19 Best Apps and Websites for Graphic Designers

Having the right tools for a graphic designer can turn design chaos into a creative genius! We have no shortage of apps and websites, that help us speed up designing workflows, boost productivity, and level up our design. In this article, we share the top 19 best apps and websites for professional graphic designers!

1. 99designs

99designs is a prominent online platform that links designers with clients seeking design services. It offers a wide range of design categories, including logo design, dedicated web design, print design, and more.

Key Features:

• Crowdsourcing model: Clients post design contests, and designers submit their concepts for consideration.
• Diverse design categories: From logos and websites to packaging and apparel, 99designs covers a vast array of design needs.
• Secure payment system: Payment through 99designs, ensuring designers get paid for their work.

Pros:

• Can work on a mixture of projects and build a diverse portfolio.
• Exposure to clients from around the world.
• Potential to earn substantial income for winning contests.

Cons:

• Competition can be fierce, with multiple designers vying for the same project.
• No guaranteed payment unless your design is chosen.
• Potential for clients to misuse or misinterpret your work.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a global online market provider that connects freelancers with clients seeking a wide range of services, including graphic design. It’s a platform where designers can offer their skills and services at various price points.

Key Features:

• Gig-based system: Designers create “gigs” (service offerings) with specific deliverables and pricing.
• Diverse range of services: From logo design to social media graphics and more.
• Communication tools: Built-in messaging system for seamless client communication.

Pros:

• Opportunity to build a steady stream of income by offering recurring services.
• Exposure to a global client base.
• Own rates and work schedule (Flexibility).

Cons:

• Competition can be intense, with many designers offering similar services.
• Potential for clients to undervalue design work and demand unreasonable revisions.
• Fees charged by Fiverr can eat into your earnings.

3. LastPass

LastPass stores and manages all your passwords, making it easier to stay organized and maintain strong, uncommon pass for every account.

Key Features:

• Cross-platform compatibility: Access your passwords on desktop, mobile, and web browsers.
• Secure password generation: Easily create strong, random passwords for new accounts.
• Multi-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your LastPass account.

Pros:

• Reducing the risk of forgetting or reusing weak passwords.
• Enhances online security by keeping your accounts protected with strong, unique passwords.
• Convenient autofill feature.

Cons:

• Requires a subscription for advanced features and cross-device sync.
• Potential security risks if your master password is compromised.

4. Khroma

Khroma is a powerful colour tool designed specifically for graphic designers and creatives. It helps you create, explore, and manage colour palettes with ease.

Key Features:

• colour palette creation: Generate harmonious colour palettes based on various colour theory principles.
• colour exploration: Discover new colour combinations and experiment with different palettes.
• colour management: Organize and save your favourite colour palettes for future use.

Pros:

• Streamlines the colour selection process, saving time and effort.
• Provides a visually appealing interface for exploring and experimenting with colours.
• Enhances colour consistency across design projects.

Cons:

• Limited functionality beyond colour palette creation and management.
• Requires a paid subscription for advanced features.
• Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with colour theory principles.

5. Procreate

Procreate is a powerful and intuitive digital illustration app designed specifically for iPads. Has a set of tools for creating stunning artwork, illustrations, and designs.

Key Features:

• Realistic brushes and tools: Mimic traditional art materials with customizable brushes and tools.
• Layer-based workflow: Work with multiple layers for complex compositions and non-destructive editing.
• Time-lapse recording.

Pros:

• Highly responsive and fluid user interface, optimized for touch input.
• Extensive brush library and customization options for creating unique textures and styles.

Cons:

• Limited to iOS devices (iPad only), which may be a barrier for non-Apple users.
• Steep learning curve for users new to digital illustration or unfamiliar with the app’s interface.
• Limited vector editing capabilities compared to dedicated vector graphics software.

6. Canva

Canva is a user-friendly design tool platform that allows users to create stunning visuals, from social media graphics to presentations and more. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible to both professionals and beginners.

Key Features:

• Extensive template library.
• Intuitive design tools: Easily add text, images, shapes, and other elements to your designs.
• Collaboration features.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly and easy to use, with a gentle learning curve.
• Time-saving templates and design elements for quick turnaround projects.
• Desktop and mobile (Accessible).

Cons:

• Can’t be compared to professional graphic design software.
• Potential for overused templates, leading to less unique designs.
• Restricted customization options for certain design elements and templates.

7. Grammarly

Grammarly is a prominent writing assistant that helps users improve their grammar, spelling, and overall writing quality. It’s a valuable tool for graphic designers who frequently create content or communicate with clients.

Key Features:

• Grammar and spelling checks: Recognize and fix grammatical errors and misspellings in your writing.
• Tone and style suggestions: Receive feedback on the tone and style of your writing to ensure clarity and professionalism.
• Plagiarism detection: Check your work for potential plagiarism issues.

Pros:

• Enhances the quality and professionalism of your written communication.
• Helps catch errors and improve clarity, which is crucial for client interactions and project briefs.
• Available as a browser extension, desktop app, and web-based tool for convenience.

Cons:

• A paid subscription is required for advanced features and plagiarism detection.
• Occasional false positives or incorrect suggestions, requiring manual review.
• Limited context awareness, may lead to inappropriate suggestions in certain scenarios.

8. Gravit Designer

Gravit Designer is a powerful and versatile vector graphic designer with a set of tools for creating illustrations, logos, icons, and more.

Key Features:

• Vector drawing tools: Create precise vector shapes, paths, and illustrations with advanced editing capabilities.
• Cross-platform compatibility.
• Responsive design tools: Design and preview responsive layouts for websites and apps.

Pros:

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface, suitable for both beginners and professionals.
• Comprehensive set of tools and features comparable to industry-leading vector software.
• Free to use for personal and commercial projects, with optional paid plans for additional features.

Cons:

• Limited support for advanced typography features compared to dedicated typographic software.
• Steep learning curve for users transitioning from other vector graphics software.
• Potential compatibility issues or performance limitations on older or less powerful hardware.

9. Inkscape

Inkscape – A free and open-source vector graphics editor that offers tools for creating and manipulating vector illustrations, logos, icons, and more.

Key Features:

• Vector drawing tools: Draw and edit precise vector shapes, paths, and bezier curves.
• Text and typography tools: Create and manipulate text with advanced typography features.
• SVG support: Native support for Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format.

Pros:

• Completely free to use, with no licensing costs or restrictions.
• Extensive set of tools and features comparable to paid vector graphics software.
• Cross-platform compatibility.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve compared to some commercial vector graphics software.
• Limited support and resources compared to paid software, although an active community exists.

10. Awwwards

Awwwards is a prestigious website that showcases and recognizes outstanding web design and development projects from around the world.

Key Features:

• A curated gallery of award-winning websites: Browse through a collection of visually stunning and innovative web designs.
• Design trends and insights: Discover emerging design trends and gain insights from industry experts.
• Community and networking: Connect with other designers, share your work, and receive feedback.

Pros:

• Exposure to cutting-edge design work and creative inspiration.
• Opportunity to have your work recognized and featured on a prestigious platform.
• Valuable resource for staying informed about the latest design trends and best practices.

Cons:

• Submission and award fees can be expensive for individual designers or small studios.
• Highly competitive, with a rigorous selection process for featured projects.
• Limited direct interaction or collaboration opportunities with other designers.

11. Pinterest

Pinterest allows users to save, organize, and share inspirational images, ideas, and resources. It’s a valuable tool for graphic designers seeking creative inspiration and visual references.

Key Features:

• Image-based bookmarking: Save and organize images, videos, and other visual content into boards.
• Search and discovery: Explore and discover new ideas, trends, and inspiration based on your interests.
• Social sharing: Share your boards and pins with others

Pros:

• Vast collection of visual inspiration across various design disciplines and styles.
• Ability to curate and organize your own boards for easy reference and ideation.
• Opportunity to connect with other designers and discover new talent or resources.

Cons:

• Potential for copyright infringement if not careful about sourcing and crediting images.
• Overwhelming amount of content.
• Limited direct collaboration or project management capabilities for design teams.

12. Pixlr

Pixlr is a free online photo editing and image creation platform that offers a range of tools for basic to advanced image manipulation and design.

Key Features:

• Photo editing tools: Crop, resize, adjust colours, and apply filters to your images.
• Drawing and painting tools: Create digital artwork, illustrations, and graphics from scratch.
• Layer-based editing.

Pros:

• Completely free to use.
• User-friendly interface.
• Cross-platform compatibility.

Cons:

• Limited advanced features.
• No support for RAW image file formats or advanced colour management.
• Potential performance limitations or stability issues when working with large or complex projects.

13. Dribbble

Dribbble is a community-driven platform where they design and showcase their work, get feedback, and find inspiration from other talented creatives around the world.

Key Features:

• Portfolio showcasing: Share your design work, including illustrations, icons, logos, and UI/UX designs.
• Community engagement: Follow other designers, leave comments, and engage in discussions.
• Job opportunities: Discover job openings and freelance gigs from companies seeking design talent.

Pros:

• Exposure to a global community of designers and potential clients or employers.
• Valuable feedback and critiques to improve your design skills.

Cons:

• Highly competitive environment, with a large pool of talented designers vying for attention.
• Potential for criticism or negative feedback, which may be discouraging for some designers.
• Limited direct collaboration or project management capabilities for design teams.

14. Behance

Behance is a popular online platform owned by Adobe, where designers can showcase their portfolios, discover creative work, and connect with potential clients or employers.

Key Features:

• Portfolio creation: Build and showcase your design portfolio with various project types and media.
• Creative community: Follow other designers, leave comments, and engage with the creative community.
• Job and freelance opportunities: Discover job listings and freelance gigs from companies seeking design talent.

Pros:

• Exposure to a large and diverse creative community, including potential clients or employers.
• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, making it easy to showcase work created with Adobe tools.
• Opportunity to receive feedback and engage with other designers.

Cons:

• Highly competitive environment, with a large pool of talented designers vying for attention.
• Limited direct collaboration or project management capabilities for design teams.
• Potential for self-promotion and spammy behaviour from some users.

15. Envato Elements

Envato – A subscription-based marketplace offering an extensive library of digital assets, including graphics, templates, fonts, and more. It’s a valuable resource for graphic designers seeking high-quality resources to enhance their projects.

Key Features:

• Extensive asset library: Access a vast collection of graphics, templates, fonts, and other design assets.
• Download as many assets as you need with a single subscription.
• Regular updates: New assets are added to the library regularly, ensuring a fresh supply of resources.

Pros:

• Cost-effective solution for accessing a wide range of design resources.
• Time-saving templates and graphics for quick turnaround projects.
• Diverse collection of assets suitable for various design disciplines and styles.

Cons:

• Subscription fees can be costly for individual designers or small studios.
• Potential for overuse or repetitive assets, leading to less unique designs.
• Limited customization options for certain assets or templates.

16. FreePik

FreePik is a popular online resource that offers a vast collection of free and premium design assets, including vectors, icons, illustrations, and more.

Key Features:

• Free and premium assets: Access a mix of free and paid design resources.
• Diverse asset categories: Find vectors, icons, illustrations, photos, and more.
• Search and filtering: Easily search and filter assets based on various criteria.

Pros:

• Access to a wide range of design assets, both free and premium.
• Diverse collection was suitable for various design disciplines and styles.
• User-friendly interface for browsing and downloading assets.

Cons:

• Limited customization options for certain assets or templates.
• Potential for overuse or repetitive assets, leading to less unique designs.
• Premium assets can be costly for individual designers or small studios.

17. Dafont

Dafont is a comprehensive online repository of free fonts, making it a valuable resource for graphic designers seeking unique and diverse typography options.

Key Features:

• Extensive font library: Access thousands of free fonts in various styles and categories.
• Font previews: View font samples and test drive fonts before downloading.
• Search and filtering: Easily search and filter fonts based on various criteria.

Pros:

• Completely free to use, with no licensing fees or restrictions.
• Vast collection of unique and diverse font styles to enhance your design projects.
• User-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Limited quality control, as fonts are user-submitted and may vary in quality or compatibility.
• Potential for overused or repetitive fonts, leading to less unique designs.
• Limited support or resources for font usage or troubleshooting.

18. Monday.com

Monday.com is a powerful and flexible project management platform that allows teams to streamline their workflows, collaborate effectively, and track progress seamlessly.

Key Features:

• Customizable project boards: Create visual boards tailored to your team’s specific needs and processes.
• Task management.
• Integrations: Connect with various tools and apps for seamless data flow.
• Collaboration tools: Communicate, share files, and provide feedback within the platform.

Pros:

• Highly customizable and adaptable to different team structures and workflows.
• User-friendly interface and intuitive design for easy adoption.
• Robust collaboration and communication features for remote teams.

Cons:

• Potentially steep learning curve for complex setups and customizations.
• Limited free plan, requiring a paid subscription for advanced features.
• Performance issues or limitations with large-scale projects or data volumes.

19. Upwork

Upwork is a top freelancing platform that links skilled professionals, including graphic designers, with clients from around the world seeking their services.

Key Features:

• Job postings: Browse and apply for various freelance gig opportunities.
• Freelancer profiles: Create a comprehensive profile showcasing your skills and portfolio.
• Communication tools: Collaborate with clients through built-in messaging and video calls.

Pros:

• Access to a global pool of potential clients and projects.
• Flexibility to work remotely and set your rates and schedules.
• Opportunity to build long-term relationships with clients and secure recurring work.

Cons:

• Highly competitive environment, with many freelancers vying for the same projects.
• Potential for clients to undervalue design work or demand unreasonable revisions.

In conclusion, the apps and websites we’ve shared in this article are invaluable resources that can streamline your workflow, enhance your design skills, and open up new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, project management solutions, or platforms to showcase your work, these tools offer a wealth of possibilities to elevate your design game. Embrace them, experiment with their features, and integrate them into your creative process to unlock new levels of efficiency and excellence.