Graphic design software applications require certain tools in order to create, edit, layout, and manage 2 dimensional computer graphics such as clip art, logos, digital photos, and other types of digital imagery. The graphics industry sets the standards for protocols and acceptable formats which software applications must provide. These tools include retouching, photo editing, vector illustration, and page layout.
Graphic Types
Modern software design has two main graphic types; bitmap and vector. Bitmap is a basic image fabricated of a string of pixels in a grid which are confined in a space by the pixel resolution. Vectors are created using points and lines that are infinitely resolved with no loss of quality.
The most cutting edge and widely known illustration software suites blend the functional elements of bitmap and vectors together. They are designed for painting, drawing, creating, and coloring original graphic designs with tools that mimic artistic media including watercolors, oils, pencils, and acrylics.
The leading software applications on the market include:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Corel PaintShop
- Print Artist Platinum
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Serif DrawPlus Graphics
- SmartDraw
When looking for a graphic design software application, consider these features:
- Use and compatibility
The design software should be easy to use, adaptable, and work with other applications and file types.
- Features
The design software features should include tools that allow the user to design, create, and experiment on design illustrations. They will also include a mixture of bitmap and vector capabilities, drawing and command capabilities, feathering, and shading elements.
- Editing
Photo editing software components enables the user to import image files to manipulate in a variety of ways including retouching, filtering, mixing, layering, scaling, and much more.
- Layout
Page layout is the design process of placing, arranging, and styling content elements such as text and graphics on a page. A good design software will have these elements and more.
- Illustration
Design software should include vector illustrations which are drawing features such as brushes, text effects, graphing, pen tools, 3D effects, and tracing.
- Support
Design software applications are multi-faceted and complex to use which require developer support during setup, times of emergency, and during the application learning process. An excellent design application will have 24/7 help and customer support access for its users.
