Best 8 Graphic Design Apps in 2026: Compare Design Features

Introduction

Canva is the best all-around graphic design app for most people who want polished visuals without spending much time on them. This roundup covers eight mobile apps for different projects, skill levels, and devices, from template-based editors to vector design and illustration tools.

Quick comparison table

Canva, Adobe Express, Picsart, Infinite Design, and Desygner are listed for Android. Affinity Designer 2, Procreate Pocket, and Linearity Curve are listed for iOS. Availability, features, and prices can vary by device and region, so check the current app listing before you download.

1. Canva: AI Photo & Video Editor

Best for: Beginners and anyone who needs polished graphics quickly.

Canva’s templates and editing tools make it easy to create social posts, presentations, flyers, and logos. Start with a ready-made design or a blank canvas, then adjust the text, images, and layout. The wide choice of editable formats is a real strength: you can quickly find a starting point for common projects. Canva works well for one-off graphics and designs you plan to reuse.

2. Adobe Express: AI Photo, Video

Best for: Marketing materials and branded content.

Choose a template or start from scratch, then add photos, text, and animation to make graphics for campaigns or social channels. Adobe Express also lets you apply brand assets, so colors, logos, and other design elements stay consistent across materials. That’s its main draw. It’s a practical choice if you need a graphic design app for quick promotions as well as work with a consistent visual identity.

3. Picsart AI Photo Editor, Video

Best for: Designs that mix graphics with photo or video editing.

Picsart combines graphic templates and collage tools with a wider set of photo and video editing features. Start with a template, arrange images in a collage, or remove a background before adding other design elements. Background removal stands out when you need to separate a subject from its original setting. Picsart is a good fit if your graphics often start with photos or go alongside edited video.

4. Infinite Design

Best for: Vector artwork made on Android.

Infinite Design gives you an open canvas, along with path editing, layers, and text tools for hands-on vector work. These controls are useful when you want to build artwork from shapes and paths instead of adapting a premade layout. SVG import and export is a notable feature, letting you work with vector files in that format. It’s a more focused option than a template-led editor, especially for Android users making graphic art.

5. Desygner: Graphic Design Maker

Best for: Editing designs across a range of file formats.

Desygner’s editor supports creating and revising graphics in formats such as AI, EPS, SVG, and IDML. That can come in handy when you need to update a design you’ve received or move a project between file types. Its broad format support is the main appeal. Before you commit to it for a specific job, check that your device supports the format and editing tasks you need.

6. Affinity Designer 2 for iPad

Best for: Detailed vector and raster work on iPad.

Affinity Designer 2 brings together tools for illustration, typography, layout, and exporting finished work. It suits more involved projects where you need control over both artwork and page elements, rather than just a quick template edit. The combination of vector and raster design tools is its standout feature. If you’re considering it for an iPad workflow, check the current device requirements and export options for the files you plan to make.

7. Procreate Pocket

Best for: Drawing and painting digital illustrations on iPhone.

Procreate Pocket is built around drawing and painting illustrations. That makes it a different kind of tool from apps focused on templates, promotional graphics, or arranging text and images into a layout. Its illustration-first approach is the main reason to choose it. Pick Procreate Pocket when original artwork is your priority. If you mainly need ready-made social posts or flyers, a template-led graphic design app may suit you better.

8. Linearity Curve Graphic Design Vectornator AI, Vector Art

Best for: Creating and editing vector artwork on iPhone.

Linearity Curve is centered on vector design, so it fits users who create or revise graphic artwork. Instead of focusing on painting or prebuilt layouts, it gives you a vector-based way to work with design elements. Vector editing is its main strength. It may be a good fit for iPhone users whose projects rely on vector graphics, though the available tools and export options on your device matter too.

How we picked these apps

This selection includes apps for Android, iPhone, and iPad, with options for different skill levels and common design tasks. Some focus on templates and quick edits, while others are built for vector design, illustration, or graphic work combined with photo and video editing.

We considered the tools each app offers and how well they suit its intended use. No single workflow is right for everyone, and sponsorship or brand affiliation did not factor into this roundup. The best choice depends on what you want to make, how you like to work, and which device you use.

Frequently asked questions

Can beginners make graphics on a phone?

Yes. Template-led apps such as Canva and Adobe Express let beginners customize an existing layout instead of building every design from scratch.

Which apps suit vector art or illustration?

Infinite Design, Affinity Designer 2, and Linearity Curve focus on vector work. For drawing and painting digital illustrations, Procreate Pocket is the more specialized choice.

Are these apps available on every device?

No. The apps in this roundup are listed for different Android and iOS devices, and availability can change. Check current device compatibility and the export formats you need before choosing.

The verdict

Canva is the strongest all-around choice thanks to its range of templates and support for common design formats. Adobe Express is a solid pick for branded marketing materials, while Picsart is better suited to graphics that involve photo or video editing. Choose Infinite Design, Affinity Designer 2, Procreate Pocket, or Linearity Curve if vector work or illustration is your priority. Let your device and the kind of work you plan to make guide your decision.