Main tools of a graphic designer in 2024

Design in 2024 is not just creativity, but a strategic process integrated with cutting-edge technologies. Graphic designer tools play a crucial role in creating high-quality visual content. Modern artists work on a wide range of tasks: from developing interfaces for mobile applications to creating illustrations, logos, and animations. Choosing the right programs becomes a necessity to increase efficiency and maintain competitiveness.

There are plenty of solutions on the market with different functionalities. In 2024, the focus shifts to user-friendliness, integration with cloud services, and automation of routine tasks. These trends are important for both beginner designers and professionals.

How to choose the perfect set of tools for a graphic designer — from hardware to software

To accomplish tasks in 2024, it is not enough to just master graphic programs. The work starts with choosing the right equipment, which determines performance and convenience.

Minimum technical requirements:

1. Processor: Intel Core i7 (11th generation and above) or Apple M2. A powerful processor allows running multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously.
2. RAM: from 32 GB. A large amount of RAM prevents freezes, especially when working with 3D graphics or high-resolution files.
3. Graphics card: NVIDIA RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT. These video cards provide optimal rendering speed, which is critical for working with animations.
4. Monitor: 27-inch 4K display with HDR support and 99% AdobeRGB color coverage. Color accuracy is important when developing layouts for print and digital platforms.

Modern graphic designer tools require corresponding software. To ensure stable equipment operation, it is recommended to use an SSD with a capacity of at least 1 TB and ensure an internet connection speed of at least 50 Mbps.

Innovative graphic editors for 2024

The market of software solutions continues to grow, offering options for both professionals and enthusiasts:

1. Adobe Photoshop — a versatile graphic designer tool for image processing and composition creation. Key features include automatic object removal, texture generation using AI, and working with 3D objects.
2. Affinity Photo — an alternative to Photoshop for raster graphics. This program stands out for its affordable price and user-friendly interface.
3. CorelDRAW — a choice for working with vector graphics. The editor’s capabilities include creating layouts for print and supporting SVG file format.
4. Blender — a leader among free 3D design tools. The resource allows modeling, animating, and rendering objects, making it indispensable for artists working with virtual reality.

For interface design, Figma and Sketch are used. These programs allow developing prototypes, providing real-time synchronization with the team.

Preferred software for professional designers

Professional graphic designer tools include solutions that have proven effectiveness and become industry standards. The core of the arsenal consists of Adobe Creative Cloud programs, providing a comprehensive approach to working with graphics, video, and animation:

1. Adobe Photoshop is used for photo retouching, creating complex graphic compositions, and working with textures. The program supports plugins like Nik Collection, expanding editing capabilities.
2. Adobe Illustrator — the perfect choice for working with vector graphics. Creating logos, infographics, and illustrations becomes easier thanks to precise curve construction tools and advanced typography work.
3. Adobe InDesign is indispensable for layout of multi-page documents, including books, magazines, and presentations. The program supports exporting files to PDF/X formats, which is especially important for printing.
4. CorelDRAW competes with Adobe Illustrator, offering a wide range of tools for vector drawing and interface customization flexibility. CorelDRAW is particularly popular among Russian designers due to support for multiple formats, including CDR, SVG, and AI.

Freelancers and small studios prefer products that save time. For example, Canva allows quick creation of presentations, posters, and social media content. Sketch and Figma provide advanced capabilities for interface prototyping and team collaboration.

Professional solutions for illustration creation

In 2024, graphic designers choose tools that allow achieving maximum realism or, conversely, creating stylish abstractions:

1. Procreate — an iPad application known for its simplicity and intuitiveness. The solution supports Apple Pencil, allowing artists to work with pressure sensitivity levels and tilt angle. Procreate is used for concept art, illustrations, and animations.
2. Corel Painter provides realistic reproduction of artistic materials. Unique brushes simulate oil paints, watercolors, and pastels. Corel Painter is the choice of professional illustrators working with graphic tablets.
3. Krita — a free open-source tool. The program offers powerful features for working with layers and creating digital paintings. Krita is particularly popular among beginner artists due to its accessibility and educational materials.

Paid solutions like Adobe Fresco offer advanced capabilities for working with watercolor and oil brushes, supporting vector and raster layers in one project.

Free applications for beginner designers

Free graphic designer tools help novice artists learn the basics of the profession without significant financial investment:

1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) offers functionality similar to Adobe Photoshop, including tools for working with layers, filters, and color correction. Despite being free, the solution supports PSD and XCF formats.
2. Canva is ideal for creating content for social media. The program provides access to thousands of templates, including layouts for posts, stories, and business cards. Canva’s user-friendly interface makes it popular among beginner designers.
3. Krita is used for creating concept art and illustrations. The functionality includes tools for working with brushes, textures, and color palettes.

When to switch to professional software

The transition to paid solutions is necessary when projects reach a commercial level. Professional programs offer features that are absent in free alternatives. For example, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator support high-precision file formats like EPS and TIFF, which are important for print. For studio and commercial use, paid versions provide technical support, regular updates, and integration with other applications.

Conclusion

Graphic designer tools continue to evolve, providing unique opportunities for implementing ideas. The choice of software depends on goals, level of expertise, and budget. Beginners use free editors like Canva and Krita, while professionals opt for Adobe Creative Cloud and CorelDRAW.