While they’re not perfect and have limitations like restricted features or templates on free plans, they still provide excellent functionality for creating stunning designs. Let’s take a look at the tools that made the cut.
1. Adobe Express
As someone who once heavily invested in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, I found the free plan of Adobe Creative Cloud Express to be a pleasant surprise. It is a fantastic tool for building quick, on-brand social media posts or developing simple marketing materials.
The user interface (UI) of Adobe Express
I was impressed by how user-friendly it was right from the start. From the product tour to tutorials and exercises, I found it easy to get started on the platform. It was pretty clear that the platform is designed with non-designers in mind who aren’t used to working with Adobe’s flagship software like Illustrator or Photoshop, which are technical and feature-rich with a steep learning curve.
Tutorials to get started on Adobe Express
Creating a logo was one of the first things I tried, and it was an absolute breeze. I liked being able to filter templates by free or premium options, which saved time and kept things clear.
Creating a logo on Adobe Express
One feature I didn’t expect to enjoy so much was the free AI image generator. While it had a bit of trouble fully adhering to prompts, it allowed me to create custom stock photos right within the platform–something that felt innovative and useful. The range of templates was also impressive.
