17 Best Free Graphic Design Software in 2025

Finding the right free graphic design software can seem like looking for a needle in a haystack. There are so many options on the market, each claiming to be the “best.” But which one is worth your time? It can be overwhelming, especially when you’re sifting through countless tools to see which one will work best for you.

There’s a lot to offer! And if you’re like many people, you’ve considered the Adobe Suite at one point or another. Sure, it’s powerful, but let’s be honest: the price can put you off, especially if you’re just starting or have a limited budget.

This is where free graphic design software comes in. I’ve thoroughly tested every option on this list to save you the hassle. These tools aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re loaded with features that enable you to create stunning designs without breaking the bank. Whether you’re designing logos, creating social media posts, or bringing digital artwork to life, there’s something for everyone.

In this article, you’ll learn about the 17 best free options for 2025 that will step up your design game. You won’t just find a tool; you’ll find the perfect option for your creative journey. Let’s dive in and unlock your potential!

17 Essential Design Tools for Every Creator

Creating designs can be much easier and more enjoyable using the right tools. Whether you’re working on graphics, illustration, animation, or other creative projects, these tools help turn ideas into eye-catching designs. They’re useful for beginners and professionals looking for advanced features. Here are 17 tools that can improve your workflow and take your designs to the next level. Let’s dive in!

1. Canva

canva- free graphic design software

Canva is an online design platform that’s perfect for beginners. It offers thousands of customizable templates across a variety of categories, making it easy to create logos, presentations, social media posts, and more. Plus, it includes additional tools like a photo editor and video editor, providing a robust platform for simple projects. Operating on a freemium model, Canva offers a generous free plan with optional paid upgrades for advanced features.

But what sets Canva apart is its AI-powered features, designed to make design accessible and efficient for everyone.

  • Magic Design: This feature allows you to create various design options from text prompts or images. Simply input your idea, and Canva presents you with a variety of templates to choose from, streamlining the creative process.
  • Magic Write: Need catchy copy to complement your visuals? Magic Write is an AI text generator that helps you craft engaging content that’s in line with your brand’s tone, from social media captions to blog posts.
  • Magic Edit: This tool allows you to easily edit image elements through textual descriptions. Do you want to change the color of an object or transform an element in your design? Describe it, and Magic Edit makes it possible.
  • Magic Eraser: Have you accidentally included unwanted objects or people in your photo? Magic Eraser lets you remove them instantly, keeping your design clean and focused.
  • Magic Grab: This feature enables you to easily replace or resize subjects in an image, giving you more control over your design layout.
  • Magic Expand: Do you need to adjust the aspect ratio of your image? Magic Expand uses AI to enlarge the boundaries of the image, seamlessly filling in empty areas to fit the dimensions you want.
  • Magic Animate: Bring your design to life with animations. Magic Animate makes it easy to add dynamic effects to text and elements, making your presentations and graphics more engaging.
  • Magic Morph: This tool offers customizable text and shape transformations based on the prompt, creating creative and unique design elements.
  • Magic Media: Create images or videos from text prompts with this feature, expanding your creative possibilities without the need for external media sources.

These AI features not only enhance your creativity but also substantially reduce the time and effort spent on design tasks.

Canva’s user-friendly interface, combined with its powerful AI tools, makes it an invaluable resource for designers who want to create beautiful visuals without much effort.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced designer, Canva’s blend of intuitive design and advanced technology enables you to bring your creative imagination to life.

2. GIMP

Gimp: Free Graphic Design Software

Let me introduce you to GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program). This free, open-source tool has been a favorite tool for designers, photographers, and digital artists for years – and there’s a good reason for that.

It has tons of great features for editing photos, creating graphics, and creating designs. The best part? It’s completely free. No subscriptions, no hidden costs – just a reliable tool that gets the job done.

Now, while GIMP doesn’t have built-in AI tools like some newer software, its open-source nature makes it extremely flexible. You can integrate plugins that add AI-powered features to make your job easier.

One great plugin is GIMP-ML, which brings some great features using machine learning:

  • Monocular Depth Estimation: This predicts depth from a single image, making your 2D pictures pop with a 3D effect.
  • Semantic Segmentation: It automatically identifies and separates objects in an image, so you can focus on specific parts with ease.
  • Image Super-Resolution: Do you have a low-resolution image? This feature makes it more sharp and detailed.
  • Denoising and Dehazing: Perfect for cleaning up images by removing noise and haze, leaving you with clean, crisp visuals.
  • Image Matting: Need to separate a person or object from its background? This makes it seamless and quick.

These tools take the effort out of tasks that would take a lot of time to do manually. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced person, these features save you a lot of time and energy.

Another great thing about GIMP is how customizable it is. You can make changes to the interface, add additional plugins, or even use scripts to automate repetitive tasks. It’s a tool that grows with you as you learn and improve.

If you’re looking for a powerful, flexible, and free design tool, GIMP is a great choice. It’s a reminder that you don’t always have to spend a lot to create great visuals.

3. Design Wizard

Website interface of designwizard

Let’s get to know Design Wizard, a very handy online tool that’s perfect for beginners. It comes with over 10,000 templates for things like social media posts, channel banners, and logos. The best part? It’s all browser-based, so you don’t need to download anything. Just go online, log in, and start creating right away.

Design Wizard operates on a freemium model, just like Canva. This means you can use many of its features for free. If you need additional tools and options, you can upgrade to the Pro plan.

One of its most useful features is Magic Resize. With just one click, you can resize your design to fit any platform. This saves a lot of time and keeps your design consistent across all your social media accounts.

Another great tool is the custom color palette. This lets you choose and save colors that match your brand, so all your designs look professional and in sync.

Design Wizard also has a huge library of high-quality images and videos. Whether you need a stunning background or a unique icon, you’ll find plenty of options to add that perfect touch to your project.

If you want to make your design more personal, you can upload your fonts, photos, and logos. This way, your creations will always look unique and perfectly in line with your style or brand.

When your design is ready, it’s very easy to share. You can download it in various formats or share it directly on your social media pages. This makes getting your work out there quickly and easy.

In short, Design Wizard is an amazing tool that helps you create beautiful visuals without much hassle. Its ready-made templates, simple customization options, and easy-to-use interface make it a great choice for anyone – whether you’re just starting or looking for something quick and reliable.

4. Krita

Preview of Krita's interface
Image credit: Krita

Let me introduce you to Krita, a free, open-source program that is a game-changer for digital artists. Whether you’re interested in digital painting, animation, or basic photo editing, Krita is for you. It has over 100 brushes, vector templates, and tools for advanced effects and masking, making it a versatile option for creatives. One of Krita’s most striking features is its customizable interface, which allows you to move and adjust panels to fit your workflow and save your setup as your workspace. This flexibility ensures that you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.

Why should you consider Krita?

  • Free and Open-Source: Krita is completely free to use and regularly updated by a community of developers.
  • Customizable Interface: Adjust and move panels to create a workspace that suits your workflow, and save your personalized setup.
  • Extensive Brush Library: Access over 100 professionally crafted brushes, including options to smooth and stabilize strokes for precise lines.
  • Vector Tools: Create comic panels and add text using SVG vector tools for accurate design work.
  • Nine Unique Brush Engines: Utilize specialized brush engines for smudging, shapes, particles, and filters to enhance your artwork.
  • Wrap-Around Mode: Easily create seamless textures and patterns by viewing how designs repeat in real time.
  • Resource Manager: Import brush and texture packs from other artists, and share your custom brushes with the community.
  • Animation Capabilities: Layer animations, import audio, and fine-tune frames, then export creations as videos or still images.
  • Drawing Assistants: Use tools for vanishing points and straight lines to ensure accuracy in your designs.
  • Full-Color Management: Support for LCMS for ICC and OpenColor IO for EXR, with various ICC working space profiles available.
  • PSD Compatibility: Open and save PSD files, ensuring compatibility with other graphic design programs.
  • HDR and Scene-Referred Image Support: Open, save, edit, and create HDR images, providing flexibility in your projects.
  • Python Scripting API: Customize your experience by creating your widgets and extending Krita’s functionality.

In short, Krita is a powerful, free tool that offers a wide range of features to help you create beautiful visuals. Its customizable interface, extensive brush library, vector tools, and animation capabilities make it a great choice for digital artists. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, Krita gives you the tools you need to bring your creative ideas to life.

5. Dochipo

Free Graphic Design Software
Image source: Dochippo

Let’s get to know Doc Hippo, an online graphic design tool great for people looking to create stunning visuals without advanced design skills. The platform offers a wide range of templates for infographics, business cards, and social media posts, making it perfect for designers of all levels. With Doc Hippo, you can start creating beautiful graphics right from your web browser.

Doc Hippo has an extensive library of templates to suit a variety of needs. Whether you’re designing an eye-catching infographic or a professional business card, you’ll find plenty of ready-made options. This saves you time, allowing you to focus on your content and creativity instead of starting from scratch.

In addition to templates, Doc Hippo also offers a basic photo editor. This lets you enhance your images directly within the platform, making it easy to adjust visuals as needed. Plus, with access to millions of stock photos, fonts, and icons, you have plenty of resources to make your designs stand out.

Doc Hippo follows a freemium model, which means you can start using it for free. The free plan has limited document creation, which is great for testing out the features. If you need more, the Pro plan offers unlimited access, allowing you to create as many designs as you want without any restrictions.

Why should you consider Doc Hippo?

  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use, Doc Hippo allows users to create professional designs without prior graphic design experience.
  • Extensive Template Library: Access a wide range of templates for various design needs, including infographics, business cards, and social media posts.
  • Basic Photo Editing: Edit images directly within the platform to enhance your designs.
  • Access to Stock Resources: Use millions of stock photos, fonts, and icons to enrich your designs.
  • Flexible Pricing Plans: Choose between a free plan with limited document creation or a Pro Plan for unlimited access to all features.

6. Adobe Express

Adobe express: Free Graphic Design Software
Image Source: Adobe Express

Let’s learn about Adobe Express, a user-friendly design tool that makes it easy to create stunning visuals. Whether you’re creating social media posts, videos, flyers, or something else, Adobe Express offers a variety of tools and templates to help you get started.

Why should you consider Adobe Express?

  • Ease of Use: Adobe Express is designed to be easy to use, so you can create professional-quality content without needing advanced design skills.
  • Templates: You have access to over 100,000 static and video templates, providing a strong starting point for all your design projects.
  • Assets: Make use of more than 1 million royalty-free Adobe Stock photos, videos, music tracks, and design elements to enhance your creations.
  • Fonts: Choose from over 4,000 fonts from the Adobe Fonts collection to match your brand’s style perfectly.
  • Editing Tools: Adobe Express includes standard tools for editing photos, videos, and documents to refine your designs.
  • Content Scheduling: You can plan and schedule posts for one account on each social network, making it easier to manage your social media.
  • Version History: With access to 10 days of version history, you can easily revert to earlier versions of your designs if needed.
  • Storage: You get 5GB of storage to keep your projects organized and easy to find.

Adobe Express is available via the web and mobile apps, giving you several great free features that compete well with other platforms. Paid plans start at around $10 per month for more features, including additional assets, fonts, and advanced tools.

In short, Adobe Express is a versatile and accessible tool that enables designers to easily create beautiful visuals. Its mix of ready-to-use templates, an extensive asset library, and a simple interface make it a great choice for anyone looking to design professional content without a steep learning curve.

Additionally, Adobe Express comes with advanced AI features to boost your creativity. With Adobe Firefly, you can use tools like Text-to-Image, which lets you generate images from text prompts, and Generative Fill, which helps you easily add or remove elements from images. These AI features speed up your design process and help you easily create high-quality content.

7. Blender

Blender

Let’s learn about Blender, a powerful and free 3D graphics software that opens up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re interested in creating stunning animations, striking visual effects, or interactive 3D applications, Blender has all the tools you need.

This comprehensive program is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making it a popular choice in the graphic design community. Blender’s versatility sets it apart from other design software. It offers a wide range of features that cover every aspect of 3D design, from modeling and sculpting to animation and rendering.

With Blender, you can bring your imaginative ideas to life in a way that traditional 2D design tools can’t match. One of the best things about Blender is that it’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, which means anyone can access it, regardless of their operating system.

Its open-source nature enables continuous updates and enhancements from a committed community of users and developers. This ensures that Blender will remain a relevant and valuable resource for graphic designers exploring the exciting world of 3D graphics.

Why should you consider Krita?

  • Modeling and Sculpting: Krita has strong tools for modeling, including options for creating shapes and detailed designs, helping users build intricate 3D models with accuracy.
  • Animation: The software offers advanced animation features like rigging, skinning, and keyframing, making it possible to create complex animations and character movements.
  • Visual Effects: Krita includes a powerful compositor and supports effects like particles, fluids, and smoke/fire, allowing for the addition of realistic visual effects to designs.
  • Rendering: With its built-in rendering engines, Krita provides high-quality rendering options for both realistic and real-time visuals.
  • Scripting and Customization: Krita’s extensive Python API allows for easy scripting and customization, helping users automate tasks and adapt the software to their needs.

In short, Blender is an invaluable tool for graphic designers who want to incorporate 3D elements into their projects. Its combination of powerful features, open-source accessibility, and supportive community makes it a favorite choice for creating dynamic and engaging visuals that stand out in today’s competitive design landscape. By integrating Blender into your workflow, you can push the boundaries of your creativity and take your design work to new heights.

8. Genially

Genially Graphic Design Software in 2025

Let’s learn about Genially, an exciting platform that makes it easy and fun to create interactive experiences, even if you don’t have a background in design. This tool is perfect for creating presentations, infographics, and educational content that grab your audience’s attention. With Genially, you can design engaging visuals without writing a single line of code. I love how user-friendly it is, allowing anyone to bring their creative ideas to life without any problem. Whether you’re a teacher, a marketer, or someone who wants to share information engagingly, Genially offers a wide range of features to help you easily create great content.

Important Features in Genially

  • Interactive Content Creation: Genially enables you to add interactive elements like hotspots, pop-up windows, and hover effects to your designs, enhancing user engagement.
  • Multimedia Integration: You can incorporate various media types, including videos, audio, and social media feeds, to enrich your content and make it more dynamic.
  • Gamification Tools: The platform offers features like quizzes, escape games, and other game-based learning activities, making it ideal for educational and marketing purposes.
  • Templates and Design Elements: Genially provides over 1,500 pre-built templates across various categories, saving you time and effort in the design process.
  • Collaboration Features: The platform supports real-time collaboration, allowing teams to work together seamlessly on projects.

The free version of Genially includes a wide range of templates and features, making it a valuable tool for creating interactive content. For access to additional features and templates, a subscription plan is available.

In short, Genially is a versatile platform that enables you to create interactive and engaging content without the need for coding skills. Its user-friendly interface, combined with a wide variety of features and templates, make it a great choice for those looking to improve their content creation process.

9. Lunacy

Preview of lunacy software's interface

Let’s learn about Lunacy, a powerful graphic design tool that’s free and has features that make creating visuals a breeze. Developed by Icons8, Lunacy offers a wide range of tools for a variety of design needs, from web and app design to illustration and branding projects. What makes Lunacy special is its easy-to-use interface, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced designers. Whether you’re creating a simple graphic or a detailed user interface, Lunacy gives you the flexibility and tools to bring your ideas to life.

The most exciting part of Lunacy is the use of advanced technologies like AI tools, which speed up the design process. This not only saves time but also helps designers create high-quality visuals quickly. The platform supports real-time collaboration, which is a must for team projects, ensuring everyone can share their ideas and work together easily.

How Lunacy Helps Designers Create Awesome Visuals?

  • AI-Powered Features: Lunacy has smart AI tools that help with design tasks. Features like image upscaling and background removal make tricky jobs easier, allowing designers to spend more time being creative.
  • Large Graphics Library: With access to over 1.5 million icons, photos, illustrations, and UI kits, Lunacy provides a rich source of materials for designers. This huge library saves time searching for elements, so you can quickly add high-quality pieces to your designs.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, Lunacy makes sure designers can work on their projects no matter what device they use. This flexibility makes it easier to team up with others who may be using different systems.
  • Figma and Sketch Support: Lunacy allows designers to import and edit files from popular design tools like Figma and Sketch. This is important for teams moving between different design programs or working with outside partners.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Lunacy’s real-time collaboration feature lets multiple users work on the same project at the same time. This is especially helpful for teams, as it allows for immediate feedback and changes, leading to a smoother workflow.
  • Prototyping and Auto Layouts: Designers can create interactive prototypes in Lunacy, letting them see how their designs will work in real life. The auto layout feature helps in making designs that adapt well to different screen sizes.
  • Offline Functionality: Lunacy lets users work without needing to be online, so your creative process isn’t affected by internet issues.

In summary, Lunacy is a versatile and free design tool that helps designers create stunning visuals easily. Its mix of advanced features, a large asset library, and a teamwork-friendly environment make it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their creative projects. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, Lunacy provides the tools you need to turn your ideas into beautiful, professional-quality designs.

10. Inkscape

Visual of Inkspace's website
Image Source: Inkspace

Let’s learn about Inkscape, a free, open-source vector graphics editor that has become a favorite tool for designers around the world. Inkscape is known for its powerful capabilities, enabling users to create and edit scalable vector graphics (SVGs) that can be resized without losing quality.

Whether you’re designing detailed illustrations, logos, or web graphics, Inkscape offers a flexible platform suitable for many creative projects. Its easy-to-use interface is backed by a wide range of features, making it friendly for both beginners and experienced designers. The vibrant community around Inkscape also helps with its continued development and support, ensuring users have access to the latest tools and resources.

How Inkscape Helps You Create Awesome Visuals:

  • Vector Editing Tools: Inkscape has an impressive collection of vector editing tools, allowing designers to easily create and manipulate shapes, paths, and text. This flexibility means you can design anything from simple icons to complex illustrations with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Advanced Path Operations: This software shines with its advanced path operations, such as union, difference, intersection, and exclusion. These functions allow designers to combine and modify shapes to create detailed designs that stand out. With these tools, you can easily create unique visuals to suit your specific needs.
  • Text Support: Inkscape’s robust text-handling features enable designers to create dynamic typographic designs. You can place text on a path, style it in different ways, and tweak it according to your vision, ensuring that your designs not only look attractive but also communicate effectively.
  • Layer Management: Managing complex projects is simple with Inkscape’s layer management system. You can organize various design elements into layers, making it easier to edit and refine your work. This organization helps maintain a clear workflow, allowing for seamless adjustments.
  • File Format Compatibility: Inkscape supports many file formats, including SVG, PDF, EPS, and AI. This compatibility ensures that you can easily import and export files, facilitating teamwork with others who may use different design tools.
  • Extensions and Plugins: Inkscape supports many file formats, including SVG, PDF, EPS, and AI. This compatibility ensures that you can easily import and export files, facilitating teamwork with others who may use different design tools.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Inkscape is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

In summary, Inkscape is a powerful and flexible tool that helps designers create stunning vector graphics with ease. Its complete feature set, easy-to-use interface, and active community support make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to bring their creative ideas to life. Whether you’re a pro or just starting, Inkscape provides the tools you need to craft beautiful visuals that capture attention and inspire.

11. Pikochart

Image Credit: Piktochart

Let’s take a closer look at Piktochart, an online design tool that makes it easy for anyone to create stunning visuals like infographics, presentations, reports, and social media graphics. With its simple drag-and-drop editor, Piktochart is user-friendly and perfect for both beginners and experienced designers. The platform offers a vast library of icons, images, and charts, allowing users to turn complex data into engaging visuals without the need for advanced design skills.

How Piktochart Helps Designers Create Awesome Visuals:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Piktochart’s drag-and-drop editor simplifies the design process, allowing users to easily add text, images, icons, and charts. This feature makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their design experience.
  • Customizable Templates: The platform offers a variety of professional templates that can be customized to suit specific needs, ensuring that each design matches the user’s vision and brand identity.
  • Data Visualization Tools: Piktochart specializes in making numbers and data visible, allowing users to create charts and graphs that make complex information easier to understand and more engaging.
  • Brand Consistency: With features that allow users to upload their brand assets, Piktochart ensures that designs remain consistent across all visual content, helping to build brand recognition and trust.
  • Collaboration Features: Piktochart supports teamwork by allowing users to work together on designs, share feedback, and make changes in real-time, which streamlines the content creation process.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: Being a web-based tool, Piktochart is available from any device with internet access, giving users the flexibility to work on their designs from anywhere.

In summary, Piktochart is a versatile and easy-to-use tool that helps designers create beautiful visuals with ease. Its comprehensive features, including customizable templates, data visualization tools, and collaboration capabilities, make it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their visual communication.

A Tip for Better Results: While it can be appealing to use templates as they are, it’s important to customize them beyond just changing the text. Take the time to adjust colors, fonts, and layout elements to match your brand’s style and message. This personalization not only boosts the uniqueness of your visuals but also strengthens your brand identity. Adding your creative touch to templates ensures that your designs stand out and connect more with your audience.

12. Synfig Studio

Preview of Synfig studio
Image Source: Synfig studio

Let’s learn about Synfig Studio, a free and open-source 2D animation software known for its ability to create high-quality animations without the need for frame-by-frame drawing. Designed for both beginners and experienced animators, Synfig Studio is packed with powerful tools that make it easy to bring your ideas to life. The software supports both vector and bitmap graphics, allowing flexibility in animation styles. Whether you’re creating characters for a video, designing a promotional animation, or creating a unique artwork, Synfig Studio gives you the features you need to make your imagination a reality.

How Synfig Studio Helps Designers?

  • Streamlined Animation Process: Synfig Studio allows designers to create high-quality animations without having to draw each frame. This saves time and effort, making the animation process more efficient.
  • Vector Graphics Support: The use of vector graphics means designers can create scalable images without losing quality. This is especially useful for adjusting designs or creating animations for different resolutions.
  • Bone System for Cutout Animation: The built-in bone system simplifies character rigging. Designers can easily manipulate characters and objects by moving bones, reducing the time it takes to create complex animations.
  • Real-Time Effects: Synfig Studio offers various real-time effects that can be applied to layers instantly. This feature allows designers to experiment with different styles and looks, enhancing their creative workflow.
  • Compatibility with Multiple File Formats: The software supports a variety of file formats, making it easy to render projects for different platforms. This flexibility ensures that designers can meet diverse project requirements.
  • Encourages Creativity: With a wide range of features, Synfig Studio enables designers to explore new animation techniques and styles, expanding the boundaries of their creative work.
  • Open-Source Community: Being open-source, Synfig Studio has a supportive community where users can find resources, share ideas, and get help. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and enhances the design process.

Why Use Synfig Studio?

Synfig Studio isn’t just about saving time; it’s also a powerful tool that encourages creativity. The vast range of features enables designers to explore new animation techniques and styles, pushing the boundaries of their work. Plus, being open-source means a supportive community where you can find resources, share ideas, and ask for help when you need it. This community-driven environment fosters collaboration and innovation, which can further improve your design process.

13. Photopea

Preview of Photopea
Image Credit: Photopea

PhotoPie is a free, web-based photo and graphics editor packed with tools for image editing, illustration, and web design. Its interface and workflow are very similar to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, making it easy for users familiar with those programs to quickly pick up. PhotoPie supports a wide range of file types, including PSD, AI, SVG, and Figma files, making it a versatile tool for a variety of design projects. Since it works directly in modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, there’s no need to install it, making it a simple and affordable option for designers anywhere.

Why Should Designers Use Photopea?

  • Budget-Friendly: Photopea is free and offers professional-level editing tools without an expensive subscription, making it a great option for designers on a budget.
  • Works with Many Files: It supports PSD, JPEG, PNG, GIF, SVG, PDF, and even Figma files, so you can work on a variety of projects without worrying about file compatibility.
  • Powerful Editing Tools: PhotoPea has advanced features like spot healing, layer masks, smart objects, and filters. Whether you’re fixing photos or creating detailed designs, it has everything you need.
  • No Installation Needed: You can use Photopea straight from your browser without downloading or installing anything. All you need is an internet connection.
  • Privacy Focused: Your files are processed locally on your device, so no data is sent to external servers. This keeps your work private and secure.
  • Works Everywhere: Photopea is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. No matter what device you’re using, you can access it easily.
  • Continuously Improving: Photopea is regularly updated with new features and improvements, thanks to feedback from its active community of users.

What Makes Photopea Unique?

Photopea stands out because of its ability to handle complex projects while staying simple to use. If you’ve worked with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator before, you’ll feel right at home. It’s perfect for designers who need a tool that’s powerful, flexible, and accessible anywhere without the need for costly software or heavy installations.

14. Lottielab

Preview of Lottielab
Image credit: Lottielab

Lottielab is a powerful, web-based animation tool that makes creating and editing Lottie animations simple and accessible. It is designed to help users easily create high-quality animations for websites and apps. Whether one is a designer, developer, or content creator,

LottieLab’s user-friendly interface and feature-packed platform allow ideas to be brought to life without the need for advanced technical skills. Its browser-based access ensures that projects can be worked on from anywhere, at any time, without the hassle of installing software.

With LottieLab, it is possible to create interactive, lightweight animations that enhance the user experience and make designs more engaging.

Why Should Designers Use Lottielab?

  • Ease of Use: LottieLab’s simple interface makes it easy for users of all skill levels to create animations without spending hours learning complicated tools.
  • Web-Based Accessibility: Since Lottielab works directly in the web browser, there is no need to download or install software. This makes it easy to access projects on any device with an internet connection.
  • Import Flexibility: Lottielab allows for importing design assets from popular tools like Figma or starting from scratch. This flexibility streamlines the workflow, helping to quickly move from design to animation.
  • Interactive Animations: The platform supports interactive Lottie animations, allowing designers to make their work more engaging for websites and apps.
  • Collaboration Features: Lottielab simplifies teamwork. Multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, share feedback in real time, and stay aligned.
  • Interactive Lottie Editor: Lottielab is the first platform that enables users to create, edit, and export interactive Lottie animations directly, without needing additional coding or third-party tools.
  • Optimized File Sizes: Even with added interactivity, Lottielab ensures that the resulting Lottie files remain small and lightweight, keeping animations fast-loading and smooth, even on mobile devices.
  • Seamless Integration: Interactive elements created in Lottielab are embedded directly in the Lottie file, making them easy to implement and ensuring they work consistently across different platforms.
  • Comprehensive Export Options: Lottielab allows exporting animations as Lottie files, GIFs, or MP4 videos, ensuring compatibility with various platforms, from websites to social media.

In short, Lottielab is a great choice for designers and teams looking to efficiently create engaging animations. While its templates and tools provide a quick starting point, customization is key. Adjusting the colors, layout, and interactive elements to match the brand’s style will make the animations unique and impactful. By adopting Lottielab, designers can save time and give their creativity the freedom to shine.

15. Corel Vector

Preview of corel vector

Corel Vector, previously known as Gravit Designer, is a free, web-based vector graphic design tool made for both beginners and experienced designers. It has a simple, easy-to-use interface with strong features, making it perfect for creating anything from logos and icons to illustrations, print and presentations. Corel Vector works on various platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, and web browsers. This makes it accessible from almost any device without needing downloads or installations.

Why Should Designers Use Corel Vector?

  • User-Friendly Interface: Corel Vector offers a clean and well-organized workspace that’s easy to use. It’s designed to keep things simple, helping even beginners find their way around without trouble.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: This tool works on several operating systems and through web browsers, so you can work on your designs anywhere, on almost any device.
  • Comprehensive Toolset: Corel Vector comes with a variety of tools, like the Pen tool for creating shapes and paths, plus options for adding text, gradients, and more. Whether you’re doing simple tasks or advanced design work, it has you covered.
  • Broad Format Compatibility: It supports popular file types like SVG, PDF, PNG, JPEG, and EPS. This makes it easy to share files, work with others, or switch between design tools.
  • Cloud Integration: Save your projects online with unlimited cloud storage. This keeps your work safe, accessible from multiple devices, and protected from accidental loss.
  • Free with Pro Options: Corel Vector’s free version offers plenty of features to get you started. For more advanced tools, you can upgrade to the Pro version at an affordable price.
  • Regular Updates and Active Community: The software gets frequent updates to improve its features and performance. Plus, it has a helpful community where users share tips and advice.
  • Customizable Workspace: You can adjust the workspace to fit your needs, setting it up in a way that boosts your productivity and matches your workflow.
  • Great for Education: Corel Vector is perfect for students and educators. It even offers discounted Pro subscriptions for schools and colleges, making it a great tool for learning graphic design.

Corel Vector is a flexible, easy-to-use tool that’s perfect for vector graphic design. Its free access, compatibility with different platforms, and range of features make it a smart choice for both beginners and experts. Whether you’re looking for simplicity or advanced tools, Corel Vector helps you bring your ideas to life with ease.

16. Figma

Let’s talk about Figma, an online design tool that has become a favorite among designers for its powerful features and collaborative capabilities. Figma is perfect for building user interfaces, prototypes, and design systems. What makes Figma different is its cloud-based nature, which allows teams to work together in real time, no matter where they are. This makes it a favorite choice for both designers and developers who want to streamline their workflow and improve communication.

Why Should Designers Use Figma?

  • Real-Time Collaboration: Figma allows multiple users to work on the same project at the same time. You can see the changes as they happen, making teamwork much easier and more efficient.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The layout is clean and organized, making it easy to find tools and features. Even if you’re new to design, you can quickly learn how to use Figma effectively.
  • Versatile Design Tools: Figma offers a wide range of design tools, including vector editing, prototyping, and reusable components. You can create intricate designs and interactive prototypes all in one place.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: Since Figma is web-based, you can access your projects from any device with an internet connection. Whether you’re on a Mac, PC, or even a tablet, your work is always available.
  • Plugins and Integrations: Figma supports a variety of plugins that can improve your design process. You can add additional features and connect to other tools, making your workflow even easier.
  • Design Systems: Figma excels at creating and managing design systems. You can create components that are easily reusable across projects, ensuring consistency and saving time.
  • Prototyping: You can build interactive prototypes directly in Figma, allowing you to test your designs before moving to development. This helps in getting feedback early in the design process.
  • Feedback and Commenting: Team members can leave comments directly on the design files, making it easier to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments quickly.
  • Community Resources: Figma has a large community that shares resources, templates, and design assets. This can save you time and inspire your work.

In short, Figma is a powerful and collaborative design tool that improves the way designers work together. Its features, user-friendly interface, and real-time collaboration make it an indispensable part of the modern design workflow. Whether you’re a solo designer or part of a larger team, Figma can help you create great designs more efficiently.

17. Linearty.io

Preview of Linearity.io

Linearity is a versatile, web-based design tool that enables both beginners and professionals to easily create stunning visuals and animations. With its intuitive interface and robust features, Linearity streamlines the design process, allowing users to create everything from logos and illustrations to interactive animations and marketing materials.

Designed specifically for Apple devices, including Mac, iPad, and iPhone, Linearity ensures seamless integration into the platform, allowing users to work on projects anytime, anywhere, with no additional installation required.

This flexibility, combined with its comprehensive toolset and compatibility with various file formats, positions Linearity as an attractive option for those looking for a powerful yet user-friendly design solution.

Why Should Designers Use Linearity?

  • User-Friendly Interface: Linearity offers a clean, organized workspace that simplifies navigation and tool access, making it easy for both newcomers and experienced designers to create and edit designs efficiently.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: Available on Mac, iPad, and iPhone, Linearity allows users to create and edit designs across multiple devices, ensuring flexibility and convenience in the design process.
  • Comprehensive Toolset: The platform provides a wide array of design tools, including the Pen Tool for precise path creation, the Node Tool for seamless editing, and the Shape Builder for intricate designs. Advanced features like AI Backgrounds and Auto Trace further enhance the design capabilities.
  • Broad Format Compatibility: Linearity supports various file formats, such as SVG, PDF, PNG, JPEG, and AI, facilitating easy import and export of files and ensuring smooth collaboration with other design tools.
  • Cloud Integration: With unlimited cloud storage, users can save projects online, ensuring access and the ability to work from different devices without the risk of losing progress.
  • Free with Pro Options: The free version of Linearity offers a robust set of features, while its Pro version adds extra tools and advanced functions at a reasonable price, catering to both casual users and professionals.
  • Regular Updates and Active Community: Linearity receives frequent updates to improve its performance and introduce new features. The platform also benefits from a supportive community of users who share tips, tutorials, and advice.
  • Customizable Workspace: Users can tailor the interface to fit their needs, adjusting the workspace and tools to create a setup that improves efficiency and suits their workflow.
  • Great for Education: Linearity is accessible to students and educators, offering discounted Pro subscriptions for educational use. Its ease of use makes it a good starting point for anyone learning graphic design.

In short, Linearity is a flexible and easy-to-use tool for creating vector graphics and animations. Its free access, compatibility with various platforms and file types, and robust set of features make it a viable choice for both beginners and professionals. By offering both simplicity and advanced tools, Linearity empowers users to bring their creative ideas to life while seamlessly fitting into their workflow.

How to Choose the Best Free Graphic Design Software

Choosing the right free graphic design software is important to create eye-catching visuals at no cost. Here is a guide that will help you make an informed choice:

1. Assess Your Design Needs

Decide what type of project you will be working on – whether it’s logos, illustrations, social media graphics or photo editing. This will help you identify software that offers the specific tools and features you need.

2. Evaluate User-Friendliness

Select software with an intuitive interface to suit your skill level. Beginner-friendly platforms like Canva and DesignWizard offer templates and drag-and-drop features, while more advanced tools like GIMP and Inkscape offer extensive functionality for experienced designers.

3. Consider Platform Compatibility

Ensure the software works with your operating system, whether that’s Windows, macOS, or Linux. Some tools are web-based, allowing access to a variety of devices, while others are platform-specific.

4. Check File Format Support

Verify that the software supports the file formats you work with, such as SVG, PNG, JPEG, or PSD. This compatibility is essential for seamless collaboration and integration with other tools.

5. Explore Available Features

Look for features like vector editing, photo manipulation, and template libraries. Advanced tools can provide capabilities like layer management, masking, and scripting, which can enhance your design workflow.

6. Review Community and Support

A strong user community and accessible support resources can be invaluable, especially when you’re learning new software. Platforms with active forums, tutorials, and customer support can help you overcome challenges.

7. Test Multiple Options

Many free graphic design tools offer trial versions or a free tier. Experiment with several tools to determine which one best suits your workflow and design needs.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select free graphic design software that aligns with your creative needs and enhances your design projects.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right free graphic design software can enhance the creative process, making it easier to create amazing visuals without spending a lot of money. With so many options available, from user-friendly tools like Canva and Gravit Designer to more advanced platforms like Blender and Inkscape, there is something for everyone, no matter your skill level. Each tool comes with unique features that cater to different design needs, enabling you to express your creativity and bring your ideas to life.

It is also important to think about the performance of your hardware when working with graphic design software. A reliable laptop can help ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your work without interruption. For those looking for the best laptop for graphic design, check out the article on this topic available on the website. It provides guidance on choosing the right device to support your design journey and increase productivity.

By choosing the right software and having the appropriate tools, you are on your way to creating great designs that grab attention. Happy designing!

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