Are you a blogger who is looking for new and exciting ways to improve your blog posts? If so, then you should consider using graphic design tools. Graphic design can help you to transform your blog, creating stunning visuals with beautiful and engaging content that will capture your readers’ attention.
Canva
If you only use one design tool then Canva has to be the go-to tool. Canva is a free online graphic design platform used by most bloggers, that allows you to create beautiful visuals for your blog posts. Canva is a great graphic design tool for bloggers for several reasons.
First, it is free to use, which means that anyone can create beautiful designs without having to invest in expensive software.
Second, Canva provides users with access to a library of high-quality images, which can be used to create stunning visual content.
Third, the platform is extremely user-friendly with a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to add text, photos, or sevral other elements. It means that even those with no prior graphic design experience can create professional-looking designs.
Finally, Canva offers a wide range of shareable templates, which makes it easy to create and share engaging visual content on social media. In sum, Canva is a powerful and versatile graphic design tool that can be used to easily create beautiful visuals for blogs and social media. You can use Canva to create infographics, headers, and more.
If you’re new to Canva, here are just some of the ways it can help you with your blog:
Creating featured images:
The first step to creating an eye-catching blog post is to have a strong featured image. With Canva’s library of professional stock photos, you can easily find the perfect image for your post. Plus, their editing tools make it easy to crop, resize and add text or overlays – everything you need to create a stunning featured image.
Designing custom social media posts:
In order to promote your blog across social media, you need to have engaging posts with visuals that capture attention. Canva’s templates for social media make it easy to create these types of posts – simply select a template, add your own text and images, and you have a beautiful social media post that’s ready to be shared.
Creating infographics:
Infographics are a great way to make complex information more digestible for your readers. Canva’s easy-to-use infographic maker allows you to turn data and statistics into visually appealing graphics that will help your readers understand and remember the information in your blog post.
Canva is a huge time-saver for busy bloggers who don’t have the budget (or desire) to hire a professional designer.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can create with so explore the platform and see how it can help you take your blog to the next level.
In the free version you will find:
- Over 250,000 free templates
- Over 100 design types (presentations, social media posts, banners etc etc!)
- Hundreds of thousdands of free photos and graphics including gifs, animations and illustrations
- 5GB cloud storage
- Allows team set up and collaboration.
There is also a great value paid-for version starting at $119.99 paid annually ($12.99 monthly) for up to 5 team members (additional team members are billed at $60 annually or $7 monthly per member).
It comes with extra functionality, features, images, and photos including:
- Over 100 million premium stock photos, graphics and audio files.
- Over 600,000 templates and growing every day.
- Up to 100 brand kits with the option to save brand colors, logos and fonts easily.
- Background remover to instantly remove image backgrounds.
- Magic resize to resize your designs.
- 1TB Cloud storage
- Save your designs as templates for use by your team.
- Social media scheduling to 8 platforms.
PicMonkey
PicMonkey (by Shutterstock) is a great online graphic design tool. You can use PicMonkey to edit photos, create graphics, and more, however the focus is heavily on photo editing features. There is a free trial but it is a paid-for tool.
PicMonkey is a website that allows users to edit images and photos online. It offers an extensive range of tools for retouching, cropping, and adding text or graphics to images with an impressive array of filters, effects and ‘tweaking capabilities’. PicMonkey also has a library of templates and stock images that can be used for digital scrapbooking, invitations, and other design projects. In addition to its online service, PicMonkey also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to edit pictures on the go and share them directly to social media or email. Whether you’re looking to touch up a family photo or create a professional-quality design, PicMonkey has the tools you need.
Pricing plans for PicMonkey start at $72 per year (or $7.99 monthly) for the basic plan, which includes all of the basic editing features and access to the template library, 1GB hub storage and JPG or PNG exports.
The pro plan, which costs $120 per year (or $12.99 monthly), adds advanced features such as layers and the ability to upload and save custom fonts, unlimited hub storage and PDF exports .
The Business Plan, which is designed for small businesses and teams, starts at $228 per year (with extra seats at $19 per month) and includes all of the features of the pro, plus the ability to:
- Keep brand colors, fonts, logos in multiple brand kits
- Manage files with searchable tags
- Real-time co-editing (teams of 2+)
- Gather feedback in-editor with commenting (teams of 2+)
- Create Folders for sharing work (teams of 2+)
- Seat and permission management (teams of 2+)
There is also a limited free version available that allows users to try out some of the basic features of PicMonkey including creating images using all effects, graphics, templates, and more, and save images to their Hub (cloud storage) to re-edit later. But when you want to share or download an image, you’ll need to subscribe.
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Adobe Creative Suite
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive set of graphic design tools, Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard. It includes everything from a professional grade photo editor (Adobe Photoshop) to complex tools for advanced design work (Adobe Illustrator).
For Adobe fans there are over 20 Creative Cloud (CC) services and apps including a web development application (Adobe Dreamweaver), a video editing program (Adobe Premiere Pro) and more.
Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphics editor developed and published by Adobe Inc. for Windows and macOS. When it comes to editing and manipulating images, there’s no better tool than Adobe Photoshop. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a design conscious blogger, Photoshop has a variety of features that can help you create stunning visual content. The software includes features such as layers, filters, and adjustment layers that allows you to make subtle or drastic changes to your photos. You can also use Photoshop to create graphics for your blog, such as infographics or banners. In addition, the software can be used to edit video content, making it a versatile tool for bloggers who want to create high-quality content. Perhaps the most well-known feature is the ability to retouch photos, removing blemishes, smoothing skin, and even changing hair color. But Photoshop can also be used to create completely new images, by combining different photos or using brushes and other tools to paint from scratch. With so many possibilities, it’s no wonder that Photoshop is the go-to program for professionals. It has become the de facto industry standard in raster graphics editing, to the point that it has also become an adjective in its own right (e.g. “Photoshop image”, “Photoshop manual”).
Adobe Illustrator is a powerful vector-based design program that can be used for a variety of creative projects, including website and app design, logo and icon design, illustrations, and more. One of the program’s most useful features is its wide range of brushes, which can be used to create a variety of effects. For example, the pencil brush can be used to create hand-drawn sketches, while the airbrush can be used to add soft shading. In addition, Adobe Illustrator also offers a wide range of color options, making it easy to create custom color schemes for your designs once you have mastered the tools.
There is no doubt that Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are both excellent design tools. However, they can be quite expensive and take time to learn. They can be useful for creating more complex graphics and are industry standard tools if you know how to use them or have the time and inclination to master them.
GIMP
GIMP is a free alternative to Photoshop that is better for beginners. It is a free and open-source image manipulation program for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS and is described as a cross-platform program used for editing photos and videos. Here are 10 of the best features GIMP has to offer:
1. Layers: This feature allows you to create separate images in one file, which can be useful when creating composite images or graphics. It allows you to work on different parts of an image separately, which can be extremely helpful when you’re trying to create complex graphics or make edits to a photo.
2. Brushes: GIMP offers a wide variety of brushes, which can be used for everything from sketching to retouching photos to painting digital art.
3. Textures: The software comes with a library of textures that can be applied to layers to create interesting effects.
4. Filters: GIMP’s filters can be used to modify photos or create unique effects.
5. Selection Tools: The selection tools allow you to precisely select areas of an image for editing.
6. Healing Tool: The healing tool can be used to remove blemishes from photos or fix other imperfections.
7. Clone Tool: The clone tool allows you to copy pixels from one area of an image to another, which can be helpful for repairing damaged photos.
8. Gamma correction: Gamma correction is a tool that can be used to adjust the brightness and contrast of an image.
9.Transformation Tools: These tools allow you to resize, rotate, or distort an image, which can be handy for creating daunting graphics or logos with ease.
10.Text Editing: GIMP’s text editing capabilities are fairly robust, allowing bloggers to easily add text to their images or create simple graphics with text.
Inkscape
Inkscape is a free graphic design tool. You can use Inkscape to create vector graphics, logos, and many more illustrations and animations. There are also some very useful tutorials to help use the tools. It is an open-source vector graphics editor with capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Xara X. What sets Inkscape apart is its commitment to free and open-source software. Here are some features that make Inkscape an ideal choice for bloggers who want to create professional-looking graphics without breaking the bank.
- Inkscape is free to download and use, no matter how commercial your use is.
- Inkscape offers a wide variety of pre-installed templates, making it easy to get started with creating graphics from scratch or modifying existing ones.
- The software supports a huge range of file formats, including PNG, JPG, and SVG so you can easily convert your Inkscape creations into images that can be used on your blog or elsewhere online.
- Inkscape comes with a set of built-in tools for drawing basic shapes, adding text, and working with color and gradients. These tools are intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
- You can create vector illustrations, which means they can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
- Inkscape has a wide range of built-in shapes and objects that you can use in your illustrations.
- You can easily add text to your illustrations and format it however you like.
- Inkscape supports layers, so you can easily keep track of different parts of your illustration.
- The software also includes more advanced features for those who want to experiment with more complex designs. These include options for working with layers, Bezier curves, and boolean operations.
- Inkscape is available in a wide range of languages, so you can use it no matter where you are in the world.
- Inkscape integrates well with other software, making it easy to use in a workflow with other tools such as GIMP or Adobe Photoshop.
- There is an active community of Inkscape users and developers who are always happy to help with any problems you might have.
- Inkscape is constantly being updated with new features and improvements.
- Inkscape is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- You can extend Inkscape’s functionality with add-ons and plugins.
Easel.ly
Easel.ly is a free / paid online platform that allows you to create infographics to present your information using one or more of its many templates.
As a blogger, finding the right tools to help you create high-quality content can be a challenge. But with Easel.ly, you can easily create beautiful infographics, diagrams and other visual content to help engage your readers and convey your message more effectively. The free version is quite limited compared to the pro but still has a decent range of templates to choose and customize.
- Easel.ly is easy to use. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can quickly create professional-looking visuals even if you don’t have any design experience.
- With over 1 million templates and objects available, finding the right design elements to complement your blog post is a breeze.
- You can share your creations directly on social media or embed them on your blog or website with just a few clicks.
- Easel.ly’s vast library of icons and images makes it easy to find the perfect visual to accompany your text.
- The platform offers a wide range of customization options, so you can make your infographic or diagram look exactly the way you want it to.
- Easel.ly integrates with several popular data visualization tools, making it easy to include complex data in your visuals.
- Once you’re done creating your infographic, Easel.ly makes it easy to download it as a high-resolution image or PDF file
There are also paid-for Easelly Pro plans. The cheapest is a student plan from $2 monthly, a personal plan $4 or the Business plan costing $5 per month. The business plan gets you the following features:
- 320+ premium templates
- 1.1 million icons and photos
- Export PDF, JPEG and PNG
- 30 free student accounts
- Organize your work with folders
- Only you can see your infographics
- Commercial use
- Groups
- Realtime Collaboration
- API access
- Zapier Integration
There are also 3 premium done-for-you plans if a finished design created by designers is what you need. They are priced at:
$120 – Micro Plan (3 designs with unlimited revisions for one brand)
$400 – Starter Plan (Unlimited requests with unlimited revisions for one brand)
$995 – Pro Plan ( Starter Plan plus Design for landing page, logo, presentation deck and for unlimited brand profiles)
Piktochart
Piktochart is a simple to use platform for creating infographics with a great free plan as well as paid plans. It has a drag-and-drop editor to help you create infographics, brochures, or presentations to a professional standard without the long, steep learning curve of some other platforms.
For bloggers, Piktochart can be an invaluable tool for creating stunning visuals to supplement posts. There are many great features of Piktochart, here are some of the best:
1. A wide selection of templates – Whether you’re looking for a simple infographic or a more complex design, Piktochart has a template to suit your needs.
2. Easy to use – Even if you’ve never used a graphic design program before, Piktochart is easy to learn and use.
3. A huge library of icons and illustrations – Piktochart’s library contains over 1 million icons and illustrations, making it easy to find the perfect visuals for your blog posts.
4. The ability to add videos and audio – With Piktochart, you can easily add videos and audio files to your infographics, making them even more engaging for your readers.
5. Built-in charts and graphs (of course!) – If you need to include data in your infographic, Piktochart makes it easy with built-in charts and graphs.
6. Social media sharing – Once you’ve created your infographic, Piktochart makes it easy to share it on social media with just a few clicks.
7. With Piktochart’s team collaboration features, you can work with other bloggers or team members to create infographics that are truly unique.
There are free and paid plans available, with the free plan allowing you to create up to five infographics.
Paid plans start at $14 per month ( billed annually at $168 or billed monthly at $29 per month) for the pro plan (1-25 users),
with the enterprise plan for 25+ team members and extra support and functionality charged at a custom price.
Visme
Visme is a great all-in-one graphic design platform. You can use Visme to create infographics, presentations, and more. There is a free ‘Basic’ plan with professional templates for infographics, presentations, charts, maps, documents, printables, and many more graphic design projects. you can use an easy drag-and-drop feature to create beautiful designs in minutes.
1. Visme is easy to use, with a intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes creating beautiful visuals a straightforward process.
2. Visme offers a wide range of templates and pre-made designs for you to choose from, or you can start from scratch and create your own unique look.
3. With Visme, you can add animated elements to your designs, which is perfect for creating engaging blog posts or presentations.
4. Visme also lets you add interactivity to your visuals, which is great for making instructional content or quizzes.
5. You can easily embed your Visme creations on your blog or website, or share them via social media or email.
6. Visme gives you the ability to track views and engagement statistics for your visuals, so you can see what’s working and what’s not.
7. You can also password-protect your visuals, which is great for creating private or confidential content.
8. The ability to add audio and video: With Visme, you can easily add audio and video files to your visuals, making them even more engaging for your readers.
The free plan allows you to create up to three projects, with paid plans starting at $19 per month (billed annually at $228).
Freelogodesign.org
Freelogodesign.org is a great resource for finding or creating free logos, favicons, and simple graphics for your blog. The site offers a wide range of features, including a library of pre-designed logos, the ability to customize logos, and the ability to download logos in a variety of formats. Here are some of the best features offered by freelogodesign.org:
- Its free! – Creating a 200×200 pixel logo with freelogodesign.org is completely free, and you can download your finished logo in PNG format for free too. There is the option to purchase a high resolution plan if you wish starting at $59.99 USD, they do sometimes have offers which reduce this price.
- A library of pre-designed logos: There are over 2,000 logo designs in the freelogodesign.org library, and millions of icons to customise your design so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.
- The ability to customize logos: If you want to change the color or add text to a logo, you can easily do so with the freelogodesign.org customization tool.
- The ability to download logos in a variety of formats: Freelogodesign.org offers vector files ( EPS, SVG, and PDF), so you can use your logo on any type of printed material.
- It’s simple to use: The site’s logo editor is easy to use, you enter the name of your blog and choose from a variety of design options.
- Search by keyword: Freelogodesign.org makes it easy to search for images by keyword, making it quick and easy to find the right image for your needs.
- Royalty-free images: All of the images on Freelogodesign.org are royalty-free, meaning you can use them on your blog without worrying about copyright infringement.
Design Services
Fiverr
If you’re looking for a great graphic designer, Fiverr is a great place to start. There are a wide variety of designers on the site, so you can find one that fits your style and budget. The key to finding a good designer on Fiverr is to take the time to read through the portfolios of different designers and see if their style is a good fit for your project. Once you’ve found a few designers you like, send them a message and ask for quotes. Be sure to include as much information about your project as possible so they can give you an accurate quote. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a talented graphic designer on Fiverr who will help bring your vision to life.
Freelancers.com
Similar to Fiverr, Freelancers.com is a great place to find talented graphic designers for your project. With a wide range of designers to choose from, businesses can find the perfect fit for their needs. The website provides descriptions of each designer’s skills and experience, as well as examples of their work. In addition, businesses can read reviews from other clients to get an idea of the quality of work they can expect. With such a large pool of talent to choose from, bloggers should find the perfect graphic designer for their project.
Upwork
With so many freelancers to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few key things to look for when searching for a graphic designer on Upwork. First, check the quality of their portfolio. A good designer should have a strong portfolio that showcases their skills and style. Second, read their reviews and take note of any red flags. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews, as they can give you valuable insight into a freelancer’s work ethic and customer service. Finally, check their hourly rate to ensure that it falls within your budget. By following these simple tips, you can help narrow down your search and find the perfect graphic designer for your project.
While all three of these websites offer a similar service, there are some key differences that set them apart. Fiverr is the most affordable option, with some designers charging per design, from $5 . Upwork is a bit more expensive and based more on an hourly rate, with the average designer charging $20 per hour. However, Upwork can sometimes offer a more comprehensive service, with designers often providing unlimited revisions and custom designs because they are charging for time rather than by service. Freelancer.com is more focused on contracting out work and can be the most expensive option, with the average designer charging $50 per hour. However as all three are freelancer platforms, the offers for graphic design vary wildly and it is a case of looking carefully at all three to choose the service and pricepoint you are happiest with.
Kimp
DesignCrowd
Design Pickle
99designs
99designs is a great platform for finding freelance graphic designers if you have a generous budget. You can use 99designs to find someone who can create custom visuals for your blog posts using their contest packages with the basic version starting at $239 + sales tax for 30 design concepts. Basically you provide the brief and designers from their design community submit their ideas from which you can choose your favourite. That designer will then work closely with you to refine and finalize your design, then supply you with the files for digital use or to print.
Toptal
24 slides
24 slides are an efficient and effective team of professional presentation designers who can create Powerpoints, Keynotes, and other similar presentation formats. They offer prices from $9 USD per slide for a ‘fix-up’, $24 for a redesign or $37 for a redraw. There are also monthly subscriptions for regular users which can drastically reduce the cost per slide, and the option to have a dedicated team of presentation designers.
Stock Photos
Free Stock Photos
If you are looking for free, high-quality stock photos and images, then you should check out these websites:
Pexels
Unsplash
FreeImages.com
Pixabay.com
StockVault.net
Stocksnap.io
Premium (paid-for) Stock Photos
For higher quality, higher resolution stock photos that are less likely to be seen all over the internet with the same images being used on many other websites, you could try the following premium, paid-for platforms:
Shutterstock
Adobe Stock
Getty
I stock
Conclusion
These are just a few of the best graphic design tools for bloggers. With these tools, you can create beautiful and engaging visuals for your blog posts. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating!