What You Will Learn
✨ Designers often rely on big names like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma. But what about the lesser-known tools quietly making waves in the creative world? This blog uncovers hidden design gems you may not know about but definitely should.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
- How these underrated apps compare with industry giants.
- A list of 10 hidden design tools that can transform your workflow.
- Affordable (and sometimes free!) alternatives to mainstream software.
- Tools tailored for vector graphics, digital painting, photo editing, and marketing materials.
1. Lunacy
Imagine having a powerful vector graphic editor that feels a lot like Figma but without needing an internet connection. That’s Lunacy for you. Created by Icons8, Lunacy is a free app that supports .sketch files and works offline on Windows. It’s perfect for designers who want a smooth, Figma-like experience minus the browser dependency.
Lunacy comes packed with features like icon libraries, design assets, and real-time collaboration, making it a worthy alternative if you want to break free from subscription models or sluggish cloud apps.
2. Amadine
Looking for a lightweight but professional vector design app? Amadine is a hidden gem for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users. With its clean interface, precise drawing tools, and support for vector illustrations, it’s a great alternative to Illustrator for digital artists and UI designers. Perfect if you want a smooth, affordable vector editor optimized for Apple devices.
3. Vectr
For quick vector-based designs, Vectr offers a simple and accessible browser-based vector editor that is lightweight compared to Adobe Illustrator. Its collaborative features enable teams to work on designs together in real-time, making it a practical choice for fast and efficient design tasks.
If you’re a beginner or need to whip up simple vector shapes or logos fast, Vectr is an excellent choice without the complexity or cost of big apps.
4. Boxy SVG
If you work a lot with SVG graphics, this one’s a powerhouse. Boxy SVG is a browser-based tool (also available as a desktop app) that lets you create and edit SVGs with ease. It’s especially useful for web and UI designers who need crisp, scalable assets without bloated software. The UI is simple, yet it supports advanced path editing, typography, and even direct integration with Google Fonts.
5. Fotor
Fotor is more than just a photo editor—it’s like your AI-powered design assistant. It features tools like instant background removal, one-click collage making, and batch editing capabilities.
If you often find yourself doing repetitive photo edits or need to create content fast for social media, Fotor’s AI tricks can save you tons of time and effort.
6. Krita
For illustrators and concept artists, Krita is a standout free and open-source digital painting app. If you love Procreate but want a fantastic desktop equivalent, Krita’s brush engines, stabilizers for smooth strokes, and a vast array of tools make it a powerhouse for creative digital painting.
It’s community-driven and constantly updated, so if you’re looking to deepen your digital art skills, Krita won’t disappoint.
7. Pixlr
Need a fast, clean photo editor that gets work done without distractions? Pixlr offers a polished online editing experience including AI-powered background removal and templates specifically designed for social media graphics.
If you want to create attractive posts, banners, or adverts quickly and without opening Photoshop, Pixlr can be your lightweight, efficient partner.
8. Sumo Paint
Sumo Paint is a fun mix of Photoshop and Microsoft Paint but right in your browser. This tool is great for sketching, image editing, and experimenting with creative ideas when you want a quick, no-fuss option.
It’s playful yet powerful enough to handle your casual design and editing needs without installing anything.
9. DesignCap
When it comes to marketing materials, DesignCap is a handy free online graphic design tool. With thousands of ready-made templates for posters, flyers, and infographics, it’s a solid alternative to Canva if you want straightforward drag-and-drop design with professional results.
Perfect if you or your clients need quick materials without spending hours starting from scratch.
10. BeFunky
BeFunky is an all-in-one creative suite for photo editing, collage making, and graphic design. Its drag-and-drop interface is intuitive for beginners, but it still offers powerful tools that yield professional results.
If you want to combine photo edits and custom graphics easily in one place, BeFunky helps you do it without juggling multiple apps.
Wrapping Up
These hidden design tools might not have the hype of Photoshop or Illustrator, but they pack serious potential to enhance your creative workflow. Whether you’re fine-tuning images, designing vectors, or exploring digital art, these options offer affordable, efficient, and often free alternatives to mainstream software.
Explore them, experiment, and see which tools best complement your style and projects.
💡 Curious about picking the right design tool for your next project? Check out our earlier post: How to Choose the Right Design Tool for Your Project.
💡 If you’re curious about choosing the right design tool for your project, check out our earlier post: How to Choose the Right Design Tool for Your Project.
