Top Graphic Design Tools to Learn in 2025 Curriculum

Graphic design is an ever-evolving field, with new tools and technologies shaping the way designers create. As we head into 2025, graphic design curriculums are adapting to include cutting-edge software that meets the needs of modern designers. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade your skills, knowing which tools to master can give you a competitive edge in the industry.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top graphic design tools to learn in 2025 that are likely to be part of most design courses and training programs.

1. Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

It’s impossible to talk about graphic design without mentioning Adobe Creative Cloud. The suite includes industry-standard software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, which have been mainstays for years. These tools remain vital in 2025, and any serious graphic design curriculum will cover them in detail.

Photoshop is a powerful image editing tool, perfect for creating digital artwork, retouching photos, and designing web graphics.

Illustrator is ideal for vector graphics, making it a go-to for logo design, branding, and illustrations.

InDesign is essential for layouts, such as designing brochures, magazines, and books.

While other tools are gaining popularity, Adobe Creative Cloud is still the gold standard for most professional designers, and learning these programs will give you a solid foundation in the industry.

2. Figma

Figma has rapidly become one of the most popular tools for interface design, and it’s a must-learn for any designer focusing on UI/UX. It’s a web-based tool, which means it’s great for collaboration. Designers, developers, and clients can work together in real time, making the design process smoother and faster.

Figma is used for creating website and app designs, wireframes, and prototypes. In 2025, we can expect more curriculums to include Figma due to its widespread adoption in the tech industry. If you want to specialize in web or app design, mastering Figma will be essential.

3. Canva

For those who are new to design or want to create visuals quickly, Canva is a fantastic tool. Canva has gained massive popularity because of its simplicity and wide range of design templates. It’s great for creating social media posts, presentations, posters, and other marketing materials without needing advanced design skills.

In 2025, graphic design courses may include Canva as a starting point for beginners. While it’s not as powerful as Adobe tools, it’s a valuable tool for non-designers or those looking to create high-quality graphics fast. Knowing Canva can also help you manage client work more efficiently when time is a factor.

4. Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo

If you’re looking for alternatives to Adobe products, the Affinity suite—particularly Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo—is worth exploring. These tools offer many of the same features as Illustrator and Photoshop but at a much lower cost.

Affinity Designer is great for creating vector designs, such as logos and illustrations.

Affinity Photo offers powerful photo editing capabilities, making it a solid alternative to Photoshop.

Many curriculums in 2025 are expected to feature Affinity products due to their affordability and strong feature set, making them attractive to freelancers and small businesses that want to cut down on software expenses.

5. Procreate

For designers interested in digital illustration, Procreate is a must-learn tool. This iPad-exclusive app is designed for creating hand-drawn illustrations and is a favorite among artists and designers alike. It’s user-friendly and allows you to draw with the Apple Pencil, giving you a natural drawing experience that closely resembles working with pen and paper.

In 2025, we’re likely to see more courses incorporating Procreate, especially for those focused on illustration, concept art, and character design. If you’re a designer who loves drawing, Procreate is one of the best tools to add to your skill set.

6. Blender

3D design is becoming more popular in graphic design, and Blender is one of the top tools for creating 3D models, animations, and visual effects. Best of all, Blender is free, making it accessible to students and professionals alike.

In 2025, graphic design curriculums will increasingly focus on 3D design as businesses and brands look for immersive visuals. If you’re interested in motion graphics, game design, or even product mockups, learning Blender will give you a significant advantage.

7. Sketch

Much like Figma, Sketch is a popular tool for UI/UX design. It’s a favorite among designers who work on mobile app and web design projects. Sketch offers a clean interface and specialized tools for creating wireframes, prototypes, and interactive designs.

While Figma has taken a large share of the design market, Sketch is still widely used, especially in smaller design teams. In 2025, it’s likely that UI/UX-focused curriculums will offer both Sketch and Figma, giving students the flexibility to choose the tool that best fits their workflow.

8. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW has been around for a long time and continues to be popular in industries like printing, engraving, and signage. It’s a vector design tool similar to Adobe Illustrator but with its own set of unique features.

Some curriculums in 2025 will include CorelDRAW, especially in courses focused on print design. If you’re looking to specialize in print media, learning CorelDRAW can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.

9. InVision

Designing isn’t just about creating visuals; it’s also about presenting and prototyping ideas. InVision is a top tool for prototyping and collaborating on design projects. It allows designers to create interactive prototypes that clients can navigate, making it easier to present website or app designs.

InVision’s ability to streamline the feedback process makes it an essential tool for modern designers. Expect to see more design curriculums in 2025 integrating InVision, especially for UI/UX and product design students.

Conclusion

As graphic design continues to evolve, so do the tools that shape the industry. In 2025, learning a mix of traditional and cutting-edge software will be essential for staying competitive. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your skills, mastering these tools will open up new opportunities in the world of design.

From Adobe Creative Cloud to Figma and Blender, the tools covered in this blog offer the versatility and power needed to succeed in modern graphic design. Choose the ones that align with your career goals and start building a portfolio that reflects your creativity and expertise.