While many graphic design freelancers utilize popular design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, some may find these options fall out of their price range. There are alternative apps for those who are looking for cost-effective graphic design tools to help support their freelance career. Some of these tools are comparable to the software provided with a Creative Cloud subscription, though they may not offer all of the advanced features of Adobe software. However, they are still an excellent choice for design freelancers that want to experiment with different options before committing to a subscription or need a cost-effective software solution.
Some of the top free tools for graphic design freelancers for 2022 include:
Adobe Creative Cloud Express
Formerly called Adobe Spark, Adobe Creative Cloud Express is a free tool that offers features like thousands of design templates and royalty-free stock photos. Choosing the free plan offers 2GB of storage and the ability to create designs on both web and mobile devices. While a premium subscription provides additional tools and storage options, the free plan has everything a graphic design freelancer needs to get started in the field.
Behance
Another free tool graphic design freelancers can use to network with others and gain valuable feedback on their work is Behance, a social media platform owned by Adobe. It is credited as one of the largest creative networks and is free for all creative professionals. There are no limits on the number of projects or images a designer can upload, which greatly benefits those who want to host their portfolio on the platform. While a social media platform may not seem like a helpful tool, communicating with other graphic designers and freelancers has immense benefits.
Adobe Color CC
If you are looking for an easy way to create and experiment with different color themes, Adobe Color CC is an excellent option. It is available as both a web and mobile app where designers can create, share, and save color schemes. The app features helpful tools like color harmony mode, which creates themes based on color theory principles and 2GB of storage for those who have a free Adobe account. One major benefit of using Adobe Color CC is the ability to export designs to other Adobe software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Canva
Canva is one of the most popular free tools for graphic designers that want to create quick template-based designs. The free subscription provides thousands of templates and design elements, though some do require a premium subscription for use. This powerful platform is organized, easy to use, and has templates for nearly every type of project. A free plan offers 5GB of cloud storage and has a resize tool for any images you need to reconfigure. While some graphic designers may not opt for a free tool like Canva, it is an excellent choice for those who are new to design or need an affordable option.
Pixlr
One free photo editor that has features comparable to Photoshop is Pixlr. Often utilized by new designers, this tool is versatile and provides over two million combinations of effects. Users have the ability to crop, resize, and fully edit their images on the platform, which is organized and simple to use. Many freelancers use Pixlr while on the go to edit images for social media posts and are able to remove backgrounds or replace colors. The Pixlr Premium plan offers options for higher resolutions, additional templates, and helpful video tutorials.
Dropbox
Graphic design freelancers looking for a free file sharing platform should consider choosing Dropbox. While there are several different paid subscription options, the free plan provides up to 2GB of indefinite storage in the cloud. Using a cloud-based storage platform is a smart choice for any creative professional that works with large files and wants to free up space on their computer. Sharing and retrieving files is easy with the organized layout and also sends updates based on any changes made to a document.
Pablo by Buffer
Another completely free tool for graphic designers to use is Pablo by Buffer, a photo editor designed for social media posts. Often referred to as a social media management tool, Pablo by Buffer allows users to create micro-content and social media images quickly. This tool has a large library of stock images and a simple approach to editing text. While Pablo by Buffer will not eliminate the need for more advanced tools like Photoshop or Illustrator, it is helpful for designers that want to create social media content in a short amount of time.
Desygner
Another versatile graphic design tool is Desygner, which provides users with over 125 million royalty-free Shutterstock images and an extensive library of templates. In addition to graphic design and photo editing, Desygner has tools to assist with branding, web templates, PDF editing, and image resizing. It’s an excellent option for designers that want to maximize their social media presence with engaging posts and graphics. It is able to integrate with Google Drive and Dropbox, making it a convenient choice for any creative professional.
If you are a graphic design freelancer that needs an affordable way to stay up to date with trends in the field, continuing education classes are an excellent option. While courses are not free, there are many low-cost graphic design classes available for a variety of skill levels. Many creative professionals choose to take live online graphic design classes that allow them to learn remotely. Taking classes from home and eliminating the need to commute can help with cost savings and makes the learning process more convenient for those who may have professional obligations. Live online classes provide the same in-depth curriculum as traditional courses and teach all of the fundamental skills needed to excel in the field.
If you are new to graphic design and are considering a career change to freelancing, consider searching for graphic design bootcamps in your area to see what options are available. These courses are immersive and provide hands-on training in graphic design.