Graphic design tools are essential for creating visual content such as logos, posters, social media posts, etc. With so many options available, choosing the best tool for your needs can be overwhelming. This article will explore the best free graphic design tools or graphic design websites.
5 Best Free Graphic Design Tools
1️⃣ Canva
Canva is one of the most popular graphic design tools professionals, and non-designers use. It offers various templates for different design purposes, including social media graphics, presentations, logos, and more. Canva’s user-friendly interface allows users to drag and drop design elements, upload images, and customize colors and fonts. It also offers a library of free and paid stock images and graphics.
Truly, Canva is a popular graphic design tool for creating various visual content. However, we will discuss five pros and five cons of using Canva:
✅Pros of Canva:
User-friendly interface: Canva has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it an excellent option for non-designers or those with limited design experience.
Wide range of design options: Canva offers many designs, including templates for different purposes, such as social media graphics, presentations, and more.
Customizable designs: Canva allows users to customize designs by changing colors, fonts, and images to fit their needs.
Collaboration features: Canva allows for collaboration with team members or clients, allowing for real-time feedback and collaboration.
Affordable pricing: Canva offers a range of pricing options, including a free plan and paid plans for individuals and teams, making it accessible to users of all budgets.
❎ Cons of Canva:
Limited design flexibility: While Canva offers a wide range of design options, the platform can be limiting for more advanced designs or customizations.
Less design file types: Canva allows users to export designs in a few files, including PNG, JPG, and PDF.
Less control over design elements: Canvas design elements are pre-made, and users have limited control over the design elements’ customization.
Controlled image editing capabilities: Canva’s image editing capabilities are limited compared to other design tools, making it challenging to edit photos or graphics in detail.
Template limitations: While Canva offers a wide range of templates, some may find the selection limiting or not fitting their specific needs.
Website: canva.com
2️⃣ GIMP
GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program and is an open-source graphic design tool that is free to use. It has similar features to Adobe Photoshop and can be used to create and edit images, logos, and other visual content. GIMP has a range of tools and filters for photo retouching, color correction, and more. It also has a large community of developers who create plugins and scripts to extend its functionality.
GIMP is a free and open-source image editing software that can be used for various design purposes. Yet, here are five pros and five cons of using GIMP that you should know:
✅Pros of GIMP:
Free and open-source: GIMP is free to use and open-source, making it an accessible option for those on a budget.
Robust image editing capabilities: GIMP offers a range of image editing tools, including advanced features like layers, masks, and filters.
Customizable interface: GIMP’s interface can be customized to fit the user’s needs, allowing for a more personalized workflow.
Cross-platform compatibility: GIMP is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Large community support: GIMP has many users who contribute to its development, offer help, and share resources.
❎ Cons of GIMP:
Steep learning curve: GIMP’s advanced features can be challenging to learn, making it less accessible for beginners or those without prior image editing experience.
Less third-party plugin support: While GIMP offers a range of features, it has limited third-party plugin support compared to other image editing software.
Outdated interface design: GIMP’s interface design can feel obsolete and less user-friendly than other image editing software.
Limited non-destructive editing capabilities: GIMP’s non-destructive editing capabilities are less robust than other image editing software, making editing challenging without permanently altering images.
Insufficient support for CMYK color space: GIMP’s support for CMYK color space is limited, making it less suitable for print design projects.
Website: gimp.org
3️⃣ Inkscape
Inkscape is a vector graphic design tool that is free to use. It can be used to create logos, illustrations, and other vector-based designs. Inkscape has a user-friendly interface and a range of tools for drawing, painting, and manipulating vector shapes. It also supports various file formats, including SVG, PDF, and EPS.
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that can be used for various design purposes. Here are five pros and five cons of using Inkscape:
✅Pros of Inkscape:
Free and open-source: Inkscape is free to use and open-source, making it an accessible option for those on a budget.
Wide range of vector editing capabilities: Inkscape offers many vector editing tools, including shapes, paths, and text.
Customizable interface: Inkscape’s interface can be customized to fit the user’s needs, allowing for a more personalized workflow.
Cross-platform compatibility: Inkscape is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Large community support: Inkscape has many users who contribute to its development, offer help, and share resources.
❎ Cons of Inkscape:
Limited support for bitmap editing: Inkscape has limited permission for bitmap editing compared to other graphic design software.
Steep learning curve: Inkscape’s advanced features can be challenging to learn, making it less accessible for beginners or those without prior vector graphics editing experience.
Outdated interface design: Inkscape’s interface design can feel obsolete and less user-friendly than other graphic design software.
Limited third-party plugin support: Inkscape has limited third-party plugin support compared to other graphic design software.
Less CMYK color support: Inkscape’s support for CMYK color space is limited, making it less suitable for print design projects.
Website: inkscape.org
4️⃣ Pixlr
Pixlr is a web-based graphic design tool that is free to use. It has a range of features for photo editing, including tools for retouching, color correction, and adding effects. Pixlr also has a range of templates for social media graphics, banners, and other design purposes. Most importantly, you can access the website or graphic design tool through a web browser or mobile app.
Since Pixlr is a free online photo editor offering various image editing tools and features, you should know the five pros and five cons of using Pixlr:
✅Pros of Pixlr:
User-friendly interface: Pixlr has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it an excellent option for non-designers or those with limited image editing experience.
Wide range of editing options: Pixlr offers a wide range of editing options, including filters, layers, and effects, allowing for a high level of customization.
Cross-platform compatibility: You can access Pixlr through a web browser and mobile app. Thus, it makes it compatible with multiple devices and operating systems.
Affordable pricing: Pixlr offers a free plan with essential features and paid plans for more advanced editing options at an affordable price.
Real-time collaboration: Pixlr allows for real-time collaboration with team members or clients, allowing for feedback and collaboration.
❎ Cons of Pixlr:
Finite advanced editing features: While Pixlr offers a wide range of editing options, it may lack some advanced features compared to other image editing software.
Limited file type support: Pixlr only allows users to export designs in a few file types, including JPG and PNG, which may limit compatibility with other design tools.
Less control over design elements: Pixlr’s design elements are pre-made, and users have limited control over the design elements’ customization.
Not many customizations of filters and effects: Pixlr’s filters and effects may not be as customizable as other image editing software.
Insufficient support for high-resolution images: Pixlr may struggle with high-resolution photos, limiting its use for professional-level image editing.
Website: pixlr.com
5️⃣Easel.ly
Easel.ly is a free graphic design tool that you can use for creating infographics. It has a user-friendly interface allows users to drag and drop design elements, customize colors and fonts, and add charts and graphs. Easel.ly has a range of templates for different infographic purposes, including education, business, and health.
To be honest, Easel.ly is a web-based infographic design tool allowing users to quickly and easily create custom infographics. However, there is no unmixed blessing on earth as Easel.ly also comes with five merits and five demerits:
✅Pros of Easel.ly:
User-friendly interface: Easel.ly has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible to non-designers or those with limited design experience.
Pre-designed templates: Easel.ly offers a range of pre-designed templates that users can use as a starting point, saving time and effort.
Wide range of design elements: Easel.ly offers many design elements, including icons, charts, and graphs, allowing for a high level of customization.
Affordable pricing: Easel.ly offers a free plan with essential features and paid plans for more advanced editing options at an affordable price.
Collaboration features: Easel.ly allows for collaboration with team members or clients, allowing for feedback and collaboration.
❎ Cons of Easel.ly:
Finite design flexibility: Easel.ly’s limited design flexibility may restrict creativity.
Limited customization of design elements: Easel.ly’s design elements are pre-made, and users have limited control over the design elements’ customization.
Less file type support: Easel.ly only allows users to export designs in a few file types, including JPG and PNG, which may limit compatibility with other design tools.
Limited control over design layout: Easel.ly’s options are trim, which may limit creativity and design possibilities.
Insufficient customer support: Easel.ly may offer you limited customer support options compared to other design software. Sadly, they may be frustrating for users who encounter technical issues or have questions.
Website: easel.ly
Final Word
That’s it; the 5 best free graphic design tools are for you. You can test and use them all and find the perfect one for your graphic design work. All design tools or websites come with both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we highly recommend extensive research on the design websites since most have premium plans or subscriptions. Although they do the same design work by nature, they have different functionality and interfaces.