5 Affordable & Easy-to-Use Online Design Tools

The most frustrating part of any project is having a vision for your project, yet little to no help in having it manifest into something beautiful. I have compiled some go-to resources to tackle any 2D design job. The following resources will help you to navigate the world of online design tools and allow you to make the last decision on if you want to learn how to do the work yourself or hire a freelancer for the job.

DIY: FOR THE MOTIVATED

I usually do the work on my own, having been self-taught, I always loved the trial and error of learning how to effectively complete design projects for myself and others. The following sites are great for students, artists and entrepreneurs who don't necessarily have the graphic design skills, but still have a little time to practice design. These online web design tools come in handy when needing to create marketing materials or visuals for your blog. Most of them offer free plans and/or affordable premium plans.

1. Picmonkey: Affordable Graphic Design Tool

Picmonkey has been my go-to app for online design for years. I have seen the tool evolve over the years and I am impressed by the ease-of-use, as well as its accessibility. Picmonkey makes for a great photo editor and design tool for budding artists.

Cost:

• Basic Plan: $7.99/month or $72/year

• Pro Plan: $12.99/month or $99.99

• Team Plan: $300

2. Adobe Spark: Professional Design Tool

Adobe Spark is a tool which can be used to design graphics, videos, and web pages. Adobe Spark is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud plan, or available for purchase as a stand-alone plan. Spark is a great app to use if you want to include cinematic motion in your projects.

Cost:

• $9.99/month or $99.99/year

3. Canva: Free Graphic Design

Canva is a popular graphic design platform used primarily for social media marketing, posters, presentations. It's easy-to-use drag-and-drop features are great for making quick business cards, logos, and brochures.

Cost:

• Free: $0 per month

• Canva For Work: $12.95/month, or $119.40/year

4. Pixlr: Free Photo Editing

Pixlr (formerly Pixlr Express) is a free online photo editing app. Effects, filters, overlays, simple to expert tools are available, as well as the ability to open almost any image format.

Cost:

• Free: $0 per month

5. Infogram: Easy Infographic & Chart Maker

If you are a rising entrepreneur, a good infographic goes a long way. Whether you are designing for your blog or presentation, Infogram is a good tool to use for quick, clean, and colorful graphics.

Cost:

• Basic Plan: Free

• Pro Plan: $19/month, billed yearly

• Business Plan: $67/month, billed yearly

• Team Plan: $149/month, billed yearly