Canva
Graphic designBrowser-based design tool for social posts, presentations and print, built around a large template library.
Best for: Quick marketing graphics without design training
your hub for creative excellence
Find the right design tool. Skip the guesswork.
Honest comparisons, alternatives and buying guides for graphic and web design tools — written by a working architect and designer, for beginners and small businesses.
Latest guides
Head-to-head comparisons, alternatives and buying guides.
The first guides are on their way. Subscribe below to get them when they go live.
Tools we cover
A short, honest card for each tool — what it's for and who it suits.
Figma
UI / UXCollaborative interface design tool for websites and apps, from wireframes to clickable prototypes.
Best for: Designing and prototyping UI, alone or with a team
Adobe Photoshop
Graphic designThe industry-standard editor for photos, retouching and image compositing.
Best for: Photo editing and detailed image work
Adobe Illustrator
Graphic designVector design software for logos, icons, illustration and print-ready artwork.
Best for: Logos and brand assets that must scale cleanly
Framer
Website buildersWebsite builder with a design-tool feel, aimed at designers who want to publish without code.
Best for: Designers building portfolio and landing pages
Wix
Website buildersDrag-and-drop website builder with templates, booking and store features for small businesses.
Best for: Small business sites with everything in one place
How we review
Every guide comes from real design work, not a spec sheet.
Tested hands-on
Tools are used on real projects before they're recommended.
Written by a designer
An architect and graphic designer's view of what saves time and what doesn't.
Links disclosed
Some links earn us a commission at no cost to you. It never decides the verdict.