General Article

5 Best Design Tools for Beginners in 2025

Coming up with an original graphic design can be a tiring and complicated process. From conceptualizing an idea to laying it out from scratch, it’s safe to say that not everyone has the time or expertise to whip out a creative output in minutes.

That’s where a handy set of free online design tools comes in. Whether you’re an amateur designer or a small business owner looking for a simpler and more cost-effective way to create your own branded content, we’ve got you covered.

In this handy guide, we’ll walk you through the best online graphic design tools you can try in 2025. We’ll go over the best design features to look for and offer an in-depth review of each platform. Let’s dive in!

What Are the Top Features to Look for in an Online Design Tool?

While Photoshop is often the go-to for professional designers, it’s simply not a viable option for most users for various reasons. On top of its pricey subscription plans, it’s also highly complicated and filled with various features that may be overkill for the everyday user.

Luckily, various online design tools were designed with this very thought in mind. In case you’re not already familiar with using one, below are the best features you can leverage in an online design platform:

1.   Drag-and-drop editor

With the help of a drag-and-drop editor, users can simply lay out designs using ready-made design elements for a less complicated and more user-friendly design process.

2.   Template library

If you’re interested in designing a simple product announcement or upcoming sale poster, using ready-made poster templates can make a big difference. Instead of starting your design from scratch, users can simply refer to a handy template library for professionally-made and fully customizable designs.

3.   AI tools

Whether you need help with generating a specific image or with writing an optimized caption to accompany your graphic design, AI tools are now readily accessible on online design platforms. With just a click of a button, you can easily generate your desired content within minutes.

4.   Brand Kits

One of the most important design and marketing principles to abide by is brand consistency. Not only does it help your audience easily recognize your business, but it’s also a simpler way to design content.

With a Brand Kit tool, you can simply load up your brand’s specific color scheme, logo, and even font selections for a more convenient design process.

5.   Team collaboration

Working independently on a design can already be a handful—what more if you need to collaborate with a team? Luckily, most online design platforms are now equipped with a handy team collaboration feature where users can easily collaborate on designs simultaneously and in real-time.

What Are the Best Online Design Platforms for Non-Designers in 2025?

From tools that can help with basic animation to all-in-one solutions, here is an in-depth review of the best online design platforms for non-designers:

1.   Adobe Express

Overview

Adobe Express is an online design platform that’s also part of the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Unlike Photoshop, Adobe Express offers a much simpler and more user-friendly interface with a drag-and-drop editor.

Pricing plans (monthly)

  • Free
  • Premium ($9.99)
  • Teams ($7.99)

Features

  • Static, motion, and video templates
  • Adobe Stock photos and videos
  • Generative AI
  • Adobe Fonts
  • Branded templates

Why it’s great

While it offers many of the same features as other online design tools, Adobe Express particularly stands out due to its integration with the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. On top of being able to integrate your designs with other Adobe applications, users can also get access to exclusive Adobe design elements.

2.   Canva

Overview

Canva is an online design tool popular among amateur designers, students, and social media managers alike due to its easily recognizable design interface. One of the more popular tools in this list, Canva offers a variety of design types for versatile editing needs.

Pricing plans (monthly)

  • Free
  • Pro ($15)

Features

  • Video editing software
  • Basic animation tools
  • Social media scheduling
  • Resizing tool
  • Brand Kits

Why it’s great

Most users may already be familiar with Canva due to its popularity among beginners and non-designers. While it’s certainly not the be-all and end-all of design tools, it remains a suitable option for those in need of a user-friendly online design tool for general use.

3.   Venngage

Overview

Venngage is another online design platform specifically designed for non-designers in need of a tool that can help visualize data-heavy material. On top of its wide variety of icons, charts, and infographic templates, Venngage also offers a few AI features for more seamless designing.

Pricing plans (monthly)

  • Free
  • Premium ($19)
  • Business ($49)
  • Enterprise (starts at $499)

Features

  • AI Infographic generator
  • Presentation maker
  • Export in PDF/UA
  • Color blind simulator
  • AI Branding automation

Why it’s great

For users in need of a …