How Do You Choose Graphic Design Software

[abelvarkey]

I’ve been working in and around graphic design for a while now, and one thing that keeps coming up whether it’s with students, hobbyists, or even professionals is figuring out which software really makes sense for you.

With so many options available today, the choice isn’t as clear-cut as it might seem. Some people default to big names like Photoshop or Illustrator because they assume it’s the “industry standard.” Others swear by open-source tools or newer web-based apps.

From my experience and conversations with peers, it really depends on what kind of design work you’re focused on:

• If your work is mostly about editing photos or creating social media posts, simple online tools or apps with drag-and-drop features might be all you need.
• If you’re into logo design or illustrations, you’ll probably want software that’s strong with vectors and bezier curves.
• If you’re designing layouts for magazines or multi-page PDFs, a layout-specific tool is going to save you a lot of frustration.

What’s also important is understanding that each tool has its own way of doing things. Some programs are really lightweight and easy to learn but offer limited features. Others take time to get used to but give you more creative control once you’re comfortable with them.

For example:

• GIMP can handle quite a bit of image editing but doesn’t always feel as smooth as some commercial tools.
• Inkscape is great for vector graphics, but its interface might feel a little outdated to someone used to newer software.
• Figma has been popular lately for both UI design and general layout work, especially because it works in the browser.
• Even Microsoft Paint or simple apps like it can be useful for rough sketches or quick notes.

I’ve also noticed there’s a bit of pressure in online spaces to always have the “best” or “most advanced” tools. But realistically, it’s about what you’re comfortable with and what fits your workflow. Some designers I know do fantastic work using only web-based tools. Others prefer having everything installed locally with full control.

If someone is starting out, I’d say it’s worth experimenting with a couple of free options first just to get a feel for things. Once you understand how layers, text tools, and exporting work, moving between software becomes easier.

For those here already deeper into graphic design:

• How did you land on the software you currently use?
• Do you feel it’s more important to master one program deeply or to stay flexible with different tools?
• And for people just starting, what would you say matters most features, learning curve, cost, or something else?

Looking forward to hearing how others navigate this!

[PrintDriver]

What free software are you selling?

Professional industry standard is what it is. You can play around all you want with freewares but when it comes to professional production output you need to use what works with the least amount of hassle and produces the best results.

You don’t just use one software. You use the correct tools for the job. That may a combination of tools. That’s why Adobe and Affinity are “suites.” For some projects you’ll use 2 or more programs to create what is needed for production. Print, web, video, experiential; it’s all about the output.

I work in experiential design. You not only use the standard illustrator, photoshop, indesign you also might use AutoCAD for the physical design. For virtual spaces there are any number of 3d rendering softwares to be used. For interface and lighting aspects there is a whole other set of control software. Sometimes you have to use a specific software that works with a specific piece of equipment. You wouldn’t use Gimp to create a 3d virtual background for a green screen and you wouldn’t use some free online rgb raster software to create a corporate brand package.

So go play. When you get serious, dive into what software you really need to use to make a successful career in the design industry you choose. Then learn to use it appropriately. What you want to use doesn’t matter. Getting professional results does.

[Just-B]

I agree with @PrintDriver. Those of us who work professionally in the field use professional-grade tools and regard them as necessary business expenses.

For general graphic design, nothing beats Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite since it contains most of the software tools needed by professional designers, including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, Acrobat, InCopy, XD, etc.

For professional designers who primarily work in print, Affinity’s suite of Designer, Photo, and Publisher is great.

In addition to these standard software applications, many of us also rely on professional software that caters to our specific niches. For example, I’ve relied on BBEdit for years to hand-code websites. I also rely on Glyphs and FontLab to design and build commercial fonts.

Amateurs and hobbyists who don’t want to spend too much money rely on other software, like Gimp, InkScape, or Scribus. However, I can’t imagine a professional using these tools due to their clunkiness and lack of important features.

@abelvarkey

I’ve also noticed there’s a bit of pressure in online spaces to always have the “best” or “most advanced” tools. But realistically, it’s about what you’re comfortable with and what fits your workflow. Some designers I know do fantastic work using only web-based tools.

Here, our assumptions might diverge. Learning how to use software does not make one a designer any more than learning how to pound a nail in makes one a carpenter. In addition, professional carpenters, like professional designers, don’t show up to a job using cheap tools — they buy the best because the best tools are what they need to make a living. For those who only need to clean up their social media posts or occasionally cut a plank in half, well, yeah, anything will suffice if it does what the user wants.

@abelvarkey

If someone is starting out, I’d say it’s worth experimenting with a couple of free options first just to get a feel for things.

And for people just starting, what would you say matters most features, learning curve, cost, or something else?

For those just starting and who are serious about a professional career, software isn’t the first or even the second place to start. A formal design education is the key. Of course, an interest in design comes first, and experimenting with software is usually part of the process of developing an interest. But once that interest becomes a serious option for a lifelong career, a serious design education is the place to start.

[Smurf2]

In Russia, software chooses you!

Its not about choosing. Just what works in the industry.

If Adobe folded in the morning another would eventually power struglle to the top.

Its whatever is mainstream.

If i was told tomorrow to use affinity and corel draw with a side of canva, i would just learn that.

25 years ago learned microsoft publisher a major car manufacturer. Cos rhats what they used.

But without knowledge of output, print, web, mobile etc youre pissing into the wind.

Software is a tool, like a car. Some need gps to get to a destination.

But true drivers can get to where they need to go no matter what car and without gps.

Because knowing pitfalls and how not only how it looks but how it behaves is far more valuable than what software got it to the finish line.

And honestly, arguing about which software is best is like debating whether a ninja or a pirate makes the superior wedding planner. Sure, one’s got stealth and the other’s got a parrot, but at the end of the day, neither matters if you can’t actually organise the cake.

[Smurf2]

Phone typing is a joy