Graphic design refers to artistic and professional tasks which focus on visual communication and presentation in order to communicate an idea or concept. An assortment of methods is used to create and combine symbols, images and words to create a visual depiction of ideas and messages. A graphic artist/designer is one who does the designs graphics. Graphic design software programs provide all of the professional and creative tools that one will need for drawing, photo editing, web graphics, logos, page layout, painting, image design and editing, illustration, and other design processes.

There is no one best digital design computer program. However, there are specific software programs that are better for certain graphic design tasks. One should choose programs for digital design based on the task that will be performed.

Professional graphic designers tend to use graphic designing software that contain page layout software, graphics software, and word processing software. Adobe products of graphic design applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are a few of the best graphic design software. As well, Corel products are top selling products of graphic design software programs. Top Corel products include CorelDRAW, Corel Ventura layout software, and Corel Photo-Paint.

Microsoft produces Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Office Publisher which is used in page layout for print. Quark Press Serif produces a number of Web design applications for graphics, but the primary graphic design software application is Serif Page Plus. The latest versions from Adobe, Corel, and Serif can be downloaded or purchased as a hardcopy.

A few top software programs for graphic design include:

Avanquest Design and Print Business Edition: This software allows designers to create and publish various sales and public relations materials such as greeting cards, postcards and flyers.

Greenstreet Publishing Studio: This design software allows one to make documents in a number of languages. One can edit photos with added filters, borders and image effects.

Broderbund Print Master: This software is filled with templates such as brochures, flyers, posters and other office forms. Photo and image editing is included. It is very use-friendly.

Print Shop Pro Publisher: This award-winning program allows one to edit photos and images, produce unlimited designs, and use clip-arts for a variety of projects.

Logos: For commercial printing, scalable EPS graphics are the format that designers choose because they can be easily imported into most major page layout programs. Vector-based drawing programs allow more flexibility when creating artwork that is to be resized or must go through numerous edits. Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and Macromedia Freehand are examples of vector-based graphics software for logo design.

Print Artist: This software contains a broad range of images, design, templates and fonts.

Graphic Design Software for Photo-Editing and Illustration: Adobe and Corel provide most of the professional level graphics software choices. Bitmap graphics tools are needed for working with photos, scans, or other images. Adobe Photoshop, Corel Photo-Paint, Corel Paint Shop Pro, and The GIMP are top choices.

With the right digital design software, you can create just about any print or Web design project.