9 Best Graphic Design Software Apps in 2023 (Free and Paid)

What are the best graphic design software apps in 2023? Well, the answer lies in what you need it for. Your choice should be a graphic design software that will fulfil your interests and goals. Here’s a list of the Best Graphic Design Software Apps in 2023 (Free and Paid)

While professional designers may look for software with advanced features, a marketing manager who works with social media content for instance may need a beginner’s free graphic design software.

This blog will run you through the 9 Best Graphic Design Software Apps in 2023 (Free and Paid) that you may want to consider if you intend to take up a career in graphic design or may need to incorporate into your business.

1.     GIMP- GNU Image Manipulation Program

Available on	What’s free?	Skills	Pros	Cons
Linux Windows macOS	Photo editor High-quality customizable brushes Automatic image enhancement	Beginners	Many tools for a free graphic designing software app Good  community	Not easily updated Less recognized

Key Features

GIMP is the undisputed leader when customization and graphics manipulation are concerned. It is ideal for the latest retouching. It is the most popular open-source, free raster graphics editor.

2.     Gravit Designer

Available on	What’s free?	Skills	Pros	Cons
Linux·   Windows·      Mac OS Chrome OS·	Vector-based graphic design Software	Beginners	Great cloud program Variety of features	The free version is not as efficient as pro

Key Features

Gravit Designer is sleek and customizable with a clean interface. Among the Best Graphic Designing Software Apps available  Gravit is great for animations, making logos, illustrations, and photo manipulations and it’s free!

3.     Vectr

Available on	What’s free?	Skills	Pros	Cons
Windows Linux Chrome OS	Graphics editor	Beginner	100% beginner friendly    Good collection of tutorial videos Free forever	Slightly limited capabilities Old-fashioned sign-up process

Key Features

Owing to the low learning curve, this graphic design software is ideal for beginners. Vectr app has collaboration and synchronization options making it suitable for a team to connect and collaborate.

4.     Inkscape

Available on	What’s free?	Skills	Pros	Cons
Linux Windows macOS	Vector graphics editor.	Advanced	Plenty of filters Community-centred website	Difficult learning curve    Tends to be slow Does not support CMYK print

Key Features

Inkscape is the best free graphic design software app for community support. Equipped with plenty of advanced features like alpha bending, markets, and cloned objects, its ability to create sophisticated artwork is noteworthy.

5.     Pixir X

Available on	What’s free?	Skills	Pros	Cons
Windows   Android Browser iOS	Photo editing and design tools with AI-power	Beginners	Ease of use Readily accessible from any gadget with an internet connection, making it easy for students	Some keyboard shortcuts don’t work as expected Weird quirks in the interface can make it less intuitive

Key Features

Pixir X is the most student-friendly among the best graphic design software apps we are discussing here. Its ability to work with layers enables students to manipulate their designs and thereby create professional-looking designs. Multiple users can simultaneously work on a design allowing room for teamwork and collaboration

6.     Adobe Photoshop

Available on	Pricing	Pros	Cons
Windows (64-bit, 8GB RAM, 7.4GB storage) Mac (64-bit,8GB RAM, 6.5GB storage)	Photoshop Plan-US $ 20.99/month All Apps Plan-US $ 54.99/month	User-friendly interface   Varied features   Total support of Drawing Tables Professional color grading	Complex app to master   Not ideal for teamwork  The computer needs to be powerful Absence of annual updates

 Key Features

Arguably one of the best graphic design software apps we are discussing here, Adobe Photoshop is used by millions of artists worldwide. It has tools for every level starting from minor edits to sophisticated designs In addition to image editing you can create naturalistic artwork and composition with this software.

7.     Sketch

Available on	Pricing	Pros	Cons
Mac-macOS Big Sur (11.0.0) or newer	Standard Plan-US $ 9/month·        Business Plan-US$ 20/month	Intuitive UI·        Vector-based design·        Customizable Plugins·        Many plugins to download	Freehand drawing is not possible·        Merging of components is an issue·      Lack of direct support forAnimation·        Only available on Mac

Key Features

Sketch is a Mac-only graphic design software committed primarily to digital design. It isn’t built for photo editing or print work, but to create websites, apps, and interfaces. The program has an intelligent layout feature in which the component will automatically resize based on content.

8.     Affinity Designer

Available on	Pricing	Pros	Cons
Windows-64- bit support, Windows 11 or Windows10 May 2020 Update 8GB RAM and 1GB of storage·        MacOS-8GB RAM and 2.8GB of storage·        IPad 15, AIR 2, and later.	Affinity V2 Universal License at US$169.99·    Affinity Designer desktop version at US $69.99 and iPad version at US $19.99	Toggling ability among workspaces·      Ability to create 2D and isometric designs·      Vector design tools·        Permanent availability of design history	Inability to export files·      3D design options are limited·      Complex to understand·      Absence of natural perspective grid.

Key Features

The Affinity Designer is a cheaper substitute for Adobe Illustrator. If you compare the best graphic design software apps in the industry this app is most appropriate for freshers aspiring for a career in graphic design. A phenomenal feature of Affinity Designer is that you can get floating-point accuracy by magnifying your artwork, even by more than a thousand percent.

9.     Lunacy

Available on	What’s free?	Pricing	Pros	Cons
·   Mac-macOS v 10.14 or later, 4GB RAM and 1GB storage·      Windows- Windows 11 or Windows 10, 4GB RAM and 1GB storage·        Linux-Debian-based non-Asian versions	UI, UX, and web design	Free trial available   The graphic + music package is US$29	Creating mock-ups      Resource consumption is reasonable  Vector editing capacities·        Icons and built-in templates	Restricted file compatibility   Absence of cross-application·        No additional shapes and slicing tools    Inefficient performance with larger files

Key Features

Unlike other graphic design software Lunacy is independent of the internet. You can also opt for online collaboration with peer designers. The application user interface comes in 21 languages. With Lunacy you will save loads of time that you would otherwise spend googling for graphics. Lunancy is also equipped with handy AI-powered tools to automate routine tasks.

The career path of Graphic Designers

A career in graphic design is an incredible choice for creative individuals   interested in art, technology, and communication. With huge design needs across every industry, Graphic Designers have many opportunities to take on new and challenging projects.

Graphic design is an indispensable marketing tool. The need for graphic designers is expected to grow shortly as more companies continue to expand their digital presence.

Most companies are looking for Graphic Designers with practical experience. Personal projects, volunteer projects, and internships can aid in displaying your skills if you intend to pursue a career in graphic design.

Moreover, to nail that high-paying job in graphic design you will require a minimum experience of 1 year. However, a sound portfolio with multiple personal projects can captivate employers of small companies. Freelancing while you apply for graphic design jobs can help you build a strong portfolio.

Most sought Graphic Design Jobs

The Dribble Global Design Survey found that the top in-demand graphic design jobs in 2023 are

·        Product Designer

·        UX Designer

·        UI Designer

·        Digital Designer

·        Art Director

·        Frontend Web Developer

What is trending on the salary Front of a Graphic Designer?

 For freshers in graphic design, the average salary ranges from $ 40,000  and  $49,000 per year.

With more than 5 years of experience, this range increases to around $65,000 per year.

Web Designers receive around  $60,000 per year, UI Specialists earn close to $ 80,000 per year and UX Designers earn approximately $90,000 per year.

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