A well-designed website is essential in today's digitalized environment. Prospective customers are more likely to convert if your website is well-designed as opposed to a basic platform. In today's web design world, anyone can create a website. This is because there is an infinite number of web design tools accessible. However, each of these has unique talent and know-how needs.
This article discusses various web design tools that will be useful in 2023. We've broken down each of the leading platforms into advantages and drawbacks (as well as pricing) so you can choose the ideal one for you.
Let's get started
1. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a graphics editor that works with vectors. It is used to develop and modify vector-based graphics, logos, icons, typography, illustrations, and other sorts of artwork by graphic designers, artists, and illustrators. Their vector-based software enables you to adjust your designs to different sizes without losing the quality of the borders or the overall aesthetic.
AI is also used by Adobe Illustrator to automatically extract colors from photos. This can be used in your design to automatically trace a hand-drawn drawing and convert it to a vector graphic.
Advantages
- Enables vector design capabilities for maintaining edges and sharpness.
- Large user and support community.
- Endless features and templates for designs.
- Options for AI design to accelerate your task.
Drawbacks
- Unless you're an experienced graphic designer, it's usually not necessary.
- It can get costly.
- Unless you have a larger operating system, it may create latency on your device.
Pricing
- Illustrator: $20.99/month
- Creative Cloud: $52.99/month
2. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a popular graphic design software. It's been around since 1990 and has picture editing skills that rival any other program, including photo collages, background removal and modifications, painting, editing, and more.
It even employs AI technology to colorize a picture, zoom in on certain sections of a photograph, erase scratches, or modify someone's attitude, age, or stance in seconds. Adobe Photoshop can accomplish pretty about anything you can think of.
Advantages
- Has the ability to collaborate with other designers and members of the team.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iPad, and other platforms.
- 3D design options
- Endless design possibilities and features that perform seamlessly.
Drawbacks
- If you are not a full-time designer, you may not need all of the functionality.
- It might be hefty and take up a lot of space on your PC.
Pricing
- Illustrator: $20.99/month
- Creative Cloud: $52.99/month
3. Adobe InDesign
Print and digital media production had a formal transformation when InDesign was introduced in 1999. Adobe InDesign is a layout and page design program for print and digital media that includes everything you need to produce and publish digital magazines, books, eBooks, interactive PDFs, posters, and more.
Adobe InDesign simplifies the management of design components and the delivery of interactive experiences in any format. You may also use fonts from the world's finest foundries and pictures from Adobe Stock to create stunning graphic projects.
Advantages
- Adobe typefaces are activated automatically.
- It is compatible with Adobe's Creative Cloud and Interaction Manager.
- Access to Adobe Stock
- HSB support
Drawbacks
- There may be a learning curve, which may not be beneficial unless you are a skilled designer.
- It might be hefty and take up a lot of space on your PC.
Pricing
- Illustrator: $20.99/month
- Creative Cloud: $52.99/month
4. GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an open-source image editor that is free to use. If you've ever used WordPress, you've worked with an open-source platform. GIMP, which is a component of the free software movement, enables you to modify its source code (using Scheme, Python, Perl, and other languages), share these modifications, and utilize third-party plugins and customization features.
Advantages
- Plugins and connections with other free applications are available.
- There are several tutorials available to train users.
- Available for OS X, GNU/Linux, Windows, and other operating systems.
- Light on your PC.
Drawbacks
- It does not have the most attractive or up-to-date user interface.
- When you first start out, there is a learning curve.
Pricing
- Free
5. CorelDRAW
CorelDRAW has a wide range of design possibilities for graphic design, technical design, illustration, and other applications. We'll look at their CorelDRAW Graphics Collection, which is a full suite of professional graphic design programs for vector drawing, layout, picture editing, and other aspects.
It combines numerous of their programs to offer you complete control over your designs. It also applies to several sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, and digital marketing. CorelDRAW can handle any task, from creating a blueprint to screen printing a new shirt.
Advantages
- Useful for learning vector design for new software developers.
- Use real-time feedback to collaborate.
- Options for Windows, Mac, and apps.
Drawbacks
- Because of its heaviness, it can cause systems to slow down.
- It is difficult to interface with other programs (like those in Adobe suite)
- In comparison to big organizations, there are fewer effects and templates.
Pricing
- Annual: $249/year
- One-time: $399
6. Sketch
Sketch claims itself as the "home for your complete collaborative creative process" on its Mac version where you can create and get comments in real-time. Sketch supports vector manipulation, non-destructive boolean operations, variable and OpenType fonts, arithmetic operators, and much more.
Sketch further has "Libraries" where you may save your Free SVG icons, text and layer style, and color variables. so that as your design system develops, you can send updates that keep everyone updated as well as share them automatically with colleagues. Sketch is a well-established design program with several options for wireframing, prototyping, and getting started with UX/UI design.
Advantages
- Autosaves & easy exports make things easier.
- It's a good starter option because it's simple to learn, not overly complicated, and reasonably priced.
- Collaboration is simple, which provides brand consistency.
Drawbacks
- Can't go too creative with your designs compared to other platforms.
- Only for Macs
- Because their collaboration tools are not Cloud-based, link exchange is not possible.
Pricing
- Monthly: $9/editor
- Annually: $99/editor
- Business: You make contact with their business department.
7. Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is a cross-platform vector graphic design software. Gravit allows you to exercise your graphic design talents without requiring too much expertise, from vector sketches and editing to UI designs and non-destructive object styles.
Advantages
- Simple to use and ideal for beginners.
- Import and modify file formats in PDF, Adobe Illustrator, EPS, SVG, and Sketch.
- Free version
- It is compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Progressive Web App, Chrome OS, and in-browser
Drawbacks
- It isn't capable of handling large files, and you can't download them.
- Collaboration on projects can be difficult.
- Prototypes and designs cannot be tested (check Figma or Sketch for that)
Pricing
- Free: $0
- Pro: $49.99/year
8. Figma:
Figma is another collaborative design application that works well for individuals and groups of graphic designers to "brainstorm, develop, and design. Their "FigJam" tool allows limitless team members to submit comments, design features, link multiple drawings, and even offer live emoji feedback to an online whiteboard.
You may take all of it into account and then utilize vectors, auto-layout, quick arc designs, and a variety of plugins to create exactly the design you want. Then, test your design elements and flow until they are flawless. Although it's younger software, it's already keeping up with the competition (like Sketch).
Advantages
- Before programming the design, users may test the UI and UX.
- Version history and autosave
- Thousands of templates to choose from.
- Option for a free plan
- Live connections make it extremely simple to collaborate.
Drawbacks
- It is cloud-based, which makes sharing simple, but it is difficult to use without an Internet connection.
- It might be difficult to learn at first.
- Because it is newer software, it will need to sort out issues and add additional integrations as it expands.
Pricing
- Starter: free
- Professional: $12/editor/month annually
- Organization: $45/editor/month, billed annually (suitable for 9+ editors)
9. Affinity Designer:
Affinity offers a variety of graphic design software, including Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, Affinity Publisher, and others. Today we'll look at Affinity Designer, a graphic design tool for producing print projects, concept art, icons, logos, mock-ups, UI designs, and so on.
Affinity's complex design program, which combines vector and raster design capabilities, is utilized by thousands of experts for all graphic design needs. Affinity Designer, which is optimized for the newest technology on Windows, Mac, and iPad, takes pride in offering what you need without clutter or gimmicks.
Advantages
- Lighter on your PC than other major programs.
- It is available for Mac, Windows, and iPad.
- Offering several features while being reasonably priced.
Drawbacks:
- It could be challenging to transition between applications and continue working on projects outside of the app.
- Some more complex design features are missing.
- It is pretty new, it does not yet have a large resource pool or network for assistance.
Pricing
- Mac: $54.99 (offers a free trial)
- Windows: $54.99 (offers a free trial)
- iPad: $21.99
Final thoughts:
Choosing the greatest graphic design tool doesn't have to be difficult, and our top-9 analysis should help. Depending on your company objectives, degree of skill, and budget, one of these gorgeous platforms may assist you with whatever graphic design you want.
Have you tried any of the options on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
