- Ease of use: I’m not a fan of overly complicated interfaces or features hidden in obscure menus. The best tools are i beginner-friendly, making it easy to jump in and start creating without a steep learning curve.
- Flexibility and features: Whether I’m designing a minimalist logo, a complex infographic, or a colorful social media post, the software needs to have features that allow me to experiment. Bonus points if it lets me play around with both templates and custom designs!
- Cost (or lack thereof!): Graphic design software can be pricey, but I get it–those costs often come with advanced features that professional designers, agencies, or businesses rely on for complex projects. For someone like me, though, free tools with basic functionalities work just fine for simpler design tasks, creative experiments, or quick marketing needs.
- Accessibility: As someone who switches between often, I need tools that are accessible anywhere. Cloud-based software or apps with cross-platform compatibility always stand out to me.
- Speed and performance: Nothing kills creativity faster than laggy software. If a tool slows me down while designing, it’s a dealbreaker.
- Collaboration and export options: Sometimes, I need feedback on a design, or I’m creating something for a team project. Tools that allow easy sharing, collaboration, and export in multiple file formats are always at the top of my list.
- Fun factor: Lastly, the best tools make designing fun. Whether it’s quirky templates or playful fonts, I want something that sparks creativity and makes the process enjoyable.
How did I find and test the graphic design tools?
To begin my search, I turned to G2’s graphic design software category page, focusing on top-rated tools from drawing software, vector graphics software, and desktop publishing software to build my initial list of contenders.
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