Nearly every industry and company can benefit from conveying information with graphics. That’s where graphic designers enter the picture. These creative and precise professionals play a part in almost everything, from fine-tuning a website’s design to creating visuals for an organization’s pamphlets.
Whether you’re an amateur completely new to this field or a seasoned professional graphic designer, the right software can elevate your creative ambitions and designs to a new level.
Before that happens, a crucial question to ask is: What software do graphic designers use? We have the answers. Keep reading to find the best graphic design software in 2025 and beyond.
Why Should I Use Graphic Design Software?
Graphic design programs are beneficial for any skill level. No matter whether you are an amateur or expert designer, this type of software includes several advantages:
- Save time
- Expand your digital toolkit
- Increase your creative output
- Enable you to gain access to more assets
Best Windows Software for Graphic Designers: Enhance Your Creativity
Are you ready to streamline your workflow and explore new realms of versatile design suites? Here are the best options when you need software that graphic designers use.
1. The Print Shop Professional Edition
A critical element of graphic design is having access to a large media library. That’s what you’ll find after purchasing The Print Shop Professional 6.4. This program includes access to over 6,700 design templates and over 262,000 photos, images, and clip art to use for your projects.
From the legendary software company Broderbund, The Print Shop has long remained a trusted resource for graphic designers from all walks of life. This program includes an impressive array of tools and features for print and digital projects. It’s also possible to fine-tune your designs with a large library of fonts and colors.
You can also avoid worrying about using your creations for business purposes. That’s because The Print Shop Professional Edition includes over 12,000 royalty-free backgrounds and images. You also have access to over 1,000 royalty-free templates.
Another reason graphic designers use this software is its impressive ability to import and manage client contact information.
2. PrintMaster
No conversation about the best software for graphic designers is complete without mentioning PrintMaster. This program is a must-use software if you do any print-based graphic design work. Whether you need to create an invitation for a child’s birthday party, a personal greeting card, or an update through a company banner, PrintMaster makes it all possible.
One of the popular versions of this software that graphic designers use is PrintMaster 2022. This program gives you the freedom to complete anything from small edits to the creation and the completion of large-scale graphic design projects.
Like The Print Shop, PrintMaster features a dedicated library of royalty-free inclusions to add to your creative ideas. For example, PrintMaster 2022 includes over 15,000 royalty-free images and 6,500 project templates.
Other features of this software for graphic designers include:
- The creation of custom borders and line patterns
- Autosave to ensure you never forget vital additions
- A user-friendly interface
- Integration with Gmail for easier sharing and collaboration
3. Corel Painter Essentials 8
Some software that graphic designers use includes many templates and images. If you prefer software graphic designers use to create hand-drawn digital art, check out Corel Painter Essentials 8. This intuitive software puts a wide range of over 170 digital brushes with an impressive array of creation and editing tools at your fingertips.
Whether you need to make extremely small edits or large-scale changes, this software ensures it’s all possible. You also have unlimited layers to fully express your creativity. Corel Painter Essentials 8 additionally offers superior pressure-sensitive control when this program runs on drawing tablets, giving you expert-level precision.
Are you new to using software for graphic designers? Don’t worry. This software features a library of tips, videos, and webinars to get you up and running in no time.
Download Corel Painter Essentials
4. Corel PaintShop Pro 2022
When asking yourself, “What software do graphic designers use?” you may prefer software that relies on the cutting-edge power of AI. If so, we recommend you check out Corel PaintShop Pro 2022.
Using Corel PaintShop Pro, you can use AI to help with everything from enhancing colors to drawing and creating composites. This software also allows you to access multiple workspaces, which is excellent for busy graphic designers who need to manage and collaborate on multiple projects.
With Corel PaintShop Pro 2022, you can:
- Enhance your photos with cropping, restoration, and resizing tools
- Fix distortions and chromatic aberrations
- Save time with simple, one-click fixes
- Combine multiple exposures to create HDR photos
- Import Adobe Photoshop brushes
- Have support for 64-bit third-party plugins
- Utilize tablet and stylus support
Download Corel PaintShop Pro 2022
5. Corel PaintShop Pro X9
Discussing what software graphic designers use will often include mentions of Corel, a popular graphic design software brand. Another one of this company’s popular programs is Corel PaintShop Pro X9. This multi-purpose program lets you use a wealth of photo management, design, and photo editing tools.
Many graphic designers prefer this software because it saves time and gives users precise control over their projects. Updated gradient and text tools let you perfect your designs and images. Corel also boosted this software’s performance speed, quickening how long it takes to import, edit, and export large, detailed files.
Plus, Corel PaintShop Pro X9 comes with Perfectly Clear 2 SE, Live Screen Capture, and AfterShot 3.
Download Corel PaintShop Pro X9
As you’ve learned, graphic designers use software from many brands. The right tool for you depends on what product features you want, whether you prefer hand-drawn tools or AI-powered innovations, and your personal graphic design preferences.
Fortunately, you don’t have to search at local stores or wait for your software to ship to your house or business. Instead, purchase and download software for graphic designers at SoftwareCW. We carry software for a wide variety of personal and professional purposes.