TL;DR
Adobe Creative Suite
The consensus across discussions is that Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard for graphic design software. It includes essential tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, which are widely used in professional settings [1:3],
[4:1]. Learning Adobe software is crucial for those looking to pursue a career in graphic design, as many employers expect proficiency in these programs
[1:2],
[1:8].
Affinity Suite
For those seeking a more affordable option, the Affinity Suite is recommended as a good alternative to Adobe [1:9],
[3:1]. Affinity offers similar functionality to Adobe products and can be a great starting point for students who want to explore graphic design without committing to Adobe's subscription model.
Free and Open Source Alternatives
Several free and open-source alternatives are available for graphic design students. GIMP, Inkscape, Krita, and Scribus are popular choices that provide robust features for various design tasks [2:1],
[3:1]. These programs are excellent for students who need versatile tools without financial investment.
Canva
Canva is often mentioned as a beginner-friendly tool due to its ease of use and collaborative features [2]. However, it is generally considered too simplistic for professional designers
[3:2]. Canva can be useful for quick projects or social media graphics but may not offer the depth needed for more complex design work.
Figma
Figma is highlighted as an essential tool for prototyping and UX design [4:1],
[5:1]. It is free to use and widely adopted by industry professionals, making it a valuable addition to a student's toolkit. Figma also offers educational resources, which can help students learn and apply their skills effectively.
Additional Skills and Tools
Beyond software, graphic design students should consider learning basic HTML and CSS, file management, and backup strategies [4:2],
[4:9]. Drawing skills can also enhance creativity and concept development
[4:8]. These additional skills complement software proficiency and prepare students for diverse design challenges.
I’m just starting out in graphic design and looking for some recommendations on beginner-friendly software to help me get started. I’m looking for something that’s easy to learn, has good tutorials, and still offers a lot of creative potential as I improve my skills.
Thanks in advance!
This isn't a field where people generally start with beginner version of software and work their way up. Learning Adobe is the best way forward.
Just yesterday on LinkedIn, a designer posted about how she was rejected for a job because she used Affinity instead of Adobe. There was lots of debating in the comments, but in the end, she wasn't hired because she chose to use something other than what is standard.
If you want to be hired into a full time design role, learn Adobe.
That’s insane. I’m 100% sure that skills are transferable
Not quickly, there'd still be an adjustment. It's like learning a new language. You could have two people who know exactly what they want to say to each other, but need to learn the language to do so.
Between software, you may know exactly what you want to do, and how to do it in one specific toolset, but to adjust to a different tool could still require relearning how to use it.
With Affinity for example, Adobe is the default because it existed for decades prior. That means that anything Affinity does which is different should only be to make things better, but for whatever reason (possibly legal), things appear to be arbitrarily different. Different terms are used, things are in different places. Even if there are some similarities or the end result is the same, the journey is very different, or different enough.
Think even just differences between American and British English, let alone between English and German, or Spanish.
In the case of Affinity Publisher, for example, as an alternative to InDesign, it doesn't even have a proper links panel, and where links are located is more akin to Quark, as it's under Document > Resource Manager. (Quark hid both links and fonts under "Usage".)
For the person to succeed, they would have to be fully aware of this, a very quick learner, and able to adapt to these differences quickly. For a lot of hiring managers, it's simply not worth the hassle or risk, if their are enough other, equal or better qualified people. Why take a chance that this person might meet all these requirements and learn what they need, versus someone who already knows.
What matters is what are the best tools for the job, that's it. In a full-time job, Adobe is paid for by the employer anyway. As a freelancer, it's a business expense, just like your internet, insurance, utilities, or hardware.
But no one's going to hire you and wait for you to learn the software they use when there are hundreds of other candidates who already use it and can jump right in.
This field is too competitive to not be an expert in the standard software suite.
Years ago a top manager insisted I had to be fired, because I was using InDesign instead of Word for publishing materials…
They’re stupid. Ignore them.
Adobe CS. No brainer.
You get like half a dozen core softwares that are used by nearly every company in professional settings. Also get access to stock images and some AI tools.
Adobe Fonts & Adobe Portfolio too. It's honestly priced pretty well for those who use a good chunk of what's offered.
The best way to start with this is by no sugar-coating it. I’d recommend starting with Adobe or Affinity, when you learn in that software, you get a hold of almost everything.
I really think it’s Affinity suite.
Everyone is a beginner to whatever software they use. Even with Adobe programs, many of us started as kids.
In my case I'm a bit older so programs like Photoshop didn't exist when I was born, but I started using it around 13, after using whatever free software came with my scanner before that. For layout, I learned Pagemaker at 13 as well (which was later bought by Adobe and became the basis for InDesign), Illustrator at 17, Quark at 18, InDesign at 19.
The mistakes people make when trying to learn is that they 1) think they will or need to master a program, 2) try to learn way too much too quickly, 3) think they need to learn everything in advance of needing it, and 4) try to learn/use as few programs as possible.
You start with basics, the things you'd learn in any beginner/introductory lessons, whether YouTube, the publisher, LinkedIn, whatever.
With design, you're not supposed to go to the computer and just wing it, you're supposed to go through process and figure out what you're going to make before opening up a program, so when what you want to do exceeds your current software knowledge, that's when you can seek out tutorials or resources to learn more, specific to what you need done at the time. There are tons of things programs are capable of that you specifically may never need to know or use.
As professionals, no one has mastered any program out of college. We are continuously learning, growing, adapting. And as new versions come out, with new features or better processes, we can even relearn how to do things we knew before, in more effective ways.
>Tools that are versatile (from logo design to social media graphics, etc.)
The main four would be programs for vector (eg Illustrator, Affinity Designer, Corel, Inkscape), raster (eg. Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Corel Painter, GIMP), layout (eg InDesign, Quark, Affinity Publisher, Scribus), and motion (eg After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Apple Motion).
Use the right program for the task, which often means using multiple programs on the same project. Don't try to force everything into 1-2 programs. For example, don't try to do everything within just Photoshop. Often there are things you can do in multiple programs, but one will be superior to the rest. So you could do logos in Photoshop, but that should be done in Illustrator. You can do layouts in Photoshop or Illustrator, but they should be done in InDesign.
>Free or affordable options (if available)
Inkscape, Scribus, GIMP, and Davinci are the free options.
Affinity is a one-time purchase that is cheaper than Adobe, Corel, or Quark.
But as others said, Adobe is the standard. What defines "affordable" though will be specific to you. If your intent is just as a hobby, you'd be fine with free options or Affinity. If you intend to do this professionally, land jobs, be your primary income, Adobe is the standard.
People will say it's expensive, but in jobs it's paid for, and as a freelancer it's $30-60/mo in most cases, as there are annual/bi-annual sales, retentions deals, student discounts, etc. That includes a whole suite of software, fonts, a portfolio site, etc. As far as tools and business expenses go, that's very low (at least in any Western country).
(Had to repost because I used the wrong flair by accident! Sorry!)
Hi! I’d really appreciate practical but empathetic advice regarding working with affordable softwares/websites for graphic designs and vector making. For context, I’m a university student, and I work under the publications team of organizations. I dominantly use Canva because of the ease of use and feature for collaborative work, but I’ve been wanting to up my game in graphic design. I don’t plan on making it a career, but I definitely have room for improvement.
I know that Photoshop is the standard, but (1) I can’t pay for it even with student discount and (2) my Macbook Air has been a bit of a pain in my ass to 🏴☠️ it. I’m also wary of downloading 🏴☠️ softwares online. I’ve heard of Affinity, and I tried the free trial, but it didn’t seem to cater to the designs I wanted to curate. I attached a picture of a recent poster I did for an organizational event, and I used Canva.
Could you guys please, please recommend some tools that can help me improve? I’m more than happy to struggle and learn if it meant that I deliver quality output! 🥺
Thank you!
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That's an elaborate way to say that you don't know how to use Google or DuckDuckGo.
affinity does most of what the adobe suite does - so not sure what you couldn't do with it?
also look at inkscape, gimp, krita, scribus (all free); photopea (online, browser based) and vector pea
It is even better if it is free and also i saw hate on canva why is that???
Canva is for non-designers. It’s overly simplistic and doesn’t offer nearly enough for a professional designer.
best: adobe creative suite
good alternative: Affinity suite
best cross platform, free, and open source alternatives: gimp, inkscape, krita, scribus, rawtherapee/darktable
Hey guys, I'm going to be studying graphic design this year and I was wondering what are the softwares and applications that are essential to a graphic designer?
I know that Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop are must knows, but what about Canva, Jitter, etc.?
Just figma. For everything /s.
Adobe of course, the main 3 illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. Then some basic video editing premiere) basic aftereffects.
Figma for prototypes.
Possibly basic html and CSS at least an understanding of common concepts. Basic acrobat.
File management and backups.
What is file management and backups?
how to organise files. Backups? you seriously asking what backups are? copies of your files held in different places e.g. the cloud, server, backup media like offsite storage etc. versions too, so doc1a, doc2b, etc so if a file becomes corrupted you don't lose everything but can at least go back a version
I’m gonna go with Canva Free. That and mid journey will get you everything you need /s
Be helpful to know PPT. Surprisingly common request
Also the level of “I kind of know ppt” and “I can create a responsibe and modern master for corporate” is vastly different.
Although usually you can at least get your foot in the door with a working knowledge, and then build out the skillset from there. At least if it's something that isn't a primary responsibility of the job.
So if it's just an in-house position where you're handling a bunch of design tasks, a working knowledge can be find and you just use the opportunity to learn a lot quickly on the job. Whereas if your primary task is PPT, you'd likely be judged on that more directly in the hiring process.
Isn’t that the same for all apps?
Unfortunately, it's true. It's a shit piece of software. But many companies use it.
We always had to pull straws for who had to do the PPT. We all hate it.
I just wish the UI wasn't so terrible. People love to complain about Adobe but Microsoft products in general are just abysmal, whether it's Powerpoint, Outlook, even Flight Simulator.
Learn to draw.
You don’t have to be an “illustrator” level but if you can sketch out ideas quickly, you’ll save yourself a lot of time when coming up with concepts and presenting to clients.
If you reach the illustrator level, even vector illustrator, that’s an extra $25-$100 an hour you can add to your existing rate.
The Adobe core as you mentioned, and figma, I think are musts
The rest are nice to haves, or depends on a specific niche and thing you're trying to do - like blender or keyshot, after effects etc
What tools do you use for graphic design as an ID? I’m interested in developing my skills and would love to get an idea of what tool(s) to focus on.
It’s nice to see ID’s interested in visual design. I use the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and Figma.
I have both PhotoShop and Snagit, but mainly Snagit.
I utilize photoshop pretty heavily. I also adjust pre-made assets in illustrator a lot.
Canva can be a good tool if you're just starting out.
I've been really digging Canva lately. Adobe user for 20+ years, I ♥️ canva.
If you have a subscription to stock photos and illustrations, learn the basics of photoshop and illustrator (or equivalent software) and use stock imagery when you can. Whenever I need to use characters in my work I look up character sets on stock image sites and use a character from there, pull it into illustrator and then make tweaks to customize it. Much faster and save you headaches.
I've used a lot of others in the past, but Figma's where I would start for sure. It's free to use, pretty widely adopted by industry UX design teams, and it comes with a lot of different templates and learning resources. The skills you learn in there also can transfer to other vector software like Adobe Illustrator if you eventually want to upgrade. They also do a "Figma for Education" livestream once a month, usually on a Friday morning. It's more geared towards teachers, but the guy that runs them is a former design professor who's super engaging; would definitely recommend it as a spot to learn basic tips and ask questions.
Is there an archive?
I tried to find a link, but it wasn't to videos.
Not that I know of, sorry! I believe if you sign up for them you can request that they send you the recording, though, even if you don't actually attend.
As per professional Stand point Adobe is at the top.
There are many open source software packages too that are good . So, what is the purpose that you are going to go for? Photo editing? Design ?
Mainly things related to business. Business cards, logos, website designs
Then i guess you could go for
free and good softwares - "Inkscape" , "GIMP" , newer "Gravit"seems simple and clean to use
paid - Affinity Designer " for mac alone , "sketch "seems to be popular for prototyping.
or you could go for COREL
​
What is the problem with Adobe and what kind of work you want to produce? Adobe Suite does a lot of different work.
If you're just doing it for a hobby Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo are adequate.
If you are intending to do it with an eye to a future career in it, Adobe is necessary.
I'm curious to know why you don't think Affinity is up to par. What major features is affinity lacking that the adobe products have?
I think it doesn’t 100% play nice with Adobe and that’s why people give it a thumbs down. I personally think they need to step up their advertising to businesses/schools. Adobe is king because they cornered the professional market.
Gravit Designer is a good piece of free software similar to illustrator.
Figma
I'm just using Illustrator and Photoshop for now, so any suggestions? or should I just keep going on those for now?
They are the industry standards for a reason...
So they are the best?
Who cares what's best. What's your goal? If you want to be a professional designer, I'd keep with the Adobe programs. I don't know the rest of the world, but in the US I never see jobs posting for graphic designers who use all these other programs posted in here. If you're doing it for fun, try the other programs.
>So they are the best?
I wouldn’t say so, no!
Alternatively you could also try to start with free and/or open source software like Inkscape and GIMP or what’s out there. Some tools are quite powerful and customisable, but I always felt like they’re not as intuitive.
I’d recommend starting out with the Affinity range, maybe when it’s on sale. In any case they’re affordable one time purchases instead of monthly payments and offer a lot of functionality.
You can change your mind at any time and pay monthly to keep the numerous subscription monopolies alive, of course.
It also depends a lot on what exactly you want to achieve, expect and what your planned workflow looks like.
I used the three main apps from Adobe (PS, AI and ID) for over a decade before switching. And only very rarely do I miss features in my daily work now.
Did you want the answer to be canva lol
The apps are only there to facilitate your vision and creativity. Work on your process and your taste so, that it doesn't matter what program you use, you can build and create regardless.
I am the editor-in-chief of a student newspaper and I used to layout every issue in Canva (It was very convenient and intuitive for me). However, I have now lost access to my account and I think I should learn to use “normal” programs. I understand that I should raise my typography skills, so all I ask from you is to advise me which program is the best for me to learn?
Adobe InDesign
I would look at the Affinity Suite of programs . They are quite inexpensive and a reasonable learning curve. Adobe subscription is not something a non-pro would be able to learn or afford for that matter. I would also do a little bit of brushing up on the terminology and concepts such as negative space, paragraph spacing, kerning, leading, how to use styles, layers and the like. Canva is not a serious tool, it is all premade templates, and font themes. No matter what you use will be a little shock to the system.
I agree with you about the quality of Canva. Regarding the concepts and what I will have to learn - the shock of the system is long gone, but studying until then did not allow me to address the issue sooner. Thanks
Well the affitiy programs might be your best bet then, no subscriptions and tons of you tube tutorials. Have you also looked at Microsoft Publisher? There is a a free online version to use just to try it.
If you’re on a Mac, Apple’s desktop publishing program, Pages, is free. It’s fully featured to design from the basics to advanced page layout.
At least, until you can afford either Affinity Publisher or Adobe InDesign.
I once tried InDesign. It took me 2 hours just to open a new document. Guess I should've read the manual...
Once you know it you never go back, but that’s the catch
I'm currently subscribed to Adobe Creative, but those subscription fees are starting to wear me down, especially when my freelance gigs are a bit hit-or-miss. Plus, I recently snagged Alfred, a productivity tool, and its one-time payment deal feels pretty solid. It got me thinking, out of all the products out there, is there a freebie/one-time payment toolkit that's just right for graphic designers, either newbies or those on a budget?
I don't suggest finding "alternatives" to Adobe if you are a beginner who will want to eventually find a job in the industry. Employers will expect you to know Adobe inside and out. If you don't plan on being a professional, literally anything will work. Simply Google or search this sub, this same question has been asked a million times.
I use Affinity as an Adobe substitute, and paired with Canva, I can get through over 80% of my graphic design work.
How do you do the other 20%?
Affinity is really good but I would speak to the chat bot at adobe and see if you can get a deal. They are often very generous (like half price!!!)
Affinity is decent. I recently started using Formia and its a really nice addition. https://formia.so/3d-logo
affinity suite is often on offer and licence, not subscription. otherwise free and open source Ginp. inkscape, scribus, krita
clicking this I was hoping for some new hot tips.
1:1 what I already use
have you thought about how hard it is to bring new design software to even attempt to compete with adobe?
Ms paint
I use Affinity for my freelance business
I'm new to digital art and graphic design. Was wondering what apps you guys use or websites? Also I have a laptop that turns into a tablet, it's touch screen. Are there any specific styluses you would recommend? Thank you :D
i’m using photoshop cc 2019 but many of my friends use either medibang (free) or ibis to illustrate!
Photoshop cc 2020 , Adobe illustrator . That's the ones I use . (They can be also cracked from getintopc but you don't know that from me)
Thank you so much! I'll definitely try that out. What stylus do you use?
I’ve used a Wacom Intuos Pro for more artistic work but for most of my graphic design projects I get by with just my laptop alone.
best software for graphic design students
Key Considerations for Graphic Design Software:
Industry Standards: Familiarize yourself with software commonly used in the industry, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), as these tools are widely recognized and used by professionals.
Budget: Consider your budget. Adobe offers student discounts, but there are also free or lower-cost alternatives like GIMP, Inkscape, and Canva that can be effective for beginners.
Ease of Use: Look for software that has a user-friendly interface, especially if you're just starting out. Tutorials and community support can also be beneficial.
Functionality: Ensure the software meets your specific needs, whether it's vector graphics, photo editing, or layout design. Different programs excel in different areas.
Collaboration Features: If you plan to work on group projects, consider software that allows for easy sharing and collaboration, such as Figma or Adobe XD.
Recommendations:
Adobe Creative Cloud: Offers a comprehensive suite of tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) that are essential for graphic design. The student discount makes it more affordable.
Canva: Great for beginners and quick projects. It has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of templates.
Affinity Designer: A cost-effective alternative to Adobe Illustrator, offering powerful vector design tools without a subscription model.
Figma: Excellent for UI/UX design and collaboration, especially for web and app design projects.
GIMP: A free alternative to Photoshop, suitable for photo editing and graphic design, though it has a steeper learning curve.
Choosing the right software depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of design work you want to pursue. Starting with a combination of free tools and industry standards can provide a solid foundation for your graphic design education.
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