Graphic design is a promising profession in today’s digital age. This profession provides a wide range of job opportunities and high pay. Unfortunately, your creative abilities are not enough. You need the right software to bring out the best in producing good graphic design work. Especially if this is the first time you are acquainted with software for design. It will be better if you can find beginner-friendly graphic design software.
What to Consider in Choosing Graphic Design Software
Despite having similarities, software for graphic design has its own features that might give advantages or disadvantages. However, it is better to choose software that provides handy tools for you. No matter how good the software is, it is useless if it can’t support your work. Therefore, in choosing software for your graphic design work, you must consider the following aspects.
Your Needs
The basic thing you need to consider is your own needs in designing. What type of design do you make more often? Do you focus on photo editing, logo creation, animation, or template design? Some software provides tools useful for various purposes. However, if you want to focus on one type of design, you better look for more specific software.
Skill Level
Currently, a lot of software can help you with graphic design. However, you have to remember the ability you have. For a beginner, easy-to-use software with simple tools is the best bargain. But, if you are familiar with the basic design tools, you are more than welcome to try the software with more advanced tools.
Features
The features available in graphic design software are very closely related to your needs. Remember what design you will make. Pay attention to the tools and stock available. Will it help your work or not? Choose software that provides the features you need most.
Compatibility
Why is compatibility something that should be a concern or consideration? Imagine you downloaded large-size software while your PC’s RAM and memory are inadequate. Wouldn’t it be annoying every time you open it? The software works slowly and tends to freeze frequently. Not to mention it must always be connected to the internet. Whereas you only need simple tools and the available stocks. Besides, it turns out that the software is not suitable for your OS. You cannot even install it. That is why compatibility matters.
Graphic Designer Software Beginner-Friendly
Among all the available graphic design software, some can be friendly for the beginner and some only for the pro. You don’t need to worry because we will provide software recommendations you can use, even as a beginner.
Canva
Designer or not, people today are familiar with Canva. This software allows you to experience the work of a graphic designer at the basic level. The free software has various functions. It is good as an image editor, font combination picker, photo collage maker, infographic maker, social media template maker, and many more. You can find and use various photo stock and design element stock without worrying about a watermark.
Canva also provides the paid version. This version allows you to access more stock, whether images, fonts, effects, elements, or illustrations. You also can access more tools and features to create a better design. Canva Pro only can be accessed by one person. If you want to use the software as a team, you can try Canva for the team. Feel free to try Canva on your PC browser or access it through the application on Android or iOS devices.
Inkscape
Want to try to create and edit vector graphics? Inkscape is a good choice. This free design graphic software provides an open-source SVG editor. Even if it is free, Inkscape has advanced features that can produce complex designs. Although you know nothing and want to learn from scratch, you can do it. The software offers tutorials you can learn from and follow. Another plus point is its strong community support of users and developers.
It is one hundred percent free. So, you can take full advantage of all resources and features Inkscape provides. Object creation, object manipulation, fill and stroke, operation on paths, text support, and rendering are what you can do using the software. What’s more, it supports large file formats, like PNG, PDF, EPS, DXF, PostScript, OpenDocument, and many more. Access this free software using Windows, Mac, or Linux OS.
Affinity
A new competitor in beginner-friendly graphic design software is Affinity. It was initially released in 2014, but its stable release was in 2022. This software offers professional photo editing, publishing, graphic design, and illustration. No matter how complex your work is, this software will run fast and smoothly. Get the wrong moves and have to redo them? You can do it up to infinite redos. Or, do you have to zoom the tiniest object in the image? The software has a million zooms function.
Affinity is not completely free. This software also does not have a monthly or annual pricing plan. However, it has an attractive price offer, a one-off payment. Using this payment method, you only have to pay once and you will get the update without paying more. You can subscribe for individual, business, or education pricing plans. Enjoy this software on your Windows, Mac, or iOS.
Adobe
When talking about graphic design, many people will remember to use Adobe. Unfortunately, many also back down when someone suggests using the software. However, Adobe is the best choice for you who want to pursue a graphic design career. This graphic design software is a complete package. It has all the standard software graphic designer need, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
It will take a while to get the rope. But, with all the tools and apps provided, learning Adobe is worth it, even for your job resume. If you don’t need the full package, you can buy single software or application with a monthly or annual subscription. Fortunately, Adobe is compatible with almost all OS available today. You will be easy to learn and use the software. For those who use mobile devices more often, you may not find the full features of the desktop version. Even so, for starters, this software is still worth trying.
Ready to Be a Graphic Designer?
The job of a graphic designer really depends on creativity. The right software can help channel your creativity into work that is suitable for use. One of these graphic design software can be the key to your successful graphic design career. No matter what software you pick and learn in the end, don’t give up learning any existing tools professionally.