10Best Desktop Apps for Designers: In-Depth Reviews of Top Tools
Table of Contents
Methods applied by designers to perform any design-related task efficiently and effectively include the application of their skills, experience, and subject matter expertise in developing respective strategies for a project. The objective is to derive maximum value from the contributions made in the task execution process. This is one of the most comprehensive collections of the best desktop apps that designers use, including some very in-depth reviews of leading tools meeting different design needs. Not only that, but whether you’re an advanced or aspiring designer, I hope it will give you plenty of food for thought around exactly what each tool does, its strengths, and its weaknesses.
Adobe Photoshop
Overview
Without any doubt, Adobe Photoshop is the most applied and broadest use software in the graphic design industry. With the broad possibilities and functionality, it turned into an inseparable tool for designers regarding photo editing and adjustments, digital painting, and, at the end of the day, graphic design.
Key Features
- 3D Design Capabilities: The ability to create and edit 3D objects and designs.
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud: It is easier to work within one workflow with other Adobe products.
- Large Plugin Support: Large plugin pool allows the extension of functionality in thousands of ways.
Pros
- It is an industry-standard tool and hence comes with a huge set of features.
- Adobe provides regular updates and support.
- Hosts a large community with a number of tutorials.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- The subscription-based pricing model could prove to be expensive.
Sketch
Overview
A vector graphics editor, Sketch is primarily used in UI/UX design. What made it prominent was its user-friendliness and very powerful design tools tailored to be used for user interfaces and prototypes.
Key Features
- Vector Editing: Great editing tools based on vectors for scalable designs.
- Symbols and Reusability: It makes building reusable design parts easier.
- Prototyping Tools: There are also inbuilt prototyping features for creating interactive prototypes.
- Collaboration: Real-time collaboration and cloud syncing through Sketch Cloud.
Pros
It’s easy to learn and use. The user interface is very intuitive.
It is an app only for UI/UX design.
It has regular updates and has an active user base that supports its ecosystem.
Cons
It is only available for Mac that makes it limited and not accessible to the people.
It lacks some advanced features compared to other design applications.
Figma
Overview
Figma is one of the very popular cloud-based design tools that has redefined the process of collaborative design. UI/UX designers mostly love it for real-time collaboration and other great design features.
Key Features
- Real-time Collaboration: A single design file is opened by multiple users to work on simultaneously.
- Cloud-based: A design tool available wherever there is an internet connection from any device.
- Prototyping: Advanced prototyping tools to work with interactive, animated designs.
- Design Systems: All for creating and managing design systems.
Pros
- Great collaboration.
- Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Powerful and versatile design mechanisms.
Cons
- Needs to be connected to the internet.
- Internet speed can disrupt performance.
Affinity Designer
Overview
Affinity Designer is a powerful vector graphic design pro that prides itself on being one of the fastest, smoothest, and most precise apps in the world. It’s a perfect Illustrator alternative, offering most features needed at a one-time purchase price.
Key Features
- Vector and Raster Design: One tool that contains both vector and raster design capabilities.
- Performance: For smooth performance and speed, it is optimized.
- One-time Purchase: No subscription fees, thus saving the pocket.
- Extensive Export Options: It supports various file formats and export options.
Pros
- Extremely cost-friendly.
- Power and speed go hand in hand.
- Great for vector and raster design.
Cons
- It lacks specific features found in Adobe Illustrator.
- Smaller user community compared to Adobe products.
CorelDRAW
Overview
CorelDRAW is a very powerful graphic design tool and is working in the market for quite a long time now. It comes with a robust set of features and tools. It is easy to use and remains at the top of most designers’ favorite list when it comes to any type of graphic work.
Key Features
- Vector Illustration: Rich vector illustration tools.
- Page Layout: Advanced layout features of a page for print and digital.
- Typography: Detailed and extensive range of typography tools and options.
- Photo Editing: Photo editing has inbuilt native features of the application.
Pros
- Versatile and power-rich.
- Interface is clean and easy to get around.
- Suitable for lots of types of design work.
Cons
- Subscription licensing.
- Not as ubiquitous as Adobe products; therefore, fewer tutorials and resources.
Adobe Illustrator
Overview
Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard for the vector graphic design of logos, icons, illustrations, or complex vector art. Most professional designers use this application because of its precision and extensive toolset.
Key Features
- Vector Graphics: The best tools for the industry in vector graphic design.
- Precision and Control: Advanced tools that proffer tight control over designs.
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud: Seamless use with other offerings from Adobe.
- Powerful Plugin Support: Plenty of plugins to help extend the functionality available.
Pros
- Large package with all the powerful tools.
- Adobe is always updating and supporting its users.
- There is a huge community, so plenty of tutorials are available.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- A subscription-based model can be expensive.
InVision Studio
Overview
InVision Studio is an inclusive designing tool that involves vector design, prototyping, and collaboration features within it. Very much used in making interactive prototypes and UI/UX animations.
Key Features
- Advanced vector design.
- Prototyping and animation.
- Real-time collaboration and sharing.
- Design systems: Create and manage design systems.
Pros
- Great prototyping and animation tools.
- Collaborative in real time.
Easy to learn, intuitive.
Disadvantages
- An internet connection is required for the program.
- Slow internet can resort in the performance of the former.
Gravit Designer
Overview
It is free vector graphic design software having plenty of different features that one looks for most of the design needs. It is available in two formats: one is an online application, and the second one is the desktop application—which permits wherever the designer is.
Key Features
- Vector Design: Vector design tools are fully comprehensive.
- Cross-platform Support: Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and as a web application.
- Cloud Integration: Syncs all projects to the cloud for easy access and collaboration.
- Free and Paid Versions: Free offering includes basic features while Pro contains advanced offerings.
Pros
- Free version with basic features.
- It runs on any OS.
- User interfaces are friendly.
Cons
- Advanced features are only in the Pro version.
Small user base when compared to most of the major design software.
Canva
Overview
A web-based design tool that is characterized by its simplicity and ease of use; it is not as powerful as some of the desktop apps, but it will suffice well both to whip up something quick and professional without getting into the labyrinth of design.
Key Features
Templates and Assets: More than thousands of templates and design assets at your hand.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easy-to-use drag-and-drop design interface.
Collaboration: It is a real-time collaboration application.
Free and Paid Versions: Despite being a free app pick, it contains basic features only, while Pro version contains all the advanced features.
Pros
Easy to use and available for novices
Rich vector and template library
Real-time collaboration capabilities
Cons
Advanced design features are limited
Mostly web-based; thus, requires an internet connection
Blender
Overview
Blender is a free, 3D design and animation program. Having extended usage in 3D modeling, animation, and visual effects, it is mostly loved by 3D designers and animators.
Features
- 3D Modeling: All-rounded 3D modeling tools.
- Animation: Advanced animation and rigging possibilities
- Rendering: High-quality rendering engine.
- Open-source: Free and open-source software with active community support.
Pro
- Free and open source.
- 3D design tools are influential and multi-functional.
Large community of active users.
Cons
Steep learning curve. Requires powerful PC to run seamlessly.
Conclusion
The right desktop app, in the light of your designing needs, can make a world of difference. The tools we have discussed in this post are quite unique to their own, considering all the features and benefits, which tend to be geared towards one or other different aspects of design work, be that photo editing, vector illustration, UI/UX design, or even 3D modeling. Whether
It is the one tool in this list that will help you with the requirements. Informed by knowledge of strengths and weaknesses of each application, you may decide on the best software to use for superior design projects.
Final Thoughts
The design software environment is dramatically changing all the time with the introduction of new tools and releases. Being abreast of the newest trends and developments in design technology keeps one ahead of the pack. Going through the list of desktop apps discussed in this article, always focus on your needs related to design, budget, and preferred workflow in order to extract out a perfect tool for your creativity. With the right software at hand, possibilities in innovation and creativity are limitless.
References
- Adobe Photoshop: Adobe
- Sketch: Sketch
- Figma: Figma
- Affinity Designer: Affinity
- CorelDRAW: CorelDRAW
- Adobe Illustrator: Adobe
- InVision Studio: InVision
- Gravit Designer: Gravit Designer
- Canva: Canva
- Blender: Blender
