The most used programs in graphic design

Any coworker at Aticco specializing in graphic design? Today we are going to talk about you, about you all. And about the work you do during your working day.

Renew or die. This saying explains lthe importance of staying up to date with web novelties and, of course, graphic design. It is a field that is becoming increasingly important in any online work and that causes curiosity among Internet users, freelancers, companies...

Nowadays, managing a web design program is practically accessible to anyone who wants to do it. There are hundreds of tools that are available to anyone. In addition, many portals offer online courses that facilitate the use of these programs.

Yes, it is true that there are many design tools that are not easy to use and require prior study to handle them perfectly. This is the case of the Adobe package: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, etc... but with patience and dedication, you can also end up mastering them.

It is also important to mention the different essential digital tools for every coworker, as they can help you in your work as a graphic designer. Do you know the ones we recommend? They are used daily in our coworking spaces in Barcelona.

If you are considering launching into the graphic universe, we encourage you to do so! Keep in mind the web tools that we are going to explain below because they will be your great companions during learning. Go ahead!

GIMP, the most complete editing program

The first digital tool we are going to talk about is one of the most complete on the list. GIMP is perfect for image retouching and editing. Designing logos with this program is as simple as it is economical, since it is free to use. In fact, its acronym defines it: GNU Image Manipulation Program.

Many people replace Photoshop with GIMP because of how easy it is to use compared to the Adobe package. It's an ideal option if you're starting out in the world of graphic design.

These are some of the outstanding features of GIMP:

• Select all types of shapes.
• Modify the scale and inclination.
• Painting tool: brush, paint brush, fill, texture…
• Error correction.
• Cloning.
• Effects and treatments for the image.

Gravit Designer, perfect for editing vectors

We continue with another graphic design tool that is free and easy to use. This is Gravit Designer, one of the great vector editing programs. Professional results in simple steps.

The program's design is adapted to all types of users, as it favors accessibility to any of its functions. In other words, it is a very intuitive tool. We warn you that if you use Gravit Designer, your social networks are going to experience a brutal change... for the better, of course!

The functions of this program are:

• Creation of strokes and shapes.
• Adapting the design to mobile platforms, tablets, blogs, etc.
• Text in stroke and fully dimensioned.
• Use of fillings and textures.
• Tutorial tab (yes, it's perfect for learning).

Adobe, a must in graphic design

Let's change the subject a bit. The Adobe package is paid and a bit more complicated to use if you are just getting into graphic design. But nothing is impossible, and you can also train to create professional designs with these programs thanks to courses like those at Educaweb.

It is the most important software company in its sector and stands out for its numerous graphic design and image editing and processing programs.

And not only the image is the protagonist. Everything that surrounds the audiovisual content is subject to use on this platform, although it will depend on the program in question. We explain the functions of the most important of the Adobe package:

1. Photoshop: professional image editing and processing. It is frequently used in magazines, advertising, posters... yes, we are talking about the top 1 graphic design tool.
2. Illustrator: very similar to Photoshop, but for exclusive use in the design of graphics and logos. With Illustrator you can create unique vectors.
3. Lightroom: complements the work and projects carried out in Photoshop, focusing on photo processing and setting aside logo design.
4. InDesign: this program works on the digital composition of magazine pages, books, editorials and everything related to reading.
5. Premiere: video editing and creation of multimedia elements is possible thanks to Adobe Premiere. Create short films, advertisements and other audiovisual files with this tool.
6. After Effects: star tool for creating animated graphics, visual and special effects... widely used in movies and web pages.

Google Sketchup, the ultimate three-dimensional tool

We know that Google is a great teacher for all Internet users. We also know that there is no job or need that Google cannot handle because it has hundreds of digital tools that make almost everything possible.

On this occasion, we focus on Google Sketchup, a tool that conceptualizes architectural forms and objects with different volumes. In short: the function of Sketchup is the creation of 3D designs. The most used and recurring is the design of renders.

It offers a very intuitive interface that allows anyone to carry out their three-dimensional work. And not only that, but it also has a tutorial that allows you to use the tool step by step.

Google Sketchup has a free version (with fewer features) and a PRO version (very complete). So, you and your project decide what you need.

We could spend hours and hours talking about more web tools. Surely you know some graphic design program that we have not mentioned. Will you tell us about it? 🙂

These are the most frequent among our coworkers. Graphic designers are on the rise and their figure is increasingly required in any company or startup. If you are one of them and want to develop your freelance business at Aticco Coworking, we are looking forward to meeting you. Choose the location of Aticco that best suits your needs and we will offer you the space you describe.