10 Free Tools Every Graphic Designer Should Use
Graphic design doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned designer, there are plenty of free tools that can help you create stunning visuals without breaking the bank. From design software to color palette generators, these tools can elevate your work and streamline your workflow. Let’s dive into the 10 best free tools every graphic designer should use.
1. Gravit Designer
Best for: Vector design and digital illustrations.
Gravit Designer is a powerful free vector design tool that offers advanced features for creating illustrations, UI designs, and marketing materials. It provides a clean interface, cross-platform compatibility, and a robust set of tools perfect for both beginners and professionals.
2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Best for: Photo editing and digital painting.
GIMP is an open-source alternative to Photoshop that offers powerful editing tools. From image retouching to graphic composition, it’s a versatile tool for designers who need high-end editing capabilities without the cost.
3. Figma
Best for: UI/UX design and collaboration.
Figma is a web-based design tool that allows teams to collaborate in real time. It’s perfect for UI/UX designers who need to prototype, create wireframes, and work together efficiently.
4. Inkscape
Best for: Vector graphics and illustrations.
Inkscape is a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator, offering powerful vector editing tools. If you need to create logos, icons, or illustrations, Inkscape is a fantastic choice.
5. Pixlr
Best for: Online photo editing.
Pixlr is an online-based photo editor that provides advanced features like layers, filters, and AI-powered tools. It’s a great alternative to Photoshop for quick and easy image editing.
6. Coolors
Best for: Generating colour palettes.
Coolors is an intuitive colour palette generator that helps designers find the perfect colour combinations. You can explore trending palettes or create your own to maintain brand consistency.
7. Unsplash
Best for: Free high-quality stock images.
Unsplash offers a massive library of high-resolution images that can be used for any design project. Unlike typical stock photo sites, Unsplash provides unique and visually stunning images for free.
8. Pexels
Best for: Free stock videos and images.
Similar to Unsplash, Pexels provides high-quality stock photography and videos for free, making it an excellent resource for designers who need visuals for websites, ads, or social media.
9. Font Squirrel
Best for: Free high-quality fonts.
Font Squirrel curates a collection of high-quality, commercial-use free fonts. Whether you need a clean sans-serif or an elegant script font, this site has you covered.
10. Icons8
Best for: Free icons and illustrations.
Icons8 offers thousands of free icons, illustrations, and UI elements that can be used in design projects. The icons are customisable, allowing designers to tweak colours and styles to match their brand aesthetics.
These 10 free tools prove that you don’t need expensive software to create professional-grade designs. Whether you’re editing photos, generating colour palettes, or designing user interfaces, these tools can help you work smarter and more efficiently.