Best Digital Design Tools For Designers and Creators

If you have been reading our series on digital design, you are aware that there are a lot of great opportunities for freelancers to do their own work and be independent. To start as a digital designer or content creator, there are some resources you will need to produce your work. 

Aside from a content creator kit, you are going to need additional resources for your production. In this article, we are going to cover the best digital design tools.

The Best Digital Design Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Are you looking for the ultimate design toolkit? Look no further than Adobe Creative Suite.

This collection of powerful software applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and more, allows you to create stunning graphics, beautiful layouts, and engaging user interfaces.

With Adobe Creative Suite, you can unleash your creativity and take your design skills to the next level. This software is the industry standard, trusted by professionals around the world. 

Collaborating with others and sharing files is a breeze with our integrated tools, making it easy to work with clients, team members, and partners.

Stay up-to-date with the latest features and performance improvements, as we release regular updates to our software. You’ll never be left behind with Adobe Creative Suite.

Experience the power and versatility of Adobe Creative Suite today, and see for yourself why it’s the go-to choice for designers worldwide.

What do Users think about Adobe Creative Suite?

Based on customer reviews, here are some common pros and cons of Adobe Creative Suite. See for yourself why this is one of the best digital design tools.

Pros:

1. Versatile: Adobe Creative Suite offers a range of software applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and more, which allows for a wide range of design work to be done.
2. Industry standard: Many professionals use Adobe Creative Suite, making it a standard in the design industry. This means that collaborating with others and sharing files is often easier when using this software.
3. Regular updates: Adobe regularly releases updates to their software, which can introduce new features and improve performance.
4. Integration: Adobe Creative Suite applications integrate well with each other, allowing for a smoother workflow and easier file sharing.

Cons:

1. Cost: Adobe Creative Suite is expensive, and the cost can be a barrier to entry for some designers or small businesses.
2. Learning curve: Adobe Creative Suite applications can be complex, and there may be a steep learning curve for those who are new to the software.
3. Subscription model: Adobe Creative Suite is now only available through a subscription model, which means users have to pay a monthly fee. Some users prefer to pay for software outright rather than paying an ongoing subscription fee.
4. System requirements: Adobe Creative Suite requires a powerful computer and may not run well on older or less powerful machines.

It’s worth noting that these pros and cons may not apply to every user, and the suitability of Adobe Creative Suite will depend on the specific needs of each designer.

Sketch

Sketch is specifically designed for interface design, making it the perfect choice for creating beautiful and functional user interfaces.

You can easily create vector graphics, customize typography, and design layouts with ease. This software is user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that allows you to focus on your design work without being distracted by complex menus or tools.

Sketch offers real-time collaboration features that make it easy to share your work and get feedback. Plus, with our extensive library of plugins and integrations, you can customize Sketch to fit your workflow and increase your productivity.

Stay ahead of the curve with Sketch, as we release regular updates that introduce new features and improve performance. 

Join the millions of designers who trust Sketch for their interface design needs. Experience the power and ease of use of Sketch today, and see for yourself why it’s the preferred choice for designers worldwide.

What do customers like about Sketch?

Pros:

1. User-friendly: Sketch has an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, allowing designers to focus on their creative work without being bogged down by complex menus or tools.
2. Customizable: Sketch has an extensive library of plugins and integrations, allowing users to customize the software to fit their specific needs and workflows.
3. Great for interface design: Sketch is specifically designed for interface design, making it a popular choice for designers who specialize in this area.
4. Collaboration: Sketch offers real-time collaboration features, making it easy for teams to work together and share feedback on designs.

Cons:

1. Limited functionality: Sketch may not be suitable for more complex design work beyond interface design, as it lacks some of the features found in more comprehensive design software like Adobe Creative Suite.
2. Compatibility: Sketch files may not be easily compatible with other software applications, which could cause issues when sharing files with clients or team members.
3. Learning curve: While Sketch is generally user-friendly, there may still be a learning curve for those who are new to the software.
4. Mac-only: Sketch is only available on Mac, which could be a disadvantage for designers who work on other platforms.

Figma 

Figma is a versatile tool that allows designers to create anything from simple graphics to complex user interfaces. It is browser-based, making it accessible from anywhere and on any device, so you can work seamlessly across multiple platforms.

Collaboration is at the heart of Figma, as our software allows for real-time collaboration and feedback, making it easy for teams to work together, no matter where they are. Plus, with Figma’s built-in version control, you can keep track of changes and revert to previous versions with ease.

Say goodbye to the headaches of compatibility issues, as Figma is compatible with a wide range of design tools and platforms. You can easily export designs and collaborate with clients and team members who may not use Figma.

What do users think about Figma?

Pros:

1. Cloud-based: Figma is a cloud-based design tool, which means users can access it from anywhere and collaborate with team members in real-time.
2. Collaboration: Figma’s collaboration features are highly praised by users, allowing teams to work together on designs and provide feedback in real-time.
3. Versatility: Figma can be used to create a wide range of designs, from simple graphics to complex user interfaces.
4. Compatibility: Figma is compatible with a wide range of design tools and platforms, making it easy to collaborate with clients and team members who may not use Figma.
5. Easy to use: Figma has a user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced designers.

Cons:

1. Learning curve: While Figma is generally easy to use, there may still be a learning curve for those who are new to the software.
2. Limited functionality: Figma may not be as comprehensive as other design software like Adobe Creative Suite, as it lacks some advanced features.
3. Cost: Figma can be expensive for some users, particularly for larger teams that require multiple licenses.
4. Performance issues: Some users have reported performance issues when working with larger files or complex designs.

Canva 

Canva is an incredibly versatile and user-friendly graphic design platform that has revolutionized the way people approach to design. Whether you need to create social media graphics, flyers, presentations, or even resumes, Canva offers an easy-to-use interface that simplifies the process and allows you to produce professional-looking designs with ease. With pre-made templates for a variety of design needs, including marketing materials, event invitations, and even infographics, Canva offers a streamlined approach that saves time and effort, making it an excellent choice for busy individuals and small business owners who may not have a lot of design experience.

One of the standout features of Canva is its ability to customize designs to fit your specific needs. Canva offers a range of customization options, such as the ability to upload your own images, fonts, and logos, as well as a library of free and paid elements, including stock photos, illustrations, and icons. 

Canva allows you to create and edit designs with ease, making it an excellent tool for remote teams and freelancers. Additionally, Canva offers collaboration features for team projects, allowing multiple users to work on a design simultaneously and leave comments for feedback and revisions.

What do users think about Canva?

Pros:

1. User-friendly: Canva is known for its simple and intuitive interface, which makes it easy for beginners to use.
2. Large library of design elements: Canva offers a wide range of design elements such as templates, stock photos, and illustrations, making it easy for users to create high-quality graphics.
3. Collaboration: Canva allows for real-time collaboration, making it easy for teams to work together on a project.
4. Cost-effective: Canva offers a free version that includes basic features, as well as paid plans that are affordable compared to other design software.
5. Mobile App: Canva has a mobile app that makes it easy to create graphics on the go.

Cons:

1. Limited Customization: Canva’s design elements can be limiting, making it difficult to create completely unique designs.
2. Not suitable for complex design projects: While Canva is great for simple designs, it may not be the best option for complex projects that require advanced design features.
3. Export limitations: Canva’s free version has limitations on the types of files that can be exported, which may be frustrating for some users.
4. Performance issues: Some users have reported that Canva can be slow or laggy when working with large files.
5. Watermark: Canva’s free version adds a watermark to the designs, which may not be suitable for professional use.

Procreate 

Procreate is a popular digital painting and illustration app designed for iPads. One of the key advantages of Procreate is its powerful set of features. The app provides a wide range of brushes and tools, enabling artists to create high-quality artwork with ease. Procreate’s tools are also highly customizable, giving users the ability to tweak the settings to their liking. The app also supports layers, allowing users to manipulate different elements of their design separately. 

This feature makes it easier to edit designs and create more complex compositions.

Another advantage of Procreate is its user-friendly interface. The app has an intuitive and easy-to-use layout, making it accessible for artists of all skill levels. Procreate also has a streamlined workflow, which means artists can focus on creating their artwork without being bogged down by complicated menus or settings. Additionally, Procreate includes many advanced features, like animation tools and 3D rendering, which allow artists to push the boundaries of digital art.

Procreate also has a large and active online community. The app’s users frequently share their artwork on social media, creating a vibrant and supportive community. This community provides a platform for artists to showcase their work, get feedback, and connect with other creators. Additionally, Procreate has a wide range of tutorials and resources available online, which can help users improve their skills and learn new techniques. Overall, Procreate is a versatile and powerful tool for digital artists and illustrators on the go, with a strong community of users and resources to support their creative endeavors.

What do users think about Procreate?

Pros:

1. Powerful features: Procreate is known for its powerful set of features that allow artists to create high-quality artwork with ease.
2. User-friendly interface: The app has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that makes it accessible for artists of all skill levels.
3. Customizable brushes: Procreate’s brushes are highly customizable, allowing artists to tweak the settings to their liking.
4. Large community: Procreate has a large and active online community, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work, get feedback, and connect with other creators.
5. Affordable price: Procreate is a one-time purchase with no subscription fees, making it an affordable option compared to other digital painting and illustration software.

Cons:

1. Limited compatibility: Procreate is designed for use on iPads only, limiting its compatibility with other devices.
2. Steep learning curve: Some users have reported a steep learning curve when first starting to use the app, due to its advanced features and capabilities.
3. File size limitations: Procreate has limitations on the maximum file size that can be created, which may be frustrating for artists working on large-scale projects.
4. Lack of precision: Some users have reported that Procreate’s brushes lack precision, making it difficult to create detailed artwork.
5. Limited text capabilities: Procreate’s text capabilities are limited, which may be an issue for artists who rely heavily on text in their designs.

InVision 

InVision is a digital product design platform that allows teams to collaborate on designing, prototyping, and testing digital products. The platform is designed to streamline the product design process and improve communication between team members. InVision offers a range of tools and features, including design templates, design libraries, and collaboration tools.

A key feature of InVision is its design tools. The platform provides a range of design tools that enable teams to create digital products quickly and efficiently. The design tools include design templates and design libraries, which allow teams to easily incorporate design elements and styles into their products.

InVision’s design tools allow for easy collaboration between team members, making it easy to share design ideas and make changes in real time.

InVision also has great prototyping capabilities. InVision allows teams to create interactive prototypes of their digital products, allowing for rapid iteration and testing. The platform also offers a range of prototyping tools and features, such as animation and user flows, which enable teams to create high-fidelity prototypes quickly and easily.

InVision offers a range of collaboration tools that enable teams to work together more efficiently. For example, teams can leave comments on designs, track design changes, and share feedback in real time. Additionally, InVision’s collaboration tools allow teams to easily share their designs with stakeholders and clients, enabling them to get feedback and make changes quickly.

What do users think about InVision?

Pros:

1. User-friendly interface: InVision’s user-friendly interface is easy to navigate and makes it easy to collaborate with team members.
2. Range of features: InVision offers a wide range of features, including design tools, prototyping capabilities, and collaboration tools, making it a versatile platform for product design.
3. Seamless integration: InVision can be easily integrated with other design tools, such as Sketch and Photoshop, allowing for a seamless design workflow.
4. Real-time collaboration: InVision’s collaboration tools allow for real-time collaboration between team members, making it easy to share feedback and make changes.
5. Excellent customer support: InVision has a reputation for providing excellent customer support, with fast response times and helpful solutions to any issues.

Cons:

1. Limited functionality: Some users have reported that InVision has limited functionality compared to other design platforms, particularly in terms of its prototyping capabilities.
2. Steep learning curve: Some users have reported that InVision has a steep learning curve, particularly for new users who are not familiar with design software.
3. Price: InVision’s pricing plans can be expensive, particularly for small teams or freelancers who may not need all of the features offered by the platform.
4. Buggy software: Some users have reported experiencing bugs or glitches when using InVision, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
5. Limited customization: InVision’s design tools and templates are not always customizable, which may limit the creativity and flexibility of some users.

The Wrap Up

There are many excellent design tools available for designers and creatives to use in their work. Whether you are a professional designer, a freelancer, or a student, there is a design tool out there that can help you bring your ideas to life. From industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch to newer platforms like Figma and Procreate, there is no shortage of options when it comes to design software.

The best design tools are those that offer a balance of functionality, usability, and affordability. They should provide a range of features to support the design process, as well as a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to collaborate with team members and create high-quality designs. Additionally, the best design tools should be accessible to designers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.