Graphic Design

In this section, you will find a selection of free or low-cost tools for all your visual representations. Present your data with an interactive dashboard, create a flyer, or edit your photographs. From easy-to-use tools to more sophisticated platforms.

If you have a tool you would like to be considered for inclusion on our site, please see our criteria for e-tools.

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"All In One" Tools

  • Xtensio – Any team member can create branded documents — pitches, sales sheets, reports, case studies and more — easily. Free to try out but only signing up for a paid plan, which start at $8USD per month, allows you to export PDFs and PNGs.
  • Canva – Graphic design platform for those with little to no graphic-design experience. Free account provides everything you need to start designing, while the $150 annually pro account provides more stock imagery, templates, background remover and "magic resizer."

Infographics

  • Easelly – Turn "boring" data into engaging infographics for free. Either choose a template from the library or start from scratch.
  • Piktochart – Free visual content maker aimed at businesses looking to improve their internal and external communication.

Data Visualization

  • Google Fusion Tables – Google Research’s free experimental application to visualize hundreds of thousands of rows of data using charts, maps, and graphs.
  • RAWGraphs – Free, open web tool to create custom vector-based visualizations. 
  • Timeline JS – Free, open source tool to create timelines with your chronological information.
  • Tableau Public – The creation of interactive visualizations are the key offering here. Try it for free before signing up for one of the paid plans that start at $15 per user per month.

Photo Editing

  • PicMonkey – An all-in-one photo editor from Shutterstock with easy-to-use, powerful tools. Use all basic features for free or upgrade to get the extras for $7.99USD per month. 
  • BeFunky – Photo editing and graphic design tool. Use all basic features for free or upgrade to get the extras for $4.99USD per month.
  • Pixlr – Photo editing with AI-powered tools. Use all basic features for free or upgrade to get the extras for $4.90USD per month.

Presentation

  • Prezi – A suite of innovative presentation tools, including the latest, Prezi Video, which allows you to star in your own videos alongside your graphic designs. Start with a 14-day free trial before paid plans begin at $5USD per month. 
  • Slides – Free Google product helps you create professional slide decks.
  • SlideShare – Free platform to both view and share slide decks, so you can both learn from and teach through presentations. 
  • Tiny Take – Free screen capture and video recording software for Microsoft Windows & Mac.

Images           

  • Inclusive and Diverse OER Image Repositories -- This guide from Open UBC compiles 15 image repositories that promote diverse representation across an array of professions and contexts.
  • Endless Icons – Self-promoted as a "free icon library."
  • Noun Project - Over 3 million icons available, with free icons requiring attribution and pay-as-you-go icons, at $2.99 per icon, not requiring attribution.
  • Iconfinder – Free access to 200,000+ icons and illustrations or pay as you go at $2USD per icon.
  • LibreStock – Search engine that aggregates free photos from stock photo websites.
  • Stock Up – Search engine for 25,000+ free images from stock photo websites.
  • PEXELS – Search engine of free photos from stock photo websites that are subdivided into easy to use categories.
  • StockSnap – Search engine for free photos from stock photo websites.
  • Pixabay – Search engine for 2.5 million+ free photos that are Creative Commons licensed and can be used commercially.
  • Unsplash – Search engine for free photos that can be used with "no permission needed (though attribution is appreciated!).)

Quote Makers

  • Quozio – Turn words into images for free.
  • Quotes Cover – Turn quotes texts into quote pictures for free.
  • Pablo by Buffer – Add words to free stock images.
  • PosterMyWall – Place your quotes into existing visual templates.