10 Best Free Graphic Design Tools For College Students
As a college student, graphic design skills can be essential for various projects, from presentations to marketing campaigns. However, only some students can access expensive graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite. Fortunately, many excellent graphical design tools are available that are affordable and easy to use! This article will explore the top 10 visual design tools college students can use to create stunning designs for their academic and personal projects.
1. Canva
Canva is one of the most widely used graphic design applications nowadays. It provides a wide choice of templates and visuals that students may use to create outstanding projects swiftly. Canva is incredibly excellent for producing visuals for social media, posters, and flyers. Its a user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop capability make it simple for students with no prior graphic design knowledge to generate professional-looking designs. It is free to use!
Pros
- A large library of templates and graphics
- User-friendly interface
- Offers both free and paid options
- Can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection
Cons
- Some design elements are limited in the free version
- Limited control over design elements compared to more advanced software
2. GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editor with advanced features similar to Adobe Photoshop. It is an excellent tool for photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design. GIMP’s interface can be a bit overwhelming for new users, but it offers a wide range of customization options for experienced users. You can try it out to see if it fits you or not!
Pros
- Free and open-source
- Advanced features similar to Adobe Photoshop
- Customizable interface
- Large community of users for support and tutorials
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Interface can be overwhelming for new users
3. Inkscape
Inkscape is a vector graphics editor that is free and open-source that can be used to create logos, drawings, and other graphic design tasks. It has various tools and capabilities for vector graphics creation, such as route editing, shape tools, and text tools. SVG, PDF, and EPS are among the file types supported by Inkscape. Check it out!
Pros
- Free and open-source
- Wide range of tools and features for creating vector graphics
- Supports a variety of file formats
- Large community of users for support and tutorials
Cons
- Limited raster image editing capabilities
- Steep learning curve for beginners
4. Vectr
Vectr is a free vector graphics editor that can be used to create logos, drawings, and other graphic design projects. Its simple interface enables beginners to produce professional-looking images rapidly. Vectr also offers real-time collaboration, making it an excellent tool for teamwork. It can be used for your group project.
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Real-time collaboration features
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Supports both online and offline use
Cons
- Limited features compared to more advanced software
- Limited file export options
5. Figma
The cloud-based design application Figma is perfect for teamwork since it supports collaborative design. It comes with various tools and skills for creating websites, user interfaces, and other types of graphic design work. Real-time collaboration capabilities provided by Figma make it easier for team members to collaborate on a project. It can be difficult for new users to use.
Pros
- Cloud-based, so designs can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection
- Collaborative design features
- Wide range of tools and features
- Supports both online and offline use
Cons
- Limited file export options
- Some features are only available with a paid subscription
6. Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is a free vector graphics editor for creating logos, drawings, and other graphic design tasks. It has various tools and capabilities for vector graphics creation, such as route editing, shape tools, and text tools. It also supports real-time collaboration, making it an ideal tool for cooperative projects. You can use it for your assignments!
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Real-time collaboration features
- Wide range of tools and features for creating vector graphics
- Offers both online and offline use
Cons
- Limited raster image editing capabilities
- Limited file export options in the free version
7. Easel.ly
Easel.ly is a free and useful infographic design tool for creating aesthetically beautiful infographics. It provides a variety of themes, pictures, and symbols that students may use to create professional-looking infographics rapidly. Easel.ly also supports real-time collaboration, making it an ideal tool for collaborative work!
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Real-time collaboration features
- Wide range of templates, graphics, and icons for creating infographics
- Offers both online and offline use
Cons
- Limited design options compared to more advanced software
- Limited file export options
8. Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a free online visual design tool that produces social media graphics, web pages, and video tales. It has a basic and simple interface for beginners to create professional-looking designs. You can use it for your group project since it is easy to collaborate with others.
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Real-time collaboration features
- Wide range of features for creating social media graphics, web pages, and video stories
- Can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection
Cons
- Limited design options compared to more advanced software
- Some features are only available with a paid subscription
9. Piktochart
Piktochart is a free and simple infographic creation tool that can be used to generate aesthetically beautiful and useful infographics. It provides a large choice of themes, pictures, and symbols that students can use to swiftly create professional-looking infographics. It is used by more than 11 million users!
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Real-time collaboration features
- Wide range of templates, graphics, and icons for creating infographics
- Offers both online and offline use
Cons
- Limited design options compared to more advanced software
- Limited file export options in the free version
10. Crello
A free online graphic design tool called Crello has a ton of capabilities that can be used to make social media graphics, websites, and promotional materials. It has a user-friendly interface that makes it simple for beginners to create graphics with a professional appearance. Crello is a fantastic solution for group work because it also has real-time collaboration features.
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Real-time collaboration features
- Wide range of features for creating social media graphics, web pages, and marketing materials
- Can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection
Cons
- Limited design options compared to more advanced software
- Some features are only available with a paid subscription
Summary
Several good graphic design tools are accessible to college students, regardless of skill level or money. Whether you need to generate social media graphics, infographics, or other designs, these tools include features and templates that may help you produce professional-looking designs fast and effortlessly. You may test out several of these tools to pick the one that best meets your needs and tastes.
Other Articles
10 Best Free Writing Tools for College Students