Top 10 Essential Tools for Graphic Designers in 2024

Whether you’re a professional or just starting, having appropriate tools in any field is very important. In the constantly advancing world of graphic design, knowing what is out there in the market is crucial. 

In this guide, we will list out the best tools that will enable one to give the best works possible and empower creatives to shape new visions.

List of Top 10 Essential Tools for Graphic Designers in 2024

Graphic Design Monitor: ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV is an excellent monitor choice for graphic designers due to its outstanding color accuracy and high-resolution display. It features a 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) panel that provides a sharp and detailed view of your work, which is essential for tasks such as photo editing and digital illustration. The monitor covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut and is factory calibrated for color accuracy, ensuring that what you see on the screen matches the final output. This level of color fidelity is crucial for designers who need to ensure that their designs are consistent across various mediums.

Another significant advantage of the PA278CV is its ergonomic design and connectivity options. The monitor offers extensive adjustability, including height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, allowing you to customize your workspace for maximum comfort during long design sessions. It also includes a variety of ports, such as USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-A, providing flexibility in connecting different devices and peripherals. The USB-C port with Power Delivery enables charging of compatible laptops while simultaneously transferring data, which helps in reducing cable clutter and streamlining your workstation.

Additionally, the PA278CV features ASUS’s Eye Care technology, which includes flicker-free backlighting and blue light filters. These features reduce eye strain during extended periods of use, making it easier to work on detailed design projects for longer periods. Combined with its comprehensive color accuracy and versatile connectivity, the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV is a well-rounded monitor that enhances productivity and ensures that graphic design work is displayed with precision and clarity.

Price:

$299.00

Specifications:

Screen Size: 27 inches

Panel Type: IPS

Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (WQHD)

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Brightness: 300 nits

Contrast Ratio: 1000:1

Refresh Rate: 75 Hz

Color Gamut: sRGB: 100%; Adobe RGB: 99%

Color Accuracy: ΔE < 2

Connectivity: 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x USB-C (supports DisplayPort 1.2, Power Delivery up to 65W), 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x Audio Jack (3.5mm)

Weight: Approx. 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs) with stand

Dimensions (with Stand): 614 x 527 x 228 mm (24.2 x 20.8 x 9.0 inches)

Dimensions (Without Stand): 614 x 373 x 45 mm (24.2 x 14.7 x 1.8 inches)

Printer: Canon PIXMA G6020

The Canon PIXMA G6020 is a versatile all-in-one printer that stands out for its high-quality output and cost-efficiency, making it a valuable tool for graphic designers. Its SuperTank ink system, which includes high-capacity ink tanks, significantly reduces the cost per print compared to traditional cartridge printers. This is particularly beneficial for designers who need to produce high volumes of prints or large-format documents without frequent ink replacements, thereby saving both time and money.

The G6020 delivers impressive print quality with its 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution, ensuring sharp, vibrant colors and fine details in both text and images. This level of detail is essential for graphic design projects, such as proofing prints or creating high-quality portfolios. The printer also supports various paper sizes and types, including glossy photo paper and heavy-duty media, providing flexibility for different design needs.

In addition to its printing capabilities, the PIXMA G6020 offers scanning and copying functions, making it a comprehensive solution for designers who require document management and digitization. Its built-in Wi-Fi and mobile printing options allow for seamless connectivity and easy printing from smartphones, tablets, or computers. This connectivity ensures that designers can quickly and efficiently manage their print tasks without being tethered to their workstations.

Price:

$459.98

Specifications:

Type: All-in-One Printer

Printing Technology: Inkjet

Functionality: Print, Scan, Copy

Display: 2-Line LCD

Print Resolution: Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi

Print Speed: Black: Up to 13 IPM (images per minute); Color: Up to 6.8 IPM

Paper Handling: Input Capacity: 250 sheets (Front Paper Tray); Output Capacity: 100 sheets

Mobile Printing: Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Canon PRINT app, Mopria Print Service

Scan Resolution: Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi (optical)

Copy Resolution: Up to 600 x 600 dpi

Dimensions: (W x D x H): 15.9 x 14.6 x 8.7 inches (404 x 371 x 221 mm)

Weight: Approx. 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg)

External Solid State Drive: Crucial X9 Pro

The Crucial X9 Pro is a high-performance external SSD designed to meet the demanding needs of graphic designers. With its NVMe interface, the X9 Pro offers impressive read and write speeds, reaching up to 2000 MB/s. This high-speed performance is crucial for handling large design files, such as high-resolution images and video projects, allowing for rapid data transfer and access. Whether you’re working on extensive design portfolios, editing large video files, or transferring complex project assets, the X9 Pro ensures smooth and efficient workflow.

Durability is another key feature of the Crucial X9 Pro. It boasts a rugged and compact design that is both shock-resistant and drop-resistant. This makes it an excellent choice for on-the-go use, whether you’re moving between different workspaces or traveling to client meetings. Its construction helps protect your valuable data from physical damage, providing peace of mind that your projects are safe.

Additionally, the Crucial X9 Pro is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles, thanks to its USB-C interface. This versatility ensures that it integrates seamlessly into various setups, providing flexibility for different use cases. Its sleek and portable design, combined with high-speed performance and durability, makes the Crucial X9 Pro a reliable storage solution for graphic designers who need fast, secure, and efficient data management.

Price:

$97.99

Specifications:

Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2

Storage Capacities: 1 TB, 2 TB

Read Speed: Up to 2000 MB/s

Write Speed: Up to 2000 MB/s

Form Factor: Portable, rugged

Build Material: Aluminum (for durability and heat dissipation)

Dimensions: (W x D x H): Approx. 2.9 x 4.8 x 0.6 inches (73.5 x 122.7 x 15.3 mm)

Weight: Approx. 0.3 lbs (0.14 kg)

Cutting-Edge Design Software: Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a cornerstone tool in graphic design, renowned for its powerful vector-based design capabilities. Unlike raster-based software, Illustrator uses vectors—mathematical equations defining shapes and lines—which allows designers to create graphics that are scalable without losing quality. This is essential for producing high-resolution artwork, logos, icons, and illustrations that need to maintain sharpness and detail across various sizes and formats.

One of Illustrator’s key strengths is its comprehensive set of tools for creating and manipulating vector graphics. Features like the Pen Tool, Pathfinder, and Shape Builder provide precise control over the creation and editing of complex shapes and paths. Additionally, Illustrator’s advanced typography tools enable designers to work with text in creative and flexible ways, making it ideal for designing everything from custom typefaces to intricate typographic compositions.

Illustrator also integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Adobe XD. This integration allows for a streamlined workflow where assets can be easily shared and edited across different programs. The ability to save and export designs in various formats, including AI, SVG, EPS, and PDF, ensures that Illustrator remains versatile and compatible with various publishing and print requirements. 

Price:

$263.88 

Specifications:

System Requirements:

Windows

OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later

Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent AMD processor

RAM: 8 GB (16 GB recommended)

GPU: GPU with DirectX 12 support

Hard Disk: 3 GB of available disk space

macOS

OS: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later

Processor: Intel Core i5 or Apple Silicon M1 or later

RAM: 8 GB (16 GB recommended)

GPU: GPU with Metal support

Hard Disk: 2 GB of available disk space

Integration: Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects.

Project Management Tool: Notion

Notion is a highly versatile productivity and organizational tool that has gained popularity among graphic designers for its ability to streamline workflows and manage projects effectively. Its all-in-one workspace combines note-taking, task management, databases, and calendar functionalities into a single platform, making it a powerful tool for organizing complex design projects and collaborating with team members.

One of Notion’s key features is its customizable and flexible workspace. Users can create pages and databases tailored to their specific needs, whether for tracking design projects, managing assets, or organizing client feedback. The ability to create linked databases and interconnected pages allows designers to maintain a clear overview of their work, track progress, and ensure that all project components are easily accessible and up to date.

Additionally, Notion’s collaborative features facilitate team communication and project management. Users can share pages and databases with team members, assign tasks, set deadlines, and leave comments. This real-time collaboration helps ensure that everyone involved in a design project is on the same page and can contribute to the project’s success. With its blend of organizational tools, customization options, and collaboration capabilities, Notion provides graphic designers with a comprehensive solution for managing their workflow and enhancing productivity.

Price:

$10/month

Specifications:

Supported Platforms

Web: Accessible via major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

Windows: Desktop app available for Windows 10 and later

macOS: Desktop app available for macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and later

iOS: Mobile app available for iPhone and iPad (iOS 14 and later)

Android: Mobile app available for Android devices (Android 8.0 and later)

Storage: Cloud-based with unlimited pages and blocks; storage depends on your subscription plan.

Syncing: Real-time synchronization across devices.

Security: Encrypted data transfer and storage; supports single sign-on (SSO) for enterprise plans.

Graphic Drawing Tablet: Apple iPad Pro (6th Gen)

The Apple iPad Pro (6th Gen) is a powerful and versatile tool that is particularly beneficial for graphic designers. Its high-resolution Liquid Retina display, which supports ProMotion technology and True Tone, provides exceptional color accuracy and smoothness. With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, the display offers crisp and detailed visuals, making it ideal for precision work such as digital illustration, photo editing, and layout design.

Equipped with the M2 chip, the 6th Gen iPad Pro delivers impressive performance that can handle demanding design apps with ease. This includes advanced applications like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate, which benefit from the iPad Pro’s powerful processing capabilities. The M2 chip ensures that tasks such as rendering complex graphics, multitasking, and managing large files are smooth and efficient, which can significantly enhance a designer’s workflow.

The iPad Pro also supports the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), which is a game-changer for digital drawing and design. The precision, pressure sensitivity, and tilt recognition of the Apple Pencil provide a natural and responsive drawing experience, making it a valuable tool for creating detailed artwork. Combined with the iPad Pro’s portability, long battery life, and support for various creative apps, it becomes an essential device for designers who need both power and flexibility in their creative process.

Price:

$1,399.00

Specifications:

Display Size: 12.9 inches

Display Type: Liquid Retina XDR display

Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixels

Processor: Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU

Storage Options: 128 GB up to 2 TB

RAM: 12 GB

Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video

Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.1 x 8.5 x 0.25 inches)

Weight: 682 grams (1.5 lbs) for Wi-Fi model, 684 grams (1.51 lbs) for 5G model

Gaming Keyboard: Razer BlackWidow V4

The Razer BlackWidow V4 is a high-performance mechanical keyboard designed to meet the demands of both gamers and professionals, including graphic designers. Its key features include Razer’s advanced mechanical switches, which provide satisfying tactile feedback and a customizable typing experience. The keyboard’s switches are available in various types, such as Razer Green (clicky), Razer Yellow (linear), and Razer Orange (tactile), allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences and work environment.

The BlackWidow V4 also boasts a durable and ergonomic design, featuring customizable RGB Chroma backlighting. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard but also allows for improved visibility in low-light conditions, which can be particularly useful during late-night design sessions. The keyboard’s programmable macro keys and media controls offer additional functionality, enabling designers to streamline repetitive tasks and adjust settings without leaving their design applications.

Additionally, the Razer BlackWidow V4 is built with a sturdy frame and high-quality materials that ensure longevity and reliability. Its anti-ghosting and N-Key rollover features ensure that every keystroke is registered accurately, which is crucial for precise and uninterrupted work. Combined with its customizable features and great performance, the BlackWidow V4 provides a versatile and reliable input solution for graphic designers who value both form and function in their tools.

Price:

$169.99

Specifications:

Build

Frame: Aluminum top plate

Design: Full-sized with dedicated media controls and a wrist rest

Connectivity

Wired: USB Type-C

Detachable cable for easy transport

Additional Features

Anti-Ghosting: Supports simultaneous key presses

N-Key Rollover: Full rollover with anti-ghosting

Dedicated Macro Keys: Customizable for in-game commands

Media Controls: Dedicated buttons for volume and playback control

Wrist Rest: Ergonomic and detachable

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions: Approx. 474 x 220 x 42 mm (18.7 x 8.7 x 1.7 inches)

Weight: Approx. 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs)

Compatibility

Windows 10 and later; macOS support for basic functionality

Ergonomic Chair: Alera Elusion

The Alera ALEEL41ME10B Elusion Series High-Back Multifunction Mesh Chair is a highly adjustable office chair that offers comfort and ergonomic support, making it ideal for graphic designers and professionals who spend long hours at their desks. The chair features a breathable mesh back that promotes airflow, helping to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day. Its contoured seat cushion, designed with premium upholstery and waterfall edge, helps reduce pressure on the legs, enhancing overall seating comfort.

One of the key benefits of the Elusion Series chair is its extensive adjustability, which allows users to customize the chair to their specific needs. It includes multifunctional controls such as seat height adjustment, tilt tension, tilt lock, and forward tilt, providing a tailored sitting experience that supports proper posture and reduces strain. The adjustable arms can be raised, lowered, or moved in and out, ensuring that your arms are comfortably supported whether you are typing, drawing, or using a mouse.

The high-back design of the chair offers substantial support to the upper back and shoulders, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy posture during extended work sessions. Its durable build and professional appearance make it a reliable addition to any office setup, blending functionality with a sleek, modern look.

Price:

$499.99

Specifications:

Ergonomics

Lumbar Support: Built-in lumbar support to promote healthy posture and reduce back strain

Synchro-Tilt: Allows the backrest to recline at a different rate than the seat for better weight distribution and natural movement.

Forward Tilt: Forward tilt function for task-specific seating positions

Dimensions and Capacity

Overall Dimensions: 26.18″ W x 25.59″ D x 46.45″ H (varies with adjustments)

Seat Dimensions: 20.47″ W x 19.29″ D

Back Dimensions: 20.87″ W x 24.80″ H

Weight Capacity: Up to 275 lbs

Stylus Pen: Logitech Crayon

The Logitech Crayon is a versatile digital stylus designed primarily for use with Apple iPads, offering a user-friendly tool for graphic designers, illustrators, and students. It provides pixel-perfect precision and low latency, which makes it ideal for sketching, drawing, and taking notes. Unlike some other styluses, the Logitech Crayon is compatible with a wide range of iPad models, making it an accessible option for many users.

One of the key features of the Logitech Crayon is its palm rejection technology, allowing you to rest your hand naturally on the screen while using the stylus without interfering with your work. This makes it feel more like drawing on paper, enhancing the overall drawing experience. The Crayon’s smart tip also dynamically adjusts the line weight based on the angle at which you use it, giving you more control over your strokes and allowing for more detailed and nuanced artwork.

Additionally, the Logitech Crayon is built with durability in mind, featuring a great and kid-friendly design that can withstand drops and bumps. Its 7.5-hour battery life ensures that it can last through extended work sessions, and it charges quickly via a standard Lightning cable. With its easy-to-use design, broad compatibility, and reliable performance, the Logitech Crayon is an excellent tool for graphic designers who need a dependable stylus for their creative work.

Price:

$48.99

Specifications:

Color: Orange

Brand: Logitech

Material: Aluminum, Silicon Rubber, PC+ABS

Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)

Item Weight: 0.7 Ounces

Compatible Devices: Tablet

Item Dimensions: L x W x H 0.3 x 0.5 x 6.5 inches

Battery Description: Lithium-Ion Polymer

Noise Cancelling Headphone: Bose Headphone 700

The Bose Headphones 700 are premium wireless noise-canceling headphones that offer exceptional sound quality and advanced features, making them a valuable tool for graphic designers who need to focus in diverse work environments. With their industry-leading noise-canceling technology, these headphones allow users to choose from 11 levels of noise cancellation, effectively blocking out distractions or letting in some ambient sound when needed. This level of control is particularly beneficial in busy or noisy environments, helping designers maintain concentration and enhance productivity.

One of the key strengths of the Bose Headphones 700 is their superior audio performance, characterized by clear, balanced sound across all frequencies, which is perfect for enjoying music, video editing, or simply listening to audio feedback during creative projects. The headphones also feature an adaptive microphone system that isolates your voice from surrounding noise, making them ideal for clear communication during calls or virtual meetings, which is essential for collaboration with clients and team members.

In addition to their audio capabilities, the Bose Headphones 700 offer a sleek, modern design with a comfortable fit for extended wear. They feature intuitive touch controls on the ear cups for easy access to volume adjustment, track changes, and voice assistant activation. With up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, they are reliable for long work sessions without frequent recharging. Their combination of premium sound, cutting-edge noise cancellation, and stylish comfort makes the Bose Headphones 700 an excellent choice for graphic designers looking to create an immersive and focused work environment.

Price:

$379.00

Specifications:

Brand: Bose

Color: Black

Ear Placement: Over Ear

Form Factor: Over Ear

Impedance: 4 Ohm

Final Thoughts

The resources available to a designer are crucial in determining how successful they are as the design develops. The aforementioned list of the top 10 essential tools has many features, perks, and advantages for designers of all skill levels. You can increase your creativity, optimize your workflow, and take your design projects to the next level by utilizing these tools.