Top 9 Graphic Design Software That Designers Cannot Ignore

Graphic design is a creative and challenging field, requiring designers to have solid professional knowledge and proficient skills in using design tools. Among the myriad of graphic design software on the market, there are software that any designer must know and use proficiently. In this article, sadesign will introduce "must-have" graphic design software for designers, helping you improve your skills and create impressive works.

1.Why do Designers need to use graphic design software?

Graphic design software is an indispensable tool for designers, helping them realize creative ideas and create high-quality design products.

1.1 Optimize workflow

Designers need to use graphic design software because it is an important tool to optimize the workflow, from sketching ideas to completing the final product. These software not only provide powerful features to create professional designs but also help save time and improve work efficiency.

In addition, they support Designers to easily edit, customize and experiment with many different design styles, meeting diverse customer needs. Using graphic design software also opens up opportunities to access new trends in the industry, helping Designers to constantly innovate and develop professional skills.

1.2 Improve product quality

Graphic design software allows designers to create sharp, sophisticated and professional design products. These software provide many powerful features and tools, helping to optimize the workflow, save time and improve product quality. In addition, they allow designers to create products with high precision, true colors and meet strict requirements from customers. Using graphic design software not only helps improve professional skills but also expands creativity, creating more unique and professional products.

1.3 Expressing creative ideas

Graphic design software is a means for designers to express their creative ideas and turn them into reality. These software provide a full range of features from basic to advanced, helping designers easily manipulate, edit and optimize their products. Moreover, they allow the creation of highly accurate designs, suitable for many different formats and purposes. Using graphic design software helps designers improve the quality of their work and meet the strict requirements of the creative industry.

1.4 Responding to customer requests

Customers today are increasingly demanding on product quality, and graphic design software is a tool for designers to meet those requirements. Designers need to use graphic design software because it is an effective tool to support the realization of creative ideas and meet diverse requirements from customers. This not only helps designers meet customers' wishes well but also enhances their brand value and reputation in the field of graphic design.

2. Must-have graphic design software for Designers

Below are graphic design software that any designer must know and use proficiently:

2.1. Adobe Photoshop

Description : It is impossible not to mention Adobe Photoshop , the most famous and powerful graphic design software today. Whether you are a professional designer or a beginner, Photoshop is always an important tool to perform basic tasks such as photo editing, retouching, creating effects, or graphic design. 

Advantage :

Friendly interface, easy to use.

Powerful and diverse features.

Professional photo editing capabilities.

Supports multiple file formats.

Large user community, rich learning materials.

Application : Edit photos, design banners, posters, websites, logos, infographics...

2.2 Adobe Illustrator

Description : Adobe Illustrator is definitely an indispensable software in your toolkit. Illustrator is mainly used to create vector images, helping you create designs that can be enlarged or reduced without losing sharpness and detail.

With Illustrator, you can create precise lines, vibrant colors, and easily editable images. Drawing tools like the Pen Tool, Brush Tool, and other shape-creating tools help you create beautiful, professional graphic designs.

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Advantage :

Powerful vector shaping capabilities.

Various vector drawing and editing tools.

Highly customizable.

Sharp image quality.

Suitable for many types of design.

Application : Design logos, icons, illustrations, typography, patterns...

2.3. Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is an indispensable software for professional designers working in the field of print design such as magazines, books, brochures, flyers. InDesign provides all the necessary tools to create printed documents with beautiful and reasonable layouts.

With special features such as the ability to create typography, handle tables and images easily, InDesign helps you save time and effort in creating professional publications. In particular, this software supports maximum work with many types of print file formats, suitable for projects requiring high-quality printing.

Advantage :

Professional layout capabilities.

Powerful document management tool.

Supports multiple file formats.

High quality printing capabilities.

Integrates well with other Adobe software.

Application : Design of books, newspapers, magazines, brochures, flyers, advertising publications...

2.4. CorelDRAW

Description : CorelDRAW is a powerful vector graphics design software, with many features similar to Illustrator. CorelDRAW has a friendly and easy-to-use interface, allowing designers to create creative designs with special vector tools. This is the ideal software for graphic design for large-scale advertising and printing campaigns.

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Advantage :

Intuitive interface, easy to use.

Various vector drawing and editing tools.

Highly customizable.

Supports multiple file formats.

More affordable than Adobe Illustrator.

Application : Design logos, icons, illustrations, typography, banners, posters...

2.5. Figma

Description : Figma is a web-based user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design software, widely used in web design and mobile app design.

Advantage :

Web-based design, accessible from anywhere.

Ability to work in online teams.

Powerful UI/UX design tools.

Large user community.

Free for personal use.

Application : Website interface design, mobile application, UX/UI design...

2.6. Sketch

Description : Sketch is a dedicated user interface (UI) design software for macOS, widely used in web design and mobile app design.

Advantage :

Simple interface, easy to use.

Powerful UI design tools.

Ability to create prototypes quickly.

Large user community.

Optimized for macOS.

Application : Website interface design, mobile application, UI design...

2.7. Adobe XD

Description : Adobe XD is Adobe's user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design software, well integrated with other Adobe software.

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Advantage :

Intuitive interface, easy to use.

Powerful UI/UX design tools.

Ability to create prototypes and share easily.

Integrates well with other Adobe software.

Support multiple platforms.

Application : Website interface design, mobile application, UX/UI design...

2.8. Affinity Designer – Adobe Illustrator Alternative

Affinity Designer is a great alternative to Adobe Illustrator. With its affordable price and powerful features, Affinity Designer has quickly become a favorite graphic design software for many designers. Affinity Designer is capable of working with both vector and raster graphics, helping you create detailed and sharp designs.

With an easy-to-use interface, powerful tools, and good compatibility with other software, Affinity Designer is the ideal tool for those who want professional design software but don't want to pay too much for Adobe software.

Popular applications : Logo design, banners, vector graphics, printing.

2.9. Canva – Easy Design Software For Beginners

Canva is a simple and easy-to-use design tool, suitable for those who are new to graphic design or those without professional design skills. Canva offers a rich template library and simple editing tools, helping users quickly create beautiful designs without much professional knowledge.

While not as powerful as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, Canva is still a great choice for those looking to create basic designs like posters, infographics, social media posts, or invitations.

Popular applications : Design social media posts, banners, infographics, invitations.

3. Advice for Designers

Learn and practice : Keep learning and practicing to improve your skills in using graphic design software.

Learn about trends : Always stay updated with the latest design trends to apply to your work.

Build a portfolio : Create an impressive portfolio to showcase your best work.

Join a community : Join design communities to learn from experiences and share knowledge.

4. Conclusion

Proficiency in graphic design software is an important factor in becoming a professional designer. Choose the software that suits your needs and passion, constantly learn and practice to create impressive designs.