9 Free Graphic Design Software Tools & Apps For Noobies

Graphic design software is a must for anyone who wants to be a designer today. Unfortunately, the go-to applications in this industry can take a bite out of a starving artist’s budget. Thanks to the Internet and communities of open-source programmers, now anyone can afford to make graphic design examples because of free graphic design software. Noobie lists nine you can start designing with today.

Free Graphic Design Software You Can Use Now

1. Canva

When you need to create an invitation card for a party, or you want to rush a card for a networking activity, turn to Canva, and you won’t be disappointed. Its minimalistic interface coupled with a drag-and-drop functionality makes graphic design a breeze. There are a ton of templates you can use and make your own, so you can be creating materials in no time.

2. LunaPic

A subscription to Adobe Photoshop can set you back $9.99 a month. If you don’t have $120 lying around for a full year’s subscription, there’s always LunaPic. LunaPic contains most of the functionalities you’ll need to edit photos and create graphics. It also has the same interface and feel as Photoshop. Best of all, it’s free.

3. Inkscape

Vector graphics can be scaled to any size without worrying about pixelation. This is why Adobe Illustrator is the app of choice when it comes to creating reusable digital illustrations. When you’re strapped for cash but want to illustrate, you can get Inkscape. Inkscape’s community of passionate digital artists will also keep you company while you learn.

4. GIMP

Photoshop aficionados view GIMP as a hobbled alternative to Adobe’s photo editor. However, the open-source community behind the software keeps tweaking their project. Now, GIMP contains almost all of Photoshop’s capabilities, save for adjustment layers and advanced text formatting. GIMP’s a great starting point for newbies to learn photo editing and then switch to Photoshop if they want to work on digital images professionally.

5. Blender

Digital companies project videos will comprise 80% of Internet content by 2020. Creating 3D images will be a highly marketable skill. When you need a 3D graphics program, download Blender. Blender contains all the features you need to start making 3D images and videos.

6. Pixlr

Pixlr is another candidate for a go-to photo editor online. It has almost the same functionalities as most photo editors, so newbies won’t be missing much. For easier and quicker image manipulation, beginners can also try Pixlr Express.

7. Krita

When you have the power in your hands ?#Krita #gamedev #indiegame pic.twitter.com/kUYLtYjKb2

— Ivan Dionízio (@di0nizus) September 3, 2017

Krita is the application for digital illustrators. It comes with 9 brush styles, like the ballpoint pen, fill brush, and mixed soft brush. If you’re working with a graphic tablet, Krita can serve as your illustration program.

8. Paint.NET

Paint.NET is a worthy rival to both Photoshop and GIMP. The program offers a clean and intuitive interface. It allows beginners to get into designing graphics from the get-go without the confusion associated with a traditional photo editor. A lot of images in portfolio websites for graphic designers come from Paint.NET.

9. Gravit

Gravit is a free and open-source graphic design software on the cloud. Much like Canva, it works on your browser. The app contains all the basic tools a budding designer needs without straining the wallet. However, Gravit also offers complex instruments and native apps for power users.

 

Roberto Blake presents you with his own list of free graphic design software:

Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie learning what graphic design is all about, there’s an app in this list for you. Beauty is all around, and most of it is for free. The tools you need to make something beautiful don’t need to cost a thing. Start designing today using these apps!

Do you want to get into design? Why and what tools are you planning to use? Comment down below.

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