You can find many applications on the Internet that are designed for graphic designers. However, you should know how to choose the one that best suits the action you want to perform, as well as the one that fits your personal characteristics. The following are the main points to keep in mind:
- Available features: You can find many different types in graphic designer applications. In this case, we are going to highlight primarily those that relate to vectorization, as well as those that are designed to perform illustration tasks. Obviously, you will eventually need a full set of tools with all of these criteria.
- Compatibility: As a graphic designer, you can use a graphics tablet in your everyday life. In this case, you should keep in mind that not all applications are compatible with this type of hardware. Therefore, it is always important to check the compatibility list offered by the developer himself on the website.
- Available tools: it is clear that you can find options for novice artists and others for more advanced ones. This is why you should always know where you are, since you will probably need very specific tools that will not be available in all programs.
- Price : this is one of the most critical points when downloading a new app. Although there are many free applications out there, the quality of them remains debatable. If you want something professional, you will definitely need to make a one-time payment or sign up for a monthly or annual subscription system.
Programs for graphic design
Obviously, when we talk about graphic design, we have to recommend the best design programs first. Below we show you the best options that may exist for this function online.
GIMP
If you want to get started in this fascinating world, you will be interested in free programs. GIMP is a really interesting option because it can access any type of user and has tools close to the professionals. In particular, there are many users who categorize GIMP as Photoshop, which is free .
GIMP has tools that are used for retouching and editing images as well as drawing arbitrary shapes or photomontages. All this within a free license and open source project. It’s important to note that developers are keen to offer various upgrades that provide powerful tools and may be similar to the payment options we’re about to discuss.
Adobe Photoshop
This application is known to the vast majority of users because of the large number of professional tools it includes. It is designed for image editing as well as graphic design tasks. It has everything you need to edit photos, create illustrations, as well as 3D images. It is also fully compatible with graphic design tablets that you can find on the market.
The only problem you face is that we are referring to the set of programs offered by Saman. That’s why if you want to install the official version with periodic updates, you will need a monthly or annual subscription to Adobe service. Although the company does allow some discounts depending on the type of user who will need this software suite.
Pixelmator .
This is another app that many people are probably aware of. It is said to be a similar option to Photoshop, but with a lower price tag . It has a large number of tools that allow you to edit any type of photo or drawing that you have taken. It also has the advantage that the developers designed it specifically for macOS, using all the built-in features.
It has a modern interface with a single window for comfortable operation. However, the really clever thing is that it allows you to draw digital images with different brushes created manually . Although you can customize different settings such as texture and is compatible with digital graphics tablets . All the work you do can be saved in RAW format to have access to really high quality files.
Vector centered options
If you’re a graphic designer, you’re no doubt tired of doing vector design. This is a very broad part that makes it very easy to create authentic works of art. The Mac has many options for working with vectors, which we’ll show you below.
Adobe Illustrator
As we discussed earlier, Adobe offers a number of tools that designers need, and they also have vector design options. In particular, Illustrator offers all the tools you need to create logos, icons, drawings, typography or illustrations to print or publish to any web page. What’s really interesting is that it can be created quickly thanks to the artificial intelligence technology that is added thanks to Adobe Sensei.
And if you start with this tool, don’t worry. Once you’re in, you’ll have access to a learning panel with numerous tutorials and content that will inspire you and help you improve your skills. If you dedicate yourself to 3D illustrations, you’ll also have the opportunity to give them a different look, and this will make you more creative when you start, making clients more satisfied.
CorelDRAW
This is another application that needs to be mentioned in Illustrator when talking about vector design. With this program, you will embark on an authentic vector graphic design adventure thought in many areas . It is perfect whether you want to perform creative or technical design with specific plans. Likewise, by paying an annual subscription, you will have access to a wide range of tools that will allow you to start and finish any type of project you have in front of you.
It specializes in designing labels for large format printing, as well as clothing and textiles. Likewise, it can also be designed to create plans, maps and diagrams. This is why we are faced with an application that is designed for many sectors and can be used by any graphic designer. The problem is that it has a rather high price, although in the end it makes up for this in a professional environment.
Vectr
If you don’t really understand how to enter the world of vector design, this might be your best bet. That’s because we come across the Free app for this one does not require a subscription. While it doesn’t have the professional features of the premium options we discussed, it may be enough to test the waters and see firsthand if you like it.
Among the included options are the ability to create layers, merge shapes, and have access to the pencil tool . As you can see, it’s quite comprehensive for basic use, and also includes access to the web version. The goal of this is that you can access the editorial anytime and from any computer at no extra cost.
Ideal for layout.
In the last phase of any designer’s work, it is likely that he or she will have to do some layout work. This is how you can organize your writing or visual space so that everything stays square. Above all, it is designed to create brochures or organize information attractively. Here are the best options for the Mac.
Adobe Indesign.
This is one of the tools that designers most often use for layout. Again, we’re talking about an option that is integrated into the Adobe package in its professional field with a monthly or annual fee. It offers the necessary tools for layout work, adding text, creating tables, graphics and what you can get to have authentic digital books or magazines .
All of this is accomplished with the professional tools included. And if you don’t have a good grasp of how to navigate the interface, don’t worry. You’ll always have another tutorial available, the purpose of which is to learn how to create the perfect layout and, above all, to have the necessary ideas with the templates you’ve created.
Affinity Publisher
The tool you need to create professional layouts for any type of content. You’ll be in front of professional desktop publishing software for books, magazines or marketing materials such as social media or Web site templates. It works smoothly and intuitively, allowing you to combine images, graphics and text to turn them into gorgeous designs that are ready to publish.
It has advanced features such as master pages, page spreads, grids or advanced typography. That’s why you’ll come across software that has everything you need to create the perfect design. The obvious problem is that it’s not a free option. You have to get a license from the official site to have access to all the resources you need.
The ones we recommend.
In this article, we’ve seen many tools designed to make the work of graphic designers easier. If you are dedicated to the professional design sector, we should no doubt recommend using Adobe Suite to have access to the wide range of programs on the Mac that we discussed. All of them are aimed at getting your work done as productively as possible.
But if you don’t like Adobe, there are obviously other tools available, such as Pixelmator. This app is specifically designed for Apple computers that take full advantage of their power. The options they include are very similar to those of Adobe, but at a lower price point, so it would be interesting to give it a thorough test run.
