Best Graphic Design Software of 2022
For about twenty years now, I have been using various graphic design software. So I thought it best to go through what I feel is the best graphic design software programs to match your requirements.
Released in 1987 and 1989 respectively, Adobe’s Illustrator and Photoshop are probably the most recognised and popular software programs on the market. They changed the game for designers and artists massively. They’ve held their own against many competitors over the years and are still widely used today. In this roundup, I compare these classics against some newer graphic design software applications to see how they measure up.
Selecting the correct graphic design software is incredibly important when you wish to create high-quality images and designs. From these tools, it allows you to create logos, illustrations, edit photos and even web design. This guide I have collated provides an overview of the best graphic design software options, to help you choose the best one to meet your needs.
By far this is the most popular graphic design tool on the market. Photoshop is an image creation, graphic design and photo editing software tool developed by Adobe.
A very powerful tool to enable you to create logos, icons, web graphics, packaging design, brochures and so much more
I use this to produce the likes of Catalogues, magazines andhave also creaed web layouts with it. It is an ideal layout design tool.
You can achieve a lot with this serious design tool. Very powerful editing features, create vecotr images, typography, photo editing, layouts and much much more.
I have been using graphic design tools for a number of years now and, for me, being completely honest, the best graphic design software on the market right now is both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign.
If you are a Graphic Designer or just use the tools from time to time, then Adobe is the way forward. In most circumstances you won’t use all of their capabilities (there are a lot) but the basics are perfect to get you what you need. Whether you are editing photos or images for your blog or e-commerce website, then its perfect.
Whilst Adbobe has been a leader for many years, like in all industries, competitors rise to compete with the ones at the top. For this reason, I thought I would collate some options for you so you can make your own decision.
What is the Best Graphic Design Software?
Adobe Photoshop
You really can’t go wrong with Adobe Photoshop software. It really does have everything that a Graphic Designer needs without too much trouble and is a great all rounder. You can also achieve a lot even for a novice. Its where I started.
Adobe Photoshop is a software application that allows users to edit and enhance digital images, as well as create illustrations and animations. It provides a wide range of features and tools that makes image editing and creation a breeze for users, whether you are are a beginner or a professional.
Adobe Photoshop Features
AI Technology – Just recently, Adobe have added a very cool function using their Adobe Sebsei AI technology. With this you can automate certain graphic options without having to to do the heavy lifting.
User Interface – If you are not familiar with Adobes interface, it won’t take long to get used to. It becomes easy to navigate and, importantly, it is customizable to meet your needs. As an example, if you are using certain elements all the time, then you can set these up to be your main elements. There are several workspace layouts for Graphic and Web Design, 3D, photography and photo editing.
Advantages of Photoshop
- Capabilities for altering distinct sorts of image format.
- Professional Color Grading support.
- Advanced layer management.
- Professional Plug-Ins, Filters, Textures, and Overlays.
- Blending pictures and illustrations.
- Supports Video Clips and Animation Layers.
- Has Cloud Storage.
- OpenType SVG Fonts and Emoji Support.
Disadvantages of Photoshop
- It has a number of features that users might find to technical
- Lacks support for SVG file formats.
- The Software consumes more disk space whenin use.
- It is expensive especially for beginners
Adobe InDesign
If you are a publisher and are looking to create catalogues and other functional pieces then I feel that Adobe InDesign is for you. This software is not as heavy going as Photoshop and has solid functionality to create your masterpieces.
Adobe InDesign is a software tool used to create extensive print and digital projects, including newspapers, catalogues, books, and brochures. InDesign is typically used by graphic designers, but it is not uncommon for marketers to use the tool for more basic projects.
Adobe InDesign Features
Master Page Function – InDesign is the best software to use for a project that requires a multi-page design publication. This is because it automatically numbers pages and provides the master page function. This allows users to edit numerous pages using a single edit.
Resizing Content in Frames – InDesign’s resizing content feature is key to success and learning to resize content independent of frame size can really help when completing projects. Be sure to resize content in a way that preserves the integrity of images and changes publications as needed.
Publish Content – The Publish Online (Preview) function makes it easy to publish and share any documents you create on the internet where people can view them without having to install any plugins. Additionally, you can also include slideshows, buttons, video, audio and animation.
Adobe CorelDRAW
Are you a Professional Graphic Designer? If so, then CorelDRAW is for you. It offers great features for those who wish to create, logos, illustrations and is great for vector based projects. It is also a great tool for other marketing materials
CorelDRAW is one of the most popular praphic design software availble for the professional designer.. Its main purpose is t oedit two dimensional images such as posters and logos. Coreldraw graphics suite can be installed directly on to your computer. It carries some weight in the design world yet can be overwhelming for the novice.
CorelDRAW Features
Export Files – You can easily print multiple documents, copy and paste large objects and export accordingly.
Imgae Extraction – I found this one interesting, you can extract images from a clients website by using the new Corel CONNECT search toolbar
Customizable User Interface – You can customize your working environment with Corels desktop software whether its your toolboxes, icon sizing and options for opening documents. I found it useful once I got to grips with this.
Advantages of CorelDRAW
- You can extract images or other requirements of your clients quickly from their website by using the ‘Corel Connect’ tool of this software.
- Has a LiveSketch Tool
- Excellent customization
- It has a full suite of graphic design tools, multiple page format, vector editing, photo editing and much more.
Disadvantages of CorelDRAW
- Payment options are confusing. They need to keep it simple
- More of desktop software and lacks the complimentary mobile applications like Adobe offer.
- This one is for the professionals. If you are a beginner then avoid until you build your skills.
Graphic Design Software Statistics
For those of you who may be interested in which Graphics Design software dominates the market then please take a look at some of the statistics below. We can see who the clear winner is!
1. Adobe Photoshop is the most popular graphic design software with a market share of 21.8%.
2. CorelDRAW has a market share of 10.1%.
3. Adobe Illustrator has a market share of 9.7%.
4. Sketch has a market share of 4.5%.
5. Inkscape has a market share of 2.8%.
6. Adobe Fireworks has a market share of 1.4%.
7. GIMP has a market share of 1.3%.
8. Canva has a market share of 1.1%.
9. Paint.NET has a market share of 0.9%.
10. Affinity Designer has a market share of 0.6%.