Whether you're a student just starting your graphic design journey or you're a seasoned professional, you won't get far without the right tools.
We've moved on from the early days of classic Adobe Photoshop and Corel, and while these software suites are now modern and valuable in their own right, there is a multitude of graphic design packages out there for you to choose from. Windows, Mac, tablets, or even smartphones -- no matter the device, there's software out there for you.
Some are focused on usability, others provide professional tools and assets, and some now utilize AI -- but where do you begin?
What is the best graphic design software right now?
My top pick for the best graphic design software around is Adobe Photoshop. Compared to many graphic design suites out there (with the exception of CorelDRAW), you won't find better in terms of graphic creation and editing tools, right down to the pixel level.
You could also consider Photopea if you're happy with a free, online solution, or Canva if you want to jump right in and use templates to help you in your graphic design projects.
Also: Best photo editing software 2025: I've tried out everything from Photoshop to AI so you don't have to
Many ZDNET authors are creatives with extensive experience in photography, graphic design, and website development. I claim the same experience in all of these areas, and therefore, I have tested and ranked my recommendations below based on hands-on testing, alongside customer feedback.
Read on to discover all of my favorite graphic design software suites in 2025.
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