What is Graphic Design Software?
Graphic design software can combine graphical elements, typography and photographs to create illustrations and artwork for a variety of communication needs.
Graphic design software enables a designer to create visual imagery and artwork, including logos, maps, illustrations, packaging design, book cover design, and signage. You can present information with design, by creating infographics.
The term “graphic design” is often used to refer to the creation of vector art with software such as Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw, but also includes design with pixel image editing software such as Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro, and other design applications such as those used for page layout and desktop publishing.
Some typical uses for graphic design software
- Designing logos and graphics
- Creating infographics
- Creating illustrations and diagrams
What is the best software for graphic design?
Adobe Illustrator is the most popular graphic design software for professional designers, along with Adobe Photoshop. Together they are a powerful combination and can combine photos and vector art into a design as well as creating images, graphics and designs for print or web.
There are other, similar, software packages available; some of these are much more affordable than the Adobe software. Some of these may offer less features, but if your needs are quite basic they might suit your needs.
Some typical uses of Adobe Illustrator
- Logo design
- Diagrams and illustrations
- Packaging design
- Cover designs for books and magazines
Some typical uses of Adobe Photoshop
- Photo enhancement
- Image editing and retouching
- Designing with photos
- Images for web sites and social media
Learning graphic design
With intensive training it is possible to learn the basics of Photoshop or Illustrator in a day or two.
However you learn, it will take some time to learn to use graphic design software well, and you will need lots of practice with the software to become expert at using graphic design software.
Comparison of different learning types
(1) Quickest
It may be just 2 days for an intensive beginners and intermediate course, but this option would also be the highest cost.
to
(6) Slowest
It would probably take many months of learning with books and other materials, but this would be the lowest cost.
- One to one training – onsite training – intensive training
- Small group – onsite training – intensive training
- Group course at a training centre
- College course
- Self Learning with books, tutorials and other resources
Training
The quickest way to learn to use the software is to have some training. This is the most expensive option in terms of money, but it is also the quickest way to learn essential graphic design skills and the quickest way for you to start being productive.
College course
These are cost-effective options if you have the time. Course quality can be very variable, but some are good.
Self-learning
If you want to teach yourself, there are lots of books, magazines and YouTube videos out there, and you could always try the help file for the software (although some are more useful than others). These are obviously much cheaper than attending a training course. However, you will need to commit a lot of your time to finding resources and teaching yourself.
Many of these resources can be great, but if you are a complete beginner you may find that there is just so much to learn and so many possible places to look, that it can be overwhelming.
For graphic design tutorials have a look at our Design Reference section.
We offer graphic design training, and can show you how to use Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to create your own images and designs.
Graphic design training
We offer graphic design courses for Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop in Birmingham, Solihull, Oxford, Yorkshire, Manchester and around the UK.
- Short courses for Illustrator and Photoshop
- On-site graphic design training
- One to one or small groups
- Custom courses
- Learn to create your own artwork, illustrations and designs with Adobe Illustrator.
- Edit photographs and create photo based designs with Adobe Photoshop.
- Prepare graphics and artwork to use in your a desktop publishing program or to use in your web sites.
- Combine photos, graphics, type and effects to create unique images and communication design.
Adobe Illustrator training
Learn to create your own artwork, illustrations and graphics with Adobe Illustrator.
Adobe Illustrator Courses
Adobe Photoshop training
Learn to edit photographs and create images and designs with Adobe Photoshop.
Adobe Photoshop courses
Graphic design courses are available in Birmingham, Solihull, Worcester, Coventry, Northampton, Leicester, Oxford, Reading, Leeds, Manchester, Yorkshire, Bristol, Gloucester and around the UK.