14 Best Free Graphic Design Software Programs for 2023

Quality website graphic design is essential for marketing. It's what jumps out at potential customers and helps deliver the message you want to send. Although hiring a professional designer can be costly, there are excellent free software programs available that provide great design work. In this article, we'll explore some of the best free options currently available online.

Before we examine your options in detail, however, let's first talk about what you should look for in a good free graphic design program and why you might want to pursue the free route in the first place.

The most important thing is that the software is easy to use and has all the features you need. It should also be compatible with your CMS and any other software you're using. Additionally, it's always helpful to have access to online tutorials and customer support in case you run into any problems.

A few key features to be on the lookout for include:

• A wide range of templates
  This will make it easy to create professional-looking designs without starting from scratch.

• Advanced editing features
  Look for software that offers layers, masking, and other features that will streamline your workflow.

• Compatibility with popular file formats
  Make sure the software can export your design in a format that can be used by your printer or web developer.

There are a number of reasons why you might want to consider using free graphic design software. Perhaps you're on a tight budget and can't afford to hire a professional. Or maybe you're just starting out and want to get a feel for the basics before investing in more expensive software. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of great free software programs to choose from.

Now that we've got that out of the way, let's take a look at some of the best free graphic design software programs available.

While keeping the features you need the most in mind, let's examine some of the best free graphic design software programs available online. These programs will help you complete professional projects without the high-cost investment upfront.

1. GIMP

GIMP is a well-known program in the world of free graphic design software. It's been around for over two decades and is regularly updated. It offers a wide range of features, including layers, filters, brushes, and masks. You can also create graphics from scratch or edit existing ones. The software is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.

Some standout features include:

• A wide range of brushes and pens

• Advanced color management tools

• Support for various file formats

• Comparable feature set to Photoshop

2. Inkscape

Inkscape is perfect for anyone who needs to create vector illustrations, whether you're a professional graphic designer or someone who just wants to make some simple images. And since it's free, you can get started with the software anytime you'd like.

Some features you should know about include:

• An array of drawing tools

• Typography tools

• Support for bezier and spiro curves

• Compatibility with multiple file formats

3. Krita

Krita is the perfect program for painters on a budget. It's free, open-source, and made by artists, for artists. Whether you're into concept art, texture or matte painting, illustration, or comics - Krita has got you covered. This software includes everything you need to create original art from scratch like brush engines, vector and text tools, and more.

Some of its standout features include:

• A customizable interface layout

• A wide range of brushes and pens

• Advanced color management tools

• Brush stabilizers

4. Vectr

Another great option is Vectr, a simple and free graphics editor that's perfect for creating basic designs, illustrations, and banners. The software includes a wide range of features that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced professionals, alike. It offers a desktop and web-based platform, too, for optimum flexibility.

Some of the best features of Vectr include:

• Super easy-to-use

• AI-powered tools to save time

• Chat feature allows you to communicate with the AI

5. Adobe Photoshop Express

You may also find Photoshop Express to be a suitable option for your design needs. It makes it super easy to edit photos and modify images all within a straightforward app that works like a barebones version of Photoshop.

A few features worthy of note are:

• Retouching

• Noise reduction

• Automatic cutouts

• A social feed to see other's creations

6. Canva

Canva is a great option for those who are looking for an easy-to-use graphic design program. It offers a wide range of templates and tools that make it easy to create professional designs. Create designs in-browser or in an app on-the-go.

Some of the best features include:

• A wide range of templates for various design projects

• An extensive library of photos, illustrations, and icons

• The ability to save your designs in various popular file formats

7. Pixlr

Pixlr is another free graphic design software that includes a range of photo editing and design tools you can put to work immediately. It's available in desktop and app versions, or you can use it directly within your web browser.

This handy tool offers:

• Numerous templates

• Automatic background removal

• Animations

• Collage maker

8. SVG-edit

SVG-edit is a great free vector graphic design program. It works directly within your browser and offers a slew of basic features you can use to create simple designs.

9. Lunacy

A solid entry on our list is Lunacy, another free design software option that includes AI tools to streamline your workflow. Such tools include things like an image upscaler, a background remover, and text generator. It even comes with graphics you can use as the foundation of your designs.

Other notable features include:

• Free icons, illustrations, and photos

• Multi-language compatibility

• Native app is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux

10. Blender

Blender is a great free 3D modeling and animation program. It offers a wide range of features, including modeling, rigging, animation, rendering, and more. The software is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.

Some of the best features include:

• A wide range of modeling tools

• A powerful animation system

• The ability to render your designs in various popular file formats

• An extensive library of tutorials and support resources

11. Paint 3D

Paint 3D is a great free graphic design and 3D modeling program. It's a new take on the classic Paint and offers a wide range of features including tons of brushes, color palettes, and more. This latest iteration adds on support for creating 3D models and designs, allowing you a greater range of flexibility.

Some of the best features include:

• A new spin on an hold classic

• Numerous brushes and tools at-the-ready

• Comes with Windows 10

12. Corel Vector

Corel Vector is a great free graphic design software that offers a wide range of features for users of all levels of experience. It's perfect for creating professional designs, illustrations, and more. With Corel Vector, you can create designs in-browser or on the go with the app version.

Some of the best features include:

• The ability to work from anywhere

• An extensive library of photos, illustrations, and icons

• The ability to save your designs in various popular file formats

• Multi-language support

13. Design Wizard

Next on our list is Design Wizard, which is another free graphic design tool that's worth checking out. This software offers a more limited feature set than some of the other tools on this list but it still might be the right choice for some with simpler needs. For instance, Design Wizard allows you to resize your designs; add custom fonts, logos, and images; and build custom color palettes to reuse. To get started, simply select a template, customize it using the provided assets, and export or share.

Other features include:

• Pre-designed templates for a wide range of design projects

• Tons of photos, illustrations, fonts, videos, and icons to customize your designs

• Social media integration

14. Genially

Finishing up our list is Genially, another free graphic design software that comes with a wide range of features. This software is best known for its ability to create interactive designs, which can be a great way to liven up any project. Additionally, Genially offers a wide range of templates for you to choose from, or you can start from scratch and create your own custom designs.

Some of the best features include:

• Interactive design capabilities

• A wide range of templates to choose from

• The ability to create infographics, presentations, videos, and gamified content

Graphic design is a field that is constantly evolving. As new technologies emerge, graphic designers need to keep up with the latest trends and software in order to stay ahead of the curve. Luckily, there are a number of great free graphic design programs available that can help you do just that. And if you want to ensure your designs are featured on a high-quality website, securing effective hosting is your best bet.

We provide numerous cloud hosting plans and plans specifically for WordPress that can help you launch a site for your business or brand that’s secure, fast, and optimized for success.

So what are you waiting for? Get started with one of the best free graphic design software programs today and see where it takes you!