Photoshop is intended for professional designers and photographers who want to make pixel-level changes and apply advanced effects to their work. Serious amateurs can also greatly benefit from learning to use Photoshop, and the program includes a wealth of tutorials and helpful resources. It is not, however, for those who are unwilling to pay a recurring subscription fee.

Graphic designers who work with raster images and require compositing layers will struggle to complete their tasks without Photoshop. Because it is the industry standard, any clients or vendors you work with will accept files created with Adobe's industry-leading image software. Other tools that support its formats exist, but they aren't always 100% compatible and lack Photoshop's slick interface and cutting-edge image-manipulation tools.

Photoshop is capable of editing and composing raster images in multiple layers, as well as supporting masks, alpha compositing, and a variety of color models. Photoshop supports these features by using its own PSD and PSB file formats. In addition to raster graphics, Photoshop has limited capabilities for editing or rendering text, vector graphics (particularly vector graphics via clipping paths), 3D graphics, and video. Its feature set can be supplemented by plug-ins, which are programs created and distributed independently of Photoshop that run inside it and provide new or enhanced functionality.

PROS:

• Vast set of photo correction and manipulation tools
• Slick interface with a lot of guidance
• Tools for mobile and web design

CONS:

• No perpetual license option, hard to find the best price online
• Premium assets aren't cheap
• Steep learning curve

Functions:

• Layer Editing
• Lens Profile Corrections
• Content-Aware Edits

Link to download: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html
Website: https://www.adobe.com/

Illustrator is, without a doubt, the best vector editing and drawing application available. Yes, you can edit vector graphics in some of the other products listed here, particularly CorelDraw, and that app can even achieve some effects that are more difficult to accomplish in Illustrator. However, Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for most graphic designers. It also includes impressive type support and tablet apps for creating digital drawings.

Illustrator is unquestionably for professional illustrators and graphics editors, but it can also benefit hobbyists who enjoy creating visual art. Those who do not want to pay a recurring subscription fee should consider one of the other products listed here, such as Affinity Designer or CorelDraw. Illustrator is the best vector graphics editing software available, and it's only getting better. More collaboration options, integrated tutorials, and support for 3D assets are among the new features that have arrived.

PROS:

• The best vector design tools on the market
• Excellent Touch Type feature
• Simplified Free Transform tool
• Powerful Puppet Warp feature allows transformation of select portions of illustrations
• Many improvements to existing features

CONS:

• No perpetual license option
• No uniformity of key commands with Photoshop and InDesign

Functions:

• Edits Vector Graphics
  
• Touch Interface Support
  
• Pro-Level Typography
• Data-Driven Charts
  

Link to download: https://www.adobe.com/vn_en/products/illustrator.html

Website: https://www.adobe.com/

Another Adobe product that has become the industry standard, this time for publication layout software, is InDesign. Years ago, it pushed QuarkXpress out of that position. Adobe continues to improve InDesign, as it does its other Creative Cloud stablemates, by adding tools for the ever-changing publishing landscape, as well as creativity and ease-of-use features. With Adobe Fonts, you also get unrivaled typography tools, as well as stock media from Adobe Stock.

InDesign is primarily aimed at publishing layout designers. It can also help marketers and those who need to create publications. It, like all Adobe professional design software, requires a recurring subscription fee, so if that bothers you, it's not for you. InDesign remains relevant, giving commercial creatives in 2019 an advantage in meeting ever-increasing client demands. Despite minor flaws, InDesign is an essential tool for any professional designer.

PROS:

• Superbly balanced interface.
• Easy, smart automatic global page adjustment.
• Contextual information at your fingertips.
• Huge selection of downloadable fonts.

CONS:

• Requires subscription.
• PDF comments integration needs polish.

Functions:

• Touch Interface Support
• Publication Layout
• Pro-Level Typography

Link to download: https://www.adobe.com/products/indesign.html
Website: https://www.adobe.com/

Adobe XD wins the UI/UX design tool battle not only due to its integration with Creative Cloud apps but also due to its responsive design tools. The duty of the astute UX/UI designer to ride the ever-changing wave of technology, tools, and hacks is as daunting as it is exciting. Using and staying current with Adobe XD (Experience Design), the company's design software for interactive interface design and prototyping is one such thrill. Adobe created XD in 2015 to compete with Sketch, which had debuted five years before.

Both vector-based applications can be used for front-end websites, apps, and game design. The sketch is only available for Mac, whereas XD is available for both macOS and Windows. Creative Cloud integration gives Adobe XD in-app access to shared libraries of images, palettes, and design system assets. It's feature-rich, powerful, and user-friendly, making it an Editors' Choice program and a must-have for designers. Adobe has been busy adding features to XD, many of which were inspired by suggestions on its UserVoice forum. In fact, video integration in prototypes has recently been the most requested feature, which is now a reality.

PROS:

• Intuitive workspace and familiar key commands for Creative Cloud users
• Excellent and easy team collaboration
• Leading responsive design support
• Robust tutorials and user community
• Compatible with macOS and Windows

CONS:

• Not as many plug-ins as there are for Sketch

Functions:

• Edits Vector Graphics
• Edits Raster Graphics
• Touch Interface Support

Link to download: https://www.adobe.com/vn_en/products/xd/switcher.html

Website: https://www.adobe.com/

Canva provides an unrivaled range of graphic categories, allowing almost anyone to bring their ideas from their head to the screen (or a T-shirt). Creative thinkers will find numerous applications for the app in their professional design workflow. Canva's message is that it enables anyone, regardless of artistic talent or graphic design skill, to create visual content on any device from anywhere in the world using simple drag-and-drop features. This all-in-one app creates professional-looking social media images, slide decks, data visualizations, reports, animated Instagram posts, Facebook ads, and other branded assets for small businesses.

Furthermore, large corporations can use the tool to give their in-house communications departments oversight of all employee-generated content to ensure it is on-brand. The app has templates galore, a robust image library, and free workshops for learning best practices. Most importantly, you don't need any design experience to use Canva. This combination of convenience and features is what makes it so valuable and an Editors' Choice among collaboration apps.

PROS:

• Capable content creation, even in the free version
• No design background needed
• Mostly intuitive interface and user-friendly experience
• Impressive suite of six new tools
• Excellent learning resources

CONS:

• Can't resize templates in free version
• No spell-check

Functions:

• Free Account Offered
• API Available for Customers
• Guest Accounts
• Pre-Built Templates
• Android App
• iOS App

Link to download: https://www.canva.com/download/windows/

Website: https://www.canva.com/

Adobe is usually the name to beat when it comes to graphics software. That's why they were taken aback by how easily CorelDraw managed to turn the Illustrator-biased heads. In fact, the software has some features that Illustrator cannot match—at least not without the use of purchased plug-ins or additional steps. It packs some pro-level features alongside its lauded accessibility and ease of use for a graphics program primarily geared toward the non-designer production industry and Windows-based graphic artists. Nonetheless, Adobe Illustrator is Editors' Choice winner in the category, thanks in part to its powerful integration with other Creative Cloud apps.

CorelDraw is a vector drawing and editing program, as well as a layout program. It is a global favorite, with a focus on the apparel, garment, and textile industries. The app was previously only available for Windows, but now that it is also available for macOS, its user base is growing. With its main competitor, Adobe Illustrator, having a stronghold in the professional graphic design market, Corel is working to share the market space more evenly by ensuring it meets modern requirements such as facilitated centralized collaboration, expanded compatibility, and subscription-based extras.

PROS:

• Professional-level features, some of which are unique
• Fun, easy, instant-gratification effects
• Highly customizable interface
• Subscription and perpetual licenses available for reasonable rates
• Easier to learn than Illustrator for a pro-level tool

CONS:

• Inconvenient for teams vested in an Adobe workflow
• Some ease-of-use issues
• Not immediately compatible with Extensis Suitcase Fusion font manager

Functions:

• Edits Vector Graphics
• Edits Raster Graphics
• Touch Interface Support
• Publication Layout
• Pro-Level Typography

Linh to download: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/product/coreldraw/?topNav=en
Website: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/?link=wm

Corel's PaintShop Pro software for Windows continues to gain new photo editing features, making it a viable Photoshop alternative at a lower cost. Photoshop is a fantastic tool, but many users can get everything they need from Corel's photo editing software, PaintShop Pro, without having to pay Adobe a monthly fee. PaintShop Pro supports layers and allows you to edit both raster and vector image formats, which requires the use of two Adobe Creative Cloud apps. Some of Photoshop's most advanced tools are still unavailable, but the gap is closing.

While Photoshop still has an undeniable advantage, PaintShop Pro is now faster than previous versions, and its interface has greatly improved over time. So, if you're not committed to the Adobe ecosystem and want to save money, PaintShop Pro is a viable option. PaintShop Pro is a good choice for those who do not need to collaborate with other Adobe Creative Cloud users and do not want to pay the high ongoing subscription fees. It provides the majority of the effects, layer tools, and image manipulation found in Photoshop, but without the super-slick interface and flashy new AI tools.

PROS:

• Photoshop-like features at a lower price
• Powerful effects and editing tools
• Extensive help and tutorials
• Good assortment of vector drawing tools
• Automatic noise removal

CONS:

• Inconsistent interface
• No macOS version
• Some slow operations

Functions:

• Layer Editing
• Lens Profile Corrections
• Content-Aware Edits
• Keyword tagging

Link to download: https://www.paintshoppro.com/en/products/paintshop-pro/standard/

Website: https://www.paintshoppro.com/en/?link=wm

The sketch is quickly eclipsing its competitors as the go-to interface prototyping tool, to the point where many developers now prefer designers to hand off Sketch files rather than layered Photoshop files. Unlike Photoshop, Sketch was designed from the ground up to create interactive interfaces. It generates live comps, allowing clients to see what happens when they click, swipe, or tap your design on their desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone. As a result of all of this, designers who use Photoshop to create user interfaces for desktops and mobile devices may want to look into Sketch.

The sketch is a Mac-only vector design program from the Netherlands that focuses on creating interactive prototypes of web and app designs. Sketch's working design allows your clients to get a better sense of how everything looks and responds. This enables them to provide more useful feedback on functionality (user interface, or UI) and user experience (UX), allowing informed approval prior to the development stage, reducing frustration, and saving time and money.

PROS:

• Intuitive interface.
• Low learning curve.
• Useful collaboration features.
• Works with Illustrator assets.

CONS:

• Mac only.
• Only one device per license.
• No automatic layout flowing options.

Functions:

• Color variables
• Layouts
• Shared libraries
• Vector editing tools

Link to download: https://www.sketch.com/apps/
Website: https://www.sketch.com/

Adobe's Creative Cloud Express is a relatively new offering that competes directly with the highly successful Canva. That is, it is a design tool with templates for non-professionals who need to create marketing materials or social media posts. The software incorporates Adobe's vast depth of imaging expertise and allows you to create something visually appealing without fussing over details. Many people will be satisfied with the free version, but the paid version includes more stock content and allows you to store, manage, and share basic assets from multiple brands, such as logos, color palettes, and typefaces. It supports both video and still images and can output to all of the popular social networks as well as PDF.

Express is designed for people who don't want to spend hundreds of hours learning how to use Adobe's professional design applications but still need to create compelling materials for marketing or social media posts quickly. The free version will appeal to hobbyists, while the paid Premium subscription costs less than Creative Cloud but includes professional-level features.

PROS:

• Fluid templates and many stock assets
• Powerful and useful image and video editing features
• File conversion capabilities
• Includes 2GB (free) and 100GB (paid version) of cloud storage

CONS:

• Not intuitive at first if you're used to Creative Cloud desktop apps
• Unexpected menus show up after certain actions
• No new functionality in the webpage category (formerly Spark Page)

Functions:

• Edits Vector Graphics
• Edits Raster Graphics
• Touch Interface Support

Link to download: https://www.adobe.com/express/design-app
Website: https://www.adobe.com/express/

The main reason to use Affinity Designer is that there is no subscription fee. More than that, for its low one-time fee, you get generous help with vector drawing tools, as well as great font support and its unique Contour tool for organically joining shapes. Serif's latest vector editing graphic design software release, Affinity Designer 1.10.0, is easy to fall in love with.

That's high praise from this writer, who has long used Adobe Illustrator. When the British-born app debuted as a Mac-only tool in 2014, Windows users were already using the company's DrawPlus vector editing tool. Soon after, DrawPlus was discontinued, and the dual-platform succession of the Affinity line began, which includes the vector-based Designer, pixel-based Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher for creating long documents. With Adobe's parallel workhorse trio (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign) so widely available, as previously stated, Affinity Designer is primarily intended for those who do not wish to pay the Adobe monthly fee. As a result, it's a good choice for design novices, but professionals will appreciate some of its features as well.

PROS:

• Full-featured and fast
• Intelligently designed UI that feels familiar
• Extremely responsive tool interactions
• Inexpensive, with no subscription required

CONS:

• No true vector pattern making (though you can fill with a bitmap pattern)
• Document compatibility with non-Affinity programs isn’t perfect

Functions:

• Edits Vector Graphics
• Edits Raster Graphics
• Touch Interface Support
• Pro-Level Typography

Link to download: https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/
Website: https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/

In the 1980s, the company behind Xara began with the Atari ST and Acorn Archimedes computers before shifting its focus to the PC when Windows arrived. The latest version of Xara Designer Pro X (opens in a new tab) is a comprehensive design tool that works equally well with bitmaps and vectors. That is, it can perform DTP (desktop publishing), graphic design, illustration, and photo manipulation tasks all in one application.

For those who need to quickly mock up something, a license gives you access to over a million archive photos and illustrations, as well as hundreds of template layouts and thousands of design elements. The price is frequently discounted. There is also a reduced version called Xara Photo & Graphic Designer, which is frequently discounted. Pro X is also available on Steam for a lower price.

PROS:

• Affordable
• Extensive templates
• Versatile
• Great for designing page layouts

CONS:

• Windows only
• Not a budget choice

Functions:

• create illustrations
• edit photos
• build websites
• generate vector graphics

Link to download: https://www.magix.com/us/free-download/xara-designer-pro/

Website: https://www.magix.com/

Users can customize over 75,000 professionally designed templates in VistaCreate (formerly Cello). It is the best graphic design software for storage because subscribers have unlimited storage, and the free version has 10GB. Visme, on the other hand, only provides 3 GB of storage to their top-tier business customers, and DesignWizard only provides 10 GB of storage to their $50/month clients.

They also believe that VistaCreate is one of the best graphic design software programs because of its robust free version, which includes brand kits, a feature that is usually reserved for paid customers in other graphics software. There are also free fonts, music, objects, animations, and backgrounds available (although the background remover is only available in the paid version). Photo editing tools such as rotate, crop, flip, and resize are also available. A one-of-a-kind tool lets you upload your own images and convert them into stickers for your projects.

Most of the graphics software on the list has one of the best free versions available from VistaCreate. Anyone who needs a background remover for YouTube thumbnails or similar projects, on the other hand, will have to pay the monthly fee. Background removal is free with Lunacy and Adobe Express.

PROS:

• Branding kits available in free version
• Regularly updated and constantly adding new features

CONS:

• Background remover only in the paid version
• Need a solid internet connection
• Functions: N/A

Link to download: https://create.vista.com/plans/
Website: https://create.vista.com/