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Pros
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Boise State University provides free licenses for Adobe Pro
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Free limited versions are available through Canva
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Easy
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Moderate
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Easy
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Summary Boise State University does not have an official graphic design software, this article reviews several popular graphic design softwares and identifies the pros and cons of each software. Remember to consider Online Accessibility, Alternative Text, and other user-needs when creating content for online resources. Sources for this article: |
What Is Graphic Design Software?
Graphic design software is used to create, edit, and view graphic art. There are many types of graphic design software available, each with different tools and functions. Depending on the software, users can create illustrations, develop multimedia, stylize or edit images, and format layouts.
Why might someone might need a Graphic Design tool?
Instructors often have a need to create their own images and graphics. Use cases include the following:
Creating a course banner, thumbnail, or other image for aesthetic purposes
Creating a diagram or instructional graphic
Editing or annotating an existing graphic or screenshot
Editing a profile or other photograph
While these use cases represent the distinct activities of creating and editing, the tools available to do these tasks are often similar or overlapping.
Graphic Design Software Matrix
Graphic Designers rely on software to bring their ideas to fruition.
Software
Pros
Cons
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Software Name
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Adobe
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Canva
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Marq
Canva
Free Limited Use of Software
Easy to use regardless of skill level
Offers a variety of templates and – that can be altered to be more custom
Offers stock photos
Team access for group work
Social media templates
Free version has limited access to templates and stock photography
Accessibility issues with use of the tool, contrast, zoom, etc.
Export versions are limited
Intellectual property belongs to Canva and your account can be deleted by Canva at any time
Adobe Pro
To get: Contact your department or college administrator to request an Acrobat Pro license or send a request to the Help Desk at helpdesk@boisestate.edu.
Please connect with the Help Desk for questions or additional information about Adobe Acrobat Pro. Call (208) 426-4357 or email helpdesk@boisestate.edu.
Free for Boise State Faculty and Staff to download on their university owned computers.
Acrobat Pro allows you to view, create, manipulate, print, and manage PDF files.
You can also use Acrobat Pro’s Accessibility Checker tool to make PDF files accessible for people of all abilities.
Not free for students.
Requires some training to use, there is a learning curve for beginners.
BeFunky
A free account is available with limited access.
User friendly for beginners.
Quality product.
The advanced graphic design features are only available with the paid version of the product.
There can be a time delay in previews.
The software can only be accessed over the internet, no offline access.
PIXLR
There is a free version of this software available.
Easy to use for beginners.
Good free options for basic edits to photos.
Free version had ads consuming significant screen real estate.
Free version only allows for a limited amount of “Saves” before it requires upgrade to continue.
Frequent updates can cause confusion locating features in PIXLR
Adobe Express
Create and share a wide variety of visual media all in one platform.
Fluid templates and many stock assets
Powerful and useful image and video editing features
File conversion capabilities
Includes 2GB (free) and 100GB (paid version) of cloud storage
As a primarily visual platform, the tool might be challenging for students with varying accessibility needs.
Not intuitive at first if you're used to Creative Cloud desktop apps
Unexpected menus show up after certain actions
No new functionality in the webpage category (formerly Spark Page)
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