15 Best Free Graphic Design Software for Beginners in 2023
Does the idea of branching out into a graphic design career excite you? Do you have a talent for marketing and logo creation? Are you a person who simply loves to create? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’re in the right place.
This article reviews the best free graphic design software for beginners in 2023, including ratings, a comparison chart, pros and cons, and key features. We also give you step-by-step directions on how to use the best free graphic design software, PhotoDirector, to edit photos and create digital media.
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Snapshot of Our Top 3 Free Graphic Design Software
1. PhotoDirector – Best Overall
PhotoDirector is our pick for the best free graphic design software. This excellent program offers guided edits, express layer templates, and AI-powered, one-click effects for aspiring artists and designers. It’s a one-stop-shop that allows you to edit photos, create slideshows, and design beautiful YouTube thumbnails, posts, ads, flyers, and more with ease. Detailed Review >
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Download from the App Store for iOS and Android
2. Lunacy – Best for Layer Editing
Lunacy is one of the best free graphic design software for its layer editing capabilities. Beginners can create complicated-looking designs from scratch by layering stock assets with ease. Detailed Review >
3. Figma – Best for Web Design
Figma is one of the best free graphic design software for web design and product prototypes. It offers collaboration features for teams and has beginner-friendly drag-and-drop tools. Detailed Review >
How to Choose the Best Free Graphic Design Software
We’ve chosen the best free graphic design software available, but they all come with different features to cover a range of design projects. Find out how to choose the correct free design software for your individual needs by considering these three factors:
Skill Level– The most important thing to consider when choosing the best free graphic design software is your current skill level. If you are brand new to graphic design, you should choose free design software with easy-to-use drag-and-drop templates. If you are a more seasoned user, you might want the option to create designs from scratch.
Features – The next thing to consider is whether your designs will be photos/images or mostly vector art/illustrations. Some of the best free graphic design software on our list have amazing drawing tools and brushes for illustrators but won’t allow you to edit photos and lack stock image libraries.
Compatibility – And finally, you need to decide if you prefer using downloadable free design software, or web-based free design software. If you live in a spotty internet area or do a lot of your work while traveling, you should consider getting downloadable software that does not require Wi-Fi. In this case, check that your computer has enough room available to download the software and that it is compatible with your OS.
Read on to find the best free graphic design software for your needs and expertise.
15 Best Free Graphic Design Software for Beginners in 2023
1. PhotoDirector – Best Overall
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Shotkit Rating: 5/5
Graphic Design Tools: 5/5
Price: Free
*Premium features available for free for 30 days, then avg. $3.33/month
Key Features
- 4 Million+ Stock Photos: Royalty-Free images from world-renowned stock libraries
- Adjustment Layers: Color changes and tonal adjustments
- Express Layer Templates: Multi-Layered and professionally designed templates to speed up the editing process
- Guided Edits and AI Tools: Hold your hand through the editing process and provide one-click solutions to complicated edits
Who It’s For
PhotoDirector has the tools to accomplish your creative vision regardless of your skill level with graphic design. It’s our top overall pick for the best free graphic design software and is perfect for artists of all skill levels, from the novice to the seasoned.
Why We Picked It
With PhotoDirector, you have a world of tools at your disposal, from the fundamentals of graphic design such as text and color tools to AI-powered features like sky removal, style transfer, content-aware removal, and layer editing. You’ll also get tools to edit photos, such as facial retouching, and adding motion blur or light rays. As a result, it becomes simple to create logos, branding materials, illustrations, and simple animations.
Another great feature of the best free graphic design software is its ease of use and rapid speed in advanced editing tools like layering and masking. Edit photos using PhotoDirector’s popular image editing tools instead of using the prohibitively expensive Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
Bottom Line
Whether you focus on typography, branding, marketing, animation, or any other graphic design genre, this free design software has you covered. Its user interface is smooth and offers intuitive editing with guided tools and express mode editing.
You can choose from thousands of features, templates, design packs, and tools for editing images and creating designs. If you want to try the best free graphic design software, get PhotoDirector.
Pros
- Intuitive User Interface: Tools and features are easy to find and use
- Basic to Advanced Graphic Design Tools: Best free graphic design software for designers of any skill level
- Sophisticated Layer Editing: Hide portions of an outer layer and reveal the portions below it with non-destructive photo compositing tools
Cons
- Stock Libraries Only Available With a Subscription: Access to royalty-free images is not available in the free version
Download the best free graphic design software by clicking the link below and get started with all the tools you need for advanced graphic design.
2. Lunacy – Best for Layer Editing
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
Graphic Design Tools: 5/5
Price: Free
Key Features
- Image Upscaler: Enlarge images and enhance the resolution
- Background Remover: Make the background transparent in any image
- Text Generator: Automatically create placeholder texts
Who It’s For
Lunacy is one of the best free graphic design software for layering. It comes with thousands of icons, illustrations, and photos you can layer onto a template. Like our top choice, PhotoDirector, Lunacy makes complicated-looking layer editing incredibly easy. You even have the option to draw directly onto your design. Designers on a budget will love that you have complete creative control to design from scratch, but with incredible speed.
Why We Picked It
This is completely free design software with no ads and no watermark. It has excellent team collaboration tools, usually found in paid software. Lunacy is also one of the best free graphic design software for vector manipulation and web design.
Bottom Line
Lunacy offers a variety of functions and features not usually found in free design software. However, it is not as easy to use as many of the other options on our list and doesn’t offer social-media-friendly templates for quick posting. If you are looking for beginner-friendly free design software with AI tools similar to Lunacy, try PhotoDirector.
Pros
- Completely Free: No watermarks, ads, or subscription-only tools
- Team Collaboration Tools: Design in real-time with up to 100 teammates
- AI Tools – One-Click edits to speed up your workflow
Cons
- Slight Learning Curve: Harder to use than other free design software
- No Social-Media Templates: You will have to find the correct aspect ratios for different platforms and apply them yourself
3. Figma – Best for Web Design
Compatibility: Web Browser
TechRadar Rating: 4.5/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $12/month for Professional and $45/month for Organization
Key Features
- OpenType Support: Advanced font features to match your brand
- Auto Layout: Items instantly stretch to fill or resize when moved
- Instant Arc: Design circle shapes and arches easily
Who It’s For
Figma is used by many major brands to design their websites. We agree that Figma is one of the best free graphic design software for web design due to its collaborative design platform. Features such as live chat and comments make it easy to design a site with your whole team. Before launching the site, you can test it out with live prototypes. Test drive every feature and even send it to shareholders before the site is live. It’s packed with advanced features, but easy to use, making it a win for anyone with some experience using design software.
Why We Picked It
This free design software has vector networks that allow you to draw in any direction, without connecting to the path’s original point. You can build plugins and widgets to help improve workflow, and accessible libraries grant access to thousands of design elements that are easily dragged and dropped into place.
Bottom Line
We highly recommend Figma to design your company’s website, but only if the company is paying for a subscription. It has a free version, granting it a spot on our “best free graphic design software” list, however, it is very limiting, and you have to pay big bucks for the best collaboration features. This is why we’ve placed it behind Lunacy, which offers web design and collaboration tools for no charge.
Pros
- Excellent Collaboration Features: Invite unlimited team members to view and comment in the free version, Pro version grants sharing permissions, shared and private projects, and team libraries
- Easy to Use: An Intuitive user interface and drag-and-drop workflow make it easy to navigate
Cons
- Limited Free Version: The free version is only good for 3 files, and premium versions are expensive
- Overkill for Content Creators: Best left for company use
4. Canva – Best for Stock Content
Image from AppStore.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Web Browser
CreativeBloq Rating: 4/5
Graphic Design Tools: 5/5
Price: Free
Pro version available for $119.99/year
Key Features
- Background Remover: Easily remove unwanted objects or backgrounds
- Video Editor: A few tools for editing TikToks, Ads, and Reels
- Magic Resize: Instantly change the aspect ratio of your designs to fit different platforms
Who It’s For
Canva is one of the best free graphic design software because it offers over 1 million stock images and graphics, and 250,000 professionally-designed templates at no cost. Springing for the Pro version will give you access to over 100 million animated graphics and images, and over 600,000 templates. It’s a great free design software for those with zero design expertise because you can customize as much or as little of the designs as you wish. Beginners can also scroll through Canva’s extensive examples to help spark ideas for their own projects.
Why We Picked It
This is one of the best free graphic design software because it is so versatile. Besides graphic design assets and templates, it has tools to edit photos and videos, website design, analytics, and thousands of mockups for a variety of products.
Bottom Line
Canva has the most free stock of any platform and paired with customizable templates, it is an easy choice for design novices. However, this free design software offers few tools for image manipulation, and the much-needed background remover and Magic Resize tools are only available with a subscription. If you need a one-stop shop to edit photos and design, try the best free graphic design software on our list, PhotoDirector.
Pros:
Pros
- Robust Free Version: Millions of design assets and templates included at no cost
- 1TB of Cloud Storage: Store your designs in the cloud for free
- Available Online or as a Download: Work offline or online from any device
Cons
- Limited Photo Editing Tools: Very few tools to edit photos before creating a design, so you may need additional software
- Important Tools Behind a Paywall: Brand kits, team collaboration, background remover, and Magic Resize are some of the tools you can’t get in the free version
5. Vectornator – Best for Typography
Image from AppStore.
Compatibility: Mac
G2 Rating: 4.5/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
Key Features
- Unlimited and Saved Undo History: No matter how many edits you’ve made, you can always get back to a previous version
- Social Media Templates: Ready-Made templates in the correct sizes for popular platforms
- Custom Brushes: Edit, customize, or create your own brushes
Who It’s For
Vectornator is free design software for illustrators and UI designers with a Mac. We found it to be the best free graphic design software for lettering and typography. With Vectornator, you can import custom fonts and convert any text into vector shapes. It has path guides for perfectly framing text and text outlines. We loved that using your Apple Pencil with this free design software feels just like a pen on paper, thanks to built-in pressure sensitivity.
Why We Picked It
If you like to create videos of your illustrations coming to life, Vectornator has an automatic time-lapse recording that will capture your process from start to finish. This free design software also comes with Auto Trace technology, which converts your images and drawings into vector illustrations with one click – no manual tracing required.
Bottom Line
Vectornator is one of the best free graphic design software for vector graphics, vector illustrations, and vector typography. However, if you need to create designs with photographs or images, you should try PhotoDirector, because Vectornator lacks tools to edit photos.
Pros
- Beginner-Friendly: An intuitive UI and drag-and-drop tools make creating complex illustrations quick and easy
- Supports all Apple Devices and Tools: Use on any Apple device with touch, pen, mouse, keyboard, and Wacom Pad support
Cons
- Only Available on Mac/iOS: Windows and Linux users will have to look elsewhere
- No Animation Features: Only good for static illustrations and typography
6. Vectr – Best for Collaboration
Image from Linux addicted.
Compatibility: Web Browser
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
Key Features
- Pen/Pencil Tools: Draw vector paths one point at a time, or try freehand
- Watermark Creator: Create scalable, un-pixelized watermarks for print or online
- Searchable Elements: Hundreds of design elements arranged by category, and a helpful search bar to easily locate what you need
Who It’s For
Vectr is a free design software for making vector graphic designs and is ideal for people who want to work directly within their web browser. We think Vectr is one of the best free graphic design software because it features a live collaboration tool, which lets anyone view a project in real-time through their browser while someone else is designing. There’s also a chat feature, so collaborators can chime in while you are designing, and you don’t have to deal with tons of notes after-the-fact.
Why We Picked It
Beginners will appreciate the welcome tutorial and walkthrough when they first open this free design software and the customizable editing interface. This is one of the best free graphic design software for quick, web-based designing and supports SVG, PNG, and JPEG file formats. In addition, Vectr’s layer editing is user-friendly, and the software doesn’t take up hard drive space.
Bottom Line
The fact that Vectr is an entirely free design software makes up for many of its shortcomings. First, working on Vectr always requires an internet connection, meaning that offline work is out of the question. Also, you can expect to see a lot of advertisements when working, which may cause performance lags.
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: It is easy to find what you need, and the UI is customizable
- Live Collaboration: Teammates can comment on designs in real-time
Cons
- Advertisements: Vectr supports itself with the many ads that will interrupt your workflow and may cause lag
- Requires a Wi-Fi Connection: Lacks downloadable software that would let you work on-the-go
7. Corel Vector – Best for Colors
Compatibility: Web Browser
G2 Rating: 4.2/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4.5/5
Price: 15-day free trial, then $69.99/year
Key Features
- Unlimited Cloud Storage: Keep your designs safe, synced, and available across devices
- Large Font Selection: Supports custom TrueType and OpenType fonts and the full Google Fonts library
- Live Boolean Operations: Create complex compound shapes and edit them non-destructively
Who It’s For
Corel Vector (formerly Gravit Designer) is web-based vector graphics software for users of any skill level. Our pick for best free graphic design software for colors has an intuitive color picker with HEX color input and output, RGB, HSB, and CMYK modes, and a live color palette that updates as you design. With Corel Vector, you can grab the 8 most dominant colors in any design and create a palette to use in future designs.
Why We Picked It
Powerful vector manipulation gives you complete control over every design aspect. This free design software offers non-destructive object styling with adjustable transparency and blending modes, and various types of borders, fills, and effects. There are also powerful controls for paragraphs, fonts, and characters.
Bottom Line
Corel Vector offers tons of precise adjustments and multiple tools for creating beautiful illustrations, typography, geometric shapes, and much more. Because it covers a wide range of users and needs, we moved it up our list from #9 to #7. Unfortunately, when Gravit became Corel Vector, its beloved free version was swapped for a 15-day free trial. Designers who want to continue using the program after 2 weeks will need to pay for the privilege.
Pros
- Advanced Tools: Offers pro-level tools but remains beginner-friendly
- Manual Adjustments: For full control over designs
Cons
- No Dedicated Free Version: You have to pay to use after a 2-week free trial
- Needs Wi-Fi: Not the best free graphic design software if you have spotty internet
8. Krita – Best for Illustrators
Image from The Web Factor.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4/5
Price: Free
Key Features
- Brush Stabilizers: 3 different ways to smooth and stabilize your brush strokes
- Wrap-Around Mode: Your image will repeat itself and update all images as you continue to paint
- Onion Skinning: See several frames of your animated drawings simultaneously
Who It’s For
Krita is a free, open-source, cross-platform graphic design software ideal for artists who love to create from scratch. It’s the best free graphic design software if you want to create concept art, illustrations, comics, matte paintings, and 2D animations. Krita has numerous tools for digital painting and graphic illustrations, such as a massive selection of brushes for fine detail work.
Why We Picked It
You can also create your own brushes and share them with other Krita users. Besides brush packs, this free design software has a resource center with various texture packs, vector libraries, and beginner-friendly templates.
Bottom Line
Krita is the best free graphic design software for graphic illustrators who want to do free-hand digital painting. Krita caters to illustrators, comic artists, and digital painters, but is not a quick and easy way to layer graphics and elements. If you need to quickly create designs with pre-made elements and templates, try PhotoDirector or Canva. They also have tools to edit photos that Krita lacks.
Pros
- Clean and Customizable Interface: Dark and light themes and over 30 dockers
- Numerous Brush Tools: Includes custom brush creation, a large selection of pre-made brushes, and brush stabilization features
Cons
- Lacks Simple Design Assets: Not the best free graphic design software for quickly layering pre-made elements
- Lags: Fast brush movements can cause it to run slow or freeze
9. Mega Creator – Best for Non-Designers
Compatibility: Web Browser
App Sumo Rating: 4.3/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $119/month
Key Features
- AI-Powered Tools: Change your project’s orientation in one click or produce AI-generated faces
- Thousands of Stock Cutouts: Photos of people, animals, and objects with transparent backgrounds for easy layering
- Direct Upload to Social Media: Share directly to most social media platforms
Who It’s For
Mega Creator is an online DIY graphic editor for building designs from pre-made elements. We think it is the best free graphic design software for non-designers because it offers millions of design elements such as icons, illustrations, photos, backgrounds, and text that you can easily drag and drop onto pre-made templates.
Why We Picked It
If you like a little more creative control, you can create a design from scratch instead of using a template. You are also free to upload your own photos as backdrops for your designs. This free design software has templates for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, TikTok, and more.
Bottom Line
Mega Creator is one of the best free graphic design software for non-designers to make stunning designs in minutes. The issues arise when you want to export your project – free exports are low resolution with a watermark. You can pay $3 per design or fork out for the costly subscription. PhotoDirector is another pick for the best free graphic design software for non-designers and also allows you to upload your photos to use in designs. However, PhotoDirector’s premium subscription is much cheaper than Mega Creator’s.
Pros
- Beginner-Friendly: Incredibly easy for first-time users
- Large Design Asset Library: Millions of customizable assets
Cons
- Limiting Free Version: Exports in low resolution with watermark
- Limited number of monthly assets: Even in paid version you are limited to 100 design assets per month
10. Genially – Best for Interactive Content
Compatibility: Web Browser
PCMag Rating: 3.5/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $9.90/month for Pro, $20.82/month for Master, and $79.15/month for Team
Key Features
- 1001 Templates: Free customizable templates with ready-made animations and interactions included
- Analytics: Monitor views and content engagement
- Cloud Storage: Everything is stored in the cloud and shared with a link, no need to compress large files
Who It’s For
Genially is for anyone looking to create interactive designs, and does not require programming or design knowledge. From big businesses to individual influencers, Genially is one of the best free graphic design software for building a brand. It works by engaging viewers with interactive content, such as links, audio, pop-up text, and buttons. The site has interactive templates for everything from resumes to presentations.
Why We Picked It
With this free design software, you can create from scratch or a ready-made template. The uses for the templates are endless, including games, quizzes, infographics, maps, training materials, and social media posts. You can pull from the site’s design libraries, or upload your illustrations, images, and videos. With a subscription, you can also incorporate your brand’s logo, fonts, and colors.
Bottom Line
Genially is appropriate for pro designers and beginners alike and covers a wide range of design needs. The free design software has no limit on the number of projects you can create, however, you can’t export anything without a subscription. Also, even if you pay for the Pro version, there will still be a Genially watermark on your online content. The watermark is only removed if you spring for the expensive Master plan, which also gives your analytics, brand kits, and team features, also not available in Pro.
Pros
- Beginner-Friendly: It is easy to use and learn
- Increased Engagement: Plenty of interactions available to help build numbers
Cons
- Poor Team Collaboration: You can’t collaborate with teammates in real-time and all Team tools are reserved for the Master plan
- Public Free Version: Creations are shared on the internet, including search engines
- Watermark: Anything created in free or even Pro versions will have a large watermark
11. Sketch – Best for Mac Users
Image from Sketch.
Compatibility: Mac
TrustRadius Rating: 4/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4/5
Price: 30-day free trial, then $99/year
Key Features
- Variable and OpenType Font Support: Offers superb typography technology
- Pixel-Level Zoom: See every pixel of your design to make precise edits
- Smart Layout: Instantly resizes symbols to fit
Who It’s For
Sketch is the best free graphic design software for Mac users. Sketch has done its best to look and feel like a natural extension of macOS, so longtime Mac users will have no trouble navigating the software. Sketch offers full support for Retina and non-Retina displays, dark and light UI, Touch Bar support, built-in spellcheck, and native fonts and emojis. A clever workaround has made it possible for users to collaborate and share their work with non-Mac users. Designers can send teammates a web-based version for feedback or developer handoff.
Why We Picked It
Sketch has kept its user interface clean and beginner-friendly by only keeping the necessary tools front and center. However, this free design software also comes with over 700 extensions to cover any possible graphic design need. It also has excellent organizational tools to keep your styles, presets, and templates in one place.
Bottom Line
At one time, Sketch was roundly considered the best free graphic design software for UI design, but that day has passed. Figma surpasses Sketch on almost every level, especially where prototypes are concerned. And while Figma is cross-compatible, Sketch is only for Mac users, and collaboration with teammates can prove difficult.
Pros
- Excellent Resizing Tools: Use shorthand or math operators to find the perfect size
- Beginner-Friendly: Easy for anyone to use
Cons
- Only for Mac Users: Windows and Linux users need to look elsewhere and collaborating with non-Mac users can be difficult
- Unique Workflow: Users used to other software such as Illustrator will take some time to learn this program
12. Inkscape – Best for Vector Graphics
Image from Software Advice.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
TechRadar Rating: 4/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4/5
Price: Free
Key Features
- Node editor: Move, align, and distribute nodes and Bezier handles
- Bitmap Tracing: Color and monochrome paths
- Object Manipulation: Layer, group, transform, and align elements
Who It’s For
Inkscape is another open-source, free design software, ideal for beginners with serious graphic design aspirations. Inkscape is also one of the best free graphic design software for creating scalable vector graphics, or SVG. Many users agree that Inkscape is a decent free alternative to Adobe Illustrator. You can use Inkscape to create a business card, website, user interface, poster, flyer, or just to practice your skills.
Why We Picked It
If you’re a novice and want to learn the basic principles of vector design, Inkscape is one of the best free graphic design software for you. Try experimenting and practicing the fundamentals of digital drawing with the pencil tool, transform tool, ellipses tool, and many more. This free design software has been around for more than 15 years and has an extensive community of developers and professional users happy to answer questions and help beginners.
Bottom Line
Inkscape’s perfect for budding graphic designers and intermediate-level artists who want to create SVG images. However, it only offers one-page editing, so multiple-page projects take a lot of time. Also, Inkscape has a complex interface and the docked layer editing menus are clunky and confusing. Both Inkscape and GIMP are filled with advanced features and have a high learning curve. Even though GIMP includes tools to edit photos that Inkscape lacks, we moved Inkscape above GIMP in our updated list because it is a better fit for graphic design. However, GIMP and Inkscape have a supportive workflow, so it is possible to use them both for their different feature sets.
Pros
- Wide Format Support: PNG, OpenDocument Drawing, DXF, sk1, PDF, EPS and PostScript export formats and others
- Powerful Text Tools: Multi-Line text, kerning, letter spacing, and line spacing adjustments
Cons
- One-Page Editing Limit: Time-Consuming for those needing multi-page projects
- Unfriendly Interface: Confusing side menus and a complicated layout means first-timers will need time to learn it
13. Paint 3D – Best for 3D
Compatibility: Windows
Capterra Rating: 4.3/5
Graphic Design Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
Key Features
- Realistic Textures: Choose from options such as hardwood and grass, then adjust the colors and lighting
- Magic Select: Instantly create cutouts from your images
- Eyedropper Tool: For easy color selection
Who It’s For
Paint 3D is Microsoft’s replacement for its old Paint program. Anyone can use this free design software – including children – because it is so simple. It’s one of the best free graphic design software for making 3D designs. You can watch your drawing instantly turn into a 3D creation when you use the 3D doodle tool. Create 3D models with stickers, textures, and shapes, then debut them on Remix3D through the app.
Why We Picked It
This free design software also comes with plenty of tools for 2D design. Art tools include an oil brush, watercolor brush, marker, calligraphy pen, pencil, crayon, spray can, etc. These are all customizable. For instance, you can change the opacity, thickness, and of course, the color of any brush.
Bottom Line
Paint 3D is the best free graphic design software for kids or design novices to practice graphic design and 3D modeling. This also means it is not a great tool for advanced users and offers limited features. But being a completely free tool, it’s a great place to start.
Pros
- Very Beginner-Friendly: Easy enough for children to enjoy
- Customizable Brushes: Plenty of art tools for a wide array of textures and looks
Cons
- Difficult to Edit After-the-Fact: Once clicking off a graphic, it’s almost impossible to go back and continue editing
- Not for Advanced Users: The lack of features will frustrate experienced designers
14. GIMP – Best for Aspiring Professionals
Image from Davies Media Design on Youtube.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
PCMag Rating: 3.5/5
Graphic Design Tools: 4/5
Price: Free
Key Features
- Image Manipulation: High-Quality retouching and restoring
- Icon Creator: Create icons and graphic design elements from scratch
- Customizable Brushes: Edit the pre-made brush selection or create your own
Who It’s For
GIMP is a free, open-source photo editor with advanced design tools. It is one of the best free graphic design software for beginners who want to become professional designers. The free price will help beginners get their feet wet with no monetary commitment. Anyone who puts in the effort to learn GIMP will be rewarded with high-quality, professional output.
Why We Picked It
This free design software is one of the oldest open-source platforms you can use to edit photos, with a dedicated community of developers who keep it bug-free. GIMP has excellent brush-based tools for free-hand illustration and an entire library of plugins for customizing your interface. GIMP also allows you to edit photos with RAW support and CMYK colors for printing, both valuable features for graphic designers.
Bottom Line
While GIMP is an impressive free design software with a massive library of free plugins, it’s not without its faults. For example, we noticed that some users find the interface a bit cluttered, and it lacks tutorials and a “Welcome” screen to introduce new users to the basics. Our top pick for best free graphic design software, PhotoDirector, offers guided edits and tutorials to help beginners find their footing. Because of GIMP’s high learning curve, we moved it to #14 on our updated list.
Pros
- Excellent combo of Image Manipulation and Illustration: Create images from scratch or edit illustrations and photos with powerful tools
- Large Plugin Library: Enhance your productivity with integrated 3rd party software
Cons
- No Built-In Tutorials: New users will need to take time to learn the software and scan the internet if they need help
- Cluttered Interface: May be difficult to find the tools you need
15. LibreOffice – Best for Businesses
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
PCMag Rating: 3/5
Graphic Design Tools: 3/5
Price: Free
Key Features
- Uses OpenDocument Format: Have access to your data forever, on any device
- Animations: Add movement and effects to your slide shows
- Document Templates: Hundreds of customizable options
Who It’s For
LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite for creating spreadsheets, presentations, and vector graphics. It’s one of the best free graphic design software for businesses because it comes with databases and formula editing so your graphs and spreadsheets will be 100% accurate.
This free design software also has a variety of slide presentation tools, such as a Presenter Console, which gives you control over every aspect of a presentation and supports multiple monitors.
Why We Picked It
The Draw function will let you produce brochures, posters, or complex technical drawings. You can create and manipulate graphic elements, and even use them in 3D. It’s one of the best free graphic design software for creating charts and diagrams from scratch, with Smart Connectors that help you create precise, easily repeatable lines.
Bottom Line
LibreOffice gives you a full office suite akin to Microsoft 365 free of charge. It also opens any document, even those made with old or defunct software. In our last review, we mentioned the out-of-date and crowded user interface, however, an updated version has added a dark mode, and added nicely organized, media-type icons, which we found pleasing. This free design software lacks collaboration features, which many businesses need. And while this is one of the best free graphic design software for slide presentations, charts, graphs, official documents, and spreadsheets, it is not the tool to use for anything besides office work. If you need free design software for social media, UX/UI design, or photo manipulation, try one of the other platforms on our list.
Pros
- Wide Format Support: Opens and edits any document, even from defunct software
- Excellent for Meetings: Abundant tools for presentations and graphs
Cons
- Limited Uses: Useful for meetings and documents only
- No Collaboration Features: You can’t leave notes or comments directly on the project
Best Free Graphic Design Software Comparison Chart
Software
OS
Beginner-friendly
Layer Editing
AI Tools
Animation Tools
Download
PhotoDirector
Windows, Mac
Yes
Masking, clipping paths, blend modes, graphic images, express templates
Yes
Yes
Free Download
Secure Download
Lunacy
Windows, Mac, Linux
No
Layering, elements, backgrounds
Yes
No
Download
Figma
Web Browser
Yes
Layering, graphic images
No
Yes
Download
Canva
Windows, Mac, Web Browser
Yes
Layering, elements, backgrounds
No
Yes
Download
Vectornator
Mac
Yes
Masking, layering, nodes, path editing
Yes
No
Download
Vectr
Web Browser
Yes
Layering, elements, grouping, path editing, backgrounds, etc.
Yes
No
Download
Corel Vector
Web Browser
Yes
Layering, blending modes, layered fills
Yes
No
Download
Krita
Windows, Mac, Linux
No
Filters, customizable layers, plugins, blending, cloning.
No
Yes
Download
Mega Creator
Web Browser
Yes
Layering, elements
No
No
Download
Genially
Web Browser
Yes
Elements, backgrounds
No
Yes
Download
Sketch
Mac
Yes
Layering, elements, overlay
No
No
Download
Inkscape
Windows, Mac, Linux
No
Customizable layer editing, transformation, simplified tools, clipping mask, etc.
No
No
Download
Paint3D
Windows
Yes
Cutouts, backgrounds
No
No
Download
GIMP
Windows, Mac, Linux
No
Plugins, masking, layering, blend modes, deep learning, colorization, etc.
No
Yes
Download
LibreOffice
Windows, Mac, Linux
Yes
Layering, elements
No
No
Download
Show More
PhotoDirector
vs
Lunacy
Figma
Canva
Vectornator
Vectr
Corel Vector
Krita
Mega Creator
Genially
Sketch
Inkscape
Paint3D
GIMP
LibreOffice
OS
Windows, Mac
–
Beginner-friendly
Yes
–
Layer Editing
Masking, clipping paths, blend modes, graphic images, express templates
–
AI Tools
Yes
–
Animation Tools
Yes
–
How to Edit Photos With a Free Graphic Design Software
Would you like to learn how to use the best free graphic design software? Download and install PhotoDirector by clicking the link below, then follow these simple steps:
- Import an image from your computer, choose an image from PhotoDirector’s stock library, or start with a blank background.
- Under the Edit tab, there are many features you can use to create anything you can imagine. Here we use the Gradient feature to give our image some dimension.
- Click on the Shape button and choose any shape you want to add your image.
- Select the Text Tool on the right, then on the image to type. Under Text Effects, choose a visual design effect to transform your type.
- Select Save/Share to save your work.
Go back and forth between the Guided, Adjustment, and Edit tabs to give your design the desired look and effect.
Now, start all over again and practice your skills!
For more information on how to edit photos using the best free graphic design software, click here.
Download the Best Graphic Design Software for Free
Now that we’ve given you all the information you need about the best free graphic design software, it’s time to put your knowledge to use.
Our pick for the best free graphic design software is PhotoDirector, which offers a streamlined way to edit photos and design posts. With thousands of effects, tools, design packs, and millions of stock photos, PhotoDirector makes it easy to learn the fundamentals of graphic design. We also love its intuitive user interface and powerful AI-driven editing tools.
Whether you have no experience or you’re a seasoned graphic designer, PhotoDirector is the best free graphic design software you need to accomplish all your artistic aspirations. It’s not just ideal for graphic designing, either. You can also use it to edit photos with the latest RAW format support and utilize endless options for creating and editing content.
If you want an affordable alternative to Adobe or any other expensive graphic design software that offers comparable features, PhotoDirector is the best. Try it for yourself today!
Download PhotoDirector right now to create visually stunning graphic designs with just a few clicks.
Best Free Graphic Design Software FAQ
1. What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is a genre of visual art and content that communicates a message to its audience. You can see graphic design examples daily in advertisements, company logos, book covers, and more. As a massive aspect of modern life, graphic design is critical for brands and companies to connect with a target audience.
Nine of the most common forms of graphic design are
- Advertising and marketing design
- Brand identity design
- Product design
- Packaging design
- User interface design
- Illustrative design
- Typeface and typography design
- Publication design
- Animation design
No matter what kind of graphic design you are interested in, our 15 picks for the best free graphic design software have the tools you need to start creating.
2. What features should I look for in the best free graphic design software?
The top ten features you should look for in the best free graphic design software are:
- Express templates
- Image libraries
- Stock photos
- Intuitive interface
- AI-powered design tools
- Digital painting
- Brush tools
- Text tools
- Beginner-friendly
- Fast performance
If you’re looking for the best free graphic design software that checks all of these boxes, we recommend PhotoDirector. It goes above and beyond by allowing you to edit photos before using them in designs. Download it today.
3. What software do most graphic designers use?
The most popular graphic design software is PhotoDirector for beginners and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop for professionals.
4. What is the best free graphic design software?
PhotoDirector is the best free graphic design software. It covers all skill levels, from beginner to pro, and allows you to edit photos before adding graphic design assets.
5. Which software is best for graphic design for beginners
PhotoDirector and Vectr are the best choices for aspiring graphic designers. If you’re new to graphic design, we recommend trying either of these 2 options.
6. How can a beginner start graphic design?
Download PhotoDirector the best free graphic design software, and start working on projects, which is how you’ll gain experience. Practice, practice, practice! Find your best talent and market it.
7. Does Google have a free graphic design program?
Google doesn’t have free design software, however many of Google’s programs offer templates you can use to create various documents and presentations. Google Forms has templates for anything from party invites to job applications. Google Slides has templates to make slides for work presentations or personal events. Finally, Google Blogger has templates to help you start your own blog.
8. Is Adobe Illustrator free to use?
No, Adobe Illustrator only offers a 7-day free trial, then it is $20.99 per month for a subscription.
9. Is Canva good for graphic design?
Yes, Canva is considered one of the best graphic design software because it has millions of ready-made design assets and templates for beginners. It is a good choice for small businesses, bloggers, and people with no design experience.
However, we recommend PhotoDirector as a more comprehensive alternative. Graphic design professionals will find Canva frustrating, as it takes little to no design skills to use. Plus, if you need software to edit photos, PhotoDirector is the best free graphic design software to try.
10. How long does it take to learn graphic design on my own?
Learning graphic design basics can only take a few weeks. However, mastering the craft can take years. It also depends on your skill level going in, and if you have a natural aptitude for design.
Another factor to consider is why you want to learn graphic design. If you intend to become a professional graphic designer, it will take much longer to achieve that level of professionalism than if you are learning so you can make cool social media posts.
If you want a career in graphic design, a University program can take 4 years, while an online course or boot camp could be several weeks to several months.
11. Is learning graphic design hard?
That depends on the person, and if they have a natural aptitude for art and design. While some parts of graphic design can be taught, such as the Rule of Thirds and where colors land on the color wheel, a lot of it is instinct, and understanding when to break the rules.
Even if you have a natural design instinct, you need practice to constantly improve your design skills, and you should stay in the know on current technology and trends.
Fortunately, for those who lack the knack, learning graphic design and creating graphic design are 2 separate things. Many of the best free graphic design software on our list offer pre-made templates and design assets, so all the aesthetic decisions are made for you.
12. How do I get free graphic design courses?
Visit the Learning Center for PhotoDirector – our pick for the best free graphic design software. There you’ll find guides and tips for creating graphic design projects and how to edit photos using the free design software. You can also find plenty of graphic design courses online from learning sites like Udemy and Alison.
