20 Best Free Graphic Design Software to Save Money in 2024

By Ann Young 2 days ago, Software Reviews

If you’re just starting to learn the basics of graphic design and you’re under the illusion that it’s impossible to master this craft by just using free graphic design software, the overview below is about to prove you wrong.

The web is full of free solutions that offer functionality, which is nearly on par with premium options. The products reviewed below come with a full set of basic and advanced features and deserve the attention of everyone interested in using the best graphic design software free.

Top 20 Free Graphic Design Programs for Everyone

adobe express free graphic design software logo
Adobe Express
Schedule features
  • Free version

canva free graphic design software logo
Canva
Many templates
  • Free version

visme free graphic design software logo
Visme
For teamwork
  • Free version

svgator free graphic design software logo
SVGator
Detailed tutorials
  • Free version

appy pie free graphic design software logo
Appy Pie
Real-time updating
  • Free version

design wizard free graphic design software logo
Design Wizard
1,000,000 assets
  • Free version

mega creator free graphic design software logo
Mega Creator
Free fonts
  • Free version

adobe illustrator free graphic design software logo
Adobe Illustrator
Game-changer
  • Free trial

renderforest free graphic design software logo
Renderforest
Installation-free
  • Free version

designhill free graphic design software logo
DesignHill
Fast speed
  • Free version

vectr free graphic design software logo
Vectr
Easy sharing
  • Free version

figma free graphic design software logo
Figma
For prototyping
  • Free version

krita free graphic design software logo
Krita
For drawing
  • Fully free

designcap free graphic design software logo
DesignCap
Great customization
  • Free version

lunacy free graphic design software logo
Lunacy
AI functions
  • Free version

corel vector free graphic design software logo
Corel Vector
For beginners
  • Free version

inkscape free graphic design software logo
Inkscape
Plenty of filters
  • Fully free

gimp free graphic design software logo
GIMP
Powerful toolset
  • Fully free

easelly free graphic design software logo
Easelly
For infographics
  • Free version

sketch free graphic design software logo
Sketch
Large community
  • Free trial

To choose a suitable free graphic design program, determine your level of knowledge and skills first. For beginners, it makes sense to look for a newbie-friendly product that supports drag and drop and offers a rich selection of ready-made templates. It will be important for experienced users that the program provides for the creation of projects from scratch.

Also, pay attention to the type of use of the tool – online or offline – to ensure the best user experience. I also made my list with the technical requirements of your PC in mind, so you can use all the listed tools even without the best computer for graphic design.

1. Adobe Express

Platforms: Web-based

adobe express free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Сloud storage is 100 GB
  • Eye-catching and pro-level templates
  • Comes with schedule features
  • Brand-building options
Cons
  • Free version has limitations

Verdict: As one of the top cloud resources for designers, Adobe Express, formerly known as Adobe Spark, offers pro-level design creation and easy sharing options. In addition to tools for creating your designs from scratch, you can also use images, fonts, and various graphic assets from stock collections.

It has all the options and features to meet the basic and advanced needs of almost all designers, no matter where they use it – from iOS, Android, or a browser.

This is a powerful free graphic design program for beginners and marketers because the creation of branded and advertising graphics without special knowledge and experience is quick and hassle-free. If after trying the limited options, you want to use an expanded arsenal, you learn how to buy Adobe Express without subscription.

2. Canva

Platforms: Web-based

canva free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Access from any computers and devices
  • Thousands of templates
  • Easy to use
  • Drag-and-drop-functionality
Cons
  • Requires fast Internet
  • Free version is limited

Verdict: Canva has 10 million users and provides universal tools using which you can design anything you want, including email headers, presentations, and infographics for blogs. The design of their website is very intuitive and beginner-friendly. It also has a drag-and-drop function and high-quality free graphic templates.

This software is a popular option for non-designers as a last resort because it works well with graphics. If you are going to work with simple graphics, this is the best free graphic design software. It’s wonderful if you want to make something fast and do not have much time to acquire professional skills.

3. Visme

Platforms: Web-based

visme free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • The largest library of visual assets
  • Suitable for teamwork
  • Can create animation and videos
  • Integrates with other apps
Cons
  • More expensive than competitors
  • Requires a stable Internet connection

Verdict: Visme is an online graphic design program free for branding and creating visual assets such as charts, slideshows, storyboards, and even social media ad units. You can cope with such a variety of tasks thanks to an extensive stock library of graphic resources. Visme focuses on brand aesthetics and has features to preserve color palettes, images, videos, and other assets of your brand/company.

In addition to classic presentations, you can create short videos and animations with transitions. The software offers numerous templates and allows you to add text or select the transition you want.

One of the most important innovations is the possibility to work as a team on the same file. You can draw up a special plan and develop a report or diagram of your business for your design team.

4. SVGator

Platforms: Web-based

svgator free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Specialized toolset for creating vectors
  • Intuitive feature set
  • Drawing options
  • Detailed tutorials
Cons
  • No mobile versions
  • Depends on an Internet connection

Verdict: SVGator is a user-friendly program for drawing SVGs. You can open a free graphic design program in any popular browser and start your creative workflow. The highlight of the program is the possibility to create and export as many static SVG files as you need without spending a cent. Though SVGator is simple to use, the range of features is far from entry-level.

Seasoned graphic designers will surely appreciate quick node workflow, top-notch graphic tools, a high-end grid system, smart guides, and snapping options. All these functions are located on the UI for fast access.

What’s more, there is a detailed tutorial on the website describing the process of using this software to create different graphic designs. If you are currently in a creative rut, you can examine the work of other users, to get inspired.

5. Appy Pie

Platforms: Web-based

appy pie free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • App analytics and reports
  • Real-time updating
  • Knowledge resources
Cons
  • Only for app development
  • No offline mode

Verdict: Appy Pie is a web-based graphic design program free for creating apps. The best thing is that even inexperienced users can make a unique application, following the drag & drop algorithms.

If you want to learn the intricacies of the app development process in detail, you should head to the section with knowledge resources and guidelines. Any app created on this platform is compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS devices.

When the development stage is over, you can share your app with other users in popular app stores. This is also a great way to earn some money for your project. Appy Pie is a go-to platform for small companies and individuals, who want to create different apps without grappling with coding.

6. Design Wizard

Platforms: Web-based

Pros
  • Content licensed for commercial use
  • Direct sharing to social media
  • Personal folder to save favorite images
  • A total-free version is available
Cons
  • The free version's images entail a watermark
  • Requires registration to start from

Verdict: Design Wizard enables you to produce spectacular videos and image designs within a short time. On top of it, you can develop your own graphic design ideas with their free tools, or upload your logos, photos, and fonts to set up custom color palettes. A further advantage is the library, which contains over 1,000,000 premium images, thousands of high-quality videos, illustrations, graphics, and more.

This graphic design app free ensures that all videos and images in the library are licensed for commercial use. This way, you can forget about copyright issues.

I am into it that their professional team for graphic design has set up thousands of templates that are consistent for printing and social media. You can edit every single element of the template you’ve chosen. More than that, uploading or changing backgrounds, videos, and colors, is also at your disposal.

7. Mega Creator

Platforms: Web-based

mega creator free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Simple drag-and-drop design process
  • Built-in library of graphic assets
  • Free fonts collection
  • Pre-designed templates
Cons
  • No offline version
  • Require subscription to use built-in photos, illustrations, and icons

Verdict: Mega Creator is an online free graphic design program, which lets you create stunning designs with a simple drag-and-drop action. With its pre-designed templates and intuitive interface, you can create pro-looking visual content even without skills, and design experience.

Additionally, Mega Creator offers an extensive library of built-in photos, illustrations, and icons to save tons of your time on browsing stock resources. Plus, it features a free fonts collection for any need: from classic to fancy ones.

8. Adobe Illustrator

Platforms: Windows, macOS

adobe illustrator free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Best in the industry
  • Convenient and multifunctional, can be used for both personal and professional projects
  • Scales images without losing detail
  • Perfect for designing logos and icons
Cons
  • High price
  • Poor performance on underpowered PCs

Verdict: Adobe Illustrator is the undisputed leader in the line-up of vector programs for Mac and Windows. It offers intuitive controls and a moderate learning curve that takes a bit of time to master.

All projects made using this design software free don’t take up a lot of space, meaning you can easily share them across multiple systems. Another benefit that Adobe Illustrator brings to the table is unlimited scaling without any resolution loss. As such, you can increase the size of your creations without losing any detail.

If you get Adobe Illustrator, you can also seamlessly integrate it with other tools made by this developer. For instance, you can open your files in Photoshop to enhance them with filters and effects or use After Effects to animate your illustrations. Additionally, you can pair Illustrator with InDesign to make print layouts and magazines.

9. Renderforest

Platforms: Web-based

renderforest graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Design and marketing tools
  • Create all types of graphics
  • Works with start-ups and big companies
  • Installation-free
Cons
  • Templates are of poor quality
  • Requires registration

Verdict: Renderforest is an online free graphic design software for creating high-quality graphic designs. The process is really intuitive thanks to the abundance of adjustable templates. You can find different options for creating logos, mockups, SMM, and promo graphics, as well as printables.

Finding a proper template is simple – you can either navigate across the list or use the search window, entering the relevant keyword. Besides, it is possible to see how a particular template will look in an Instagram story or post, or a YouTube thumbnail.

If you want to personalize a chosen template, you can do it right in the program without using third-party tools. For instance, you can add and format text, insert assets, icons, and shapes, and upload images.

10. DesignHill

Platforms: Web-based

designhill free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Fast speed
  • No design experience required to use it
  • Click-based clean & simple interface
  • Pre-designed layouts
Cons
  • Delayed loading time
  • No mobile app version is available
  • Cannot be used without having an account

Verdict: Designhill Studio is an incredible free graphic design software that comes with an innovative and user-friendly interface. It has served millions of businesses and individuals across the world. You can not only edit your favorite images but also create & personalize your logo.

Surprisingly, the software offers an extensive library of templates, elements, and effects making editing a breeze. What makes it even more interesting is that it's free to use.

Both designers, as well as non-designers, can use it for varied purposes.

11. Vectr

Platforms: Web-based

vectr free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Cross-platform and browser versions
  • Intuitive, easy-to-use interface
  • Easy project sharing
  • WordPress integration
Cons
  • Lacks advanced features
  • Free version is too limited

Verdict: This free design software allows creating different projects – from t-shirt prints to full-fledged graphics for websites. Vectr has a simple and intuitive interface, allowing you to export created files in real-time, and is one of the best Adobe Illustrator alternatives.

Also, this software provides functionality for exchanging information between different devices, which makes it convenient for team design.

The Vectr’s learning curve is low. It’s very simple to find various tutorials using Vectr software as there are about 30 of them on their website.

12. Figma

Platforms: Web-based

figma free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Allows creating and testing application prototypes
  • Real-time collaboration support
  • Broad selection of intuitive tools
  • Collection of vector graphics assets
Cons
  • Demands high internet speed to function properly
  • Premium version is rather expensive

Verdict: The first aspect that should catch the attention of anyone interested in using graphic design programs free is that it’s a web solution that doesn’t have to be installed on your PC or laptop. Meanwhile, its real-time collaboration functionality is perfectly suited for teams that want to establish a seamless workflow while working on a single project.

Another benefit offered by this platform is the ability to conveniently examine and access code snippets. Additionally, the web is full of free tutorials that will help you learn the basics of this solution.

Figma’s primary selling point is its ability to create and test prototypes in real-time. It’s a highly customizable solution that is available on several platforms and in multiple languages. Moreover, this prototyping software provides specialized features for user testing and analytics, adding another layer to the design process.

13. Krita

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

krita free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • For drawing
  • Contains plenty of illustrations and examples
  • Not difficult to follow
  • Both basic and advanced methods
Cons
  • Plenty of memory is required
  • Tools for text

Verdict: Krita is the best free graphic design software with an open source for illustrators and concept artists. It will be most useful for comic book artists as it has a set of tools, such as halftones and ready-made templates, specifically for these tasks.

However, the software is suitable for other types of drawing as well. Krita offers a large set of drawing tools, including vanishing points, smooth shapes, layer masks, and many more.

Moreover, the program is often advertised as a great alternative to Adobe Ps, and there are many Krita vs Photoshop reviews covering their similarities and differences.

14. DesignCap

Platforms: Web-based

designcap free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Huge collection of templates
  • Integrated fonts, figures, and backgrounds
  • Advanced editing
  • Great customization
Cons
  • Service support issues
  • Lacks some advanced tools

Verdict: DesignCap offers a platform that invites you to create unique and professional-looking banners and flyers with the help of the included templates and visual assets. This website provides an array of advanced editing features that let you customize nearly anything about your designs including size, placement, angle, text font, color, effects, background, and much more.

DesignCap graphic design app free allows you to enhance your posters and flyers further using the integrated library of fonts, shapes, backgrounds, and stock photos.

Moreover, you can use this online software for visualizing various data and creating charts and graphs. Personalize the design until it meets all your needs and then present data to your customers and business associates in a clear, concise manner.

15. Lunacy

Platforms: Web-based, Windows, macOS, Linux

lunacy free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Modest hardware requirements
  • Includes AI-powered functions
  • Can be used online and offline
Cons
  • Lacks plugin features
  • No some advanced tools

Verdict: Lunacy is a tool that allows you to create vector graphics for UI/UX and web design. It offers superior performance to Figma and is more advanced than Sketch.

Additionally, it enables digital artists to work together on a single project in real time even if they’re using different platforms. This software has modest technical requirements and offers great responsiveness even on mid-range laptops.

Lunacy allows you to create and edit both cloud- and locally-stored projects, as it gives you the ability to switch between the two modes whenever needed. This free graphic design software also offers Sketch format support, meaning you can employ its main hand-off and version control features such as Avocode, Zeplin, Abstract, Simplie, and multiple others.

16. Corel Vector

Platforms: Web-based

corel vector free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • Great for newbies
  • Large selection of vector assets
  • Convenient UI and controls
  • Supports AI and Sketch formats
Cons
  • Can’t be used without creating an account
  • Free trial is limited to 15 days

Verdict: Corel Vector (previously known as Gravit Designer) provides an expansive collection of features, as this software strives to find the balance between Inkscape and Vectr. It offers a larger number of features than Vectr while being as user-friendly as Inkscape. This platform lets you handle all the projects you can tackle in other free graphic design software while also leveraging features that are usually only included in free alternatives to Photoshop.

Corel Vector allows you to add curves, adjust paths, control layers, and take advantage of the knife tool. It lets you work with a broad range of formats including SVG, PDF, JPG, SKETCH, and EPS.

Another bonus is the ability to work with different graphic design types across all popular platforms, as the Gravit Cloud service allows you to conveniently share files between the desktop and online versions.

17. Inkscape

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

inkscape free graphic design software
Pros
  • Completely free
  • Plenty of filters
  • Contains new nice effect tools
  • A lot of educational content
Cons
  • Can be very slow in large projects
  • Outdated interface

Verdict: This open-source free design software for beginners is widely known as an analog of Adobe Illustrator. The difference between them is in the fact that Inkscape uses Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) as the main format. Designers, who are familiar with vector graphics, will easily master this program. Here you can create projects of any complexity.

I recommend you choose Inkscape, if you need a program for beginning graphic designers as it provides a large number of modern tools and effects, including complex path manipulations, node editing, bitmap tracing, and path-based text.

As soon as you enter their website, Inkscape immediately shows that it’s a professional tool for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. However, there is a separate page that contains instructions and tells how to download it.

18. GIMP

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

gimp free graphics software
Pros
  • Powerful toolset
  • Vivid and modern UI
  • Easy to use
  • Versatile
Cons
  • No support for Photoshop plugins
  • Complicated interface

Verdict: GIMP is well-thought-out and surprisingly free. It provides a versatile editor for photos that can work on all main operating systems.

GIMP is for those who are looking for robust software to perform different manipulations with photos, create paintings or mock-ups.

When comparing GIMP vs Photoshop, the interface of these free graphics software solutions is similar. A few tool icons are the same and the layer setup is not worse than in Photoshop. The developers consider the requests of the users and do everything to enhance the functions of this software.

19. Easelly

Platforms: Web-based

easel ly free graphics software
Pros
  • For creating infographics
  • Create all the diagrams online
  • Instant upload and easy sharing
  • Great visual asset library
Cons
  • No autosave
  • Not for advanced users

Verdict: The next option might seem too creative for those who haven’t worked with infographics yet. Especially, if you take into consideration a set of different icons in the form of moving people, various lines, and diagrams.

This free design software allows you to create and edit different infographics and display them in PDF or JPG formats. The basic version is free but additional elements are available for a small fee.

However, unlike many other data visualization tools, Easelly is way cheaper.

20. Sketch

Platforms: Web-based, macOS

sketch free graphic design software interface
Pros
  • User-friendly UI and convenient navigation
  • More than 700 extensions to choose from
  • Huge community
  • Regular updates
Cons
  • Doesn’t have a Windows version
  • Small number of compatible formats

Verdict: Sketch is the go-to Mac solution if you want to use a graphic design app free, as it constantly receives a lot of praise from UI and UX experts. It offers an intuitive and minimalist UI, which is perfectly suited for beginners. Moreover, it has more than 700 extensions that you can use to significantly expand the provided feature set.

One of the key benefits offered by this application is its vector graphics functionality. It’s perfect for UI and UX designers, as you can effortlessly create the required elements and scale them as you see fit.

Unlike most alternative UI design software, Sketch simplifies the process of creating vector graphics thanks to its user-friendly UI. Additionally, due to the big developer community that has gathered around this app, it receives frequent updates and a lot of support.

How to Choose the Best Free Graphic Design Software

Broad selection of templates and features. An expansive feature set will enable you to design a variety of digital assets like logos, icons, banners, and UI elements. Meanwhile, a large library of templates allows you to quickly produce pro-grade designs even if you don’t possess an advanced graphic design skillset.

Collaboration tools. The ability to share and get feedback from customers and colleagues can be crucial for establishing a seamless design workflow. If you want to use graphic design apps free, make sure they provide collaborative tools that simplify the process of communicating and cooperating with other users.

User-friendliness. An intuitive interface is particularly important if you’re not an experienced graphic designer. Give preference to free vector graphics software that is convenient to navigate and use. This way, you’ll be able to easily produce professional-quality designs without having to deal with a steep learning curve first.

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