What type of graphic design software tools do we need to use, and why?
The selection of graphic design software tools and apps is influenced by the project’s specific requirements as well as the designer’s preferences. Here are some popular graphic design programmes and their typical applications:
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and so on): Adobe’s design software suite is well-known in the business. Photoshop is excellent for image editing and manipulation. Illustrator is best suited to vector graphics such as logos and illustrations, but InDesign is most suited to print layout and publication design. Adobe’s technologies are popular because of their variety and integration.
- Sketch is a vector graphics editor created particularly for macOS. It is famous among UI/UX designers for online and app design. Its ease of use and emphasis on user interface design make it a popular choice.
- CorelDRAW: CorelDRAW is a vector graphics editor and it is the same as adobe illustrator It’s noted for its adaptability and is used as an alternative to Adobe’s tools in some locations.
- GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Programme): GIMP is a raster graphics editor that is free and open-source. It is frequently used for photo editing, image composition, and image creation. Its affordability is a big advantage.
- Canva is a user-friendly web-based graphic creation tool. It’s ideal for producing simple graphics for social media, presentations, posters, and other projects. It is used by non-designers due to its templates and drag-and-drop features.
- Figma: Figma is a web-based design tool noted for its collaborative capabilities. It is commonly used for UI/UX design and enables real-time collaboration on design projects. It’s very common among remote teams.
- Affinity Designer: Affinity Designer is a vector graphic design software and it is the same as Adobe illustrator It’s a vector editing programme that’s accessible for both Mac and Windows.
- Inkscape: Similar to Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor. It’s used for vector graphics, logo design, and other things.
- Procreate: Procreate is an iPad-only digital painting and illustration app. It’s a popular tool for making digital artwork among painters and illustrators.
- Cinema 4D is a 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software that is used for motion graphics, visual effects, and game development.
The nature of design work and the designer’s expertise with the tools influence the software selection. Some designers favor Adobe’s solutions because they are industry standards, while others prefer Sketch or open-source software like GIMP for cost-effectiveness. Rapid Smart Softwares frequently use the combination of these technologies to satisfy the unique needs of their projects.