With the rise of graphic design and new technology, a new kind of software has emerged: design software. These are programs that allow you to combine text and graphics to create everything from simple flyers to full book layouts.
Some of the most popular graphic design software include Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDraw. Many of these programs have free trial versions that you can try out to see if they fit your needs!
Having graphic design software is a great way to add another tool to your marketing toolbox.
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is one of the most popular graphic design software programs available. It is similar to Adobe Illustrator, in that you can use it to create almost any type of graphic design-related item.
The biggest difference is that Affinity Designer has more limited features for some types of graphics. For example, it does not have as many shape options or advanced blending and shading features as Illustrator.
It also has less general page layout features than InDesign, requiring you to do some additional work to get the same result. However, it has more flexible page design than either of these programs, allowing you to focus more on individual graphics and layout elements.
This may be a good choice for someone looking to transition into graphic design who is already familiar with basic page layout software like InDesign.
Figma
Another great tool for web designers is Figma, which is a free-to-use interface design platform. Like Sketch, it has a robust library of UI components that you can add to your designs.
Like Craft, it has a focus on page layout, allowing you to experiment with different designs and layouts. This can be done either in isolation or as part of the design process.
Like Framer, it allows you to focus on the interactive aspects of the site or app rather than the layout and design. This enables you to spend more time on designing the best look for the site or app rather than tweaking the layout.
If you are looking to start out as a web designer, these three platforms are free resources that will help you get started.
Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a free-to-use software that allows you to create static and dynamic pages. Static pages are simply pages with no interaction or movement, like a page with an image and some text above it.
XD allows you to design your page, import your text, and add features like drop shadows, rounded corners, and gradient overlays. You can also rearrange the layout of the page using XD.
Some things that make Adobe XD unique is the ability to work with responsive layouts. This means that your layout will adapt based on the device it is being displayed on. For example, a vertical column of buttons will be turned into a horizontal row of buttons for mobile display settings.
Another feature is collaborative editing which allows several people to edit and add to the same document at the same time.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Though PowerPoint is typically used for creating presentations, you can also use it to create brochures, flyers, and other printed materials.
Because it was designed specifically for creating presentations, it has some limitations when used to create other types of pages. For example, your slides will need to be in a certain order, and you will not have much control over the layout of the page.
However, if you are looking to make a presentation into a printed poster or handout material, PowerPoint is a good program to use. You can simply print out all of your slides and voila! You have a brochure or flyer.
If you are wanting to make more creative and artistic pages using PowerPoint, there are some lesser-known features that allow you to do just that. One feature that allows you to focus on flexible page design and layout is the ability to add frames to your images.
Keynote
Another popular choice for LMSs is the program Keynote. This Mac-only software is designed specifically for creating presentations.
Like PowerPoint, you can add text, images, and even video to your slides. You can also design your own layouts and customize the page design and color scheme.
However, unlike PowerPoint, you cannot have a totally blank slide – you must have some sort of background or feature on it.
This can be a simple picture or graphic, or something more elaborate like a interactive feature such as a slide that changes features when you click on it.
As with all software programs, it can take some practice to become proficient at using it.
Google Slides
Google Slides is a free program that allows you to create slides for presentations. You can add text, images, and even build interactive slides where users can click things to learn more or see different information.
Google Slides gives you the flexibility to design your slide layout how you want. You can have a plain white background with black or grey text, or choose a colorful background with graphics.
Besides learning how to use the program, you also learn important PowerPoint skills such as how to set up and use slides correctly, how to create effective transitions between slides, and how to organize your content effectively.
This is great for people who may not have much experience with graphic design but still want their presentations to look good. By learning how to use Google Slides, you can give your presentations more of a professional look.
VidéoMaker by Walletteer
Another great program for beginner video makers is VidéoMaker by Walletteer. This is a free download for both PC and Mac users. It has a simple, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to learn.
With this software, you can create videos of your games as well as take photographs and add text and graphics. There are even some special effects you can add to your footage and transitions between scenes.
Some of the features include: hiding/showing screen elements, customizing the screen layout, setting scene transitions, and adding music and sound effects.
The only downside is that there are limited texture options for adding texture to the graphics you place on the page. However, this may not be a big deal depending on what kind of video or photo shoot you do.
Projeqt
Projeqt is a feature-rich program that allows you to create posters, flyers, and covers using text and graphics. You can design your own page layout, add your own photos or stock photos, and add your own text or use their pre-made text options.
The great thing about Projeqt is that you can use your own photos, designs, or logos as well as alter the layout to fit what you want. You can also chose between different paper sizes for your poster or flyer design.
This program is great for those who are not graphic designers but want more creative freedom when designing posters and flyers.
