Free picks
12 Best Free Graphic Design Tools
You can make social posts, logos and full interface designs without paying for software. These design tools are free or have free plans, from template-based editors for quick graphics to professional design apps and open-source editors you can download.
Short answer
Our top picks for free graphic design tools are Canva, Figma and Adobe Express. Of the 12 picks on this list, 5 are completely free and 7 have a free plan.
Updated
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The list
Every pick is free or has a usable free plan. Pricing and features change, so check each tool's own site before you commit.
- 1
Drag-and-drop design for social posts, presentations, videos and print, free to start.
Why it stands out: Huge free template library
Best for Creators, Marketers, Small Businesses · Web App
- 2
The collaborative interface design tool for building better products.
Why it stands out: Real-time collaboration simplifies design reviews and iterations
Best for Designers, Teams, Developers · Web App
- 3
Adobe's free, template-based design app for social posts, flyers and short videos.
Why it stands out: Large free template library, Canva-style
Best for Creators, Marketers, Small Businesses · Web App
- 4
Pro photo editing, vector design and page layout in one app, free for individuals.
Why it stands out: Professional photo, vector and layout tools free for individuals
Best for Designers, Creators, Freelancers · Desktop App
- 5
The open-source design and prototyping platform, free and browser-based.
Why it stands out: Open source (MPL 2.0) and self-hostable
Best for Designers, Developers, Teams · Web App
- 6
A free, Photoshop-style image editor that runs in your browser and opens PSD files.
Why it stands out: Free, with nothing to install
Best for Designers, Creators, Students · Web App
- 7
A design platform for logos, merch and posters with strong typography, free to start.
Why it stands out: Excellent text effects and typography templates
Best for Designers, Creators, Small Businesses · Web App
- 8
AI photo and video editing in the browser and on phones, free to start.
Why it stands out: Works in the browser and on phones
Best for Creators, Students, Personal Use · Web App
- 9
The free, open-source vector graphics editor for logos, illustrations and SVG.
Why it stands out: Completely free and open source
Best for Designers, Creators, Students · Desktop App
- 10
The free, open-source image editor for photo retouching and design.
Why it stands out: Completely free and open source
Best for Designers, Creators, Personal Use · Desktop App
- 11
A free, open-source painting program made by artists for artists.
Why it stands out: Free and open source (GPL)
Best for Designers, Creators, Students · Desktop App
- 12
Free design software for Windows, macOS and Linux that works offline.
Why it stands out: Free for personal and commercial use
Best for Designers, Freelancers, Students · Desktop App
Frequently asked questions
- Which of these free graphic design tools is the top pick?
- Canva is our first pick. Drag-and-drop design for social posts, presentations, videos and print, free to start. Canva has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features or usage.
- Are all of these graphic design tools free?
- Every pick is free to start. 5 picks are completely free, and 7 have free plans with paid upgrades for more features or usage.
- Which ones are easiest for beginners?
- Canva, Adobe Express and Kittl are rated beginner-friendly in our directory, along with 1 other pick.
- What platforms do these tools run on?
- The most common platforms are macOS (7 of 12 picks), Web (7) and Windows (7). Check each tool's page for its full list of platforms.
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