You finally received your first project as a graphic designer! You already conceptualized the idea for this, laid out the framework, and got your proposal approved by the client. Everything is going according to plan. What’s next? You now need to succeed in executing your project. Needless to say, creativity is not enough in this industry.
Professional graphic designers who never run out of ideas are also well-versed in platforms wherein their projects are brought into existence. Fortunately, in a world full of technological advancements, there are many programs you can use to accomplish your creative tasks. Here are 5 platforms with remarkable design tools:
Adobe Photoshop
You’ve probably heard of the widely known graphic design platform Adobe Photoshop. It is famous for being a versatile software that specializes in image manipulation based on raster formatting. Graphic designers find its tools and commands to be useful in creating aesthetically pleasing multimedia works. Several features include layer management, selection tools, and retouching kits, which can enhance even the minuscule details of a photo. Adobe Photoshop has indeed revolutionized the manner by which high-quality graphics are produced.
Pros:
- Contains many editing tools that perform numerous functions
- Makes rendering images easy
- Can edit videos and animations
- Organized and highly advanced layer palette
- Can be used on multiple devices
Cons:
- Can be confusing for beginner artists and graphic designers due to many tools
- Unable to fully corroborate vector graphics
- Its user interface takes time to learn
- Consumes a large portion of your personal computer’s disk space
- Has a dearth of progress-monitoring facilities
Adobe Illustrator
Following its good reputation with Photoshop, Adobe created a vector graphics software called Illustrator. Adobe Illustrator prioritizes its scaling feature, through which you can change the resolution or size of the image you are editing while maintaining its quality. Graphic designers mostly utilize this platform to generate logos, icons, and infographics. It also allows other users to share their feedback on your design product through notes and comments.
Pros:
- Can produce both web and ready-to-print designs
- Its user interface is easy to understand
- Has the ability to make you work on different pieces simultaneously because of in-board editing
- Image resolution can be adjusted without worry
- Perfect for fabricating company branding materials such as brochures and logos
Cons:
- Has limited support for raster graphics
- Unable to alter graphics that are ready-made or raw
- Its tools may be similar to Photoshop
- Has a limited number of editing features
- Requires a lot of experience to master its commands
CorelDRAW
Developed by Corel Corporation, CorelDRAW is a graphic design program that contains vector-based features. A mathematical formula serves as the basis of the object you sketch on the application’s drawing page. It also highlights easy-to-use tools for two-dimensional objects and images. Posters, logos, and clipart? With CorelDRAW’s attributes, you can add special effects to elevate your simple graphic design work. To make it more integrative, this program can associate with others produced by Corel like Corel photo paint.
Pros:
- Occupies a small space of computer storage
- Can be used on devices other than desktop
- Convenient to utilize
- Has an uncomplicated user interface
- Requires minimal downtime
Cons:
- Does accurately generate a print preview
- Not easily navigable
- Its support site lacks detailed guides for usage
- Some brushes are difficult to utilize
Inkscape
Inkscape is an open-source vector desktop application that works on Linux, Windows, and macOS. It performs a wide array of tasks, but its primary function revolves around computer graphics. You can use it to create diagrams, marketing materials, and web designs. Just like any other vector-based design program, Inkscape lets you scale shapes and fill these with colors and patterns. Additionally, you can also embed and trace selected raster graphics.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Possesses SVG formatting support
- Can create objects with ease
- Has node editing, which is the foundation of vector graphics
- Has many tools ranging from bitmap tracing to text support
Cons:
- Not the most appropriate for photo editing (raster graphics)
- Lacks features for desktop publishing materials
- Does not support CAD purposes
- Only web-based, not available on other devices
- May not be as versatile as Photoshop or Illustrator
Sketch
If you are a graphic designer who focuses on producing user interfaces for desktop and mobile devices, Sketch is the perfect application for you. It can also be used for creating icons, ad banners, and websites. Moreover, it gives importance to real-time collaboration. You can invite any individual who has the program so as to work on the same design. However, it is exclusive to Mac and iPhone users.
Pros:
- Has an intuitive user interface
- Provides a real-time collaboration feature without extra cost
- Can be used on multiple Apple devices
- Has a web app for non-Mac users
- Offers an open file format for future-proofing
Cons:
- Windows users have limited access to files created in Sketch
- Does not have built-in CMYK profile
- Not suitable for print designs
- Less focus on image manipulation and editing
- Its keyboard shortcuts can be different from