10+ Free Graphic Design Software Mac Users Must Use 🤩 (2024)

Are you a Mac user who is looking for the best Free Graphic Design software? Well, here we have gathered the best Free Graphic Design Software for Mac Users.

What Is Graphic Design Software?

Graphic design software refers to computer programs and applications designed for creating, editing, and manipulating visual content for various purposes such as advertisem*nts, branding materials, web graphics, and more.

Such software provides designers with a range of features and functionalities to enhance and manipulate images, illustrations, and typography to create visually appealing and engaging designs.

These programs often feature intuitive interfaces and support various file formats, enabling designers to work efficiently and collaborate seamlessly with others in the design process.

Benefits of using the Graphic Design Software:

• Streamlines design process
• Enhances creativity and innovation
• Provides professional-quality results
• Facilitates collaboration and sharing
• Supports various file formats
• Offers versatile tools and features
• Increases efficiency and productivity
• Enables precise editing and manipulation

In this article, we will discuss some of the best Free Graphic Design Software for Mac users.

But what makes the Mac an ideal platform for Graphic designers?

• High-resolution displays: Macs are known for their crisp, high-resolution displays, which are ideal for color-critical work.
• Performance: Many Mac models, especially higher-end ones, pack powerful processors and graphics cards, making them smooth and efficient for running demanding design software.
• Software compatibility: While most major design software runs on both platforms, the industry standard, Adobe Creative Suite, has traditionally had a closer relationship with macOS, including features like native Touch Bar support on Macbooks.
• Intuitive interface: MacOS is known for its user-friendly interface, which can be appealing to some designers.
• Integration with other Apple devices: If you use other Apple devices like iPhones or iPads, Macs offer seamless integration and features like Handoff and Sidecar.
• Build quality: Generally, Macs are known for their premium build quality and durability.

Now, let’s start the collection:

Free Graphic Design Software ForMac

Well, Mac provides an optimal environment for graphic designers to unleash their creativity and produce professional-quality designs efficiently.

Also, graphic design software plays a crucial role in the modern creative industry, empowering designers to unleash their creativity and produce high-quality visual content.

Keeping both in mind, we have prepared this list of free Graphic Design Software for Mac Users.

Figma (FreeTrial)

Figma is a cloud-based design platform that caters to a wide range of creative professionals, including graphic designers. Unlike traditional software installations, Figma operates directly in your web browser, making it accessible on any device with an internet connection. This browser-based approach removes compatibility concerns and allows seamless collaboration across different operating systems, including Mac.

Why Figma shines on Mac:

• Optimized for macOS, Figma feels responsive and fluid, leveraging familiar Mac gestures and shortcuts.
• Works effortlessly with other Mac-dominant design tools like Sketch and Photoshop through plugins and import/export options.
• Integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, facilitating smooth handoff between design and development using tools like Xcode.
• Ensures crisp, high-resolution graphics on Mac’s Retina displays, ideal for pixel-perfect design work.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface
• Create scalable and high-quality graphics
• Work simultaneously with other designers in real-time
• Organize and share reusable design elements, maintaining consistency across projects.
• Craft interactive prototypes to test and refine your designs
• A Vast library of community-created plugins and resources

While working with Figma projects, you can consider using the Figma UI Kit. For example, check the .

We would also like to recommend here a powerful new-tab browser plugin Muzli. It is also available in the mobile app. Moreover, it instantly delivers the latest and cutting-edge designs and news each time you open a new tab.

Here you can discover the best web design inspiration, best websites, best logos, icons, web trends, best mobile sites and applications, minimalist websites, brutalist websites, innovative illustrations, design features, unique websites, photography projects, and visual art, as well as opinions and articles from design experts across the world.

Sketch (FreeTrial)

Sketch is a powerful vector design software specifically built for Mac. It caters primarily to web and user interface (UI) design, offering dedicated tools and features optimized for creating digital products. Though not cloud-based like Figma, Sketch integrates seamlessly with the Mac ecosystem, providing a smooth and efficient design experience. You can consider using the best Sketch UI Kit while working on any sketch project.

Why Sketch Excels on Mac:

• Built using Apple’s frameworks, Sketch feels familiar and responsive, leveraging Mac gestures and shortcuts seamlessly.
• Ensures pixel-perfect design with crisp visuals on high-resolution Mac displays.
• Access a vast library of plugins tailored for Mac, extending Sketch’s functionality and integrating with other design tools.
• Works smoothly with version control systems like Git and handoff tools like Zeplin, streamlining design-to-development workflows.
• Design without an internet connection, ensuring flexibility and uninterrupted work even without network access

Pros:

• The streamlined design focuses on the essentials, fostering efficient workflow and faster learning.
• Create and reuse design elements
• Maintains consistency and streamlines complex projects.
• Build interactive prototypes to test and validate designs
• Export assets in various formats (PNG, SVG, PDF) optimized for web and development workflows.
• Share designs with others using cloud-based tools like Sketch Cloud.

Blender (Free)

Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline — modeling, sculpting, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation.

Why is Blender a great graphic design software for Mac?

• Free and open-source
• Powerful and feature-rich
• Large and active community
• Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux
• Python API for customization

Pros of using Blender:

• Wide range of features
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Large and active community
• Regular updates and improvements
• Free and open-source

Gimp (Free)

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editor available for various operating systems, including Mac. It provides users with a wide range of tools for tasks like photo manipulation, graphic design, and illustration. GIMP is highly customizable and can be extended with scripts and plugins, making it a powerful tool for both beginners and experienced users.

Why is GIMP a great graphic design software for Mac?

• Free and open-source: GIMP is completely free to download and use, making it a great option for users on a budget.
• Powerful and feature-rich: GIMP offers a wide range of features for photo editing, graphic design, and illustration, making it a versatile tool for a variety of creative projects.
• Highly customizable: GIMP can be customized to fit your individual needs and workflow with a wide range of brushes, palettes, and plugins.
• Cross-platform compatibility: GIMP is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux so that you can use it on all of your devices.
• Large and active community: GIMP has a large and active community of users and developers who can provide support and help you learn new things.

Pros of using GIMP:

• Free and open-source
• Powerful and feature-rich
• Highly customizable
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Large and active community

If you are a beginner then do check out the best UI Design Books.

Linearity (Free &Pro)

Linearity is a design software specifically built for Mac & other Apple products like iPad. It helps you ideate, design, and animate marketing materials. Besides, it is easy to use and can help you save time and money. It also has features like AI-powered tools that can help you remove backgrounds and generate copy.

What Makes It the Best Free Graphic Design Software for Mac?

• Easy to use, even for beginners
• Affordable, with a free plan and paid plans that are very reasonably priced
• Powerful, with a wide range of features that can meet the needs of most designers
• Versatile, able to create a variety of different types of graphic design projects
• Time-saving, with AI-powered features that can automate some tasks
• Cross-platform, so you can use it on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone

Pro:

• Seamless integration with the ecosystem
• Intuitive interface for easy navigation
• Wide range of design tools and effects
• Support for high-resolution graphics and retina displays
• Regular updates and improvements for enhanced performance
• Smooth workflow with Mac OS compatibility

Also, check the best prototyping tools.

Inkscape (Free)

Inkscape is a powerful open-source graphic design software that Mac users widely use for creating vector graphics. With its robust set of features and flexibility, Inkscape provides designers with the tools needed to bring their creative visions to life. Whether you’re designing logos, illustrations, or complex artwork, Inkscape offers a user-friendly interface and extensive functionality to meet your graphic design needs.

What Makes Inkscape a Great Graphic Design Software for Mac?

• Free to use, making it accessible to all users
• Extensive range of vector editing tools for precise designs
• Cross-platform compatibility, allowing seamless use on Mac and other operating systems
• Active community support with regular updates and new features
• Customizable interface to tailor the workspace to your preferences

Features:

• Flexible drawing tools
• Broad file format compatibility
• Powerful text tool
• Bezier and spiro curves

Pros:

• Advanced vector editing capabilities
• Support for a wide range of file formats
• Ability to create complex shapes and designs
• Seamless integration with other design software
• Versatile text manipulation tools
• Extensive documentation and tutorials for learning and troubleshooting

Canva (Free &Pro)

Canva is a popular web-based graphic design platform that offers a wide range of tools and templates for creating various visual content, including social media graphics, presentations, posters, and more. With its user-friendly interface and extensive library of design elements, Canva simplifies the graphic design process for Mac users, enabling them to create professional-quality designs quickly and easily.

Why Canva is a Great Graphic Design Software for Mac:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for effortless design creation
• The vast library of templates, graphics, photos, and fonts for inspiration
• Collaboration features, allow multiple users to work on designs simultaneously
• Seamless integration with social media platforms for easy sharing of designs
• Mobile app availability for designing on the go

Features:

• Mobile app for designing on the go
• Free plan with basic features available
• Affordable paid plans for additional functionality
• Regular updates and new features added

Pros of Using Canva:

• Easy-to-use interface suitable for beginners and experienced designers alike
• Accessible anywhere with an internet connection, no software installation required
• Free plan available with basic features, plus affordable paid plans for additional functionality
• Regular updates and new features added to enhance user experience
• Extensive customer support resources, including tutorials and help articles

Krita (Free)

Krita is a powerful open-source graphic design software that offers advanced digital painting and illustration tools for Mac users. With a focus on providing professional-level features, Krita is suitable for artists, illustrators, and designers looking to create high-quality artwork digitally. Its extensive set of brushes, customizable interface, and support for various file formats make it a versatile tool for creative professionals.

Why Krita is a Great Graphic Design Software for Mac:

• An extensive set of brushes and painting tools for digital artwork
• Customizable interface to tailor the workspace to your preferences
• Support for multiple file formats, including PSD, SVG, and more
• Regular updates and improvements based on community feedback
• Free to use, making it accessible to all users

Pros:

• Advanced digital painting capabilities
• Support for animation and storyboard creation
• Non-destructive editing features for flexible workflow
• Brush stabilizers for smooth and precise strokes
• Active community and online resources for learning and support

Lunacy by Icons8(Free)

Lunacy is a versatile graphic design software that offers a wide range of features for creating stunning designs and illustrations. With its intuitive interface and robust functionality, Lunacy provides designers with the tools they need to bring their creative visions to life. Whether you’re designing user interfaces, icons, or web graphics, Lunacy offers a seamless workflow and extensive capabilities to meet your design needs. It works well with Mac, Windows & Linux.

Why Lunacy is a Great Graphic Design Software for Mac:

• Intuitive interface for easy navigation and design creation
• Native app for Mac
• Real-time collaboration
• AI-powered tools
• Wide range of design tools and features for versatile projects
• Support for multiple file formats, including Sketch files
• Collaboration features for team-based design projects
• Regular updates and improvements for enhanced performance

Pros:

• Advanced vector editing capabilities
• Access to thousands of icons and illustrations from the Icons8 library
• Ability to work offline without an internet connection
• Customizable interface to suit individual preferences
• Free to use, making it accessible to all designers

Adobe PhotoShop (FreeTrial)

Adobe Photoshop is an industry-leading raster graphics editor known for its comprehensive photo editing and graphic design capabilities. Widely considered the gold standard in the field, it offers a vast array of tools for image manipulation, illustration, web design, and more. Available for Mac and Windows, it seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

Why is Photoshop a great graphic design software for Mac?

• Industry Standard: Recognized by professionals, and widely used for design jobs, ensuring seamless collaboration and file compatibility.
• Unmatched Features: Extensive toolset for precise editing, advanced layering, filters, effects, typography, and web design assets.
• Creative Freedom: Unmatched flexibility for diverse design projects, from photo manipulation and illustrations to UI/UX design and web graphics.
• Seamless Integration: Part of Adobe Creative Cloud, integrates smoothly with other Adobe apps like Illustrator and After Effects for efficient workflows.
• Constant Innovation: Regular updates, new features, and AI-powered tools like Neural Filters keep it at the forefront of design technology.

Pros of using Photoshop:

• Exceptional image editing: Retouching, color correction, compositing, HDR, panoramas, etc.
• Vector graphics capabilities: Shape tools, paths, layer styles, and text effects for logos and illustrations.
• Web design features: Slices, guides, responsive design tools, and asset export for web projects.
• 3D design integration: Create and incorporate 3D elements into graphic designs.
• Extensive customization: Brushes, palettes, plugins, scripts, and actions for personalized workflows.
• Large and active community: Tutorials, resources, support from fellow designers and Adobe

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the array of free graphic design software options available for Mac users offers a diverse palette of tools to unleash creativity without the burden of cost. Whether you’re a novice designer seeking simplicity or a seasoned professional requiring advanced features, these free solutions cater to a spectrum of needs and skill levels.

From vector-based design to raster editing and beyond, Mac-compatible software like GIMP, Inkscape, and Canva empower users to bring their artistic visions to life without breaking the bank. With these resources at your fingertips, there are no limits to what you can create, making the world of graphic design more accessible and inclusive for all.