

Printers often prefer the file to come from the original graphic design software because they can tweak, scale and adjust layers and elements of the design easily (without compromising quality and resolution).

If uploading to a website, for example, you’ll want to choose a format that makes the file size as small as possible while still retaining quality. You’ll want to choose your export format carefully to optimize the image. What Are File Formats?įile formats exported from photo editors are typically one of the following. Checkout our photo editing software reviews to compare Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, GIMP, Picasa, iPhoto, and more. Photoshop is in our category of photo editing software. That’s not to say you can’t use just one or the other starting out, but as you get more advanced you’ll find it worthwhile to have both. You can create a logo or piece of art using graphic design software and then use a photo editing program to scale, resize or change the file format. Often you’ll touch up a photo in a photo editor and then import it into a graphic design program or vice versa. You can use a graphic design program exclusively or in conjunction with another program like a photo editor. In addition to modifying or creating original logos, graphic design software allows you to combine images, text or other graphic forms to create print and digital advertisements, publications, brochures, postcards and more. These tools allow you to digitally “draw” whatever your heart desires. Graphic design software creates designs from scratch.

You don’t have to be a professionally trained graphic designer or spend a lot to make your brand look like a million bucks.
