Essential Drawing Tools for Graphic Designers

Graphic designers are visual storytellers, using a combination of creativity, skill, and technology to communicate ideas, concepts, and messages through images and graphics. Whether you’re a professional graphic designer or just starting in the field, having the right drawing tools is crucial to bring your artistic vision to life. In this introduction, we’ll explore some essential drawing tools that every graphic designer should consider using to excel in their craft.

The List of Drawing Tools for Graphic Design

These are some essential drawing tools for graphic design that you can use to bring your creative visions to life. These drawing software tools offer a diverse range of options, allowing you to unleash your creativity and design stunning graphics for various purposes.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator, renowned as the foremost choice in the realm of vector graphics software, has established the benchmark for crafting professional logos, creating intricate artwork, developing engaging infographics, and designing icons. Illustrator remains at the forefront of innovation, regularly introducing novel capabilities like the Generative Recolor tool, bolstered by AI technology. This tool empowers users to delve into an array of boundless color palettes and thematic possibilities, truly revolutionizing the way we approach digital drawing tools.

For individuals or organizations on a budget, Adobe’s pricing structure might not be the best fit. While Illustrator offers a seven-day free trial, it requires users to provide credit card information and select a subscription plan once the trial ends. Their annual plan costs $20.99 per month, while the monthly plan is priced at $31.49.

Key Features:

1. Image Trace: Illustrator’s drawing tools include the Image Trace feature, which auto-detects specific art types, removes image coloring, and reduces anchor points for easier tracing.

2. Retype: This tool identifies unknown fonts from artwork, allowing you to use them instantly in your designs.

3. Artwork Export: Illustrator enables you to export your graphic designs as WebP images for use on websites and apps.

4. Hand Lettering: It allows you to digitize freehand fonts, giving your designs a unique touch.

5. Retain PDF Hyperlinks: You can export your graphic designs as PDFs without removing hyperlinks.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with other Adobe editing tools.
• Option to start from scratch or use templates.
• A wide range of vector drawing tools.
• Versatility in creating graphic designs.
• Support for multiple file formats.

Cons:

• Resource-intensive software.
• Expensive subscription plans.
• Steep learning curve.
• Complex file management.
• Limited photo editing capabilities.

Platform: Available on Windows, Mac, iPad, and Android.

Also, read:

Get Free Images for commercial use.

Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer emerges as a stellar option, particularly suited for personal endeavors or budding graphic artists, thanks to its user-friendly interface optimized for drawing tools. It competes admirably with Adobe Illustrator, providing a comparable array of drawing tools and user-friendly attributes. Notably, it offers the convenience of personalized keyboard shortcuts to enhance your drawing tool-based workflow. Affinity Designer also shines as a cost-effective choice that maintains a high level of drawing tool functionality without straining your budget.

The software offers a generous 30-day free trial, and after that, users can make a one-time payment of $69.99 for Mac OS and Windows or $18.49 for iPad.

Key Features:

1. Color Management: Affinity Designer supports a variety of color formats, including CMYK for print designs and RGB for digital projects.

2. Timesaving Tools: It provides grids, guides, and other drawing tools that make graphic design tasks more efficient.

3. One-Time Purchase: Unlike subscription-based models, Affinity Designer requires a single payment, eliminating recurring fees.

4. Zoom: The software offers a remarkable 1,000,000% zoom for precise designing and editing.

5. X-ray View: This feature allows you to examine the skeleton of your work for more precise projects.

Pros:

• Unlimited artboards.
• Less resource-demanding than some competitors.
• Affordable pricing with no subscription fees.
• Ease of setup.
• Offers both raster and vector workspaces in one program.
• Excellent customer support.

Cons:

• Onboarding and installation documentation can be confusing.
• Lacks cloud services.
• Some users may find a steep learning curve.

Platform: Available on Windows, Mac, and iPad.

Procreate

Procreate stands out as a graphic design software package positioned as a comprehensive art studio, tailor-made for iPad use, and compatible with Apple Pencil as a versatile drawing tool. With a one-time purchase price of $12.99, Procreate delivers a robust arsenal of drawing tools, encompassing 200 brushes that can be tailored to your preferences. Moreover, it boasts an intuitive system for selecting colors, and it allows for real-time 3D drawing tool functionality, complete with augmented reality (AR) previews.

Key Features:

1. Editing Tools: Procreate boasts a library of 200 customizable brushes to cater to various design needs.

2. Color Management: It offers an intuitive color selection process and a ColorDrop tool for quick fills.

3. Finishing Filters: Procreate provides filters to unify and enhance your images for a perfect look.

4. One-Time Purchase: No in-app purchases; you get the full feature set with the initial purchase.

5. Hover Features: Includes Brush Cursor, Gallery Previews, Selections, and Brush Size and Opacity Gestures.

Pros:

• Extensive tutorial library to support users.
• Intuitive user interface.
• Apple Pencil support for precise drawing.
• Allows importing Photoshop brushes.

Cons:

• No free version is available.
• Limited layering capabilities.

Platform: Exclusively available on iPad.

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop has long been the industry standard for desktop publishing, favored by graphic designers for its comprehensive image editing tools and user-friendly interface. Photoshop offers a seven-day free trial, after which it costs $20.99 per month. For access to the full suite of Adobe tools, the Creative Cloud option is available at $54.99 per month, including Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and more.

Key Features:

1. Timesaving Features: Streamlines workflows with batch operations and automation scripts.

2. Generative Fill: Utilizes text prompts to generate designs and ideas.

3. Collaboration Features: Provides tools for managing feedback and editing permissions.

4. Intuitive Editing Features: Offers simple layers, selection tools, and masking capabilities.

Pros:

• Extensive library of stock images, templates, fonts, videos, and icons.
• Seamless integration with other Adobe programs.
• Supports multiple file formats, including JPG and PNG.

Cons:

• Expensive pricing plans.
• Can be resource-demanding on some systems.
• Slow loading times.

Platform: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo presents an excellent cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, with a specific focus on enhancing existing images using its robust set of drawing tools. This versatile software seamlessly handles both vector and raster images, providing support for the SVG file format. Additionally, Affinity Photo offers a generous 30-day free trial, allowing users to explore its extensive range of drawing tools and capabilities before committing to a purchase.

Key Features:

1. Powerful Digital Editing Tools: Includes features like HDR merge, raw editing, and layer editing.

2. One-Time Purchase: Affinity Photo does not rely on subscription plans or in-app purchases.

3. Optional Overlay Packs: Provides additional editing tools for free with registration.

4. Asset Library: Store frequently used design elements for quick access.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing.
• Lightweight software with minimal storage requirements.
• Generous 30-day free trial.
• Customizable brushes.
• Easy setup process.
• Strong customer support.

Cons:

• Lacks templates.
• No keyword tagging feature.
• May experience occasional software bugs or crashing.

Platform: Available on Windows, Mac, and iPad.

Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is Adobe’s premier solution for desktop publishing, catering to a wide range of creative projects. Although it can be seamlessly integrated with other Adobe programs, InDesign has its unique characteristics, making it stand out in the world of graphic design. It excels in handling image-intensive materials such as posters, presentations, and documents. InDesign’s ability to create a consistent house style on the go is a remarkable time-saving feature.

InDesign boasts a wealth of support documentation, but, like the majority of Adobe applications, it can place substantial demands on system resources. Within its arsenal of drawing tools, InDesign offers a comprehensive suite that spans tasks ranging from resizing to subject-aware text wrapping and meticulous color manipulation. Nevertheless, the sheer abundance of features can occasionally present challenges when it comes to pinpointing specific settings within these drawing tools. This complexity may regrettably lead users to overlook some of the software’s full potential, a fact made more notable due to its significant cost.

Key Features:

1. Adobe Creative Cloud Integration: Seamlessly access an abundant resource library of images, templates, and fonts through Adobe’s Creative Cloud ecosystem.
2. Ebook Creation: Streamline the process of creating professional-looking ebooks with user-friendly setup guides and templates.
3. Cloud Storage: Automatically back up your work, ensuring you never lose valuable data.
4. Auto-Style: Effortlessly import unformatted text, and the graphic design software will intelligently detect headings and styles.

Pros:

1. Ideal for Image-Heavy Presentations: InDesign shines when it comes to creating visually stunning presentations.
2. Easy Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration among team members.
3. Layering Functionality: Provides robust layering options for precise design control.

Cons:

1. Pricey: InDesign’s cost may be a deterrent for some users.
2. Steep Learning Curve: Learning to navigate and fully utilize all its features can be challenging.
3. Large File Sizes: InDesign projects can result in sizable file sizes.

Platform: InDesign is available for both Windows and Mac platforms, offering versatile drawing tools for designers on either operating system.

Canva

Canva is a versatile solution for various design projects, such as infographics, web design, and T-shirt design. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface suitable for individuals with no prior graphic design experience. Canva offers a wide selection of images, templates, backgrounds, and fonts, although some graphics require in-app purchases.

Canva’s functionality extends to multiple industries due to its extensive template gallery, making it suitable for professionals across various fields. It offers three pricing plans, including a free one for individuals and small teams, with paid plans providing access to additional features.

Key Features:

CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is more than just drawing tools; it’s comprehensive design software that offers precise design capabilities, advanced illustration features, and user-friendly collaboration tools. Setting itself apart from many competitors, CorelDRAW provides flexible pricing options, including both subscription-based and upfront payment plans. For those just starting, there’s a beginner-friendly plan priced at $129 upfront. Experienced designers seeking a robust graphic design solution can choose from an annual subscription priced at $229 or an upfront cost of $299.

However, for organizations in need of access to CorelDRAW’s full suite of features, including support for over 100 file formats, the CorelDRAW app, and extensive learning materials, the price may be a bit too steep.

Key Features:

1. Comprehensive Drawing Tools: CorelDRAW offers an array of powerful drawing and design tools.
2. Unlimited Storage: Utilize Corel’s Vector cloud with unlimited storage space.
3. Exceptional Compatibility: Easily work with various file formats, including PDF, SVG, SVGZ, EPS, JPEG, PNG, and GIF.
4. Touch Interface: Enjoy a seamless experience on iOS and Android devices, Chromebooks, and touchscreen-equipped PCs.
5. Advanced Illustration Technology: Explore advanced features like 3D modeling and visualization.

Pros:

1. Access to Full Google Fonts Library.
2. Extensive Template Library.
3. Multi-language Support.
4. Collaboration Tools for Teamwork.

Cons:

1. High System Requirements: CorelDRAW demands a powerful computer setup.
2. High Cost: The software can be pricey, especially for organizations.
3. Steep Learning Curve: Mastering all its features may take some time.

Platform: CorelDRAW is available for both Windows and MacOS users, making it accessible to a wide range of designers and artists.

Vista Create

Vista Create is an excellent, no-cost graphic design tool suitable for both personal and business projects. It’s especially handy for individuals seeking to create social media graphics. Vista Create offers a diverse selection of templates, scheduling capabilities for popular social media platforms, and a built-in brand kit to manage colors, fonts, and logos. Moreover, it provides a respectable set of drawing tools for animation and photo editing. Collaboration is made seamless, allowing users to work with team members effectively.

Vista Create provides a 30-day free trial version, but beyond that period, users must subscribe to either the standard plan, business plan or the Mac-exclusive license. Pricing is based on the number of users, making it a cost-effective choice for solopreneurs or freelancers. However, for larger, expanding organizations, costs may escalate rapidly.

Key Features:

1. Social Media Scheduler: Seamlessly upload graphics into the integrated scheduler.
2. Creative Assets: Access a library of royalty-free vectors, photos, and videos.
3. Professionally Designed Templates: Ready-made templates for social media, web, and print projects.

Pros:

1. Affordable for Individual Creators.
2. Extensive Templates Library.
3. User-friendly and Easy to Learn.

Cons:

1. Some Users Report Lag Times and Bugs.
2. Limited Availability, Exclusive to Mac Users.

Platform: Vista Create is available exclusively for Mac users, providing a versatile suite of drawing tools for creative projects.

Vectr

Vectr is another versatile drawing tool available both online and through several desktop options, with a primary focus on vector graphics and typography, as implied by its name. This application is designed for simplicity and ease of use right from the start. Additionally, Vectr boasts an extensive library of guides and tutorials to assist users in mastering its features. It is an ideal choice for individuals seeking a straightforward interface without unnecessary complexities.

Compatibility is one of Vectr’s strong points, as it offers versions for most operating systems and provides an online option. However, it’s important to note that Vectr relies on a stable internet connection for auto-syncing. Collaboration is made effortless through shared URLs, facilitating real-time editing. Notably, Vectr excels in producing clear and sharp graphics as it does not rely on pixels for graphic creation.

Key Features:

1. Real-Time Editing: Collaborate seamlessly with shared URLs for real-time editing.
2. Auto-Sync: Automatically saves your work across all platforms.
3. AI-Powered: Incorporates state-of-the-art tools and features to streamline workflows.

Pros:

1. Abundant Resources and Tutorials: Access a rich collection of guides and tutorials.
2. Free Forever: Vectr is available for free with no subscription costs.
3. Pixel-Perfect Graphics: Generates graphics without pixelation or blurriness.

Cons:

1. Limited Import Functionality: Vectr lacks robust import options for external content.
2. No Media Library: It does not include a built-in media library for easy access to assets.
3. Internet Connection Required: A stable internet connection is necessary for auto-sync.

Platform: Vectr is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, and offers a web-based version, making it accessible across various operating systems and devices.

Pixlr

Pixlr is an image editing web app accessible through your browser on desktop computers or as a mobile application on both iOS and Android platforms. This tool provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for essential editing tasks without the complexity associated with more advanced software.

Previously under the Autodesk umbrella, Pixlr now operates independently while retaining many desirable features found in similar apps. It offers a range of complementary programs within its ecosystem and supports various file formats, including SVG and PSD. The pricing structure for this web-based design app is accommodating, with a free trial and a basic free version available. However, it’s important to note that the free version does come with a significant amount of advertisements. For an ad-free experience, subscription packages start at just $1.99 per month.

Key Features:

1. Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily manipulate images, even without extensive editing or design experience.
2. Template Library: Access a diverse collection of templates, including professional-looking options like collages and market-specific templates such as ads in various sizes, flyers, and business cards.
3. Social Media Content: Choose from a variety of templates tailored for platforms like Facebook event covers, Pinterest pins, and LinkedIn company posts.
4. AI-Powered Tools: Leverage tools like background removers and image generators powered by artificial intelligence.
5. Animations: Create animated designs using preset animations.

Pros:

1. Affordable Pricing: Offers various pricing options to suit different skill levels and needs.
2. Batch Editing: Streamline your editing process with batch editing capabilities.

Cons:

1. Limited Format Support: Lacks support for TIFF or BMP file formats.
2. Template Quantity: The number of available templates is somewhat limited.
3. No Online Cloud Storage: Pixlr does not include online cloud storage for file backup.

Platform: Pixlr is accessible via the cloud and web-based browsers, as well as on iPad and Android devices, providing versatile drawing tools for users across various platforms.