If you’re new to Graphic Design, it can feel confusing to know where to begin. There are so many tools, tutorials, and opinions that it’s easy to feel lost before you even start.
This guide is here to make things simple. Instead of just listing tools, it shows you why each one matters, what problem it solves, and how it can help you take your first steps in design. Many of these tools even have AI features that make creating easier and more fun.
Everyone says “Start designing 🫵🏼” but few tell you how to start when you’re staring at a blank screen. That’s why this guide isn’t just another tool list, it’s a beginner’s map. Each tool below solves a specific design pain point, helps you learn step by step, and most of them even include AI-powered shortcuts that make creativity faster and less scary.
Here is a quick overview about the online resources for design and their use case:
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Canva: When You Don’t Know Where to Start
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Figma: When You Want to Design But Can't Stop
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Adobe Express: When You Need to Post Fast
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Photopea: When You Can't Pay For Photoshop
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Pixlr: When You Need to Edit a Photo Asap
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Gravit Designer: When You Want a Unique Logo
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Krita: When You Want to Paint on Screen
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Vectr: When You Want to Learn Design
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Color Hunt/Coolors: When You Want the Right Colors
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Unsplash/Pexels/Freepik: When You Want Images/Vectors for Free
Canva
Challenge You're Facing
You open your laptop to design a poster or social media post, but the blank canvas feels paralyzing. You’re not sure about layouts, colors, or what looks good together.
How Canva Helps
Canva removes the fear of starting. It’s built for beginners who want to create instantly, without worrying about design theory.
Why use Canva?
- Thousands of ready-to-edit templates for any format.
- Drag-and-drop interface—no design background needed.
- Integrated stock photos, icons, and fonts.
AI in Canva
Canva’s Magic Design and Magic Write generate layout ideas, resize your post for every platform, and even write short captions for you.
Is Canva Free?
Free version gives access to most templates and basic assets; premium features (like background removal and AI Magic Studio) require Canva Pro.
Figma
Challenge You're Facing
You’re curious how designers create dynamic designs or interfaces but have no idea where to start or how to present like professionals.
How Figma Helps
Figma helps you turn designs into advanced ones. It’s a digital canvas where you can build, test, and share ideas all in your browser.
Why use Figma?
- Real-time collaboration (like Google Docs for design).
- Auto-layouts that adapt across screens automatically.
- Huge library of free templates and UI kits.
AI in Figma
Figma AI known as “Figma Make”, assists with designing dynamic designs, repetitive designs, thinking and coming up with sample data fields and sometimes generative content, naming layers, suggesting content, and soon, auto-summarizing design feedback from teammates.
Is Figma Free?
Figma is free for individuals and small teams; version history and advanced permissions are paid.
Adobe Express
Challenge You're Facing
You want to create social media visuals that look professional but don’t have time (or patience) to learn Photoshop.
How Adobe Express Helps
Adobe Express simplifies everything into drag-and-drop templates—ideal for marketers, students, and creators on the go.
Why use Adobe Express?
- Templates pre-sized for all major social platforms.
- Brand kits for consistent logos and colors.
- Built-in animations and short video features.
AI in Adobe Express
Powered by Adobe Firefly, it can generate images from text, remove backgrounds, and resize designs intelligently.
Is Adobe Express Free?
Core templates, fonts, and media are free; premium AI tools and advanced features need a subscription.
Photopea
Challenge You're Facing
You find a free PSD template but can’t open or edit it because Photoshop is too expensive.
How Photopea Express Helps
Photopea is a browser-based Photoshop twin—free and powerful.
Why use Photopea?
- Works directly in your browser, no downloads.
- Supports PSD, Sketch, and XD files.
- Familiar interface for those learning Photoshop.
AI in Photopea
Built-in AI tools detect objects, remove backgrounds, and smartly repair images.
Is Photopea Free?
Entirely free with light ads; all features available.
Pixlr
Challenge You're Facing
Your photo is too dark or dull, and you just need quick adjustments—without touching complicated tools.
How Pixlr Helps
Pixlr is the “one-click” editor that makes photos pop without the learning curve.
Why use Pixlr?
- Clean, intuitive interface for quick editing.
- Auto background remover and filters.
- Browser-based; works on any device.
AI in Pixlr
AI handles background cleanup, exposure fixes, and image enhancement with a single click.
Is Pixlr Free?
Free tier includes core tools and limited exports; premium unlocks stock assets and high-res editing.
Gravit Designer
Challenge You're Facing
Every time you scale your logo, it gets pixelated. You realize you need vector design, but Illustrator feels too complex.
How Gravit Designer Helps
Gravit Designer teaches you vector basics in a friendly way.
Why use Gravit Designer?
- Works in any browser, no heavy downloads.
- Smooth interface for learning shapes and paths.
- Exports easily to SVG, PDF, or PNG.
AI in Gravit Designer
Smart snapping and layout detection streamline alignment and spacing—small automations that make design cleaner.
Is Gravit Designer Free?
Free version is functional but exports are limited; Pro adds offline access and extended export options.
Krita
Challenge You're Facing
You love sketching but want to move into digital painting without paying for software like Procreate or Photoshop.
How Krita Helps
Krita is an open-source powerhouse for illustration, concept art, and animation.
Why use Krita?
- Brushes feel natural and realistic.
- Supports frame-by-frame animation.
- Fully customizable workspace.
AI in Krita
AI smoothing, line stabilization, and auto-color suggestions help beginners make cleaner art.
Is Krita Free?
100% free, open-source and no restrictions.
Vectr
Challenge You're Facing
You’re new to design and every professional tool feels too heavy and complicated.
How Vectr Helps
Vectr gives you a simple way to understand design principles without overwhelm.
Why use Vectr?
- Lightweight, browser-based editor.
- Real-time collaboration and cloud saves.
- Perfect stepping stone to Figma or Illustrator.
AI in Vectr
Auto-alignment and intelligent snapping make compositions look polished, even if you’re new.
Is Vectr Free?
Fully free with optional premium templates.
Color Hunt / Coolors
Challenge You're Facing
You design something decent, but it feels off because your color combinations clash.
How Color Hunt / Coolors Helps
These tools help you discover harmonious, ready-made color palettes for any vibe or mood.
Why use Color Hunt / Coolors?
- Thousands of palettes curated by real designers.
- One-click export to Figma, CSS, or design files.
- Learn color theory visually through exploration.
AI in Color Hunt / Coolors
Both use AI to suggest palettes based on trends, keywords, or image moods.
Is Color Hunt / Coolors Free?
Browsing and saving palettes are free; paid versions unlock collections and brand storage.
Unsplash / Pexels / Freepik
Challenge You're Facing
You have great design ideas but no assets—every good photo online is watermarked or copyrighted.
How Unsplash / Pexels / Freepik Helps
These sites give you free, high-quality, copyright-free visuals for all kinds of projects.
Why use Unsplash / Pexels / Freepik?
- Free commercial-use assets—photos, vectors, and icons.
- Integrated search filters (orientation, tone, style).
- Plugins for Canva, Figma, and other editors.
AI in Unsplash / Pexels / Freepik
AI curates trending visuals, enhances search accuracy, and recommends related images by content.
Is Unsplash / Pexels / Freepik Free?
Most assets are free; paid tiers give exclusive or premium-quality visuals.
Tools Are Just the Starting Line
As a beginner, don’t get stuck chasing the “perfect” tool. The real goal is creation, not comparison. Tools like Canva or Figma can help you start instantly, while others like Krita or Gravit will grow with your skills.
The secret is consistency: open a tool, make something small, and repeat. Every design you make, no matter how simple but teaches you something new.