The Buyers’ Guide to Graphic Design Tools

Graphic design tools are, as the name suggests, specific aids which are useful for every different form and type of graphic design. Some graphic design tools are complex and require specialised knowledge and skill in order to efficiently use, whereas other graphic design tools can even be used to help businesses and organisations research suitable graphic design service providers. In this article we take a closer look at graphic design tools, and introduce some of the less obvious graphic design tools that are available on the World Wide Web.

Graphic design resources are certain types of graphic design tools which are used universally by both graphic designers and non-graphic designers alike. Graphic design tools that are considered to be resources are not necessarily tangible objects, they are a range of tools that inspire and influence graphic design whether that is through improving knowledge or providing the inspiration for a specific project. Graphic design resources are the most widely available of all the graphic design tools featured in this article, and can be purchased or accessed free of charge depending on the nature of the individual resource. Some of the most useful graphic design resources include:

• Graphic design books, DVDs and CD-ROMs
• Graphic design blogs
• Graphic design magazines
• The websites of leading graphic designers and graphic design companies
• Graphic design portfolios

Offline graphic design tools are more traditional tools that are usually found in every professional graphic designer’s toolbox. Offline graphic design tools are distinguished from online graphic design tools and graphic design resources because of their tangible and usable nature. Offline graphic design tools play key roles in the creative processes of graphic design, and despite their “old-fashioned” nature are some of the most useful graphic design tools that are available to both professionals and non-graphic designers. Fundamental offline graphic design tools include:

• Drawing paper or sketch pads
• Notebooks
• Coloured inks and pens
• Moodboards
• Set-squares, protractors, compasses
• Colour –wheels and charts

Online graphic design tools are the most technologically advanced of the graphic design tools featured in this article. The aim of online graphic design tools is to improve graphic design creative processes, ensuring that designers can work to maximum productivity. Although the debate centred on online graphic design tools and whether they can authentically re-create traditional graphic design methods still rages on, online graphic design tools can be extremely beneficial when used properly and with expert guidance. Combining the use of online graphic design tools with tried and tested offline graphic design tools means that designers can create the best working practices possible. Some obvious and less obvious online graphic design tools include:

• Graphic design software
• Online graphic design builders
• Online project management software
• Open source graphic design programs
• Website design software

For further advice and information about graphic design tools, or to find suitable graphic design tools for use during your graphic design project why not get in contact with one of our friendly Graphic Design Buyer Advisors?