Top 10 Best Graphic Design Applications for Beginners 2023

In the world of graphic design, creativity knows no bounds. With the ever-increasing demand for visually captivating content in various industries, the importance of graphic design has surged. Whether you’re a budding artist, a small business owner looking to enhance your marketing materials, or simply someone with a passion for design, having the right graphic design software is essential. In 2023, the market is teeming with options, but choosing the right graphic design application for beginners is crucial. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best graphic design applications for beginners in 2023.

Table of Contents

1. Adobe Illustrator
2. Canva
3. CorelDRAW
4. Inkscape
5. Gravit Designer
6. Vectr
7. Affinity Designer
8. Figma
9. GIMP
10. Snappa
11. FAQs
12. Conclusion

1. Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard vector graphics software, known for its powerful tools and extensive features. While it’s not free, Adobe Illustrator offers a 7-day free trial, making it an excellent choice for beginners to explore the world of vector design.

Key Features:

• Intuitive user interface.
• Extensive library of design assets.
• Precise vector editing capabilities.
• Integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
• A plethora of online tutorials and community support.

Adobe Illustrator is perfect for creating logos, icons, illustrations, and any design that requires scalability without loss of quality.

2. Canva

Canva is a user-friendly, web-based design platform that caters to both beginners and professionals. It offers a free version with premium features for advanced users.

Key Features

Canva’s success can be attributed to its impressive features:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Canva boasts a remarkably intuitive interface, making it accessible to users with varying levels of design expertise. You don’t need to be a design pro to create stunning visuals.
2. Templates Galore: Canva offers a vast library of pre-made templates for various design projects. Whether you need social media graphics, business cards, posters, or invitations, you’ll find a template that suits your needs.
3. Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Creating designs on Canva is as simple as dragging and dropping elements onto your canvas. It’s a hassle-free process that encourages experimentation and creativity.
4. Team Collaboration: Canva’s team feature allows multiple users to collaborate on design projects in real-time. This is perfect for businesses and organizations working on branding and marketing materials.
5. Design Elements: Canva provides a rich repository of design elements, including images, illustrations, icons, fonts, and more. These resources are instrumental in customizing your designs.
6. Access from Any Device: Canva is accessible from any device with an internet connection, allowing you to work on your projects seamlessly from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

How Canva Can Benefit Beginners

1. Simplified Design Process

One of the most significant advantages of Canva for beginners is its simplified design process. You don’t need to spend hours learning complex software or mastering design principles. With its straightforward drag-and-drop interface and pre-made templates, you can quickly create visually appealing designs.

2. A Wealth of Templates

Canva’s template library is a treasure trove for beginners. Whether you’re designing a social media post, a flyer, a resume, or even a presentation, you can start with a professionally designed template and customize it to your liking. This not only saves time but also ensures your designs look polished and on-point.

3. Learn as You Go

Canva doesn’t just hand you the tools; it offers a gentle learning curve. As you work on your projects, you’ll naturally pick up design principles, color schemes, and layout techniques. With time, your design skills will evolve, and you’ll be able to create more intricate and unique visuals.

4. Affordable and Accessible

Canva is cost-effective, with a free version that provides access to a plethora of design resources. While a Pro version is available for advanced users, the free plan is more than sufficient for many beginners. This accessibility makes it a valuable asset for individuals and small businesses.

Business Benefits of Canva

Canva is not just for personal use; it’s a powerful tool for businesses and organizations as well. Here’s how it can benefit your company:

1. Efficient Marketing: Canva streamlines the creation of marketing materials, allowing your business to produce professional graphics for social media, email marketing, and advertisements quickly.
2. Brand Consistency: Canva’s brand kit feature enables businesses to maintain brand consistency across all design materials. You can set brand colors, fonts, and logos for easy integration into your designs.
3. Collaborative Work: The team collaboration feature facilitates cooperation among team members, even if they are geographically separated. This is ideal for remote work and cross-functional teams.
4. Cost-Effective Design: Canva’s affordable pricing and free version make it a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to save on design expenses without compromising quality.

Canva Pro

While the free version of Canva is excellent, Canva Pro takes your design capabilities to the next level. With a Canva Pro subscription, you gain access to premium features like:

• Additional Templates: A vast library of premium templates for more advanced design projects.
• Brand Kit: A feature that allows businesses to define their brand colors, fonts, and logos for consistent branding.
• Magic Resize: Quickly resize designs to fit various platforms and formats.
• Content Collaboration: Collaborate with team members and stakeholders more efficiently.
• Access to Premium Stock Photos and Illustrations: Enhance your designs with a broader selection of high-quality visual assets.

3. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a versatile vector graphics software that has been a staple in the design industry for years. It’s known for its robust set of features and tools.

Key Features:

• Professional-grade vector illustration and page layout.
• Extensive typography support.
• A wide range of creative tools.
• Easy to learn and use for beginners.

CorelDRAW is a suitable choice for those who need advanced features for design projects and don’t mind investing in a premium software.

4. Inkscape

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that’s perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes into graphic design.

Key Features:

• Free and open-source.
• Scalable vector graphics.
• User-friendly interface.
• Active online community and tutorials.

Inkscape is an excellent option for those who prefer open-source software and want to explore vector design without spending money.

5. Gravit Designer

Gravit Designer is a powerful vector design application with a focus on simplicity and accessibility. It offers a free version and a subscription-based Pro version.

Key Features:

• Cross-platform design tool.
• Real-time collaboration.
• Advanced vector editing capabilities.
• Export designs in various formats.

Gravit Designer is an ideal choice for beginners who want to create vector graphics without a steep learning curve.

6. Vectr

Vectr is a free, web-based vector graphics editor with a simple and intuitive interface. It’s designed for collaboration and real-time editing.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration with team members.
• User-friendly interface.
• Accessible from any device with an internet connection.
• Easy sharing of design projects.

Vectr is perfect for beginners who want a straightforward, online tool for vector graphic design.

7. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a professional-grade vector graphics editor with a one-time purchase cost. It offers powerful features and an intuitive interface.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive vector editing tools.
• Support for multiple artboards.
• Advanced typography support.
• Affordable one-time purchase.

Affinity Designer is a great choice for beginners who need a robust, professional-grade design application without a subscription model.

8. Figma

Figma is a web-based design tool that focuses on collaboration and user experience design. It’s great for creating interactive prototypes.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration with team members.
• Interactive design and prototyping.
• Accessible from any device with an internet connection.
• Comprehensive design system tools.

Figma is ideal for beginners interested in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.

9. GIMP

GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program, is a free and open-source raster graphics editor. While it’s not a vector design tool, it’s perfect for photo editing and image manipulation.

Key Features:

• Free and open-source.
• Advanced image editing capabilities.
• Extensive plugin support.
• Active online community and tutorials.

GIMP is a great choice for beginners interested in image editing and manipulation.

10. Snappa

Snappa is a user-friendly, web-based design tool that specializes in creating graphics for social media, blogs, and online marketing.

Key Features:

• Easy drag-and-drop design.
• Pre-made templates for various platforms.
• Quick and efficient for social media graphics.
• Collaboration tools for team projects.

Snappa is an excellent choice for beginners looking to create eye-catching social media graphics.

FAQs

In conclusion, the world of graphic design is more accessible than ever, with a wide range of applications to choose from in 2023. The best graphic design software for beginners depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you prefer vector design or image editing, there’s a tool on this list that will help you unleash your creative potential. So, go ahead, explore these applications, and embark on your graphic design journey with confidence.

The top 10 graphic design applications we’ve explored offer an array of features, interfaces, and pricing models, ensuring that there’s a perfect fit for everyone. Adobe Illustrator stands as the industry standard, offering unmatched power and versatility. Canva, with its user-friendly web platform, is an accessible choice for beginners. CorelDRAW delivers a wealth of features for those willing to invest in their design journey, while Inkscape provides a fantastic open-source alternative.

Gravit Designer and Vectr are ideal for those who favor simplicity and accessibility. Affinity Designer offers professional-grade design tools without a subscription model. Figma is a standout choice for UX and UI design enthusiasts, fostering collaboration and interactive design. GIMP shines for image editing and manipulation, and Snappa excels in creating eye-catching social media graphics.

Ultimately, the best graphic design application for you depends on your specific requirements, preferences, and budget. As you embark on your graphic design journey, explore these applications, experiment with different tools, and nurture your creative potential. The world of graphic design is rich with opportunities, and with the right software in hand, you’re ready to unleash your artistic vision and make your mark in the creative realm. Happy designing!