With the best free graphic design software you can set yourself up with all the design tools you need without having to pay anything for them. And there's no need to go out looking for them because we've rounded up all the top options here.
There's a surprising amount of incredible free graphic design software out there if you want to use it. Of course, most design professionals will want to have the sort of top-end tools and features found in industry-standard options such as Adobe Creative Cloud. However if you'd rather save the Adobe subscription money for something else, the right combination of the tools below will enable you to tackle just about any design job, and if you're just starting out in design you'll find that these free tools are often easier to get to grips with than pro packages, so you can polish your skills without having to battle overly-complex software.
If you can't find what you're looking for here, our best digital art software and best 3D modelling software posts have lots of great options too. You could also check out our list of the best video editing apps or the best free logo designer software around.
Free graphic design software: Vector art
01. Gravit Designer
- Platform: Browser, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS
- Download here
Gravit Designer is a full-featured vector design app from the company behind Corel Draw. It's suitable for all sorts of design jobs, from screen, app and icon designs to presentations, illustration and animation.
With a clean and intuitive interface that adjusts itself as you need it, this free graphic design software packs a wealth of tools for creating detailed and beautiful vector imagery, including non-destructive booleans, a knife tool and path graphs, plus multiple fills and blending modes, and a powerful text engine.
You can use Gravit Designer online or download a copy to your computer; note that you automatically start out on a (free) trial of Gravit Designer Pro when you sign up, and once your trial is over you transition to the free version, but lose the Pro features – unless you pay for a subscription of course.
However, Gravit Designer's free version is still excellent. You can export as PDF, SVG or bitmap, and you get access to the Gravit Cloud service that enables you to get to your work wherever you are. See the full comparison between the Pro and free versions here.
02. Vecteezy
- Platform: Browser
- Use it here
Vecteezy is a free, in-browser online editor, which allows you to edit and customise Vecteezy's existing vectors or create vector designs from scratch. It's incredibly easy to use and is surprisingly powerful for a free tool, with keyboard shortcuts and advanced transformations built into the feature set. You need to create an account to save your work, and joining the pro version gets you a bunch more tools and resources.
03. Vectr
- Platform: Browser, Windows, Linux, Chrome OS
- Download here
Available both as a browser-based web app and as a stand-alone desktop app, Vectr is a free editor for creating 2D vector graphics. With all the vector features you'd expect, plus a wealth of options for using filters, shadows and fonts, it's versatile enough for day-to-day design tasks. Its live collaboration and synchronisation options are particularly handy, as they essentially enable anyone to watch you design, live, meaning it's really easy to create in tandem or send feedback. This is a genuine alternative to Adobe Illustrator CC.
04. SVG-Edit
- Platform: Browser
- Download here
If you're looking to quickly output SVG or edit an existing SVG file, there are a few online editors that will do the job just as well as Adobe Illustrator. SVG (scalable vector graphics) is an open format that allows you to reproduce your Vector drawings programmatically, and one of the nicest projects is SVG-Edit.
This is built entirely on HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript without requiring any server-side processing. So not only can you use it to create and edit documents, but as it's open source you can also download and modify the code using one of the best code editors – making your own version if you want.
The standard – albeit basic – toolset of every vector-image editor is here, and although it's limited to the SVG format, it's surprisingly capable. Note that if you're not familiar with code, this option probably isn't for you.
05. Inkscape
- Platform: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
- Download here
As with many of the free options available, Inkscape focuses on the SVG format as its primary file format. This highly capable editor has a very good SVG integration, supporting many of the more advanced features that aren't always available in other apps – such as alpha blending, cloned objects and markers.
Full support for different colour modes means this is a viable alternative to Illustrator for both print and web design, and although the interface is somewhat simpler than Illustrator, it's still possible to achieve extremely sophisticated artwork. Of particular note is the ability to trace bitmap images, support for variable width strokes and native import of Illustrator files.
Free software: Image creating and editing
06. Canva
- Platform: Browser, iOS, Android
- Download here
It seems harsh to place Canva under the 'Image Editing Software' heading because it does so much more. Canva is a photo editor, colour palette tool, font combination picker, learning resource, and photo collage maker, and it even features a dedicated infographic maker with hundreds of free design elements and fonts at your fingertips.
It's really more of a full graphic design suite than a photo editor, and while it comes some way short of offering the breadth of abilities of Adobe Creative Cloud, its simplicity, variety of useful tools, and inspirational learning assets make Canva a hit. You can use Canva in the browser for the full experience, but most tools are available for both Android and iOS.
07. RawTherapee
- Platform: Mac, Windows, Linux
- Download here
RawTherapee enables users to correct distortion, boost colours, recover details and much more, meaning users can make tweaks to their photos until they're looking exactly how they want.
This free, open-source software also speeds up your workflow by allowing you to batch process images. You can also send images to other software, such as GIMP, if you wish to.
08. Photo Pos Pro
- Platform: Windows
- Download here
If you're on a Windows PC and need a decent set of image editing tools without Photoshop's price tag or GIMP's immense toolset, Photo Pos Pro should hit the spot. Built with image enhancement and editing in mind, it's perfect for typical photo editing tasks such as fixing contrast, lighting and saturation, but it'll also stretch to more advanced techniques.
It boasts an extremely user-friendly interface as well as an in-depth help system to get you started, and if you want to expand its tools to fit your needs, there are plenty of expansions and plugins available.
09. Krita
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Download here
Designed with the VFX industry and concept artists, illustrators, matte and texture artists in mind, Krita is a free and open source painting tool that's been in development since 1999. It comes with a full set of brushes suitable for all manner of work, and there's a whole host of plugins available, from advanced filters to painting assistants for perspective work.
Notable features include brush stabilisers to smooth out any shaky lines, a wrap-around mode for creating seamless textures and patterns, and a pop-up palette for quick colour-picking.
10. Pixlr
- Platform: Browser, iOS, Android
- Download here
Pixlr has changed quite a bit since we last looked at it, and now it's an even more powerful online photo editor than before. As well as offering both iOS and Android apps, it also now comes as a browser-based service too, with three distinct versions to choose from.
If you want a quick and easy photo editing tool then Pixlr X is the one to go with; it's designed for delivering one-click edits and artistic effects for an instant visual boost. Pixlr E, meanwhile, gives you a suite of more detailed editing tools in the style of Photoshop. And if all you want is to remove the background from a photo, there's also Pixlr BG, an AI-powered tool that'll automatically do it in seconds. They're all free to use; however if you want more advanced tools, plus extra overlays, stickers and even a stock library, check out Pixlr's subscription options.
11. Paint.NET
- Platform: Windows
- Download here
Paint.NET is a Windows-based alternative to the Paint editor that Microsoft shipped with versions of Windows. Don't let that put you off, though, as it's surprisingly capable, useful graphic design software.
The focus is on ease of use, and there's a definite tendency towards photo editing rather than artistic creation. That said, there are a range of special effects available, allowing you to easily create fake perspective, blend and push pixels around the canvas, tile and repeat selections, and so on.
A good range of selection tools, support for layers, and adjustments such as curves and brightness/contrast mean that Paint.NET is a great alternative to Photoshop for photo editing, especially if you can do without some of the more recent additions to Photoshop's toolset.
12. Sumo Paint
- Platform: Browser
- Use it here
Sumo Paint is a highly capable browser-based image editor. All the standard features you'd expect from a desktop tool are present and correct.
Previously built using Flash, Sumo Paint is now a proper web app that'll run in any browser, so now you can use it on your iPad as well as on your desktop. There's still a downloadable Pro version that you can get if you subscribe for $9/month, and Sumo has been busy creating more online tools, including a photo editor and a 3D editor.
Back to Sumo Paint, you'll find that the standard range of tools and adjustments you'd expect are all included. Brushes, pencils, shapes, text, cloning, gradients and so on are all quickly accessed from the Photoshop-esque floating toolbar. It can also open saved documents from your hard drive, making Sumo Paint a perfectly viable option for editing and re-editing.
13. GIMP
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Download here
Open-source free graphic design software that debuted on Unix-based platforms, GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program. Today it's available in versions for Linux, Windows and Mac.
GIMP's interface differs somewhat from Photoshop, but a version of GIMP is available that mimics Adobe's look and feel, making it easier to migrate over if you're ditching Photoshop. The full suite of tools is available here – everything you're accustomed to is within easy reach, including painting tools, colour correction, cloning, selection and enhancement.
The team that oversees development has worked hard to ensure compatibility too, so you'll be able to work with all the popular file formats without any trouble at all. You'll also find a very capable file manager built in, along similar lines to Adobe's Bridge.
Free graphic design software: 3D
14. SketchUp Free
- Platform: Browser
- Download here
For getting your first foothold in the world of 3D, it's hard to go wrong with SketchUp, and its free version, Sketchup Free, is an ideal starting point. It provides a friendly and forgiving introduction to building stuff in 3D, starting you off by simply drawing lines and shapes that you can then push and pull around to turn them into 3D forms.
If you need a bit of inspiration, you can search the SketchUp 3D Warehouse's immense library of models and download them for free.
15. Daz Studio
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Download here
Daz Studio is a 3D figure customisation, posing and animation tool that enables artists of all skill levels to creating digital art using virtual people, animals, props, vehicles, accessories and environments.
With Daz Studio, you can create custom 3D characters and avatars, design virtual environments, produce graphic design elements and much more. There's also a handy table that shows you what this free tool offers in comparison to its paid alternatives (scroll down to the comparison table here).
16. Hexagon
- Platform: Windows, MacOS
- Download here
Also from Daz 3D is Hexagon, a free 3D modelling tool. Hexagon includes everything you need to create detailed 3D models ready for final render. Features include Daz Studio 3D Bridge, sculpted primitives, freehand modelling brushes, micro-displacement modelling tools, comprehensive UV-mapping modules, advanced 3D paint, and instant ambient occlusion.
Use it alongside Daz Studio for a complete 3D suite, for free – ideal for those just getting started with 3D.
17. Blender
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Download here
If you're serious about 3D but struggling to afford software, then you're in luck. Blender is a free, open source 3D content creation suite, available for all major operating systems.
Started by Blender Foundation founder Ton Roosendaal back in 2002, Blender is now largest open source tool for 3D creation. Its makers are constantly working on its development, but you can pretty much do anything 3D related with this software, including modelling, texturing, animation, rendering and compositing.
18. ZBrushCoreMini
- Platform: Windows, MacOS
- Download here
If you're interested in the art of digital sculpting, check out 3D software ZBrushCoreMini from Pixologic. Perfect for all skill levels, the software is a great starting point for users new to the discipline, while more experienced CG artists will find the it a quick and easy way to realise concepts.
ZBrushCoreMini is based on Pixologic's ZBrush, the most widely-used digital sculpting application in today's market. So, when you're ready to move on to the next level of detailing, skills learned in ZBrushCoreMini can be directly translated into ZBrush.
19. Houdini Apprentice
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Download here
Houdini is a 3D animation and visual effects tool, used widely throughout the media industry for film, broadcast, entertainment and visualisation. And its cheapest version costs just a little under $2,000.
But the makers of the programme – SideFX – are a good bunch and, knowing that cost can be an issue, offer an Apprentice version for free. With this you can access all the features of the full version in order to develop your skills and work on personal projects. The programme is purely for use non-commercial and learning purposes.
20. ScultpGL
- Platform: Browser
- Use SculptGL here
For a quick and easy way to get into digital sculpting, look no further than Stéphane Ginier's SculptGL. It runs in the browser (there's a downloadable version too as well as a Chrome app) and it gives you a decent set of standard sculpting tools, PBR vertex painting and alpha texture support.
SculptGL supports multiresolution sculpting and is capable of voxel remeshing and dynamic retopology, and it'll import and export OBJ, PLY and STL files. There are more powerful free 3D tools to be had, but if you want something you can get to grips with straight away and which can produce great-looking results with a bit of a work, SculptGL is well worth having to hand.
Free graphic design software: data visualisation
21. Google Charts
- Platform: Browser
- Find Google Charts here
Google Charts tools are powerful, simple to use, and free. You can choose from a variety of charts and configure an extensive set of options to perfectly match the look and feel of your website. By connecting your data in real time, Google Charts is the perfect infographic generator for your website (see our best infographics here).
22. Infogram
- Platform: Browser
- Download here
Infogram is a great free tool that offers access to a wide variety of graphs, charts and maps as well as the ability to upload pictures and videos to create cool infographics.
The data upon which the infographics are based can be found in an Excel-style spreadsheet, which the user can easily edit and see the results change in real time. When you're happy with your infographic you can publish it to the Infogram website for all to enjoy, embed it in to your own website or share it via social media.
Free graphic design software: Other free tools
23. Klex
- Platform: Browser, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS
- Download here
Made by the people behind Gravit Design, and sharing the same engine, Klex is an easy-to-learn and accessible tool for anyone who wants to create impressive graphics in just a few clicks. While obviously not aimed at pro designers, it's the perfect tool for anyone who wants to quickly bang out memorable designs.
There's a plethora of ready made templates to choose from, plus thousands of assets and a great selection of effects and filters, as well as customisation options and a load of fonts and text assets.
24. Google Fonts
- Platform: N/A
- Find Google Fonts here
The Google Web Fonts project – renamed Google Fonts – is an extensive catalogue of free and open source designer web fonts, presented in an intuitive directory. The initiative invites users to explore and test fonts in more than 135 languages, and create their own customised collections of font families.
25. Behance
- Platform: Browser, iOS, Android
- Find Behance here
With millions of views each month, online creative community Behance is a key resource for artists of all disciplines. It's a fantastic way to see what your peers are up to, as well as finding new work and creative inspiration from top web and graphic designers, agencies and illustrators.
26. WordPress
- Platform: Browser, iOS, Android
- Find WordPress here
There are a whole lot of designers who don't have their own blog, but Wordpress is a great way to showcase your fantastic work, get recognition in your industry, earn extra income and get new clients. Don't believe us? See our examples of WordPress websites. WordPress is the most popular platform for blogging, and while it can be a little fiddly to set up, there's lots of helpful information online to get you going, including these 40 brilliant WordPress tutorials.
27. Dribbble
- Platform: Browser, iOS, Android
- Visit Dribbble
Dribbble enables designers to share their creations easily, and is a good source of inspiration as well as a great way to promote your own work.
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