s that the precise graphic design instruments make all of the distinction, whether or not it’s for skilled tasks or simply for enjoyable.

That’s precisely why I’m sharing one of the 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 brand to your aspect hustle, or impress your shoppers with modern visuals, they make the inventive course of a lot smoother and far more satisfying. 

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 one of the 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 “finest” device is dependent upon your targets. However that mentioned, after years of dabbling in design, there are a couple of non-negotiables that I regarded 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 simple to leap in and begin creating with out a steep studying curve.
• Flexibility and options: Whether or not I’m designing a minimalist brand, a fancy 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!
• Price (or lack thereof!): Graphic design software program could be dear, however I get it–these prices usually include superior options that skilled designers, companies, or companies depend on for complicated tasks. For somebody like me, although, free instruments with fundamental functionalities work simply high quality for less complicated design duties, inventive experiments, or fast advertising wants.
• Accessibility: As somebody who switches between usually, I would like instruments which can be accessible anyplace. 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 device slows me down whereas designing, it’s a dealbreaker.
• Collaboration and export choices: Typically, I would like suggestions on a design, or I’m creating one thing for a group mission. Instruments that permit simple sharing, collaboration, and export in a number of file codecs are all the time on the high of my record.
• Enjoyable issue: Lastly, one of the 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 satisfying.

Let’s examine which instruments made the lower.

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

9 free graphic design software program I like

My record 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 one of the best design instruments are people who stability ease of use, and flexibility with out compromising on high quality. Some even embrace spectacular AI options for picture era, background removing, modifying and designing.

Whereas they’re not excellent and have limitations like restricted options or templates on free plans, they nonetheless present glorious performance for creating beautiful designs. Let’s check out the instruments that made the lower. 

As somebody who as soon as closely invested in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, I discovered the free plan of Adobe Artistic Cloud Specific to be a pleasing shock. It’s a incredible device for constructing fast, on-brand social media posts or growing easy advertising supplies.

The consumer interface (UI) of Adobe Specific

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 simple 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 Specific

Making a brand was one of many first issues I attempted, and it was an absolute breeze. I favored having the ability to filter templates by free or premium choices, which saved time and stored issues clear.

Making a brand on Adobe Specific

One function I didn’t count on to take pleasure in 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 inside the platform–one thing that felt revolutionary and helpful. The vary of templates was additionally spectacular.

Utilizing AI picture generator on Adobe Specific

Whether or not I wanted an infographic, a social media publish, or advertising supplies like brochures, flyers, visiting playing cards, or advertisements, I might discover a variety of templates.

Creating infographics for my weblog with templates on Adobe Specific 

I discovered the Beneficial function helped me customise designs shortly and successfully.

Designing flyers on Specific with concepts from the Beneficial function 

In fact, the free plan has its limits. For example, you may’t export PNG recordsdata with a clear background, a should for logos and vector designs. The shortage of an erase device was one other downside. Additionally, you may’t import .ai or .psd recordsdata straight with the free account, which I really feel is important 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 tasks however may really feel restrictive for those who’re engaged on extra in depth designs.

That mentioned, I discovered Adobe Specific to shine in different areas. For one, the watermark solely appeared after I used premium templates or components, so most free sources had been completely usable with none added branding. Collaboration was one other standout function–I liked having the ability to tag folks and edit collectively in actual time, which made it a incredible choice for group tasks.

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

Adobe Specific is out there on internet browser device and as a cell app. 

What I favored about Adobe Specific: 

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

What I did not like about Adobe Specific: 

• Normal limitations on free plan sources 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 excellent for skilled graphic designers, hobbyists, and anybody working with vector illustrations.  

Owned by Canva, Affinity affords 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 attempt it out. It is accessible for MacOS, Home windows, and iPad. 

The consumer interface of Affinity Designer

I felt that it was not beginner-friendly. Particularly for those who’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 Specific in 5 minutes took me a great 20 minutes earlier than I received the hold of the device. However when you get previous the educational curve, it turns into surprisingly simple and quick to work with.

Making a brand with Affinity Designer

Regardless of being feature-heavy like Adobe Illustrator, I felt the efficiency of Affinity is one in every of its greatest strengths. It’s quick, responsive, and handles most duties with ease. I additionally liked 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 might simply transfer recordsdata between Affinity Designer and different software program to refine my tasks.

Export choices on Affinity Designer

Surprisingly, I might additionally save the file with model historical past utilizing Save Historical past with Doc. Additionally, at any time when I had a doubt or received caught, I might 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 newbies. Additionally, it doesn’t embrace options like picture hint or gradient mesh. Whereas truthfully, these aren’t features I take advantage of usually for my design wants at the moment, that is one thing skilled designers undoubtedly care about. 

On the efficiency aspect, whereas it’s typically clean, I did discover a slowdown after I overloaded a mission with results and layers.

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

What I favored about Affinity Designer:

• Versatile file import and export choices. 
• One-time cost for a lifelong license, making it inexpensive and subscription-free.

What I did not like about Affinity Designer:

• Steeper studying curve, particularly for newbies unfamiliar with design instruments.
• Lacks superior options like picture hint and gradient mesh present in Adobe Illustrator.

Now, if there’s one design device I preserve coming again to, it’s Canva. Whereas it was not the primary on-line graphics design device, Canva arguably revolutionized the {industry} by mainstreaming the web-based design device with its easy interface and in depth templates. 

Whether or not I would like social media graphics, weblog banners, displays, 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 device for non-designers and even seasoned entrepreneurs like me who need outcomes with out the trouble of complicated software program.

All it is advisable to do is join an account, and you’re set. Canva lately refreshed its consumer interface. Whereas it is totally different from the outdated one, it is nonetheless the best graphic design software program to make use of. You should utilize it on cell units and internet browsers. 

The consumer interface of Canva

The whole lot 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 shortly. Whereas Adobe Specific affords the same choice, I feel Canva does a significantly better job of showcasing your current recordsdata and guiding you towards what it is advisable to create subsequent.

I completely liked the number of templates it supplied when designing my brand, poster, and no matter I got down to create, and I additionally discovered them to be a lot classier. I might begin with one in every of their hundreds of templates, tweak it with my model colours, fonts, and pictures, and have a cultured design prepared in minutes.

Templates on Canva for my brand design

On high 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 all the pieces I wanted to experiment and produce 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 quick 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. You’ll want to improve to Professional or Groups.

Obtain choices on Canva free 

Plus, Canva isn’t ideally suited 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, displays, and even movies, it’s my go-to design device for velocity, and comfort.

What I favored 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 rivals to Adobe Illustrator, and I lastly gave it a attempt with its 15-day free trial of the CorelDRAW Graphic Design Suite.

The UI appears to be like a bit dated, however proper off the bat, I observed that it’s a powerhouse for vector graphic design. In my view, it is well-suited for skilled designers, particularly these engaged on logos, illustrations, and print supplies.  

The consumer 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 individual design from scratch. Nonetheless, I discovered the templates to be very restricted in comparison with what Canva and Adobe Specific provide. However they nonetheless get the job finished. 

Templates on CorelDRAW

Surprisingly, I favored the templates it had for infographics, and I completely liked that I might simply customise them to my satisfaction.

Designing infographics on CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW affords a considerably bigger canvas measurement in comparison with many different design instruments, which I feel makes it ideally suited for engaged on large-scale tasks like banners, signages, posters, or detailed illustrations.

A serious downside is, nevertheless, efficiency. The device usually slowed down, even with easy designs, and it took up quite a lot of my system reminiscence, which may develop into irritating when engaged on bigger tasks. 

Total, I discovered CorelDRAW to be a strong choice for skilled designers who want precision and superior instruments for vector work. If you happen to’re severe about design and prepared to speculate the time (and cash) to be taught it, you’ll discover that CorelDRAW has all the pieces it is advisable to ship distinctive outcomes. However I would not suggest it for easy and fast design wants. 

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

What I favored about CorelDRAW: 

• Important templates for many design wants that may be personalized 
• Properly-suited for large-scale and technical tasks

What I did not like about CorelDRAW: 

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

Now, for those who’ve ever looked for a free graphic design device, I’m fairly positive you’ve come throughout GIMP, quick for GNU Picture Manipulation Program. I like GIMP further as a result of it’s fully free, open-source, and surprisingly highly effective for what it affords. 

I discovered GIMP filled with unimaginable options for photograph modifying, retouching, and even fundamental graphic design work.

The consumer interface of GIMP

One factor I observed was its template choices are measurement presets for various tasks, like enterprise playing cards, internet banners, and even HD video, not like the ready-to-use templates you discover in Canva or Adobe Specific. That mentioned, the inclusion of a “bathroom paper” measurement as a template undoubtedly gave me a chuckle, however it highlights GIMP’s sudden selection and open-source nature. 

Templates on GIMP

It’s received a strong vary of options you count on in any photoshop software program, like layers, masks, filters, brushes, you identify it. 

I additionally discovered the export and import choices in GIMP to be rather 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 device engaged on my Mac the primary time, the  YouTube movies and the threads on Reddit saved my day.

That mentioned, it’s not essentially the most user-friendly device on the market. The interface feels clunky, particularly for those who’re used to fashionable instruments like Canva or Adobe Specific. It took me some time to determine the place all the pieces was, and I undoubtedly needed to search for a couple of tutorials to get began.

Additionally, whereas it really works properly for vector photographs, photograph modifying, and fundamental design duties, I wouldn’t suggest it to entrepreneurs in case you are in search of 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. If you happen to’re like me and luxuriate in experimenting with free instruments, it’s completely price a shot–simply be able to climb that studying curve. 

What I favored about GIMP: 

• Utterly free and open-source.
• Energetic 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 sincere–I had by no means heard of Plasfy till I stumbled upon it on G2. However after studying critiques calling it “one of the best Canva different,” I knew I needed to give it a attempt. My signing-up course of was a breeze, and getting began felt simply as simple as utilizing Canva, which is saying one thing.

That they had 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, all the pieces was accessible.  The setup felt intuitive, and it was tremendous simple to select a format, customise the design, and begin experimenting with clipart and components like textual content, shapes, and icons.

Completely different design codecs on Plasfy 

I discovered the brand templates sorted by enterprise sort to be tremendous sensible. Whether or not you’re in style, training, or finance, there’s one thing to get you began with out spending hours looking out.

Making a brand on Plasfy

The true spotlight for me, although, was the overlays part. I found Plasfy filled with ready-made badges, sale tags, and internet buttons that are excellent for social media promotions, on-line outlets, 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 cultured, skilled contact to my designs. I felt that this may save time for anybody attempting to market their enterprise or construct eye-catching visuals. Observe that these usually are not customizable with the free plan. 

Overlays on Plasfy for badges, internet buttons, assessment testimonials

That mentioned, 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 might 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 absolutely 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 affords sensible options for rising companies. If you happen to’re prepared to place up with a couple of limitations on the free plan, it’s an incredible device to have in your design toolkit.

Plasify is out there on an internet browser, and the cell app is at the moment in beta. It affords month-to-month subscription plans in addition to a restricted lifetime deal for almost $10.

What I favored 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: 

• Sluggish 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 strong choice for anybody seeking to create fast, professional-looking designs with out a steep studying curve.

The consumer interface of PosterMyWall

As normal, I began off with a easy brand to start with, and inside 5 minutes, I had it prepared utilizing one in every of PosterMyWall’s templates. The method was fast, simple, and precisely what I wanted. I simply picked a design, tweaked the textual content, performed round with the colours, and growth–finished.

Making a brand 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 assumed it might stick round on the ultimate obtain, however to my aid, it didn’t seem after 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 might get issues finished with out getting the watermarks by discovering another components or workarounds, it felt somewhat limiting at occasions. 

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

Resizing photographs on PosterMyWall

If I needed to level out a draw back, although, PosterMyWall solely permits fundamental picture downloads in JPG format on the free plan. If you happen to 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 favored 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 fundamental 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 consumer interface and consumer expertise (UI/UX) design world. As somebody who dabbles in a little bit of all the pieces, I gave it a attempt 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 modern and fashionable the interface was. It felt skilled and well-organized, making it simple to search out my means round, at the same time as a first-time consumer.

The consumer interface of Sketch

Now, let me be upfront with this. Sketch isn’t essentially for everybody. It’s a distinct segment device that basically shines for the UI/UX work of internet sites and apps. That mentioned, 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, fashionable, and minimalist. 

Templates on Sketch

I attempted my hand with some social media promotional posts and advertisements and I might 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 favored about Sketch: 

• Trendy and modern interface
• Straightforward to customise templates 

What I did not like about Sketch: 

• MacOS solely
• Subscription could be dear 

VistaCreate, in my view, 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 liked how simple it was to begin creating.

The consumer interface of VistaCreate

This time, I started with a easy social media publish, and inside 10 minutes, I had a cultured design able to go. I liked that the templates had been fashionable and versatile, and I might tweak just about all the pieces–fonts, colours–you identify it. I additionally liked the way it had music picks able to go along with the Instagram posts. 

Creating an Instagram publish on VistaCreate

Creating the brand was additionally fairly simple. I might even create an animated brand with one in every of their templates. VistaCreate allowed me to obtain it as PNG, JPEG, PDF, and PNG with a clear background. However there is no choice to obtain in SVG format.

Creating an animated brand on VistaCreate

I additionally favored how properly VistaCreate caters to small companies and entrepreneurs. The templates are designed for particular industries and events, which saved me a ton of time trying to find the precise 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 also be solely accessible 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 incredible choice for anybody seeking to create professional-looking designs with out investing an excessive amount of money and time. It really works properly for each static and animated content material.

What I favored about VistaCreate:

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

What I did not like about VistaCreate:

• Resizing and sharing locked underneath paid plans 
• Can’t export in SVG format 

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

Wish to construct your graphic design experience? Discover our free graphic design hub with 50+ sources to develop into a design professional.