Top 20 best graphic design software in 2021

In this article I will introduce to readers the 20 best graphic design software in 2021. The applications on the list range from free to paid, helping designers unleash their own creativity to create. out great works of art. First, please refer to the rating that I think is the best 2021.

I. Best graphic design software today

Personally, the best drawing software is Adobe Photoshop CC, which is a popular graphic design application that has a ton of tools and functions, allowing for everything from a small logo to a banner to an application. and website.

It is equipped with the ability to manipulate the standard as the layer ( layer ), an intuitive interface and the Brush engine with more powerful drawing capabilities. There are many factors to consider in order to choose the right graphic design software that suits your needs and style. In this article I have listed the best drawing software, along with the features that help you distinguish it from other software.

There are a ton of categories on this list, including the flexible app that makes it possible to design even on the go, a comic drawing app, detailed images, apps that work well with a variety of typefaces, and more. Regardless of the reason, you'll be sure to find at least one piece of software for your needs from this list.

II. Criteria for evaluating a good graphic design software?

There are three basic types of drawing software: bitmap , vector and CAD .

Each of them is used in different fields, but in this article I will focus more on the first two areas.

For bitmap and vector drawings , a graphic design or photo manipulation tool should be used.

Digital design has crept into a wide variety of modern times, from Corporate Logos, T-shirt design, animation and packaging all need to be designed. That's why the field has gone through so much development over the years.

For example, color safe and color harmony (muted color) is no longer the general rule anymore. This may be because companies are now more daring in their color choices. The mouse isn't the only way to digitally draw: Stylus pens, tablets, and other devices are gaining more attention from designers.

In addition, there are many new graphic design trends blossomed in 2021 that artists are changing their styles more and more.

3D, fun and abstract colors are some of the major art trends these days, styles that can be easily accomplished with drawing software.

Before going any further, though, it's worth noting that the apps you've chosen on this list are better suited for drawing or sketching digital designs. Adobe PS may be the most popular, but you have a lot to choose from.

III. 20 best graphic design software of 2021

1. Adobe Photoshop CC

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Adobe Photoshop CC is still considered the best graphic drawing software on the market for many consecutive years. It has a comprehensive set of tools for creating and enhancing illustrations, 3D artwork, and photos.

In addition, it is capable of designing web and mobile applications, reproducing real-life paintings, editing videos, etc. Basically, this tool is used to put any idea in. life.

Adobe Photoshop CC can be purchased individually or as a complete suite in Adobe Creative Cloud . Rates vary for individuals, businesses, students / teachers and school / university. Plans start at just $ 9 / license / month. Furthermore Adobe offers a full-featured Photoshop trial for seven days without a credit card.

Main features of Adobe Photoshop CC

1. It can be used to design just about anything. From small logos and banners to full size posters and packaging. Furthermore, this tool has the ability to create designs for entire websites, game apps, and so on
2. It has powerful editing features capable of creating a multitude of amazing works that come out of your mind. This includes restoring old photos, physically removing or adding objects, and transforming an image completely.
3. It allows even beginners to produce amazing results. At the same time, professional graphic designers can unleash their creativity through this tool.
4. It has a powerful set of brush features (brushes, pens, markers, pencils). This provides a great deal of control, allowing you to draw or paint just about anything you can think of.
5. It has many functions focused on improving user experience. More undo and faster ways to convert cut, enter text, and so on

2. CorelDRAW

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CorelDRAW is a professional graphic design application that has all the necessary tools for fast vector illustration, photo editing, page layout, typography, smart + fast.

This drawing software has platform-specific versions. So if you are using any device to design, the application will always fulfill its full potential. There are tons of features and customization provided for graphic design.

The full 2019 CorelDRAW can be purchased for $ 569, or through a monthly subscription of $ 16.50 (annual payment for $ 198). There's an option to upgrade older versions of the suite for $ 329. Also the vendor offers a free trial.

Main features of CorelDRAW

1. It grants you access to a comprehensive suite of royalty-free content. Examples of which include clipart, high resolution digital images, fonts and templates.
2. It fully supports the use of the stylus and wheel devices, such as the MS Surface Dial.
3. It features unique time-saving tools like shadow effects manipulator, vector mosaic builder, and automatic symmetrical design. Also feature LiveSketch will help create sketches quickly.
4. It is a powerful tool for vector illustration. Hence allows you to turn basic shapes and lines into a complex work of art.
5. It ensures color consistency across different file types (pdf, jpg, eps, etc.) making it easy to prepare documents for printing.

3. Affinity Designer

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Affinity Designer is a smooth and powerful graphic design software that focuses on speed, accuracy, and improved workflow of users so their creativity is not hampered by the limitations. Skill.

This platform is created to utilize the full potential of modern computer hardware to provide a dynamic, responsive, and dynamic user experience.

In addition, accuracy is a key feature of this product with ridiculous zoom, flexible guides, enhanced mesh, etc.

You can buy the Affinity Designer desktop version (Windows and Mac) for $ 49.99 and have a free trial. For iPad users, the product is available for $ 19.99.

Key Features of Affinity Designer

1. It has the ability to zoom up to 1,000,000% of the time, which sounds ridiculous but this number is not due to a typo! It can actually zoom zoom up to a million percent.
2. It presents identical features and file formats no matter what device it is used in, resulting in a seamless user experience across the device.
3. It allows users to freely switch between raster and vector workspaces with just one click. It thus allows you to apply the best of both worlds to your work, at your own pace.
4. It has a core tool that can take documents of any size or complexity and can easily handle even thousands of objects.
5. It introduces many nifty features like customizable shortcuts, grids, compatibility with a variety of file types and more.

4. DrawPlus

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With the advent of Affinity Designer, DrawPlus is now a successor to Serif, ideal for both graphic designers and beginners to work on print design projects. online.

The software interface is customizable, its feature pack can be used to create just about anything, be it Product Logo or animation.

DrawPlus X8 can be purchased through Affinity Store account for about $ 24.99.

Main features of DrawPlus

1. It comes with natural looking and realistic brushes that allow you to paint with a variety of materials, such as watercolor and oil paints. Not to mention that it can retain vector editing functions.
2. It allows you to customize the look and feel for a more comfortable workspace.
3. If there are no ready-made brushes to match your style, you can create one to your own preferences in terms of weight, opacity, etc.
4. It has on-screen 'How To' instructions to assist newbies.
5. It allows intelligent sizing to generate grid patterns and resizing elements. This is especially useful for creating background effects.

5. Clip Studio Paint

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The next graphic design software I want to introduce is Clip Studio Paint.

Painting and drawing professionals will love Clip Studio Paint . This is thanks to many unique and useful features of its own, such as the extremely natural feel of the brush and highly sensitive brushstrokes. The app can detect even up to more than 8000 pen pressure levels and apply it to suit the drawing.

It is also an ideal app for manga and manga artists. That's because the software is packed with support features specifically for this, such as speech bubbles and panel splitting .

Clip Studio Paint is available in both standard and full-featured versions. Paint PRO is priced at $ 49.99 and Paint EX can be purchased for $ 219.00. The free trial can be downloaded from the website of the provider.

Main features of Clip Studio Paint

1. It features AI color creation using deep learning technology, you just need to choose a suggested color on certain parts, then the app will self-complete the result of the work with beautiful colors that make you. must be surprised.
2. It allows you to import 3D figures that can be customized, perfectly matching the draft you are working on. Now you can easily draw any pose or angle.
3. It's filled with features ideal for drawing manga and comics. This includes speech bubbles, line effects and split panel.
4. It allows creating animation by adding timestamps, camera movement, sound effects and music.
5. It supports the use of vector layers, allowing lines to be resized and edited easily.

6. Krita

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Krita is a free and open source digital painting application ( also graphic design software ) perfect for artists looking for a cheap yet powerful tool to help them create. artwork ideas, illustrations, comics, vignettes, etc.It offers a wide variety of features, is popular and offers the user the freedom to create, regardless of whether they are amateurs or experts in the field. this area.

Krita can be downloaded for free, including its various builds, shell extensions and source code (as it is open source).

Main features of Krita

1. The brush balance feature comes in handy for those with trembling hands.
2. It provides 9 different brush engines. Each can be advanced customized to suit your style and needs.
3. It makes it easy to create patterns patterns and textures thanks to the wrap-around feature.
4. It is equipped with many drawing aids. Useful in creating the perfect shape you want.
5. It can easily import other texture and brush packs or export your own to share with others.

7. MediBang Paint Pro

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MediBang Paint Pro is part of the MediBang Paint line created especially for desktop users. It's free but has lots of features, containing all the essentials needed to draw comics or illustrations.

This graphic design software has a clean interface and intuitive tools, making it easier than ever to create amazing artwork in all your own styles.

MediBang Paint Pro can be downloaded for free from the website of the supplier. You can also find other MediBang Paint applications for different devices in the same place.

The main features of MediBang Paint Pro

1. It has over 50 brushes to use for a variety of needs, such as GPen, Mapping Pen and Watercolor brush.
2. It is a lightweight application that does not consume too many resources in your computer. This means it can be used at the same time as other applications without any loss of performance.
3. It has many comic-focused features to aid comics and manga artists. For example, easy dashboard creation and convenient site management.
4. It offers around 800 pre-built backgrounds and tones that you can use for free.
5. It gives you full access and use of a wide variety of fonts.

8. Procreate

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Procreate is an iPad-exclusive drawing software that comes with standard tools like layering features, blending modes, color reduction, etc. All developed from scratch to bring out the best of iPad capabilities. .

With this app, you can create inspirational paintings, beautiful sketches and beautiful illustrations on your iPad, wherever you are, on the go.

Procreate is available on the App Store for $ 9.99. There are also in-app purchases that you can take advantage of for a richer drawing experience.

Main features of Procreate

1. It allows you to create stunning typography with the option to import fonts to create a more compelling message.
2. It contains a wide variety of hand-crafted brushes. This allows you to mix and match colors, creating a sketch as if using a real pencil.
3. It provides highly precise control over vibrant colors. This is achieved through the system's advanced tools such as the Eyedropper, P3 Wide Color and unlimited palette library.
4. It works perfectly with the Apple Pencil device to provide a very natural drawing experience.
5. It has a fast, flexible menu that you can configure for instant access to frequently used features.

9. Autodesk Sketchbook

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Autodesk Sketchbook is an extremely precise drawing application, the optimal drawing space for your creative process. Its portability allows you to capture inspiration whenever it hits no matter where you are.

Autodesk Sketchbook is currently free to use by individual artists. But the business must use the license for $ 85 / year.

Main features of Autodesk Sketchbook

1. It gives you a maximum workspace because the tools won't show up until you need them.
2. It can export your work to different formats including PSD preserving intact layers, groups, blends, etc. The system will definitely guarantee the integrity of different format types.
3. It allows you to take a picture with your device's camera and use it directly on your current working file.
4. It has dozens of tools for more precise drawing and a faster workflow. This includes elliptical guides, predictive stroke, and radial symmetry.
5. It feels natural to create illustrations thanks to a drawing tool that handles 100 mpx canvas.

10. YouiDraw Drawing

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YouiDraw Drawing is an online graphic design software that only needs an internet connection to be accessed and used from any device. This app offers basic design features along with some advanced functionality. Hence this tool is ideal for both students and professionals alike.

This is a free online drawing tool, when visiting the website it allows you to start working immediately without downloading or paying.

Main features of YouiDraw Drawing

1. It is easy to access and use. Just go to the website and then start designing right away.
2. It offers a variety of design options that can be used for different types of jobs. Includes design for logo, banner - posters, t-shirts and gift cards.
3. It has interface design quite similar to MS Paint and Photoshop. The difference is that it is more complete than the former and simpler than the latter.
4. It offers a high level of interoperability. That's because it's compatible with most devices and your work can be saved and loaded onto any device using your YouiDraw account.
5. It displays the tooltip so that newbies will have more time to get used to it.

11. PaintTool FALSE

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PaintTool SAI is a lightweight yet high-quality painting tool that allows for comfortable and fun digital art creation. It has a simple yet powerful user interface that is easy to learn but capable of performing the complex tasks your job requires.

PaintTool SAI has a 31-day trial period. You must then purchase the software license for $ 50 dollars to continue using the product.

Main features of PaintTool SAI

1. Ideal for use on mobile and tablet devices.
2. It allows for very precise layouts with 16-bit ARGB channels.
3. It has a rich color management engine that allows creating and changing different types of colors. This is done by configuring different color aspects, like saturation and illumination.
4. It has an anti-aliasing rendering feature that can minimize cases of image distortion.
5. It has data protection feature that prevents unusual terminations like errors.

12. Rebelle

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Rebelle is a drawing software that allows the creation of realistic media art such as acrylics and watercolor. It uses real-world color blending, Other wet and dry media to achieve a wide range of effects.

This tool is ideal for CG artists and painters who want to expand their artistic skills through advanced digital painting technologies.

Rebelle 4 is available for Windows and macOS for $ 89.99. It comes with an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee as well as a 50% discount for existing Rebelle 3 users.

Main features of Rebelle

1. Its improved version runs 4 times faster than its predecessor, improving overall performance and user experience.
2. It introduces larger and advanced customizable brushes, with lots of new options for line stabilization and color management.
3. It is designed for use by anyone, regardless of proficiency, helping users to explore art using digital technology.
4. It provides a realistic drawing experience with natural color palettes and brushes.
5. It shows you how light affects your color mixing, whether it's transparent, opaque, or clear.

13. ArtRage

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ArtRage is a studio for digital artists and traditional painters looking for versatile painting tools and real-world operations.

You can blend colors on the canvas to create variations based on the amount of paint and color type in the mix. The artist can also set the paint color so that the ink flows out after a while. This is useful for creating a realistic fade effect.

ArtRage products are available in different types. You can buy the desktop version ArtRage 6 for $ 79, while the discounted ArtRage Lite is available for $ 29.90. There are mobile versions for both iOS and Android devices that can be purchased for $ 4.99.

Main features of ArtRage

1. It has realistic drawing tools, techniques and processes.
2. It allows you to import an image that you can pin on the canvas for reference. You can also take the live image and make it part of your work.
3. It provides perspective grids that act as a guide when drawing.
4. It has many nifty functions like unlimited undo / redo and copy and paste layers while maintaining all of their properties.

14. MyBrushes Paint for Mac

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MyBrushes Paint for Mac as the name implies is a drawing application exclusively for Mac. This is a good replacement for Apple Mac Paint and MS Paint because of the more comprehensive set of features it offers, including valuable layers tools .

MyBrushes for Mac can be purchased for $ 29.99 or $ 9.99. There is a full-featured trial version available for 10 days.

Main features of MyBrushes Paint for Mac

1. It doesn't limit the size of the canvas you can work with.
2. It records every stroke and other processes performed. Then you can replay the full drawing if needed later.
3. It has a design that makes it easy to paint for Mac thanks to the natural feel it gives the user.
4. It has over a hundred digital brushes to choose from. Hence, you can simulate realistic watercolor painting, brush painting, oil painting, etc.
5. It has a brush that contains text or image input on its strokes.

15. Epic Pen

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Epic Pen is a free screen marker and annotation tool for Windows . It allows you to highlight, write, and draw directly on apps like websites, videos, presentations, and games.

It is hidden when not in use and light enough to not affect system performance, making it usable even during live streaming.

The basic version of Epic Pen is a free tool that can be used for personal purposes. Commercial and educational use of the product requires a professional license, which you can use for a one-time payment of $ 25. Epic Pen PRO contains a set of tools that help to expand its functionality. Individuals with basic packages who want the extensive toolkit can upgrade their application accordingly.

Main features of Epic Pen

1. It does not affect performance on the device it runs on.
2. It has a clean, simple visual style that makes it easy to use. There are no complicated menus or any confusing options.
3. Support multi-touch.
4. It is a versatile tool that can serve a variety of purposes. This includes annotating, highlighting, and drawing.
5. It supports seamless transition from one software to another.

16. Flame Painter

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Flame Painter is an award-winning painting software that lets you create stunning images through lifelike brushes.

It pioneered Particle Systems allowing for the creation of unlimited brush styles, including lighting effects and organic brushes.

Flame Painter can be purchased for a one-time payment of $ 89.99, a 30-day unconditional refund also applies.

Main features of Flame Painter

1. It allows you to create dynamic compositions through a controlled range of expressive effects.
2. It has the ability to create realistic effects, allowing you to turn an image into anything your creativity allows.
3. It uses groundbreaking Particle Systems technology, where you can create any number of brush styles.
4. It has a Brush Creator feature that allows you to customize many aspects of the brush. For example, you can change its shape, texture, gradient or even its behavior.
5. It can import vector images in SVG format and convert them into either vector or bitmap.

17. ChemDoodle

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ChemDoodle is a powerful chemical drawing application that supports all platforms including mobile devices and web browsers. It has thousands of tools and features for processing chemical graphs. The system combines various functions such as 3D graphics, advanced algorithms, and comprehensive documentation.

ChemDoodle is available in three packages including: student, single user and home + office.

1. The student license offers a limited edition of the product for $ 29. It also expires after 6 months.
2. Single User License and Home + Office have similar features. However, the second one can be used on two computers. Free trial and website license are also available.

Main features of ChemDoodle

1. It can generate illustrations of chemical reactions through its powerful arrow tools, drag-and-drop interface and cleaning features.
2. It comes with a lot of tools for working with chemistry related graphics. BioArt, ChemSketch and glassware graphics.
3. It can do some of the tough jobs for you, such as studying stereoscopic chemistry, latent hydrogen, and ring searching.
4. It has a calculator tool that allows you to calculate attributes and descriptors. For example bonding distance, boiling point and molecular formula can be calculated using this tool.
5. It is compatible with third-party applications like Adobe and MS Office.

18. Paintstorm Studio

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Paintstorm Studio is a professional digital painting software that aims to bring powerful functions to use as comfortably as possible.

That vision leads to an app that allows you to 'play' with brushes to find the one that suits your needs and style. It is available on desktop and iPad .

You can purchase Paintstorm Studio through a lifetime license for $ 19. Alternatively, you can get a discount on two licenses for $ 29. Free trial is available to explore, you can launch the app 30 times before it expires.

Main features of Paintstorm Studio

1. It allows you to narrow the distance between shape shapes when filling or selecting an object.
2. It comes with a dynamic interface that allows you to create your own custom dashboard. You can change the size, position, tab lock and opacity of the toolbars.
3. It has advanced symmetry tools.
4. It gives you full control over all brush options as well as a wide range of available brushes.

19. MyPaint

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MyPaint is a fast, simple and distracting drawing software that contains all the necessary features to create great works of art.

It was originally created for personal use but has been successful with someone helping with development. So the app went viral and so it's not just a personal tool anymore.

This is a free product that you can download and use on graphic desktops and tablets.

The main features of MyPaint

1. It has a clean, full-screen view, and clutter-free tools. This allows you to focus on what you are trying to do.
2. It is a simple tool, while still has enough features and tools to add to your creativity, making it possible to make great works of art.
3. It comes with many brushes that have the same shape and properties as many of the traditional brushes in real life. Especially brush ink, paint, charcoal, or pencil.
4. You are free to use and customize hotkeys and shortcuts to speed up the creative process.
5. It has an infinite canvas size, limited only by the technical limitations of the device.

20. Mischief

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Mischief is a small yet powerful drawing app that gives artists unique creative features they can take advantage of.

It has an infinite canvas that works perfectly with scalable brushes and unlimited zooming possibilities. As a result, you can create extremely detailed images and at the same time have a large sketch image.

Mischief comes with a free version that contains essential tools that are perfect for doodling and brainstorming.

You can of course also buy the full version for $ 25, which contains extras like pallets and presets. The developer offers a 15-day trial for you to experience the full power of Mischief with your own eyes.

Main features of Mischief

1. It features detail preservation and limitless zooming. As such, it will be easier for you to create detailed artwork.
2. It allows creating a large project thanks to the infinite canvas.
3. This is a lightweight application that offers a snappy and fast experience. So the drawer really feels like working on a real pencil and paper.
4. It has multi-touch support.
5. It provides a minimalistic interface that helps draw less distraction while working.