A diagram or illustration can help readers understand content when running a blog or media outlet. Paid software such as Illustrator or Photoshop is essential for creating high-quality diagrams, illustrations, or photos, but it may be difficult to introduce expensive design software from the start.
In this article, Graphics PH will introduce graphic design software for beginners free that you can use to create diagrams and illustrations for free. We will also introduce paid software professionals use, so please refer to this article if you want to improve your skills from free tools. The appropriate design software varies depending on the purpose.
When choosing design software, it’s important to choose the appropriate software for the design you want to create. There are many different types of design, such as illustration, photo processing, graphic design, and 3D graphics. The optimal design software varies depending on the type of design you want to create, so it’s important to know in advance what type of design you want to create.
Best Graphic design software for infographics
Infographics convey numerical and data information in an easy-to-understand way through design. They are used not only in business but also in everyday things such as signs and route maps.
Canva
Canva allows you to create a wide range of graphic designs online, including logos, banners, posters, and site eye-catchers. By registering a Google or Facebook account, you can save the designs you create, or recall and edit designs you’ve created previously. There are templates to suit a variety of needs, such as logos, business cards, and SNS icons, so even design beginners can easily create designs. This is a recommended site for those who want to easily create stylish designs for free.
Vector
Vectr is a website where you can create vector images. Adobe Illustrator is a famous vector image editing software, but Vector can be used for free. This is also available in two versions, online and downloadable. It only has the bare minimum functions, so it is recommended for those who are using design software or vector image production software for the first time.
Easel.ly
easel.ly is a design software specialized in creating infographics. You can use it by logging in with Facebook or Google. There are a variety of templates available for different purposes, such as timelines, reports, processes, and resumes, so even those who are not familiar with design can easily create designs.
Infogram
Infogram is a design software that mainly focuses on infographics and can also be used to create charts and maps. You can log in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account. There are templates for reports, slides, charts, and other uses, so you can easily create designs. Basic design production is free, and there are four paid plans to choose from. Recommended for those who want to express numbers and data visually in an easy-to-understand way.
Graphic design software for image processing and editing
This is design software that helps you process and edit photos you have taken. Adobe Photoshop is a well-known design software used by professionals, but there are also free software programs available for simple processing and editing.
Pixlr
Pixlr is a design software that allows you to edit images online in your browser. It is equipped with AI functions and allows you to remove backgrounds with one click. It also has multiple filters and effects, so you can easily change the atmosphere of your photos. Since it can be used without registration, it is recommended for those who want to edit and process images easily and quickly.
PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X is a design software equipped with various photo processing functions such as photo viewer, editor, and RAW image processing. The site contains many tutorial videos, so even those who are new to image processing and editing can use it. It is recommended for those who want an intuitive and easy-to-use app.
Fotor
Fotor is a design software that allows you to edit photos, create graphic designs, create photo collages, etc. It has functions that are useful for simple image editing, such as changing the image size, adding text, cutting out the background, and applying beauty effects. Recommended for those who want to use it for editing photos to post on social media, as eye-catching blog photos, portrait photos, etc.
Gimp
Gimp is one of the most popular free image editing software. It has features that are not inferior to paid software, and is recommended for those who want to perform higher quality photo processing and image editing. However, since Gimp was originally a paint software that created images by collecting dots, it has the disadvantage of being weak when enlarging or reducing. Also, the color will be different when printed, so it is recommended for online use or for graphic design production where the image size is not large.
Draw.io
draw.io is a drawing tool that is useful when you want to create organizational charts, flow charts, and office or store layouts. You can choose from two types: online and downloadable. In addition, there are plenty of templates and icons, so it is a big advantage that you don’t have to create them from scratch. You can create simple diagrams using office products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but if you want to do more advanced diagramming, we recommend draw.io.
Lucidchart
Lucidchart makes it easy to create diagrams, such as flowcharts and organizational structures, and share your designs with your team in real time. Its biggest feature is the number of tools it can integrate with. It can be integrated with business tools such as Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and AWS. It can also import from Visio and Draw.io, so even if you are currently using a different drawing tool, you can take over your design data without having to re-create it from scratch.
Cacoo
Cacoo is a design software that is useful for coming up with ideas and drawing within a team. It supports not only real-time collaborative editing, but also video calls, chats, and comment writing. As long as you have an internet connection, you can work simultaneously within your team anytime, anywhere. Therefore, it is recommended for those who want to visualize information sharing and project progress within their team while working remotely or from home.
Xmind
Xmind is a design software that allows you to create mind maps. In addition to generating ideas and organizing your thoughts, you can also share the designs you create using the local network sharing function. In addition, templates are readily available, so even those who are using mind maps for the first time can easily use them.
Graphic design software for 3D graphics
3D graphics are images that are originally flat, but can be expressed in three dimensions. 3D graphics can be broadly divided into 3DCG and 3DCAD, so check the type you want to create.
Blender
Blender is the most well-known design software recommended for 3D graphics. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac, and has a variety of functions including modeling, rendering, sculpting, VFX, animation and rigging, and video editing. Because it has so many functions, it may take some time for those who are not used to using design software to become accustomed to it. However, since there are many instructions on how to use it on the Internet and in books, it is recommended for a wide range of people, from those who are just starting to learn 3D graphics to those who already have some skills.
Vectary
Vectary is a design software that allows you to create 3DCG on your PC browser. You can also register using your Google or Facebook account. It has a simple UI and templates, so it is recommended for those who are new to 3DCG. It also allows you to import major 3D files such as polygons, CAD modeling, and 3D scan fields. The free plan allows you to create up to 25 projects.
Meshmixer
Meshmixer is a 3D sculpting software designed for output using a 3D printer. It is recommended for those who want to use a 3D printer to create models, figurines, sample product prototypes, etc. Meshmixer has over 10,000 3D models available for free, so even those who are creating 3D models for the first time can easily use it.
SketchUp
SketchUp Free is a design software ideal for modeling buildings and structures. It supports both 2D and 3D, and can be used for a wide range of purposes, including 3D modeling and documentation. This can also be used on a web browser. If you want a downloadable version or a wide range of features, we recommend purchasing the paid version.
Daz Studio is a design software ideal for modeling humans, creatures, etc. You can create from scratch, or download and customize paid 3D models on the site. It is a downloadable software that is compatible with both Windows and Mac. It is recommended for those who want to create 3D images as well as 3D animations.
Summary:
We introduced recommended design software and points to note when using free design software. In the past, graphic design and infographics were thought to be difficult to create without using paid design software or hiring a professional designer. However, with the spread of free design software, anyone can now easily create designs using templates, even without design knowledge. The design software you use will vary depending on the content of the design you are creating, so be sure to use design software that is appropriate for your purpose.