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Graphic Design

Compare the Best Graphic Design Platforms (Oct 2026)

Independently reviewed

Updated

Social graphics, brand assets, and visual content.
8 apps listed
3.7 avg rating
Carousels Generator top rated
October 12, 2026 updated
Carousels Generator vs Sprout Social Carousels Generator vs ContentStudio Carousels Generator vs Metricool
Graphic Design featured badge
Reviewed by Ashley Richmond Chief Marketing Officer at AppsInsight
Updated October 12, 2026
Independent testing How we rank apps Category avg 36 (6 apps)

8 Best Graphic Design at a Glance

Rank App Score Rating Pricing Best for
#1 Peakloom 39 Needs work 3.6 Free+Paid4.99 Photo editing and layered design, App icon and store assets Visit
#2 HARVYX 37 Needs work 3.5 Free+Paid Founders and small businesses that need a first brand system quickly and cheaply; Spanish-speaking users who want the tool in their language; people who want branded social posts without a designer each week; anyone who wants to try a free strategy brief first Visit
#3 Carousels Generator 38 Needs work 4.1 Free+Paid$19/mo ($16/mo billed yearly) Founders, creators and marketers who want a consistent LinkedIn or Instagram carousel presence without design skills Visit
#4 Storybeat 32 Needs work 4.0 Free+Paid Mobile-first social creators, small brands producing Stories and Reels Visit
#5 Simplified 41 Needs work 3.8 Paid Subscription$79/mo Small marketing teams, agencies producing creative and social posts Visit
#6 Creasquare 38 Needs work 3.7 Free+PaidFree Small businesses creating visual social posts, teams scheduling across Facebook and Instagram Visit
#7 Pixelhunter 31 Needs work 3.5 Free planFree Social media managers resizing one image for several channels, Small teams without a dedicated design workflow Visit
#8 LayerProof 33 Needs work 3.0 Free+PaidFree; Pro $5/mo Local businesses, e-commerce brands Visit

Jump to full reviews ↓

Best Graphic Design by use case

Design & creative Peakloom Layered photo editing and design with local AI and optional cloud tools Marketing automation Carousels Generator AI studio that turns a topic or link into a branded LinkedIn or Instagram carousel AI & automation Carousels Generator AI studio that turns a topic or link into a branded LinkedIn or Instagram carousel

8 Best Graphic Design Tools in 2026 — Full Reviews

#1

Peakloom

Layered photo editing and design with local AI and optional cloud tools

3.6
39
AppsInsight Score
Overview

What is Peakloom?

Layered photo editing and design with local AI and optional cloud tools Peakloom is a creative workspace for macOS and Windows that combines layered photo editing, graphic design, on-device AI and optional cloud generation.

Editorial

Why we recommend it

Peakloom puts layer editing, supported local AI and icon/store-screenshot production in one workspace. Free access and several Pro options make it approachable. Watch watermarks, cloud credits, model downloads and the different trial renewal rules for direct versus Mac App Store use. This is source-based research, not an editing or security audit.

Audience

Best for

  • Photo editing and layered design
  • App icon and store assets
  • Creators wanting supported local AI
Capabilities

Key features

Layered photo editing

Layers masks adjustments and compositing in one desktop workspace.

On-device AI

Local selection background removal restoration and related editing tools.

Cloud generative tools

Optional prompt/image processing for generation fill expansion and other edits.

PSD and native projects

Free PSD import; Pro PSD export plus editable native projects.

AppIcon Studio

Keyline grid small-size previews and platform icon exports.

Pros

  • Free desktop editing and local AI without an account.
  • Real layer-based editor and dedicated asset studios.
  • Monthly annual and lifetime Pro choices.
  • Detailed privacy terms and direct support contact.

Cons

  • Free exports have a watermark; PSD export requires Pro.
  • Cloud tools spend credits and require sending selected inputs.
  • Store trial auto-renews; direct offer behaves differently.
  • Model downloads can be large and editing fidelity is untested.
Plans

Pricing

Free planPaid from 4.99Free trial
Free 0 /mo
Pro 4.99 /mo 49.99 billed annually
Lifetime
Summary

Final verdict

Peakloom puts layer editing, supported local AI and icon/store-screenshot production in one workspace. Free access and several Pro options make it approachable.
  • 3.6 Editor rating
  • 39 AppsInsight Score
  • Free desktop editing and local AI without an account.
Read the full take on Peakloom
#2

HARVYX

AI branding architecture, not just another logo

3.5
37
AppsInsight Score
Overview

What is HARVYX?

AI branding architecture, not just another logo HARVYX is a Spanish-language, AI-driven brand builder.

Editorial

Why we recommend it

A Spanish-language tool that tries to cover the whole brand job in one place: symbol, colours, fonts, voice and a PDF brand book, then ready-to-post content in that style. The free brief is a low-risk way to start, and the one-off prices are easy to read. I did not test it, and the logo and image quality are unproven from the outside. Desk-research score 3.5/5.

Audience

Best for

  • Founders and small businesses that need a first brand system quickly and cheaply; Spanish-speaking users who want the tool in their language; people who want branded social posts without a designer each week; anyone who wants to try a free strategy brief first
Capabilities

Key features

Brand strategy brief

A 10-15 minute chat with HARVYX Architect ends in a PDF brief, free and with no card.

Brand system

Symbol or logo, palette, font pairing, tone of voice and usage rules.

Brand book

Delivered as a PDF and a ZIP of files, with fonts and style sheet when allowed.

Brand Book Import

Bring your own logo and colours and get a book built on them, with no AI on your…

Content packs

One post and a five-slide carousel in your style, free once per account.

Pros

  • Free brief: No card is needed and it does not start a subscription.
  • Prices stated with VAT: The pricing page says what you see is what you pay.
  • Cancel in one click: The site says cancelling is a button in your profile.
  • Your output stays yours: The site says what you generate stays yours after cancelling.

Cons

  • Spanish only: The site and terms are in Spanish.
  • Easy price mix-up: Completo is 99 euros once; Pro is 99 euros every month.
Plans

Pricing

Free+Paid
Brief (free)
Esencial (49 EUR once)
Completo (99 EUR once)
Summary

Final verdict

A Spanish-language tool that tries to cover the whole brand job in one place: symbol, colours, fonts, voice and a PDF brand book, then ready-to-post content in that style. The free brief is a low-risk way to start, and the one-off prices are easy to read.
  • 3.5 Editor rating
  • 37 AppsInsight Score
  • Free brief: No card is needed and it does not start a…
Read the full take on HARVYX
#3

Carousels Generator

AI studio that turns a topic or link into a branded LinkedIn or Instagram carousel

4.1
38
AppsInsight Score
Overview

What is Carousels Generator?

AI studio that turns a topic or link into a branded LinkedIn or Instagram carousel Carousels Generator does one job: it turns a topic, a link or a few notes into a finished LinkedIn or Instagram carousel, text and design together.

Editorial

Why we recommend it

Carousels Generator pairs genuinely good AI first drafts with a real visual editor and automatic brand kits, at prices well below a designer - and you can try a full carousel without even signing up.

Audience

Best for

  • Founders
  • creators and marketers who want a consistent LinkedIn or Instagram carousel presence without design skills
  • and small teams that publish on a schedule and want brand consistency baked in.
Capabilities

Key features

AI Carousel Generation

Turns a topic, link or notes into a complete carousel - copy and design together - using Google…

AI Chat Editing

Ask the AI to rewrite headlines, adjust tone or rework slides; targeted edits cost 1 credit, global edits…

Brand Kit

Import colors, fonts and logo automatically from your website URL or a PDF, then apply them to every…

Visual Editor

Full canvas control - edit every text and image, adjust colors, fonts, spacing and layout after generation.

Social Publishing

Publish directly to LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Threads from the app, with caption review before posting.

Pros

  • Genuinely free to evaluate - try a carousel without even signing up, then 10 free credits without a card.
  • Brand kit import from a website URL is a standout - output looks custom from the first draft.
  • Real visual editor plus AI chat editing, not a template-locked generator.
  • Fair pricing with yearly discounts, a $9 first-month intro on Starter and a 14-day refund policy.

Cons

  • Young agency-built product (Lyten Agency) with thin third-party footprint; homepage stats are self-reported.
  • Credits system can pinch heavy users - a 30-slide generation plus brand-kit import and edits eats much of the Starter allowance.
  • Creation tool with basic publishing and scheduling - no inbox, listening or analytics suite.
  • The 7-day Pro trial requires a credit card, unlike the free plan.
Plans

Pricing

Free planPaid from $19/mo ($16/mo billed yearly)
Free 0 /mo 0 billed annually
Starter 19 /mo 16 billed annually
Pro 39 /mo 32 billed annually
Summary

Final verdict

Carousels Generator pairs genuinely good AI first drafts with a real visual editor and automatic brand kits, at prices well below a designer - and you can try a full carousel without even signing up.
  • 4.1 Editor rating
  • 38 AppsInsight Score
  • Genuinely free to evaluate - try a carousel without even signing up,…
Read the full take on Carousels Generator
#4

Storybeat

Create social stories and reels with templates, music, and AI tools

4.0
32
AppsInsight Score
Overview

What is Storybeat?

Create social stories and reels with templates, music, and AI tools Storybeat is a mobile creative studio for social Stories and Reels.

Editorial

Why we recommend it

Storybeat is a good fit when the job is to make a Story or Reel rather than manage a social calendar. Its mobile editor brings templates, filters, music, beat sync, captions and AI avatars into one short-form workflow. That is useful for a small brand that has photos and clips ready but needs several visual treatments quickly. Apple lists it as free with in-app purchases, while its store description says Pro removes ads and watermark and unlocks more tools; some newer template access uses credits. The boundary is just as important as the appeal. This is a creation app, not a replacement for scheduling, comment moderation or social analytics. Music availability and reuse rights should be checked for commercial campaigns…

Read the full take →

Audience

Best for

  • Mobile-first social creators
  • small brands producing Stories and Reels
  • marketers needing reusable visual templates
Capabilities

Key features

Social Story and Reel templates

Build short-form visuals from ready-made layouts, filters, and music.

AI avatars and descriptions

Use credits for avatar generation and AI descriptions inside the app.

Pros

  • Strong library of ready-made Reels and story templates, with music, filters, and editing controls in one mobile app.

Cons

  • Premium templates and watermark removal require Pro; public store listings do not show one dependable global subscription price.
Plans

Pricing

Free+Paid
Summary

Final verdict

Storybeat is a good fit when the job is to make a Story or Reel rather than manage a social calendar. Its mobile editor brings templates, filters, music, beat sync, captions and AI avatars into one short-form workflow.
  • 4.0 Editor rating
  • 32 AppsInsight Score
  • Strong library of ready-made Reels and story templates, with music, filters, and…
Read the full take on Storybeat
#5

Simplified

Create, approve and schedule social posts in one workspace

3.8
41
AppsInsight Score
Overview

What is Simplified?

Create, approve and schedule social posts in one workspace Simplified combines social post creation, scheduling and approval in a workspace that also handles design, video, copy and campaign briefs.

Editorial

Why we recommend it

Simplified is useful when a team wants to make posts and route them for approval in the same place it schedules them. The integrated design and writing tools reduce handoffs between creative work and publishing. Its public pricing page is internally inconsistent, however: visible plan cards and lower-page campaign descriptions differ. Check the exact plan and add-ons in the checkout before treating a published price as final.

Audience

Best for

  • Small marketing teams
  • agencies producing creative and social posts
  • teams needing client approvals
Capabilities

Key features

Cross-network scheduler

Plan and publish posts across connected networks in one calendar, with queueing and scheduled dates.

Client approvals

Route drafts to a client or account owner for sign-off, with the approval trail kept alongside each post.

AI-assisted post creation

Draft captions and hashtags and make visuals with templates before adding posts to the publishing queue.

Pros

  • Combines AI-assisted captions and visuals, a shared calendar, and client approvals in one publishing workflow.

Cons

  • Pro and Business cap connected social accounts at seven and fifteen respectively, so larger client rosters require plan or add-on checks.
Plans

Pricing

Paid Subscription$79/mo
Starter 79 /mo
Pro 119 /mo 1188 billed annually
Business 239 /mo 2388 billed annually
Summary

Final verdict

Simplified is useful when a team wants to make posts and route them for approval in the same place it schedules them. The integrated design and writing tools reduce handoffs between creative work and publishing.
  • 3.8 Editor rating
  • 41 AppsInsight Score
  • Combines AI-assisted captions and visuals, a shared calendar, and client approvals in…
Read the full take on Simplified
#6

Creasquare

Create, write and schedule posts across social channels

3.7
38
AppsInsight Score
Overview

What is Creasquare?

Create, write and schedule posts across social channels Creasquare combines a social post designer, AI caption writer and publishing calendar.

Editorial

Why we recommend it

Creasquare puts visual creation, AI-assisted captions and a multi-account calendar together. It is a practical fit for small teams that need to produce and queue image or video posts, but its own pricing page still marks analytics and X/Twitter support as coming soon. Verify those two features before adopting it for reporting-heavy work.

Audience

Best for

  • Small businesses creating visual social posts
  • teams scheduling across Facebook and Instagram
  • creators wanting AI captions and a shared calendar
Capabilities

Key features

Creative Studio

Templates, stock media, background removal, automatic resizing and brand kits; free access is limited.

Publication Scheduler

Schedule posts on a calendar with drafts, first comments, carousels, Instagram Reels and TikTok direct publishing.

AI Content Writer

Generate captions with 27+ AI templates, automatic hashtags and support for 24+ languages; word limits vary by plan.

Pros

  • Combines a visual editor, caption writer and multi-account scheduling calendar; its free account includes up to three social connections.

Cons

  • The official pricing comparison still calls analytics and X/Twitter support coming soon; verify availability before relying on either.
Plans

Pricing

Free planPaid from Free
Basic $24.90 /mo $17.40/month billed yearly billed annually
Professional $49.90 /mo $34.90/month billed yearly billed annually
Team $79.90 /mo $55.90/month billed yearly billed annually
Summary

Final verdict

Creasquare puts visual creation, AI-assisted captions and a multi-account calendar together. It is a practical fit for small teams that need to produce and queue image or video posts, but its own pricing page still marks analytics and X/Twitter support as coming soon.
  • 3.7 Editor rating
  • 38 AppsInsight Score
  • Combines a visual editor, caption writer and multi-account scheduling calendar; its free…
Read the full take on Creasquare
#7

Pixelhunter

Free AI-assisted image resizing for 103 social media sizes.

3.5
31
AppsInsight Score
Overview

What is Pixelhunter?

Free AI-assisted image resizing for 103 social media sizes. Pixelhunter is a narrowly focused, free image resizer for social media.

Editorial

Why we recommend it

Pixelhunter is a handy one-step tool for turning a single image into many social-ready crops without manual resizing. It is free and easy to try, but much narrower than a social media manager. Review every exported crop and check upload handling before putting confidential images through the service.

Audience

Best for

  • Social media managers resizing one image for several channels
  • Small teams without a dedicated design workflow
  • Creators needing quick automated crops
Capabilities

Key features

AI-powered smart crop

Detect objects and automatically crop a source image for supported social media sizes.

103 preset output sizes

Prepares image crops for social posts, profiles, banners, ads and other digital placements from one upload.

Placement-specific tips

Shows short pro-tips beside individual social image placements.

Pros

  • Free tool with automatic resizing across 103 supported sizes.

Cons

  • Resizes images only; it does not plan, schedule, or publish social posts.
Plans

Pricing

Free planPaid from Free
Summary

Final verdict

Pixelhunter is a handy one-step tool for turning a single image into many social-ready crops without manual resizing. It is free and easy to try, but much narrower than a social media manager.
  • 3.5 Editor rating
  • 31 AppsInsight Score
  • Free tool with automatic resizing across 103 supported sizes.
Read the full take on Pixelhunter
#8

LayerProof

Brand kits, social posts, scheduling, product imagery and AI-generated video for small businesses.

3.0
33
AppsInsight Score
Overview

What is LayerProof?

Brand kits, social posts, scheduling, product imagery and AI-generated video for small businesses. LayerProof helps small businesses make social posts, short videos and product imagery for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Editorial

Why we recommend it

LayerProof brings brand assets, post design, image variation, video generation and a visual publishing calendar into one workflow for owners managing their own channels. Linen's editable storyboard and reusable kits make it more useful than a one-click video gimmick. This is a desk review of vendor documentation and sample screens, not hands-on testing. The auto-reply feature is marked "Coming soon" by the vendor, public plan details were not visible, and its time/cost savings are vendor claims.

Audience

Best for

  • Local businesses
  • e-commerce brands
  • app makers
  • owners managing their own social channels
Capabilities

Key features

Visual content calendar

Shows scheduled posts across connected channels and lets an owner move posts to new dates.

Linen AI video storyboard

Builds an editable scene-by-scene script and AI-presenter video from a product photo and brief.

Pros

  • Editable storyboards and reusable video kits support a more consistent brand look.

Cons

  • Automated DM replies are marked Coming soon; public plan pricing is not displayed.
Plans

Pricing

Free planPaid from Free; Pro $5/mo
Free 0 /mo
Pro 5 /mo 48 billed annually
Summary

Final verdict

LayerProof brings brand assets, post design, image variation, video generation and a visual publishing calendar into one workflow for owners managing their own channels. Linen's editable storyboard and reusable kits make it more useful than a one-click video gimmick.
  • 3.0 Editor rating
  • 33 AppsInsight Score
  • Editable storyboards and reusable video kits support a more consistent brand look.
Read the full take on LayerProof

Our ranking methodology

Transparent criteria and editorial standards behind every score in this guide.

How we ranked these apps

We evaluate each app on features, ease of use, value for money, integrations, and real user feedback. Apps are ranked by overall editor score within this category, with manual adjustments when hands-on testing reveals a clear winner.

What we looked for

  • Features and core capabilities
  • Ease of use and onboarding
  • Pricing and value for money
  • Integrations and ecosystem
  • User reviews and editor rating

Compare top Graphic Design apps

FeaturePeakloomHARVYXCarousels GeneratorStorybeatSimplifiedCreasquarePixelhunter
Editor rating3.63.54.14.03.83.73.5
PricingFree+PaidFree+PaidFree+PaidFree+PaidPaid SubscriptionFree+PaidFree plan
Starting price4.99—$19/mo ($16/mo billed yearly)—$79/moFreeFree
Free planIncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Free trialYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
PlatformsWeb app, macOS, WindowsWeb appWeb appiOS (iPhone & iPad), AndroidWeb app, iOS (iPhone & iPad), AndroidWeb appWeb app

Graphic Design FAQ

Quick answers about the best Graphic Design software.

What is the best Graphic Design app in 2026?

Our editors rank Peakloom #1 for most teams in Graphic Design based on features, value, and user feedback. See the full ranked list above for alternatives.

Yes — many Graphic Design apps offer free plans or trials. Use the pricing filter in our directory to browse free and freemium options.

We evaluate each app on features, ease of use, value for money, integrations, and real user feedback. Apps are ranked by overall editor score within this category, with manual adjustments when hands-on testing reveals a clear winner.

All Graphic Design apps

8 apps

Showing 8 apps

  1. #3

    Carousels Generator

    4.1

    AI studio that turns a topic or link into a branded LinkedIn or Instagram carousel Carousels Generator does one job: it turns a topic, a link or a few notes into a finished LinkedIn or Instagram carousel, text and design…

    Pricing
    Free planPaid from $19/mo ($16/mo billed yearly)
    Best for
    Founders creators and marketers who want a consistent LinkedIn or Instagram carousel presence without design skills and small teams that publish on a schedule and want brand consistency baked in.
    Platforms
    Web app

    Updated

    Full review Carousels Generator vs Sprout Social
    38
    AppsInsight Score Needs work
    Read review Visit site
  2. #4

    Storybeat

    4.0

    Create social stories and reels with templates, music, and AI tools Storybeat is a mobile creative studio for social Stories and Reels.

    Pricing
    Free+Paid
    Best for
    Mobile-first social creators small brands producing Stories and Reels marketers needing reusable visual templates
    Platforms
    iOS (iPhone & iPad) Android

    Updated

    Full review Storybeat vs Sprout Social
    32
    AppsInsight Score Needs work
    Read review Visit site
  3. #5

    Simplified

    3.8

    Create, approve and schedule social posts in one workspace Simplified combines social post creation, scheduling and approval in a workspace that also handles design, video, copy and campaign briefs.

    Pricing
    Paid Subscription$79/mo
    Best for
    Small marketing teams agencies producing creative and social posts teams needing client approvals
    Platforms
    Web app iOS (iPhone & iPad) Android

    Updated

    Full review Simplified vs Sprout Social
    41
    AppsInsight Score Needs work
    Read review Visit site
  4. #6

    Creasquare

    3.7

    Create, write and schedule posts across social channels Creasquare combines a social post designer, AI caption writer and publishing calendar.

    Pricing
    Free planPaid from Free
    Best for
    Small businesses creating visual social posts teams scheduling across Facebook and Instagram creators wanting AI captions and a shared calendar
    Platforms
    Web app

    Updated

    Full review Creasquare vs Sprout Social
    38
    AppsInsight Score Needs work
    Read review Visit site
  5. #1

    Peakloom

    3.6

    Layered photo editing and design with local AI and optional cloud tools Peakloom is a creative workspace for macOS and Windows that combines layered photo editing, graphic design, on-device AI and optional cloud generation.

    Pricing
    Free planPaid from 4.99Free trial
    Best for
    Photo editing and layered design App icon and store assets Creators wanting supported local AI
    Platforms
    Web app macOS Windows

    Updated

    Full review Peakloom vs Carousels Generator
    39
    AppsInsight Score Needs work
    Read review Visit site
  6. #7

    Pixelhunter

    3.5

    Free AI-assisted image resizing for 103 social media sizes. Pixelhunter is a narrowly focused, free image resizer for social media.

    Pricing
    Free planPaid from Free
    Best for
    Social media managers resizing one image for several channels Small teams without a dedicated design workflow Creators needing quick automated crops
    Platforms
    Web app

    Updated

    Full review Pixelhunter vs Sprout Social
    31
    AppsInsight Score Needs work
    Read review Visit site
  7. #2

    HARVYX

    3.5

    AI branding architecture, not just another logo HARVYX is a Spanish-language, AI-driven brand builder.

    Pricing
    Free+Paid
    Best for
    Founders and small businesses that need a first brand system quickly and cheaply; Spanish-speaking users who want the tool in their language; people who want branded social posts without a designer each week; anyone who wants to try a free strategy brief first
    Platforms
    Web app

    Updated

    Full review HARVYX vs Carousels Generator
    37
    AppsInsight Score Needs work
    Read review Visit site
  8. #8

    LayerProof

    3.0

    Brand kits, social posts, scheduling, product imagery and AI-generated video for small businesses. LayerProof helps small businesses make social posts, short videos and product imagery for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

    Pricing
    Free planPaid from Free; Pro $5/mo
    Best for
    Local businesses e-commerce brands app makers
    Platforms
    Web app

    Updated

    Full review LayerProof vs Sprout Social
    33
    AppsInsight Score Needs work
    Read review Visit site

Our winners

#2 HARVYX Visit website
#1 Peakloom Visit website
#3 Carousels Generator Visit website

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