To be an excellent graphic designer, you must acquire knowledge about graphic design fundamentals. You must also learn skills to translate your visions into reality through visual components by using graphic design software.
But aside from having the knowledge and skills, you also need to learn how to use various graphic design software. Depending on the industry you want to work in, you can use a wide range of software, such as Adobe Creative Suite.
You may encounter Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign when using the Adobe Creative Suite. These software programs are industry-standard and widely used for graphic design projects.
Using these tools effectively will enhance your efficiency and productivity as a graphic artist. If you are still not familiar with using these tools, you should practice your skills by using graphic design software that is free.
Why is Learning Graphic Design Software Important?
If you are a creative artist who uses traditional mediums, you may wonder why there is a need to learn graphic design software. In today’s digital age, graphic design programs have become essential tools.
Artists use them to expand their creative horizons and reach a wider audience. They allow graphic designers to blend traditional techniques with digital elements seamlessly.
As a result, they open endless possibilities for experimentation and innovation in their artwork. But aside from that, there’s more to gain when you know how to use various free graphic design software.
Some of the advantages of learning how to use them include:
Increased efficiency and productivity in creating artwork
When you know how to use Photoshop, InDesign, and other software, you will experience a more streamlined process. As a result, you can work more efficiently and produce artwork at a faster pace.
These software programs offer various tools and features that allow you to manipulate images, create stunning effects, and organize your work effectively. With the ability to easily edit and modify your designs, you can quickly make changes and revisions without starting from scratch.
Additionally, these software programs often have shortcuts and automation features that enhance productivity by reducing repetitive tasks. With the help of graphic design software, you can save valuable time and effort.
More career opportunities
When you are skilled in using graphic design software, you are giving yourself more opportunities to explore various creative avenues. Additionally, mastering graphic design software allows you to effectively communicate your ideas visually, making you a valuable asset in today’s digital age.
Since employers look for candidates who are proficient in graphic design software, having this skill can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Moreover, being skilled in graphic design software opens up possibilities for freelance work and remote opportunities, allowing you to work on projects from anywhere in the world.
Must-Try Free Graphic Design Software
Are you excited to learn about free graphic design software? Well, here’s a list of the software programs to try:
1. Figma
Figma is a free graphic design software that offers advanced font features, auto layout, and instant arc for designing circle shapes and arches. Major brands use it for website design.
Figma is considered one of the best free graphic design software due to its collaborative design platform. Features like live chat, comments, and live prototypes make designing a site with your team easy.
In addition, Figma is packed with advanced features and is easy to use, making it a win for anyone with experience using design software. It also features vector networks, plugins, widgets, and accessible libraries that grant access to thousands of design elements.
However, Figma is recommended for company websites only if the company is paying for a subscription. The free version of Figma is limiting and requires significant investment for the best collaboration features.
2. Lunacy
Lunacy is a free graphic design software that offers a variety of features such as image upscaling, background remover, and text generator. It is ideal for budget-conscious designers who want to create layering designs from scratch with speed.
Lunacy is free, without ads or watermarks, and offers excellent team collaboration tools. It is also suitable for vector manipulation and web design.
However, it is less user-friendly than other options and doesn’t provide social-media-friendly templates for quick posting. For beginner-friendly free design software with AI tools similar to Lunacy, PhotoDirector is recommended.
Lunacy is an excellent choice for those looking for a more user-friendly option with AI tools.
3. PhotoDirector
PhotoDirector is a top-rated free graphic design software that offers the following:
- Over 4 million royalty-free stock photos
- Adjustment layers for color changes and tonal adjustments
- Express layer templates for speedy editing
- Guided edits
- AI tools for one-click solutions to complex edits
PhotoDirector caters to artists of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned professionals. It provides a range of tools, from introductory text and color tools to AI-powered features like sky removal, style transfer, content-aware removal, and layer editing.
Moreover, it also offers editing tools like facial retouching and motion blur or light rays, making it easy to create logos, branding materials, illustrations, and animations. The software has ease of use and rapid speed in advanced editing tools like layering and masking.
Therefore, PhotoDirector is an ideal choice for those focusing on typography, branding, marketing, animation, or any other graphic design genre. With thousands of features, templates, design packs, and tools for editing images and creating designs, PhotoDirector is a must-try for anyone looking to enhance their graphic design skills.
Although the listed graphic design software programs are free, please note that they may require fees for you to use the premium features. But if you are a beginner who wants to explore first, you should practice your skills using them.
Using these free graphic design software programs, you can familiarize yourself with the basics and gain hands-on experience before investing in premium features. This way, you can assess if the software meets your needs and if they are worth the additional fees for advanced functionalities.
How to Choose the Best Graphic Design Software
Aside from the three software programs, there are more programs you can use to enhance your skills as a graphic artist. These programs give graphic designers more options and flexibility to bring their creative visions to life.
Not only that, but they also allow artists to work with different file formats and easily collaborate with other professionals in the industry. Since you may find a lot of software online, here are some tips when choosing what to use:
- Consider your specific design needs and goals. Different software may excel in certain areas, such as photo editing, vector graphics, or digital painting. Assess what features are most important to you.
- Research the user interface and ease of use. Look for software that has an intuitive interface and a smooth learning curve, especially if you’re new to graphic design.
- Read reviews and seek recommendations from other designers. Hearing about their experiences can give you valuable insights into the pros and cons of different software.
Be a part of the Graphic Designer Lounge family!
You can join the Graphic Designer Lounge as a novice or an expert graphic designer! It is a safe space to meet and collaborate with fellow visual artists.
Find inspiration and share your work, get feedback and advice, and stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in graphic design. The Graphic Designer Lounge also offers exclusive resources, tutorials, and opportunities for professional growth.
Take advantage of this vibrant community of creative minds!
Final Thoughts on Graphic Design Software
Choosing graphic design software is quite challenging, especially if you want to start your career in the industry. Since many software programs ask for fees before using them, you may consider using free graphic design software.
There are several graphic design software options available that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. These programs can be a great way to practice and enhance your skills without the financial commitment.
Some free software also provides tutorials and online communities where you can connect with other designers for support and inspiration.
