AI Graphic Design Software: Its Competitors + Tools

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Last updated April 14, 2025

AI Graphic Design Software: Its Competitors + Tools

Artificial intelligence (AI) software apps are seeing an upward trend. In one click, it can generate a copy, content, and design. It’s astonishing what it can do, especially with graphic design. You don’t need to create a design from scratch or wait a few days for your deliverables. That’s why AI graphic design software has popped up left and right. But are they the best tools to use for your visuals?

Graphic Designers vs AI

illustration of graphic designer

Humans vs AI is an ongoing hot debate because AI has made its mark in most industries. And with the emergence of AI art, marketers are invested in knowing how AI graphic design can help them boost their productivity. But would designers be replaced by AI? No. Here’s why graphic designers will still be in demand even if AI is here to stay.

Graphic Designers: Pros and Cons

illustration of graphic designer

Pros

Graphic designers will make designs based on your submitted design brief and preferences. Even if they don’t get it right at first, you can talk to the graphic designer by giving them feedback. Plus, depending on your agreement with the graphic designer, you can tap them again for another project.

Next, even though AI can instantly make designs in an instant, graphic designers still have the upper hand in creating enticing designs. If there’s one thing AI lacks is emotion. Graphic designers will create designs based on your objectives and requirements. Although they might not create the copy, graphic designers can evoke the same feeling from the copy to attract your target audience.

Finally, a graphic designer can produce original designs for your brand. One tenet of branding is standing out. Graphic designers can help you become unique through custom designs. You can ask them to create logos, custom social media templates, email designs, and more!

Cons

Hiring graphic designers can be expensive for most business owners. That’s why AI graphic design or DIY design software apps are an attractive option for small business owners and marketers.

Graphic designers can take time to create your designs. After all, most designers use sophisticated software like Photoshop to create killer designs. It’s better to hire a graphic designer when you don’t have an urgent and big project.

Pros and Cons of Using AI Graphic Design Software

illustration of ai

Pros

An AI graphic design software app’s most enticing feature is its speed. You can get your designs in a few minutes. All you need is a prompt, and AI will make your designs in a snap.

Since AI graphic designers will generate outputs, you’re left with editing what it created. AI isn’t perfect. However, this saves you time from making a design from scratch. Then, you can tweak the designs as necessary.

Finally, AI graphic design apps are cheap. Although AI and machine learning are complex concepts, AI graphic design software creators make their software accessible and inexpensive for the public.

Cons

An AI can generate hundreds of designs, but it might not nail your envisioned design. This leaves you to edit its designs or hire a graphic designer to enhance the image.

One disadvantage of using AI for graphic design is copyright. Although it’s amazing that the AI can whip up a design in no time, you can’t guarantee its originality. Plus, you don’t want to get into any legal trouble.

AI Graphic Design Software vs DIY Graphic Design

illustration of graphic designer

Aside from the AI vs human graphic designers debate, you can also pit AI with DIY graphic design software. Sure, AI graphic design has the edge considering that it will make designs in seconds. However, DIY graphic design software still has a lot to offer. Know what makes them similar and how different they are.

Similarities Between AI and DIY Graphic Design Software Apps

illustration of designer and ai
  • Use templates to create your designs from scratch
  • Access to images and other visual assets to create compelling designs
  • Upload branding assets to customize your visuals
  • Collaborate with your teammates
  • Save images in various formats, such as PNG, JPG, and PDF
  • Share photos immediately on social media

Differences Between AI and DIY

illustration of ai designer
  • AI design software apps allow you to generate images or art to enhance your images
  • Some DIY graphic design apps can help you design on-the-go
  • AI design software can add a relevant image to your submitted prompt

Examples of AI Graphic Design Software

Visme 

Screenshot from Visme AI graphic design software

Easily create visual content and animated forms with thousands of design templates from Visme. You can generate complete designs from an AI prompt, edit images, craft text, and build your brand effortlessly with Visme AI. Publish it online, embed it on your site, or download it offline. Additionally, you can use the platform’s precise analytics and tracking features to see how your content is performing.

Pricing: 

  • Basic: $0.00
  • Personal: $12.25
  • Business: $24.75

Designs.AI

Screenshot from Design.AI graphic design software

One of the leading AI graphic design apps is Designs.AI. It can generate logos, social media posts, and mockups. It resizes elements and replaces content. Plus, it ensures that the best content will be added to your designs.

Pricing: 

  • Basic: $19.00
  • Pro: $1
  • Business: $24.75

Canva 

Screenshot from Canva AI graphic design software

Canva is an AI-powered graphic design tool that makes content creation easy and accessible for everyone. Its Magic Design™ feature allows users to generate personalized templates instantly, while AI-driven tools help enhance images, craft text, and automate video editing. Overall, Canva optimizes the design process, making it an excellent choice for professionals and beginners.

Pricing: 

  • Free: $0.00
  • Pro: $14.99 monthly  or $119.99 annually for one person
  • Teams: $29.99 monthly or $300 annually for the first five people

Adobe Express 

Screenshot from Adobe Express website

With the all-new Adobe Creative Cloud Express, you can easily create standout content from thousands of beautiful templates. Simply choose a template, add images and text, and quickly resize your creations to fit your favorite social media site. Available on the web and mobile.

Pricing: 

  • Free: $0.00
  • Pro: 9.99

Simplified

Screenshot from Simplified AI graphic design software

Another preferred AI graphic design solution is Simplified. If you need marketing designs, AI can generate brochures, flyers, and posters. Plus, you can submit prompts for your branding designs.

Pricing:

  • One: $20.00/month
  • Business: $55.00/month
  • Growth: $83.00/month
  • Enterprise: Contact Sales

Autodraw

Screenshot from Autodraw AI graphic design software

Autodraw is a web-based application that harnesses artificial intelligence to convert basic doodles into refined illustrations. This free AI art generator is made for users of all skill levels and streamlines the drawing process with an intelligent suggestion system that proposes enhanced images based on user input.

Pricing:

  • Free

How to Use AI Graphic Design Software Right

AI graphic design software saves time, streamlines the creative process, and can generate ideas and inspiration. However, AI-generated graphics may not work perfectly for more complex projects. So, here are some tips on using AI graphic design the smart way: 

Use it to streamline the design process.

We’ve already mentioned the AI features most popular design tools have. Whether you’re using smart retouching on your photos, smart selection to crop out certain elements, or design suggestions made by AI, these features can really make your life easier.

Use AI as a starting point.

Let AI handle the groundwork, like layout suggestions and color palettes, but add your creativity to make designs unique. 

Refine AI-generated designs

AI can create impressive visuals but always tweak the final results to add a personal touch and maintain originality. 

Stay updated on new features.

AI tools constantly evolve, so keep learning about the latest updates to maximize efficiency and creativity.

Why is Penji the Best Option?

AI graphic design software is impressive. With one prompt, AI can create a design in thin air. From there, you can edit what it generates. But not all AI outputs can capture your envisioned design. You leave that to the experts. And by experts, we mean our fantastic Penji designers. 

Your journey with Penji starts by submitting a design brief. From there, our AI pairs you with the best designer for the project. Once done, the designer will create a draft, and you can review it. Penji will ensure you get a design you’ll 100% love. And to know more about what else Penji can do for you, book a demo here!

About the author
author

Katrina is a content writer specializing in graphic design, marketing, social media, and technology. In her spare time, she writes monthly personal blogs to practice her craft.

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