1) GIMP
Features:
Customizable interface with multiple themes and color schemes Support for a wide range of file formats, including popular image formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF Tools for photo retouching, such as healing and cloning brushes, dodge and burn tools, and color correction tools Support for layers and layer masks, allowing for non-destructive editing Advanced selection tools, including fuzzy select, intelligent scissors, and quick mask Vector graphics tools, including paths and shapes, text tool, and bezier curves Extensible through plugins and scripts
Advantages:
Limitations:
Here are some free alternatives to GIMP that you might find useful for image editing:
Inkscape: Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor. It is ideal for creating logos, icons, and other types of graphics.
Paint.NET: Paint.NET is a free and easy-to-use image editing software for Windows. It has a simple interface and is suitable for basic photo editing tasks.
RawTherapee: RawTherapee is a free and open-source software for processing and editing RAW photos. It offers a range of advanced features for image editing and is ideal for professional photographers.
Darktable: Darktable is a free and open-source software for managing and editing digital photos. It is designed primarily for RAW photo editing and offers a range of advanced features.
These software options offer similar functionality to GIMP and can be great alternatives, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
2) Inkscape
Features:
Drawing tools: Bezier curves, freehand drawing, straight lines, shape tools, and more. Text tools: Multi-line text, text on path, text styles, and more. Object manipulation: Transformations, grouping, layer management, and more. Export options: Save to various formats including PNG, PDF, SVG, and EPS. Extension system: Inkscape offers an extension system that allows for additional functionality. Wide range of supported file formats: Inkscape can open and save files in a variety of vector and raster formats.
Advantages over other tools:
Limitations as compared to paid tools:
System specs:
Here are some free options for vector graphics editing that can be used as alternatives to Inkscape:
3) Blender
Features:
Advantages:
Limitations:
Better than Blender options:
Here are some free alternatives to Blender for 3D modeling and animation: SketchUp Free FreeCAD Daz Studio Sculptris MeshLab MakeHuman OpenSCAD Wings 3D Bforartists K-3D Each of these software options has its own set of features, advantages, and limitations. It is recommended to research and compare them based on your specific needs and requirements to find the best fit for your project.
4) Canva
Features of Canva:
Drag-and-drop interface for easy design creation Wide variety of templates and design elements available Ability to create designs for various purposes such as social media, marketing, presentations, and more Collaboration tools for team design projects Mobile app available for designing on-the-go
Advantages of Canva over other tools:
User-friendly interface and ease of use for beginners Wide range of templates and design elements available Collaboration tools for team projects Mobile app available for designing on-the-go Limitations of Canva compared to paid tools:
Limited customization options compared to professional design software Limited color options and no color management tools Limited file format options and no vector editing tools Limited control over typography System Specs:
Canva is a cloud-based design platform and can be accessed through a web browser Minimum system requirements for web browser use are: A modern web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge Stable internet connection Better than Canva options:
Adobe Creative Cloud: Offers professional-grade design tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign with more advanced features and customization options. Figma: Offers collaborative design tools with advanced prototyping and design system features. Sketch: Offers a wide range of design tools for digital product design with advanced vector editing and design asset management features.
Here are some free alternatives to Canva for graphic design:
GIMP - GIMP is a free and open-source raster graphics editor that can be used for image retouching and editing, free-form drawing, and more.
Inkscape - Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that is similar to Adobe Illustrator. It can be used for creating logos, illustrations, and other graphic designs.
Gravit Designer - Gravit Designer is a free vector design tool that is available as a web app or a desktop app. It offers a range of features for creating graphics, logos, and illustrations.
Krita - Krita is a free and open-source digital painting software that can be used for creating concept art, comics, and textures.
Pixlr - Pixlr is a free online photo editor that can be used for editing images and creating graphics. It offers a range of tools and effects for image editing and graphic design.
Vectr - Vectr is a free vector graphics editor that is available as a web app or a desktop app. It offers a range of tools for creating vector graphics and illustrations.
These tools offer a variety of features and capabilities that can be used for graphic design, and may be worth exploring as alternatives to Canva.
5) Figma
Features of Figma:
Collaborative design tool that allows multiple users to work on the same design in real-time Built-in prototyping and animation tools Large library of design assets and templates Supports both vector and raster graphics Integrates with other design tools and third-party apps Advantages of Figma over other tools:
Real-time collaboration feature allows for easier teamwork and feedback Web-based platform allows for easy access and use from any device with an internet connection Large library of design assets and templates can help speed up the design process Built-in prototyping and animation tools eliminate the need for additional software or plugins Supports both vector and raster graphics, making it a versatile tool for a range of design projects Limitations of Figma compared to paid tools:
Some advanced features may be limited in the free version Limited offline functionality Limited third-party integrations
System specs:
Figma is a web-based tool and can be used on any device with an internet connection and a modern web browser Better than Figma options:
Sketch: A popular design tool for macOS with advanced features such as nested symbols and vector editing Adobe XD: A similar web-based design tool with advanced prototyping and animation features InVision Studio: A powerful design and prototyping tool with advanced animation and collaboration features
There are several free alternatives to Figma, including:
Adobe XD: Adobe XD is a vector-based design tool that allows you to create user interfaces for web and mobile applications. It has a fast and intuitive interface, and it is optimized for wireframing, prototyping, and design.
InVision Studio: InVision Studio is a powerful design tool that allows you to create interactive prototypes, animations, and high-fidelity designs. It has a simple and intuitive interface, and it is optimized for collaborative design workflows.
Framer X: Framer X is a powerful design tool that allows you to create interactive designs and prototypes. It has a simple and intuitive interface, and it is optimized for design workflows.
Gravit Designer: Gravit Designer is a vector graphics editor that allows you to create illustrations, icons, and user interfaces. It has a simple and intuitive interface, and it is optimized for design workflows.
All of these tools have their own unique features, advantages, and limitations, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
6) Gravit Designer
Features:
Vector design tools such as pen, shape, and text tools Ability to import and export various file formats such as SVG, PDF, and AI Grid and alignment tools Powerful color and gradient editing tools Ability to create multiple pages and artboards Real-time collaboration and cloud syncing Support for multiple languages.
Advantages:
Limitations:
Some of the better options which are free as compared to Gravit Designer are:
Vectr: It is a free vector graphics editor that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers a simple and intuitive interface, which makes it easy to create and edit vector graphics. Vectr also allows you to collaborate with others in real-time and export your designs in various formats.
Krita: It is a free and open-source digital painting software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Although it is primarily designed for digital painting, Krita offers some powerful vector tools that can be used for graphic design.
Gravit Klex: It is a simplified version of Gravit Designer that is available online for free. It offers a limited set of features, but it can be useful for creating simple designs quickly.
Synfig Studio: It is a free and open-source 2D animation software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Although it is primarily designed for animation, Synfig Studio offers some powerful vector tools that can be used for graphic design.
7) SVG Edit
Features:
Advantages:
No installation required, can be used directly in a web browser Free and open-source Lightweight and fast Can be used on various platforms including Windows, Mac, and Linux
Limitations:
Limited functionality compared to more advanced graphic design tools No support for raster graphics No offline use No automatic backup and restore features System Specs:
Can be used on any device with a modern web browser Better options:
Inkscape Adobe Illustrator
CorelDRAW
better free options than svg edit
Inkscape
Boxy SVG
Vectr
Gravit Designer
DrawSVG
Features:
Free tool for creating HTML5 animations and interactive content Supports animation timelines, 3D authoring, and code editing Customizable templates and components Integration with other Google tools
Advantages:
Free and easy to use Supports multiple output formats including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Offers a range of design and animation tools Limitations:
Limited functionality compared to more advanced web design tools No support for native mobile app development Limited flexibility with design options Limited third-party integrations
System Specs:
Can be used on any device with a modern web browser Better options:
Adobe Animate
Tumult Hype
Webflow
better options which are free as compared to google web designer
9) Paint.net
Features:
Free and lightweight image editor
Supports layers, filters, effects, and various drawing tools
Supports popular file formats including PNG, JPEG, BMP, and TIFF
Customizable interface and plugin support
Advantages:
Free and easy to useLightweight and fast
Simple and intuitive interface
Offers various image editing tools
Limitations:
Limited functionality compared to more advanced graphic design tools
No support for vector graphics
Limited third-party plugin support
System Specs:
Windows 7 SP1 or newer, with .NET Framework 4.7.2 or newer installed Better options:
GIMP Adobe Photoshop Affinity Photo
better options which are free as compared to paint.net
GIMP Krita Photopea Canva Pixlr
Here are some free alternatives to Paint.net that offer similar functionality:
10) Pixlr
Features:
Online image editor that can be used to edit photos and create graphics Supports various image editing tools including layers, filters, and effects Customizable interface and templates Supports popular file formats including PNG, JPEG, BMP, and TIFFAdvantages:
Limitations: Limited functionality compared to more advanced graphic design tools No support for vector graphics Limited offline use No automatic backup and restore features
System Specs:
Can be used on any device with a modern web browser
Better options: GIMP Adobe Photoshop Affinity Photo