What are the best software options for cross-platform graphic design?

If you are a graphic designer, you probably need to work with different types of projects, formats, and devices. Whether you are creating logos, flyers, web pages, or animations, you want to use software that can handle your creative vision and deliver high-quality results. But what are the best software options for cross-platform graphic design? In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and versatile tools that you can use on Windows, Mac, Linux, or even mobile platforms.

1 Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud is the industry standard for graphic design software, offering a wide range of applications for different purposes and levels of expertise. You can use Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or XD for image editing, vector graphics, layout design, or user interface design. You can also use After Effects, Premiere Pro, or Animate for video editing, motion graphics, or animation. Adobe Creative Cloud is a subscription-based service that gives you access to all the latest updates, features, and cloud storage. However, it can also be quite expensive and resource-intensive for some users.

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Jeff Sieminski

Premium Design Partner | Specializing in Subscription Plans & Client Retainers | Owner of Artfullygraphic.com
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GPT Adobe Creative Cloud sets the standard in graphic design software, featuring diverse applications for various needs. Use Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, InDesign for layout, and XD for UI design. For video and animation, turn to After Effects, Premiere Pro, or Animate. It's subscription-based, offering updates, features, and cloud storage, but may be costly and resource-demanding for some.

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Malaika Khan

CUI'25 | Full Stack Developer | Graphic Designer | Flutter Developer
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For cross-platform graphic design, popular options include Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity Designer, and CorelDRAW. Adobe offers a suite of powerful tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, while Affinity Designer and CorelDRAW provide professional-grade vector graphics editing. Other alternatives include open-source software like Inkscape and GIMP, web-based platforms like Canva and Gravit Designer, and simpler options like Vectr. Consider factors like features, ease of use, and platform compatibility when choosing the best software for your needs.

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Hussain Sadikot

Senior Manager @Fitverse.ai
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In my experience Adobe CC is the best industry standard software option for cross platform graphic design. It provides a wide range of professional apps that cater to every aspect of graphic design. It also leverages cloud technology for storage and collaboration, enabling teams to work together in real-time from anywhere in the world. It the most widely used software solution in the world.

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Mohammed Baqir Lakhani

Data Analyst & Research Expert | Marketing & Business Coordination Specialist | Relationship Manager for SMEs & Corporates | Karachi-Based Professional
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Some of the best software options for cross-platform graphic design include Adobe Creative Cloud (particularly Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop), Affinity Designer (suitable rare option), and CorelDRAW. These tools offer robust features and compatibility across various operating systems, making them popular choices among designers. The best part is, these being user friendly softwares with built in add-ons which will add a cherry on top of your projects.

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2 Affinity Suite

Affinity Suite is a relatively new but powerful alternative to Adobe Creative Cloud, offering three core applications: Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher. These applications are designed to work seamlessly together, allowing you to switch between them without losing any quality or compatibility. Affinity Suite is also more affordable and lightweight than Adobe Creative Cloud, as you only pay a one-time fee for each application and they run smoothly on most devices. Affinity Suite is available for Windows, Mac, and iPad, but not for Linux or Android.

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3 GIMP and Inkscape

GIMP and Inkscape are two of the most popular open-source software for graphic design, offering similar functionality to Photoshop and Illustrator. GIMP is a powerful image editor that can handle raster graphics, photo manipulation, digital painting, and more. Inkscape is a vector graphics editor that can create logos, icons, illustrations, and more. Both GIMP and Inkscape are free to download and use, and they support a variety of formats and plugins. They are also cross-platform, meaning that you can use them on Windows, Mac, Linux, or even Android.

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4 Canva and Figma

Canva and Figma are two of the most popular online software for graphic design, offering easy and intuitive ways to create stunning designs without installing any software. Canva is a drag-and-drop design tool that lets you create posters, flyers, social media graphics, logos, and more. You can choose from thousands of templates, fonts, icons, and images, or upload your own. Canva is free to use, but you can also upgrade to a premium plan for more features and resources. Figma is a collaborative design tool that lets you create user interfaces, prototypes, and animations. You can work with other designers in real-time, share feedback, and export your designs to different platforms. Figma is also free to use, but you can also upgrade to a professional plan for more projects and storage.

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Regis Brasme

Digital interactive designer
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In my opinion, figma is one of the most powerful online tools. It's particularly well-suited to interface design, both web and mobile, and enables rapid, highly accurate prototyping of user journeys. It can also be useful for rapidly composing editorial and vector content, but its use is mainly digital, since the platform doesn't natively handle printed color spaces.

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5 Procreate and Sketchbook

Procreate and Sketchbook are two of the best software options for graphic design on mobile devices, especially if you have a stylus or a pen. Procreate is a powerful and versatile drawing app that lets you create stunning artworks, illustrations, and animations on your iPad. You can use hundreds of brushes, layers, masks, and effects, and export your creations in high resolution. Procreate is not free, but it is well worth the price for its features and performance. Sketchbook is a free and easy-to-use sketching app that lets you draw, paint, and doodle on your Android or iOS device. You can use a variety of tools, colors, and textures, and customize your workspace to suit your style and preferences. Sketchbook is ideal for quick and fun sketches, but it can also handle more complex and detailed designs.

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Hassan Ur Rehman

Creative Visual Designer | Graphic Design, Video Editing, UI/UX Specialist Sharing Creativity and Current Affairs
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For cross-platform graphic design, Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop), Sketch, Affinity Designer/Photo, and Figma are top choices due to their robust features, compatibility across Mac and Windows, and collaborative capabilities.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best software options for cross-platform graphic design?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Adobe Creative Cloud

2 Affinity Suite

3 GIMP and Inkscape

4 Canva and Figma

5 Procreate and Sketchbook

6 Here’s what else to consider

Graphic Design

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What are the best software options for cross-platform graphic design?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Adobe Creative Cloud

2 Affinity Suite

3 GIMP and Inkscape

4 Canva and Figma

5 Procreate and Sketchbook

6 Here’s what else to consider

Graphic Design

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