8 Design Tools That Are Free To Use

Design tools are an essential part of any design journey, whether you're a professional graphic designer or just a person inspired to create something beautiful. However, not all design tools are created equal, and some of them are not free. This fact can make it difficult for some people to access the services they need to bring their visions to fruition. That's why we've created this list of the top free design tools that you can use today to help you create professional-looking designs without breaking the bank.

When you’re looking for accomplishing your design goals, choosing the right toolkit could mean a difference between celebrating your victory and going bust. Among the top recommended design tools that are free are Canva, GIMP, and Inkscape. Though there is always an overlap in features and abilities to create stunning designs, there are a lot of nuances, especially if you’re looking to pull off something complex such as creating motion graphics. This list will help you make a good choice and achieve anything you’ve set for yourself in terms of design.

Canva

Canva is a popular graphic design tool that provides a wide range of templates and creative elements to help you produce smooth-looking visuals quickly and with no effort. With Canva, you can design everything from social media graphics to business cards and flyers, all with the help of their user-friendly interface. Moreover, Canva also has a premium version with even more additional features and powerful elements. This can indefinitely expand the list of possible designs to make your next project a piece of art.

Canva is a nice choice for those who are new to graphic design, as it requires almost no prior knowledge of basic design principles. It is a great fit for small businesses and individuals who are in need of sleek and eye-catching designs. And the best part is you can have it all without spending a lot of money. Canva makes it fun to create anything – be it an Instagram post or a book cover – without sacrificing the quality that is associated with esteemed design studios.

GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It offers many of the same features as Photoshop, including support for layers, filters, and a wide range of image formats. GIMP is a powerful image editing software that can be used to create and edit visual assets of all kinds. You can use it to enhance your drawings, photos, marketing content, and so on. With GIMP, you now have the power to do everything no matter the complexity, and this design tool is absolutely free to use.

All in all, GIMP is great if you want to start your design career and are looking for some platform to give your ideas a try. With no money spent you get access to all design features that can help you create something for yourself or for your business.

Inkscape

Inkscape is another graphics editor that you can choose when starting out as a designer. Professional-looking illustrations, logos, and other types of design – you can do it all with Inkscape. It is similar to Adobe Illustrator and offers many of the same features and tools.

Inkscape is a versatile program that can be put to use to create graphics whether for your business or for your personal use. Inkscape is especially great for those who are interested in creating logos and other branding elements, as it offers a wide range of design components that can be easily customized to fit the user's needs. Indeed, why choose pricy options for your first design project if you just can start with Inkscape and see if you can get it right? However, asking a professional design firm for advice is never going to be a bad thing. If you need help in making the right decision, then this article is for you.

Sketch

Sketch is a popular vector graphics editor that was developed for creating user interface designs. It offers a wide range of design capabilities and components that can be used to create wireframes, mockups, and other essential UX/UI elements. Sketch is a great tool for both UI and UX designers. Its intuitive interface and vast array of features make it easier for designers of any level to create beautiful and functional interfaces. Sketch is only available for macOS but offers a free trial for users to test it out before purchasing the full version.

Figma

Figma is a web-based design tool that allows you to collaborate with other people in real time. It offers pretty similar design features as other items on this list, such as vector editing, prototyping, and versatile design components. The platform is free for personal use, and its cloud-based nature allows for easy collaboration and sharing of designs with team members. Figma will suit any designer who works with a team or needs to share designs with clients.

Adobe XD  

Adobe XD is another UX design tool developed by Adobe Systems. It has a free version for users who want to develop wireframes, interactive prototypes, design for web and mobile applications using a straightforward approach. Adobe XD has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows people to get to designing stuff right away without any additional preparations. In short, this design tool will give you the most bang for your back if you’re into creating functional and aesthetic apps or websites.

Gravit Designer

Gravit Designer is a free vector graphics software that offers designers a lot of features comparable with Adobe Illustrator. It is a powerful option that you can utilize for creating designs that would please the eyes of your target audience. There are a lot of features to choose from, and this software is definitely going to cover your basic needs when you’re onto something big – whether to create a Facebook ad or optimize your content marketing for more conversions.

Blender

Blender is a free 3D design software that should be your tool of choice when working on motion graphics. It can be used for making animated clips, videos, 3D printed models, interactive 3D apps, and video games. Although there is a steep learning curve when it comes to creating design with Blender, it’s considered a great choice for beginners. The skills that you get when learning how to use it the right way will eventually pay off when you move on to something more complex. With Blender, you can create high-quality, nice-looking 3D designs without having to spend a lot of money on expensive software or services of a design company.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many free design tools that are available as of now. With the right toolkit, you can create anything that you want without spending a ton of money. Consider trying out a few of these platforms and apps to see which one works best for your needs. Whether you're a professional designer or a creative person making your way through the design universe, there's always a free design tool out there waiting for you to unleash its full potential.

If you need any advice on how to go about your design project, please contact us. We, the Ubunzo design studio, are dedicated to creating not only aesthetically-pleasing designs but also to establishing long-term relationships with our clients and helping them achieve their business goals. Let’s work together.