For your creative imaginations, concepts, and ideas, you need software that has the tools and mechanism to bring life to your design. And if you are a beginner in the industry, the long list of design software in the market might be too overwhelming. To test each of them will require time, money, and effort and you might even find yourself incompatible with the majority of them. This is why before ultimately committing to one, it is best to know the design software for beginners. 

In this article, we will include software that are industry standards, free and lower-cost alternatives so you can weigh in your decision about which design software to commit to.

Take note that as your skills develop, you’ll find yourself wanting to explore and try other design applications that’ll cater more to your advanced skill levels. But for now, here are the best design software for beginners to play around with! 

Design Software for Beginners 2022

If you have a knack for being a visual storyteller, then being a graphic designer is a good career option for you. With images, graphics, colors, and information, you have the power to engage and connect with your audience. With the right design software, creating logos, posters, product packaging, publication materials, and animations can be done with taps of the keyboard and clicks of the mouse. 

If you are aiming to enter the digital world this 2022, here are the best design software for beginners in 2022. 

Adobe Creative Suite and Creative Cloud Express

The Adobe Creative Suite is one of the industry’s standards and if you are pursuing graphic design professionally, the suite has all the design software you need as a graphic designer, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. These applications have a steep learning curve so it takes time to fully master them but if you do, they’ll ultimately help you land a job so we think they are worth the investment. 

The software has a 30-day free trial and if you wish to continue, you can pay on a monthly basis. However, this can be quite pricey, especially when you are just starting out. If you are looking for a more affordable option from the same company, Adobe has Creative Cloud Express (CC Express) that rivals with an entry-level graphic design like Canva and Picsart. CC Express is available online and has a mobile app available for iOS and Android. 

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

If you are an extreme beginner who’s looking into graphic design without spending a single cent, then GIMP is the software for you. It is one of the most popular free and open-source alternatives to Photoshop. The interface is a bit different than PS but their tools are placed and function similarly, including tools for image editing, retouching, for creating artwork, icons, and other graphic elements. 

GIMP supports all file formats and is compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows operating systems. 

Inkscape

Another excellent software if you are just learning vector graphic editing is Inkscape. It is a good learning tool for simple object creation using shapes, as well as mastering curves to draw complicated designs. Undeniably, Inkscape does have quite a steep learning curve but if you are looking for the cheapest way to learn and master graphic editing, free software like Inkscape is the best option. 

The interface is simpler than Illustrator’s but Inkscape boasts features such as markers, cloned objects, and alpha blending that you can find in most paid apps. 

CorelDRAW

Throughout the years, CorelDRAW did lose its popularity due to the rise of Adobe Illustrator but it still is a solid graphic design software, especially its major updates in 2021. It is now available in Mac and is a bit more affordable than Adobe Illustrator but packed with almost the same features and tools. The interface is quite different but it can be learned. CorelDRAW users also claim that the app is easier to learn and use than Illustrator. 

One of the downsides, however, is that Adobe Illustrator has become an industry standard and most clients and employers expect you to use it instead. But don’t fret because CorelDRAW can easily import and export AI and PDF files.