Did you know that over 70% of designers report using multiple tools in their workflow? The world of design is not just about creativity; its also about efficiency and innovation. From industrial design and 3D modeling to interface design, graphic design, and even AI-powered designing, an array of applications exists to cater to every niche within the creative industry.Heres a look at some of the best design tools available todayeach one a powerful ally in your quest for creative excellencewhile providing insights into how they can elevate your projects from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether youre a seasoned professional or an aspiring creator, this list should have something in it for everybody across the creative gamut.Figma Best for Interface DesignFigma has made a name for itself as one of the top tools for UI and UX designers, thanks to its real-time collaboration capabilities. The company that was notably almost acquired by Adobe managed to carve out a spectacular niche within the digital creative industry in very little time. With cloud-based operation, Figma allows teams to work simultaneously on projects, offering features like component libraries, responsive design tools, and easy prototyping. Its web-based approach eliminates the need for downloads, which makes it ideal for team-based workflows.Figma is commonly used in UI/UX design, with its free tier making it accessible to freelancers and small teams. Professional paid plans start at $15 per seat per month, unlocking additional features like team libraries and enhanced sharing capabilities. With its user-friendly design and robust functionality, Figma has become the go-to platform for designers focused on creating intuitive user interfaces and user experiences.Why We Picked It?Figmas ease of use, and integration of incredibly powerful tools right into a web browser make it absolutely perfect for most individuals as well as large teams. The app feels extremely familiar once you open it, if youre used to a general Adobe-style workflow. It takes next to no time mastering the inner workings, and the internet is FILLED with tutorials to help you unleash your creative vision.What We LikeReal-time collaboration, ideal for team workflowsWeb-based, no download requiredWhat We DislikeLimited offline functionalitySome advanced features are locked behind the paid planCanva Best Web-App-based 2D SoftwareIf Figma was for interfaces and workflows, Canva is for everything else 2D. A popular name in the creative industry, Canva has become one of the most widely used design tools for social media, presentations, and marketing materials. With a vast library of templates, fonts, and elements, Canva simplifies graphic design for those without formal training. Its drag-and-drop functionality is especially appealing for marketers and small business owners who need professional visuals quickly.While Canva offers a free version, the Pro plan at $15 per month unlocks additional features like premium assets and brand kits, as well as Canvas AI features. Canvas ease of use and accessibility make it a go-to for digital marketing and content creation across industries.Why We Picked It?Canvas device-agnostic approach to design makes it an incredibly easy and powerful tool for anyone. You can start working on a project on your phone, and then fine-tune the same project on your laptop or desktop. The app gives you access to hundreds of thousands of assets (some of them behind a paywall), and even supports working and exporting in popular sizes and formats.What We LikeHuge library of templates and assets, great for non-designersDrag-and-drop interface thats easy to learnWhat We DislikeLimited flexibility for advanced graphic design projectsPro version needed to unlock many premium assets and featuresSpline Best Web-App-based 3D SoftwareThe 3D counterpart to Canvas popularity, Spline is a relatively new entry in the 3D design space, offering designers the flexibility to create interactive 3D designs directly in their browsers. With a straightforward user interface and features like parametric modeling, lighting, animation, and even GenAI tools, Spline is user-friendly and accessible even for beginners.Splines web-based nature makes it ideal for quick prototyping and presentations, especially for web designers aiming to add interactive 3D elements to entire websites (their Instagram is a hotspot for creativity). Spline offers a free version with limited features, while the Starter plan, at $12 per month, provides enhanced capabilities. Splines accessibility and ease of use are game-changers for those looking to experiment with 3D designs, games, and websites without complex software or even a line of code.Why We Picked It?3D modeling on a web browser was unheard of a couple of years ago. The most you could do was preview a model but build, edit, AND render on a browser?? Id like to say Spline was one of the first to really pioneer the idea. Their browser-based app wont replace your traditional 3D modeling setup but Spline is slowly getting there. Besides, it makes things so much easier for interactive web designers and game designers that it feels like magic!What We LikeWeb-based, making it accessible from anywhereEasy-to-use interface for quick 3D modeling and interactivityPowerful GenAI featuresWhat We DislikeLimited features compared to more advanced 3D modeling softwareStill developing in terms of advanced capabilities and toolsVizcom Best AI-powered Visualization ToolVizcom leverages AI to turn sketches into highly realistic renderings within seconds, making it invaluable for concept artists and product designers. By using machine learning, Vizcom enhances quick sketches with photorealistic details, significantly speeding up the concept-to-presentation process.Perfect for early-stage design visualizations, Vizcom allows artists to experiment with various styles and materials without the need for extensive manual rendering. Vizcom offers a free basic plan, while premium plans start at $49 per month, making it a great AI-assisted tool for rapid visualization and ideation.Why We Picked It?Sure, there are a lot of GenAI tools out there but none as good as Vizcom when it comes to applying GenAI directly on your sketches. Visit Vizcoms Instagram page to get a sense of how good it is and youll struggle to find a tool that even matches half its capability. It will render your sketches, turn them into basic 3D, and give you the ability to ideate alongside the AI, showing the true future of industrial design.What We LikeAI-powered visualization generates high-quality renderings quicklyAffordable for individuals and small teamsWhat We DislikePrimarily focused on concept and visualization, limited for detailed modelingRequires an internet connection, which can be a drawback in remote or low-bandwidth settings.Quality of output may vary depending on the complexity of the sketchGravity Sketch Best Metaverse 3D SoftwareGravity Sketch brings 3D modeling to VR (with an iPad app too), offering an immersive experience thats particularly suited for designing within the metaverse and virtual environments. Users can draw in 3D space, walking around their creations and manipulating shapes in real time. This VR-first approach offers a unique level of creativity and interactivity that conventional 3D software cant match.Gravity Sketch is used by automotive and industrial designers who benefit from seeing their designs at scale. The software is notably free for individual users (something that Gravity Sketch announced in 2021) making it accessible for students and casual users experimenting with VR design, with a dynamic paid structure for teams and enterprises.Why We Picked It?Gravity Sketch was the first ever mainstream 3D modeling software for the metaverse, and to this day remains the gold standard when it comes to building in 3D, while immersed in 3D. You can create designs by waving your hands in mid-air, making curves, adjusting surfaces, and moving objects/layers around. This truly feels like what the future of industrial and automotive design should be!What We LikeImmersive VR-based 3D modeling experienceIdeal for creating designs within the metaverse and virtual spacesUsed to be paid for individuals, but is now freeWhat We DislikeRequires VR hardware, limiting accessibilityiPad app isnt as immersive as the metaverse experienceProcreate Best Sketching App for iPadProcreate has made waves in the digital art community for its intuitive sketching tools on iPad. It offers a wide range of brushes, layering options, and even animation capabilities, making it versatile for illustrators, digital artists, and animators. With the Apple Pencil, Procreate brings a natural drawing experience to the digital canvas, letting you even sketch directly on 3D models!Priced at a one-time fee of $12.99, Procreate is affordable and extremely powerful for creatives looking to sketch, paint, or animate on the go. Its widely used for illustration, concept art, and character design, making it indispensable for artists who prefer tablet-based workflows.Why We Picked It?Hands down the best sketching app for the iPad. Procreates brilliantly simple interface, its abundance of tools and features, and its ability to handle everything from sketching and animation make it a must-have if you own an iPad. You could sketch with your finger or a capacitive stylus, but we recommend the Apple Pencil for its pressure and tilt sensitivity features. The one-time fee has great value because Procreate keeps adding new capabilities and features every few years without charging extra.What We LikeNatural drawing experience on iPad with Apple PencilOne-time payment, no ongoing subscription requiredWhat We DislikeAvailable only on iPad, limiting cross-platform useLacks some advanced features of desktop design softwareBlender Best Free 3D SoftwareBlender is a widely popular, open-source 3D software with extensive capabilities for modeling, sculpting, and animation. Known for being free yet feature-rich, Blender is a favorite among independent artists, animators, and hobbyists. It offers tools for everything from basic 3D object creation to complex animation, making it incredibly versatile.One of Blenders standout features is its robust community support, which keeps the software updated and provides a wealth of tutorials. This makes Blender ideal for creatives looking to learn 3D modeling without an upfront financial commitment. As a completely free tool, Blender is used not only in personal projects but also in professional production pipelines, especially in indie game development and VFX for films.Why We Picked It?Theres nothing Blender cant do. The open-source software lets you model and render anything, whether youre an industrial designer, 3D artist, animator, special-effects artist, or even an engineer working on simulations. Blenders advanced settings let you customize the UI based on the kind of workflow you have, and you can even download plugins that make it even more fine-tuned to your needs. The software was and always will be free, so if theres one 3D software I recommend you keep in your back pocket its this one.What We LikeCompletely free and open-source with extensive community supportPowerful toolset for modeling, sculpting, animation, VFX, compositing, and even video editingall in one programStrong community provides extensive tutorials, plugins, and support, making it easier for beginners to get started and for advanced users to expand capabilitiesWhat We DislikeUser interface can be overwhelming for new usersLacks built-in collaboration toolsSketchUp Best 3D Software for Architecture + InteriorsSketchUp has long been popular among architects and interior designers, offering intuitive 3D modeling that balances functionality with ease of use. Known for its push-pull tool and simple interface, SketchUp is ideal for creating detailed architectural models and visualizations quickly. The software was created by @Last Software and was acquired by Google in 2006. SketchUp finally got sold to Trimble Inc. in 2012.While SketchUp offers a free web-only version for non-commercial use, the Pro plan at $49.99 per month gives you a dedicated app for Desktop, iPad, as well as web-based 3D modelers. Its user-friendly approach and accessible pricing make SketchUp an industry favorite for architecture and interior design projects.Why We Picked It?SketchUp was the first ever 3D design software I truly worked with. This was in the year 2008-09, just before I went to design college, and when SketchUp was owned by Google. The app was ridiculously intuitive to use, and I even designed houses and 3D scenes with zero prior knowledge. Although SketchUp has changed owners, it still remains a favorite in the architecture and interior design industry (you should check out Thilina Liyanages work all made on SketchUp).What We LikeIntuitive and user-friendly, ideal for architecture and interior designFree version available with essential modeling toolsWhat We DislikeLacks advanced rendering and parametric modeling toolsPro version can be expensive for those needing full functionalityThe 3D Warehouse has been disabled for non-web use, cutting off an entire repository of assets for usersAutodesk Fusion + Revit Best Overall Suite for 3D DesignAutodesk is known for its powerful lineup of 3D design software, most notably Fusion and Revit. Fusion (previously known as Fusion 360) is a standout for CAD, CAM, and CAE, providing a full set of tools for product design and manufacturing. Its cloud-based nature enables real-time collaboration, making it ideal for engineering and industrial design teams that need seamless workflows and advanced simulation tools.Revit, on the other hand, is a favorite among architects and construction professionals for its Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities. Revit allows for the creation of highly detailed building models with built-in structural and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems, facilitating a streamlined design process from conception through construction. Its the go-to choice for architecture firms that need precise, collaborative tools for large-scale building projects.Autodesks software is available through individual licenses or comprehensive subscription plans. Fusion costs $85 per month or $680 oer year, while Revits subscription starts at $365 per month or $2,910 per year, with discounts for bundled purchases. For educational purposes, all of Autodesks software remain free to use both for students as well as teachers. The variety in Autodesks offerings makes it a powerful choice for industries spanning product design, architecture, and manufacturing, cementing its reputation as an industry standard for 3D modeling and BIM.Why We Picked It?Autodesk is the most commonly uttered name in the design and engineering circuit. With all its apps and software, be it Fusion, Revit, AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Maya, Arnold, Inventor, and a whole host of others, Autodesk has a strong grip on its industry and user base.Fusion 360 is recommended for its all-in-one CAD, CAM, and CAE tools, ideal for iterative product design and remote collaboration via cloud-based features. Revit excels in architecture and construction with advanced BIM capabilities, supporting detailed, data-rich models that improve project precision and multi-disciplinary collaboration, making both tools invaluable for comprehensive, professional-grade design workflows.What We LikeComprehensive toolset for CAD, CAM, CAE, and BIM (Fusion 360 and Revit)Cloud-based collaboration and data sharingFree for Students and EducatorsWhat We DislikeExpensive subscription plans, especially for RevitAdobe Creative Cloud Best Overall Suite for Graphic DesignAdobes suite is a mainstay in the design world, with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign leading the way for image editing, vector art, and layout design, respectively. Each of these apps provides a deep feature set, making Adobe essential for graphic designers, photographers, and digital artists. Photoshops advanced image editing, Illustrators vector manipulation, and InDesigns layout capabilities make it versatile across creative industries. The company has also stayed ahead of the AI curve, launching multiple AI features within its popular software as well as on its Adobe Firefly web app.Adobes Creative Cloud subscription costs $59.99 per month for access to the full suite, though individual apps are also available starting at $9.99 per month. Adobe Spark and Adobe XD add unique tools for social graphics and UI/UX design, cementing Adobes role as a comprehensive toolkit for digital and print projects alike.Adobe has also moved into 3D design with Adobe Substance, expanding its offerings for those working in material texturing and 3D asset creation. This suite provides designers with everything from basic editing to advanced 3D tools, truly making Adobe a one-stop shop for creatives.Why We Picked It?Theres really no escaping Adobe. As hard as you try, Adobe always remains the industry standard for graphic and creative work, although theyre steadily expanding into most domains. Adobe Audition is a VERY capable digital audio workstation, Premiere Pro is the gold standard for video and VFX, Illustrator is the best for illustrators, InDesign for publication designers, and Photoshop oh, where would we be without it! As an editor, I use Photoshop probably more than any other design app/software, and its intuitive layout (that hasnt changed in decades) plus GenAI features make it the best photo-editing software out there. For a price, though.What We LikeIndustry-standard suite covering a wide range of design needsComprehensive toolset for everything from graphic design to 3D renderingIncredible AI features integrated right into the softwareWhat We DislikeHigh monthly subscription costs, especially for full Creative Cloud accessCanceling your subscription can be a monumental task with extra feesKeyShot Best for 3D Rendering and VisualizationKeyShot, developed by Luxion, remains a top choice for 3D rendering and visualization, recently enhancing its platform with a comprehensive Product Design-to-Market suite. Known for its fast, photorealistic rendering and simple drag-and-drop interface, KeyShot enables designers to create high-quality visuals and animations from 3D models with ease. Its real-time rendering engine provides instant feedback, making it invaluable for quick design iterations and client presentations.With the recent bifurcation into KeyShot Studio, KeyShot Hub, and KeyShot Dock, the software now extends beyond rendering to support a complete, collaborative workflow. KeyShot Studio delivers the powerful rendering capabilities users rely on, while KeyShot Hub enables streamlined asset management and sharing across teams. KeyShot Dock bridges the gap between design and marketing, making it easier for teams to transition finalized assets into promotional materials.KeyShot is widely used in product design, automotive, and marketing, where lifelike visuals are crucial. Pricing for KeyShot Studio starts at $99 a month, with add-on plugins providing advanced features like Network Rendering and VR support. These new additions solidify KeyShot Studio as an essential tool for turning 3D models into stunning, market-ready visuals while enabling efficient, team-oriented workflows across the design-to-market process. KeyShot Hub and KeyShot Dock have pricing-on-request models.Why We Picked It?88% of Industrial Designers prefer KeyShot over any other rendering software. Its intuitive, fast, and provides stellar results with minimal effort, unlike other software that requires a lot of technical know-how or pre-rendering setup. Although KeyShot isnt a design software, its Product Design-to-Market Suite is slowly and surely making it an integral part of the industrial design and visualization process. KeyShot Studio, or the rendering app, remains an industry favorite by a strong margin, being used by leading brands like Volvo, Nikon, Motorola, and Under Armour. The KeyShot Hub supplements the rendering program, allowing you to access assets to use alongside your designs.What We LikeReal-time rendering with high-quality visuals and animationsNew Design-to-Market suite enhances workflow with Studio, Hub, and DockWhat We DislikePricey, especially for the Pro and enterprise-level versionsPrimarily focused on rendering, not modeling or asset creationThe post Best Design Apps for the Creative Industry first appeared on Yanko Design.