Design Software Reviews
In-depth looks at price, plan limits and trade-offs.
Design Software: Reviews, Comparisons and Deals
Design software covers online graphic design editors, video editors, photo editors and stock asset libraries. For most buyers the choice comes down to the commercial licence, the template library and whether a team can share brand assets.
Which kind of Design Tools do you need?
- Graphic Design Graphic design tools help you make social posts, presentations, logos and mockups yourself, or hand the work to a design service.
- Video Editing Video editing software ranges from simple online editors and animation makers to streaming and podcast tools.
- Photo Editing Photo editors adjust, retouch and resize images in the browser or on desktop.
- Stock Images & Assets Stock sites sell photos, video, music, templates and design assets under a licence.
Design Tools we track
Listed by coverage, then A to Z. This is not a ranking.
Canva
Graphic Design Huge template library
Envato Elements
Stock Images & Assets Unlimited downloads on the subscription
Pixlr
Photo Editing Runs in the browser
Placeit
Graphic Design Product mockups
Shutterstock
Stock Images & Assets Large licensed library
Visme
Graphic Design Infographic templates
123RF
Stock Images & Assets
Affinity Designer
Graphic Design
Can Stock Photo
Stock Images & Assets
Depositphotos
Stock Images & Assets
Design Pickle
Graphic Design
DesignBold
Graphic Design
Desygner
Graphic Design
Envato Market
Stock Images & Assets
Fotor
Photo Editing
Getty Images
Stock Images & Assets
iStock
Stock Images & Assets
Neo Stock
Stock Images & Assets
PicMonkey
Photo Editing
Snappa
Graphic Design
Stencil
Graphic Design
ThemeSelection
Stock Images & Assets
VistaCreate
Graphic Design
Vyond
Video Editing
Design questions, answered
Can I use stock images from a subscription commercially?
Usually yes under the standard licence, but uses like merchandise or large print runs can need an extended licence. Read the licence for each asset type.
Online design tool or professional desktop software?
Online tools are faster for social posts, presentations and quick marketing assets. Desktop software gives more control for print work, branding and detailed illustration.
Are free design tools enough?
Free plans cover basic graphics. Paid plans usually add premium templates, brand kits, background removal and more storage.