The 9 Greatest Free Graphic Design Instruments I’ve Tried (and Cherished!)

Let me let you know a secret: I’m no graphic designer, however I’ve managed to drag off some fairly spectacular designs over time.  

From my college days, I’ve tried greater than dozen design instruments from the OG Adobe InDesign and Illustrator to now the brand new and trendier apps like Canva and Figma. I’ve used them to create illustrations and infographics for my weblog, designed pages for my web site, polished photographs for LinkedIn posts, and attention-grabbing Instagram content material. I’ve even whipped up logos and flyers for my mother’s enterprise and designed adverts for social media and e-mail campaigns.

After all, designing can really feel intimidating at first, particularly should you’re not a skilled skilled. But when there’s one key factor that I’ve realized over these years, it’s that the proper graphic design instruments make all of the distinction, whether or not it’s for skilled initiatives or simply for enjoyable.

That’s precisely why I’m sharing the perfect free graphic design instruments for 2025, primarily based on my expertise spending hours (okay, days) of testing, tweaking, and experimenting. Spoiler alert: you don’t want a design diploma to make use of these!

Whether or not you’re seeking to design your subsequent viral Instagram publish, create a emblem to your facet hustle, or impress your shoppers with smooth visuals, they make the artistic course of a lot smoother and far more pleasurable. 

And regardless of who you might be – a fellow marketer like me, or a freelancer aiming to impress shoppers, or somebody simply beginning your design journey, there’s one thing right here for everybody.

Do you know? The graphic design {industry} is valued at $43.4 billion globally, with projections to achieve $78.25 billion by 2030. My colleague at G2 has put collectively a listing of 30+ graphic design statistics that it is best to know in 2025. 

What makes the perfect graphic design software program?

With over 100 graphic design apps on G2, from vector instruments to picture editors and 3D modeling software program, choosing the proper one will be overwhelming. There’s no one-size-fits-all resolution. The “finest” device is determined by your objectives. However that mentioned, after years of dabbling in design, there are a number of non-negotiables that I regarded for when testing the  graphic design instruments:

• Ease of use: I’m not a fan of overly sophisticated interfaces or options hidden in obscure menus. The very best instruments are i beginner-friendly, making it simple to leap in and begin creating and not using a steep studying curve.
• Flexibility and options: Whether or not I’m designing a minimalist emblem, a fancy infographic, or a colourful social media publish, the software program must have options that enable me to experiment. Bonus factors if it lets me mess around with each templates and customized designs!
• Price (or lack thereof!): Graphic design software program will be dear, however I get it–these prices typically include superior options that skilled designers, companies, or companies depend on for complicated initiatives. For somebody like me, although, free instruments with fundamental functionalities work simply effective for easier design duties, artistic experiments, or fast advertising wants.
• Accessibility: As somebody who switches between typically, I want instruments which are accessible anyplace. Cloud-based software program or apps with cross-platform compatibility at all times stand out to me.
• Velocity and efficiency: Nothing kills creativity quicker than laggy software program. If a device slows me down whereas designing, it’s a dealbreaker.
• Collaboration and export choices: Generally, I want suggestions on a design, or I’m creating one thing for a crew venture. Instruments that enable simple sharing, collaboration, and export in a number of file codecs are at all times on the high of my record.
• Enjoyable issue: Lastly, the perfect instruments make designing enjoyable. Whether or not it’s quirky templates or playful fonts, I would like one thing that sparks creativity and makes the method pleasurable.

My record of design instruments contains a mixture of beginner-friendly instruments and extra superior choices, catering to a variety of design wants. My expertise has taught me that the perfect design instruments are people who stability ease of use, and flexibility with out compromising on high quality. Some even embody spectacular AI options for picture technology, background elimination, enhancing and designing.

Whereas they’re not excellent and have limitations like restricted options or templates on free plans, they nonetheless present glorious performance for creating gorgeous designs.

I assessed every device for the next: 

• How intuitive is the interface, and does it present tutorials or group help?
• Have they got strong templates and instruments for enhancing, and customizing?
• How nicely does the software program deal with complicated designs and huge recordsdata?
• Whether or not it helps a number of file codecs (JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG) and crew collaboration.
• Are free options ample, or do they restrict important performance?
• Does the software program work seamlessly throughout Home windows, macOS, iOS, and Android or on a browser?

Let’s examine which instruments made the reduce.

* This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. The product record is ranked alphabetically. Some evaluations might have been edited for readability.

As somebody who as soon as closely invested in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, I discovered the free plan of Adobe Artistic Cloud Categorical to be a nice shock. It’s a implausible device for constructing fast, on-brand social media posts or growing easy advertising supplies and G2 customers agree. 

The consumer interface (UI) of Adobe Categorical

I used to be impressed by how user-friendly it was proper from the beginning. I noticed that G2 customers felt that very same means primarily based on the optimistic evaluations I learn by way of. From the product tour to tutorials and workout routines, I discovered it simple to get began on the platform. It was fairly clear that the platform is designed with non-designers in thoughts who aren’t used to working with Adobe’s flagship software program like Illustrator or Photoshop, that are technical and feature-rich with a steep studying curve.

Tutorials to get began on Adobe Categorical

Making a emblem was one of many first issues I attempted, and it was an absolute breeze. I appreciated having the ability to filter templates by free or premium choices, which saved time and saved issues clear.

Making a emblem on Adobe Categorical

One function I didn’t count on to take pleasure in a lot was the free AI picture generator. Whereas it had a little bit of bother absolutely adhering to prompts, it allowed me to create customized inventory photographs proper inside the platform – one thing that felt progressive and helpful. The vary of templates was additionally spectacular. 

Utilizing AI picture generator on Adobe Categorical

Whether or not I wanted an infographic, a social media publish, or advertising supplies like brochures, flyers, visiting playing cards, or adverts, I may discover a variety of templates.

Creating infographics for my weblog with templates on Adobe Categorical 

I discovered the Really helpful function helped me customise designs rapidly and successfully.

Designing flyers on Categorical with concepts from the Really helpful function 

Primarily based on what I’ve seen echoed by customers on G2, its real-time collaboration options make it particularly useful for crew initiatives, and the browser/cell entry provides comfort on the go.

That mentioned, the free plan does have a number of limitations. I couldn’t export clear PNGs, which made emblem design a bit difficult. There’s additionally no eraser device, and importing .ai or .psd recordsdata isn’t supported until you improve. I additionally bumped into the 5GB storage cap earlier than anticipated, and seen that many premium templates and belongings had been gated behind a paywall. G2 reviewers have identified related hurdles, particularly for professionals in search of extra strong design management.

Nonetheless, I actually appreciated that the majority free belongings didn’t include watermarks, and the platform remained simple to make use of all through. It will not be as superior as Illustrator or InDesign, however for fast turnaround and dependable artistic output, Adobe Categorical has been a powerful addition to my workflow.

What I appreciated about Adobe Categorical: 

• Intuitive interface and various templates.
• Actual-time collaboration for crew initiatives.

What I did not like about Adobe Categorical: 

• Basic limitations on free plan assets like templates, inventory photographs, and storage.
• No PNG export with a clear background on the free plan.

Affinity Designer is similar to Adobe Illustrator or, as I like to think about it, the hip model of Illustrator. It’s excellent for skilled graphic designers, hobbyists, and anybody working with vector illustrations.  

Owned by Canva, Affinity affords a 7-day free trial, giving me sufficient time to discover its options earlier than deciding. I had to join an account on their web site after which obtain the free trial model for my Mac to attempt it out. It is obtainable for MacOS, Home windows, and iPad. 

The consumer interface of Affinity Designer

I felt that it was not beginner-friendly. Particularly should you’ve by no means used graphic design software program like Adobe’s instruments, Affinity Designer can really feel overwhelming at first. The brand I created with the template on Adobe Categorical in 5 minutes took me a superb 20 minutes earlier than I received the cling of the device. However when you get previous the educational curve, it turns into surprisingly simple and quick to work with.

Making a emblem with Affinity Designer

Regardless of being feature-heavy like Adobe Illustrator, I felt the efficiency of Affinity is one in all its largest strengths. A standout function G2 customers respect is how briskly and responsive it’s. I additionally liked its flexibility in exporting recordsdata as PNG, JPEG, SVG, and PDF and importing designs from different platforms, together with .psd and .ai recordsdata of Adobe software program. This meant I may simply transfer recordsdata between Affinity Designer and different software program to refine my initiatives.

Export choices on Affinity Designer

Surprisingly, I may additionally save the file with model historical past utilizing Save Historical past with Doc. Additionally, every time I had a doubt or received caught, I may flip to the energetic use base on platforms like Reddit and YouTube.

Save Historical past with Doc possibility on Affinity Designer

I liked having the ability to import and export recordsdata in codecs like .psd, .ai, and SVG—particularly when switching between different instruments in my workflow. And from what I’ve learn on G2, a number of customers agree that the efficiency is one in all Affinity’s largest strengths.

It did take me a short time to get used to the interface, although. Coming from extra beginner-friendly instruments like Adobe Categorical, I discovered the educational curve to be a bit steep at first. Additionally, options like picture hint or gradient mesh aren’t included, which can matter extra to energy customers. And I did discover issues slowing down sometimes after I stacked too many results or layers right into a single file—one thing different G2 reviewers have talked about too.

However as soon as I discovered my rhythm, I used to be in a position to work rapidly and comfortably. What I respect most is that Affinity Designer is a one-time buy, not a subscription—which makes it an reasonably priced and highly effective different to Illustrator for duties like emblem design, UI components, and vector illustration.

What I appreciated about Affinity Designer:

• Versatile file import and export choices. 
• One-time cost for a lifelong license, making it reasonably priced and subscription-free.

What I did not like about Affinity Designer:

• Steeper studying curve, particularly for novices unfamiliar with design instruments.
• Lacks superior options like picture hint and gradient mesh present in Adobe Illustrator.

Now, if there’s one design device I maintain coming again to, it’s Canva. Whereas it was not the primary on-line graphics design device, Canva arguably revolutionized the {industry} by mainstreaming the web-based design device with its easy interface and in depth templates. Acknowledged as a Chief within the AI Picture Mills class, Canva continues to be a best choice for customers searching for intuitive design capabilities with an enormous library of templates and belongings. ​

What I did not like about Canva: 

• Restricted obtain choices
• Not suited to extremely technical design works

CorelDRAW is a reputation I’ve heard for years as one of many long-standing rivals to Adobe Illustrator, and I lastly gave it a attempt with its 15-day free trial of the CorelDRAW Graphic Design Suite.

The UI appears a bit dated, however proper off the bat, I seen that it’s a powerhouse for vector graphic design. For my part, it is well-suited for skilled designers, particularly these engaged on logos, illustrations, and print supplies.  

The consumer interface of CorelDRAW

When you’re in, you can begin with templates for necessities like logos, brochures, menus, resumes, and commonest design wants or create your individual design from scratch. Nevertheless, it is clear that the templates are restricted in comparison with what Canva and Adobe Categorical supply. However they nonetheless get the job performed. 

Templates on CorelDRAW

Surprisingly, I appreciated the templates it had for infographics, and I completely liked that I may simply customise them to my satisfaction.

Designing infographics on CorelDRAW

One factor I actually appreciated about CorelDRAW is how nicely it handles large-scale initiatives. The beneficiant canvas measurement made it ultimate after I was engaged on posters and signage, and primarily based on G2 evaluations, that’s one thing a number of different designers like too. It has all of the superior vector instruments I wanted for skilled work.

The primary disadvantage for me was efficiency. Even with comparatively easy initiatives, I seen it slowed down and used a number of system reminiscence. This grew to become extra noticeable as I layered results and belongings—one thing that G2 customers have referred to as out as nicely.

Nonetheless, CorelDRAW is a critical device for critical design. If you happen to’re prepared to speculate time to study it, it might completely ship high-quality outcomes. I additionally appreciated that it affords each subscription and one-time cost choices, even when the pricing can really feel steep for smaller groups or solo customers.

What I appreciated about CorelDRAW: 

• Important templates for many design wants that may be personalized 
• Properly-suited for large-scale and technical initiatives

What I did not like about CorelDRAW: 

• Too gradual, and typically the software program crashes with bigger recordsdata
• Dear paid plans 

Now, should you’ve ever looked for a free graphic design device, I’m fairly positive you’ve come throughout GIMP, quick for GNU Picture Manipulation Program. I like GIMP additional as a result of it’s fully free, open-source, and surprisingly highly effective for what it affords. 

I discovered GIMP full of unbelievable options for picture enhancing, retouching, and even fundamental graphic design work.

The consumer interface of GIMP

One factor I seen was its template choices are measurement presets for various initiatives, like enterprise playing cards, net banners, and even HD video, in contrast to the ready-to-use templates you discover in Canva or Adobe Categorical. That mentioned, the inclusion of a “rest room paper” measurement as a template undoubtedly gave me a chuckle, however it highlights GIMP’s sudden selection and open-source nature. 

Templates on GIMP

It’s received a strong vary of options you count on in any photoshop software program, like layers, masks, filters, brushes, you title it. 

G2 reviewers additionally discovered the export and import choices in GIMP to be rather more expansive than different instruments. It helps a ton of file codecs like JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PSD, SVG, and even .webp, which makes it tremendous versatile for various design wants. Whether or not I’m saving one thing for the online, printing, or working throughout different software program, GIMP handles all of it and not using a hitch.

File codecs supported by GIMP for export

GIMP has been a lifesaver for me after I wanted a free, highly effective device for vector and picture enhancing. I liked that there’s such an energetic group behind it—YouTube tutorials and Reddit threads made an enormous distinction after I was studying the ropes. G2 reviewers have additionally identified how invaluable that group help is, particularly for troubleshooting.

That mentioned, it took me some time to get used to the interface. In comparison with extra fashionable instruments like Canva or Adobe Categorical, it felt a bit clunky, and I needed to search for fairly a number of tutorials to determine the place all the pieces was. I additionally wouldn’t suggest it should you’re simply attempting to create fast social media graphics or easy designs—G2 customers agree that it’s geared extra towards technically assured creatives.

Even so, as soon as I received comfy with it, GIMP proved to be extremely succesful. For anybody who enjoys experimenting and doesn’t wish to pay for software program, I feel it’s a implausible possibility.

What I appreciated about GIMP: 

• Fully free and open-source.
• Energetic group help.

What I did not like about GIMP: 

• Clunky interface and a steep studying curve
• Restricted options in comparison with industrial alternate options; Need to depend on third-party plugins. 

I’ll be trustworthy – I had by no means heard of Plasfy till I stumbled upon it on G2. I used to be pleasantly shocked to see that Plasfy is acknowledged as a trending software program in G2’s Vector Graphics class, it undoubtedly appears like a type of underrated instruments that extra individuals are beginning to discover. However after studying evaluations calling it “the perfect Canva different,” I knew I needed to give it a attempt. My signing-up course of was a breeze, and getting began felt simply as simple as utilizing Canva, which is saying one thing.

They’d quite a lot of design codecs to start with proper out of the gate. From social media posts to enterprise playing cards, flyers, and even Pinterest pins, all the pieces was obtainable.  The setup felt intuitive, and it was tremendous simple to select a format, customise the design, and begin experimenting with clipart and components like textual content, shapes, and icons.

Completely different design codecs on Plasfy 

I discovered the emblem templates sorted by enterprise sort to be tremendous sensible. Whether or not you’re in style, schooling, or finance, there’s one thing to get you began with out spending hours looking.

Making a emblem on Plasfy

The actual spotlight for me, although, was the overlays part. I found Plasfy full of ready-made badges, sale tags, and net buttons that are excellent for social media promotions, on-line outlets, and advertising supplies. From Black Friday banners to Boxing Day and Cyber Monday badges, there’s no scarcity of choices to make your content material pop.

These pre-designed components add a refined, skilled contact to my designs. I felt that this is able to save time for anybody attempting to market their enterprise or construct eye-catching visuals. Notice that these will not be customizable with the free plan. 

Overlays on Plasfy for badges, net buttons, evaluation testimonials

Plasfy rapidly grew to become one in all my favourite instruments for placing collectively quick, clear advertising supplies. I discovered it very easy to make use of for issues like Instagram posts and enterprise flyers, and I’ve seen G2 reviewers spotlight its beginner-friendly method as nicely. The low-cost pricing—particularly the lifetime deal—was additionally an enormous plus for me.

Ready to load templates on Plasfy

That mentioned, there are some things I needed to work round. On the free plan, I may solely export JPEGs. I wanted PNGs and PDFs for shopper work, which required an improve. Additionally, collaboration and resizing instruments had been solely obtainable within the premium model. I seen that the platform wasn’t the quickest both—typically loading templates and components took longer than anticipated, which G2 customers have talked about as nicely.

Nonetheless, for smaller design wants or solo creators, Plasfy checks a number of containers. The templates are helpful, the interface is straightforward, and even with its limitations, it’s a useful device to have in my design equipment.

What I appreciated about Plasfy: 

• Simple to make use of 
• Designs, templates, and components appropriate for social media advertising and on-line enterprise 

What I did not about Plasfy: 

• Gradual to load 
• Some helpful options locked behind Premium

I’ll admit that PosterMyWall was additionally not on my radar till I stumbled throughout it throughout my seek for design instruments. I gave it a shot, and to my shock, it turned out to be a strong possibility for anybody seeking to create fast, professional-looking designs and not using a steep studying curve.

The consumer interface of PosterMyWall

As ordinary, I began off with a easy emblem to start with, and inside 5 minutes, I had it prepared utilizing one in all PosterMyWall’s templates. The method was fast, simple, and precisely what I wanted. I simply picked a design, tweaked the textual content, performed round with the colours, and increase–performed.

Making a emblem with PosterMyWall

I used to be a bit skeptical in regards to the “Made with PosterMyWall.com” watermark that was on my design the entire time. I assumed it will stick round on the ultimate obtain, however to my reduction, it didn’t seem after I downloaded the design. Later, I discovered the watermark seems if we use any premium components, inventory photographs, or movies within the designs. Whereas I may get issues performed with out getting the watermarks by discovering another components or workarounds, it felt somewhat limiting at instances. 

Additionally, I used to be genuinely impressed that I may scale my design to any measurement with ease utilizing the Resize possibility, which is usually paywalled in different design instruments like Canva.

Resizing photographs on PosterMyWall

PosterMyWall made it very easy for me to whip up fast advertising visuals. I appreciated the number of templates obtainable, and primarily based on G2 evaluations, a number of customers like how accessible it’s for occasion flyers, menus, and social media graphics.

The draw back is that downloads on the free plan are restricted to JPG and PNG, and it’s a must to pay for high-res variations. I additionally felt that among the template designs regarded a bit generic or dated, which is one thing G2 reviewers have referred to as out. That mentioned, I used to be nonetheless in a position to customise them sufficient to suit my model’s type.

All in all, PosterMyWall is a strong possibility when it’s good to create handsome designs rapidly, and don’t thoughts doing a bit of additional tweaking to personalize them.

What I appreciated about PosterMyWall: 

• Fast, intuitive, and user-friendly
• A lot of options underneath the free plan itself like resizing

What I did not like about PosterMyWall:

• Solely fundamental high quality picture downloads and watermarks on some designs
• Templates can really feel a bit generic with heavy use of gradients, daring colours, and inventory imagery that doesn’t at all times really feel smooth. 

Sketch is a type of instruments I’ve heard about ceaselessly, particularly within the consumer interface and consumer expertise (UI/UX) design world. As somebody who dabbles in a little bit of all the pieces, I gave it a attempt with its 30-day free trial to see the way it helps with designing. 

As soon as I downloaded the app and signed up, I instantly seen how smooth and fashionable the interface was. It felt skilled and well-organized, making it simple to seek out my means round, at the same time as a first-time consumer.

The consumer interface of Sketch

Now, let me be upfront with this. Sketch isn’t essentially for everybody. It’s a distinct segment device that basically shines for the UI/UX work of internet sites and apps. That mentioned, it does have good templates for a variety of enterprise design wants, like enterprise playing cards,  mockups, invites, adverts, and even some social media promotions. I discovered the templates to be stylish, fashionable, and minimalist. 

Templates on Sketch

I attempted my hand with some social media promotional posts and adverts and I may customise the templates the best way I wished and export it as PNG and PDF. 

Testing a social media carousel template on Sketch

I actually like how clear and centered Sketch is. It’s been extremely helpful for UI design initiatives, and I discovered the component-based workflow particularly useful for sustaining consistency. G2 reviewers have additionally pointed to its sturdy prototyping and integration choices, which I’ve discovered to be true in my expertise.

However there are undoubtedly a few caveats. Sketch solely runs on Mac, which limits its accessibility. Whereas there’s a web-based model for collaboration, that’s solely obtainable with a higher-tier subscription, and after the free trial, you want a paid plan to maintain working. G2 customers have flagged those self same considerations.

Nonetheless, for somebody engaged on a Mac and centered on product or net design, Sketch is among the best instruments I’ve used. It’s constructed for precision, and that basically reveals in how polished my design work seems.

What I appreciated about Sketch: 

• Trendy and smooth interface
• Simple to customise templates 

What I did not like about Sketch: 

• MacOS solely
• Subscription will be dear 

VistaCreate, for my part, is a hidden gem amongst graphic design apps.  I keep in mind it being referred to as Crello earlier than. It feels tremendous intuitive, and I liked how simple it was to begin creating.

The consumer interface of VistaCreate

This time, I started with a easy social media publish, and inside 10 minutes, I had a refined design able to go. I liked that the templates had been fashionable and versatile, and I may tweak just about all the pieces, fonts, colours – you title it. I additionally liked the way it had music alternatives able to go along with the Instagram posts. 

Creating an Instagram publish on VistaCreate

Creating the emblem was additionally fairly simple. I may even create an animated emblem with one in all their templates. VistaCreate allowed me to obtain it as PNG, JPEG, PDF, and PNG with a clear background. However there isn’t any choice to obtain in SVG format.

Creating an animated emblem on VistaCreate

I additionally appreciated how nicely VistaCreate caters to small companies and entrepreneurs. The templates are designed for particular industries and events, which saved me a ton of time looking for the proper one. For instance, I looked for templates associated to writing and located 100s of them. 

Discovering industry-specific templates on VistaCreate

Many customers discover it to be an approachable design device, ultimate for entrepreneurs, small enterprise house owners, and content material creators who wish to produce visually compelling graphics and not using a steep studying curve or a big monetary funding. Its drag-and-drop performance and pre-sized codecs make all the pieces from Instagram Tales to video adverts fast and seamless to construct.

Nevertheless, a number of G2 reviewers point out that some important options are locked behind premium plans. Instruments like resizing designs, accessing sure templates and visible components, or collaborating in actual time are solely obtainable with a paid improve. This may be limiting for customers who depend on teamwork or must rapidly iterate primarily based on suggestions. Whereas the free model affords sufficient to get began, these working in collaborative environments or managing complicated campaigns might discover the restrictions a bit tight.

That mentioned, VistaCreate continues to obtain optimistic suggestions on G2 for its stability of ease and artistic potential. It’s particularly appreciated by customers who want to show round polished designs rapidly—whether or not for social posts, weblog graphics, or animated adverts. For people and small groups centered on high quality design with out the complexity of enterprise-level instruments, VistaCreate is a worthwhile device to discover.

What I appreciated about VistaCreate:

• Trendy and in depth templates for various advertising supplies 
• Simple to create animated designs 

What I did not like about VistaCreate:

• Resizing and sharing locked underneath paid plans 
• Can not export in SVG format 

Whereas I’ve coated the 9 finest free graphic design software program, there are additionally different instruments price contemplating. Inkscape is great for vector-based designs, whereas Krita caters to digital artists and illustrators. If you happen to’re venturing into 3D modeling, Blender is a robust, free possibility.

Wish to construct your graphic design experience? Discover our free graphic design hub with 50+ assets to develop into a design professional.