Whether you’re looking to design your next viral Instagram post, create a logo for your side hustle, or impress your clients with sleek visuals, they make the creative process so much smoother and way more enjoyable.
And no matter who you are – a fellow marketer like me, or a freelancer aiming to impress clients, or someone just starting your design journey, there’s something here for everyone.
9 best free graphic design software in 2025
- Adobe Express for social media posts and quick marketing materials. ($9.99/month)
- Affinity Designer for professional vector illustrations. ($18.49 for iPad version)
- Canva for social media graphics, posters, marketing designs ($10/month/person)
- CorelDRAW for large-scale print materials and detailed illustrations. ($16.58/month)
- GIMP for photo editing and graphic design experimentation.
- Plasfy for quick marketing designs for small businesses. ($9.99 for a lifetime license)
- PosterMyWall for posters, flyers, and event-specific visuals ($9.95/month)
- Sketch for UI/UX design, web and app interfaces. ($10/month/editor)
- VistaCreate for static and animated social media content. ($10/month)
*These free graphic design tools are listed alphabetically and come with free trials or freemium options. I have included the starting price of the tool’s paid plan for easy comparison.
What makes the best graphic design software?
With over 100 graphic design apps on G2, from vector tools to photo editors and 3D modeling software, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The “best” tool depends on your goals. But that said, after years of dabbling in design, there are a few non-negotiables that I looked for when testing the graphic design tools:
