Whether you are just getting into graphic design or you are an expert with years of experience, there are certain tools that you just can’t live without as a professional.

This list covers the most essential hardware, software and equipment that every graphic designer should have on hand.

The featured products below are premium items tailored towards professionals. If you’re just starting out, you can get away with just with a laptop & design software.

The tools below are tailored towards professional graphic designers but you can also see our list of the Best Gear for Graphic Designers Sorted by Career Level & Price

 

20 Best Graphic Designer Tools (Hardware)

If you’re wondering what graphic design hardware you need as a professional graphic designer, this is a good starting point.

Laptop Computer: Apple MacBook Pro 16″

Apple’s best large screen laptop

CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – Radeon Pro 5500M | RAM: 16GB – 64GB | Screen: 16-inch Retina display with True Tone | Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD

The 16-inch MacBook Pro from Apple is still one of their best laptops although it may not be the newest (see 13″ MacBook Pro). Even at a size of 16 inches, the MacBook Pro comes with a thin, light, and sleek design that belies its size.

That extra size gives you extra real estate to create incredible designs on a stunning display that is just the beginning of the latest and greatest components that Apple has to offer inside. For content creators, designers, or any other creative professional, the MacBook Pro is easily the best MacBook out there as it also has a set of amazing speakers and a great keyboard to go along with it.

See here for a complete list of the best laptops for graphic designers and the best Macbooks. Also check out the best MacBook Pro accessories and best MacBook Pro monitors to go with your new purchase.

Pros	Cons
➕ It is fast	➖ Expensive
➕ It has a great screen	➖ The display is not 4K
➕ Touchbar is a plus	➖ A little heavier
➕ Improved keyboard and speakers

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Desktop Computer: iMac (24-inch, 2021)

The best computer for graphic designers

CPU: Apple M1 8-core chip  | Graphics: 8-core M1 chip | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD | Display: 24-inch (diagonal) 4.5K Retina display

➕ Excellent screen
➕ Exciting new design
➕ Very good performance

➖ Lack of ports continues
➖ Charging mouse can be awkward

For the first time since 2012, Apple has given their iMac line a redesign. Available in seven colors, the new 24-inch model is an upgrade over the previous version in almost every way.

With a larger screen, the aforementioned color redesign, plus excellent performance, courtesy of Apple’s M1 chip, the iMac is easily the best computer available for graphic design in 2022. The best part, the price hasn’t changed.

Packaged with a colored keyboard, mouse, and touchpad, the new iMac is thinner and lighter than its previous iteration taking up even less space on your already crowded desk.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Monitor: BenQ PD3200U

Featuring a widescreen display, the PD3200U from BenQ makes working with images in 4K and in 3D much easier than it would be on other monitors. The 32-inch display has a PS screen equipped with a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 and has full, 100% support for sRGB color space.

See Jacob’s review of the PD3200U here.

With a resolution of 3840×2160, the PD3200U is a 4K monitor which features 100% support for Rec 709, which also includes a darkroom, dedicated animation, and CAD/CAM modes. Sporting a KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse( switch, the PD3200U allows you to plug in a second PC to the monitor and switch between the two while using one screen, keyboard, and mouse. This can be a great option and space saver, especially if you use separate computers and have a smaller workspace.

Fully adjustable, giving you the option to tilt and swivel the monitor into your preferred position, the monitor also rotates 90 degrees into portrait mode, giving you more flexibility for your projects. On the right-hand side, BenQ provides you with two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort 1.2, as well as a mini DisplayPort, SD card slot, and two USB 3.0 ports so you can connect any peripheral to the monitor that you need to.

With features that can make it a perfect option to be the only monitor you need, the cost of the PD3200U from BenQ is modestly priced when compared to other monitors on the market today.

See here for a list of the best monitors for graphic designers.

Pros	Cons
➕Competitive price	➖ Design not attractive
➕ Crisp Ultra High Definition (UHD) picture	➖ Wide gamut support
➕ Large screen

 

 

Datacolor SpyderX ELITE

The Best Monitor Calibration Tool Overall

A simple wizard-based mode makes setting up this calibrator easy. With ‘unlimited’ setting for calibration including grey-balancing, the SpyderX ELITE from Datacolor can make your laptop and desktop look just right within five minutes.

All of your displays can be calibrated to a single target as well as using lightroom monitoring in order to determine the best brightness for your monitor. With the SpyderX ELITE, you can even see before and after results for your own images.

See here for the best monitor calibrator tools.

Pros	Cons
➕ Five times faster than Spyder5	➖ Low performance
➕ Fast and easy to use
➕ Inexpensive

 

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Reliable Hard Drive: LaCie Porsche Design External Hard Drive (5TB)

Back up early and backup often! An external hard drive gives you peace of mind, just in case the unthinkable happens… and it does happen!

Like the majority of things made by Porsche, the LaCie Porsche Design External Hard Drive (4TB) is superbly crafted and has incredible performance, including 5GB/s speeds. 

 

 

Graphics Tablet: Wacom Cintiq 16

The best value tablet with screen for designers

Active drawing area: 16.6 x 11.2in | Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels | Connections: Micro USB, Bluetooth | OS: Windows or macOS

The Cintiq 16 from Wacom is an incredible entry-level tablet that is more attractively priced than other similar tablets. Being entry-level may invite some designers to dismiss it, the Cintiq 16 has a trick up its sleeve – the Wacom Pro Pen 2. Topping out at 8,192 levels of sensitivity, the pen beats out many tablets that are similarly priced.

The gorgeous display accentuates the quality that Wacom brings to the tablet marketplace. The Cintiq 16 from Wacom is a perfect example that a high-quality tablet doesn’t need to cost a small fortune. For any designer just beginning their career, this is a great tablet to start with.

If you’re after a larger display, see the Wacom Cintiq 22. Or for a smaller display see the 13.3″ Wacom One.

See here for a list of the best tablets for graphic designers.

Pros	Cons
➕ Nice large screen	➖ No multi-touch support
➕ Easy to set up	➖ Not 4K
➕ Wacom’s best pen ever (no charging needed)

 

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Stylus Pen: Apple Pencil

Still the best stylus for iPad

While we wanted to put the focus on the other options that are out there, there is no denying that when it comes to the iPad, there is no better stylus than the Pencil.

Providing artists with the best drawing experience possible, it comes with palm rejection, pressure sensitivity, and doesn’t experience any lag. The biggest downside is the price. While the Apple Pencil may be an incredible tool, it may also be outside many designer’s budgets which is why we wanted to highlight some of your choices.

See here for the best Apple Pencil alternatives.

Pros	Cons
➕ Beautiful design and build quality	➖ Cost
➕ Ignores wrist and palm touches	➖Useless without iPad Pro
➕ Quick charging

 

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Dry Erase Whiteboard Paint

Turn any wall or surface into a whiteboard canvas with Dry Erase Whiteboard Paint!

This Dry Erase Whiteboard Paint is the highest quality, best performing, product available on the market, designed to write clearly and erase cleanly every single time, without pesky residue commonly found with chalk boards. 

Pros	Cons
➕ Creates a good whiteboard finish	➖ Sticks to naked human skin
➕ Easy to apply (water-based)
➕ Packing in various sizes

 

 

Smart Notebook: Evernote Moleskine

This Evernote Smart Notebook is the perfect notebook for writing, sketching or note taking during classes or conferences as it helps you sync your analogue and digital work. It features ruled pages designed to digitally capture your written work and has “Smart Sticker icons” that are searchable, keeping your ideas organized.

It is beloved by travelers, designers and journalists because of  its sleek design and durable cover which ensures its suitability for daily journaling, writing, and sketching.

Pros	Cons
➕Powerful search	➖ Expensive
➕ Effortless note-taking and syncing
➕ Flexible access to notes

 

 

Pantone Swatch Book

If you work in print, you’re going to need to your own Pantone swatch book, for accurate color consistency.

A Pantone color book is the most functional color tool for graphic designers, as it gives you a side-by-side aesthetic evaluation of Pantone spot colors versus their closest CMYK process color, producing a match on uncoated and coated paper. It also gives RBG and HEX values ensuring the colors are reproduced on screen in their best light. 

Pros	Cons
➕ Extensive color families	➖ Not as many colors as other fan guides
➕ Designed for digital designers

 

 

Ergonomic Chair: Aeron by Herman Miller

Seat height: 14.75-20.5in | Seat width: 25.75-28.25in | Max load: 350lbs | Lumbar support: yes | Height adjustable: yes | Tilt lock: yes (Height and width dimensions determined by model purchased)

We must admit that we have a bit of a soft spot for this chair. The Aeron by Herman Miller is the chair that Jacob uses every day (and has done for 10+ years) and it’s not hard to see why. Available in three different sizes to accommodate just about every person imaginable, the Aeron is by far, one of the best ergonomically-designed chairs ever made and will look fantastic in a home office or a board room.

See here for a list of the best office chairs.

Pros	Cons
➕ Comfortable	➖ Expensive
➕ Durable	➖ No seat adjustment
➕ Easy to assemble

 

 

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

When it comes to the newest technology in cameras, Canon isn’t particularly known for being the first one out of the gate to show it off. However, they are really good at putting out quality products and the EOS Mark IV continues the trend of being the number-one seller of cameras with interchangeable lenses. With high-quality 30.4 megapixel stills and Dual Pixel autofocus when recording video, your images will always look amazing. A high ISO capability, 7 frames per second for continuous shooting, and a 61-point autofocus system will leave you thinking that the Mark IV has no flaws at all. The only gripes holding this back is that there is no tilt screen, and the HDMI-out is limited to 1080p. All in all, the EOS 5D Mark IV is an amazing piece of hardware.

See here for a list of the best cameras for graphic designers.

Pros	Cons
➕ Full frame sensor	➖ Limit on continuous video recording
➕ Touchscreen is useful
➕ Excellent quality images from RAW files

 

 

Earphones: Bose SoundSport Free

These are for getting into the zone and for those who prefer the convenience that can come with wireless earphones. Even the best earphones can have connectivity issues, causing people to get frustrated easily and either struggle through the frustration or spend more money on another new pair. With the SoundSport Free from Bose, the innovative design and high-quality tech provide an amazingly reliable connection. With a minimalistic, in-ear design, the SoundSport Free earphones are built for everyday use from hanging around the house to a high-intensity workout. While the SoundSport earphones offer you a great level of sound quality, the minimal design can provide a loose fit when in your ears causing you to adjust them frequently.

For some, this is a minor complaint and won’t keep them from purchasing the earphones, even though some other wireless earphones may offer better quality at a much cheaper price. These days, privacy and noise reduction while wearing earphones is a major feature that many consumers look for and those who consider the SoundSport Free should consider other options.

The design of the earphones allows outside noise in keeping you from enjoying the tremendous sound quality that only a manufacturer such as Bose can provide. If you can look past their shortcomings, the Bose SoundSport Free could be the perfect earphones for you. You could also consider their wired, noise-cancelling version: Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphones ($299).

See for more of the best earphones for music lovers.

Pros	Cons
➕ Water-resistant	➖ Large buds that stick out of ear
➕ Well designed charging bass	➖ Expensive
➕ Comfortable to wear

 

 

Printer: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-format

This Epson printer is a high quality photography and design workhorse designed for consistent results. It features six individual dye ink tanks for ultra-realistic image print results. The XP-15000 can print paper as large as 13” x 19” and it can handle most every standard paper weight and finish. This Epson model is compatible with high-yield ink cartridges that can print upwards of 800 pages per color.

See here for a list of the best printers for graphic designers.

Pros	Cons
➕ Consistent color	➖ Maintenance cost
➕ Easy setup	➖ A little slow
➕ Prints monochrome and color pages at the same speed

 

High-End Smart Phone: iPhone 12 Pro Max 

The Best Smartphone For Creatives Overall

Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP + 12MP | Front camera: 12MP | OS: iOS 14 | Screen Size: 6.7-inch | Resolution: 1284 x 2778 | CPU: A14 Bionic | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Battery: 3,687mAh 

It would be impossible to write about the top smartphones of the year without mentioning the iPhone. Apple’s constant presence in the smartphone market each year, it would be a disservice to ignore their offerings. That said, their flagship iPhone 12 Pro takes the cake for the most premium device for any creative today.

From designers to marketing professionals, this is one competent piece of technology, able to make you shine in whatever you do! This phone is worth every penny you pay for with its 6.7-inch screen size to its pristine camera.

Pros	Cons
➕ 5G	➖ No charger or headphones included in the box
➕ Large and bright OLED screen	➖ Low refresh rate
➕ Stereo speakers with great audio quality	➖ No TouchID
➕ Fast charging
➕ LiDAR Scanner has varied applications

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Ergonomic Mouse: Logitech MX Master 3

I personally use the Logitech MX Master 3 and have used prior models for over 10+ years now. This mouse is extremely comfortable and has all the precision I need for design tasks. Highly recommended!

DPI: 4,000 | Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless | Buttons: 7 | Ergonomic: Right-handed

Computer peripherals and Logitech are pretty much synonymous in today’s market. They tend to produce some of the best products in terms of quality and responsiveness. This can be a great thing when you need a mouse that can handle the precision required of the type of work you do. A cordless mouse, the MX Master3 is designed to fit comfortably in your hand without causing strain over long periods of use.

With a 4,000 dpi Darkfield sensor, the Master 3 works on all surfaces, including clear glass. When you come back to your desk to work, the mouse wakes up instantly, providing you with an indicator of the battery’s charge with the three green LEDs on the left side of the mouse. The battery life of the mouse can last up to 70 days from a full charge though in a pinch, you can use the micro-USB on the front of the mouse to charge it while you’re working.

There are buttons located on the side of the mouse that let you change between windows without using your keyboard and is also easily programmable. A scroll wheel on the side of the mouse lets you scroll through web pages or documents quickly and easy, depending on how fast you flick the wheel.

Although it comes with a hefty price tag, the Logitech MX Master 3 is a high-end mouse that has the features and the ergonomic design that makes it a perfect option for a graphic designer.

Pros	Cons
➕ Ergonomic design	➖ May not be ideal for small-handed people
➕ Good battery life
➕ Many programmable buttons

 

 

Ergonomic Desk: FlexiSpot Standing Desk 

FlexiSpot’s desktop workstation provides an easy way to transition between sitting and standing throughout the workday. This particular standing desk offers a deep work surface, a wide keyboard and instant tablet integration. These quality workstations offer smooth up/down motion, twelve height adjustment settings and ergonomic monitor mount compatibility.

You may also be interested in our best full sized desks or perhaps the best standing desks and our best office chairs for maximum comfort feature.

Pros	Cons
➕ Desktop size	➖ Need to assemble
➕ Good look	➖ May need two people to carry it
➕ Solid build

 

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Pen Set: Sakura Fine Liner Pen Set

Artists, writers, and illustrators need a quality pen set to convey their personality, style, or ability, and to safeguard their work. These Pigma Micron pens are acid-free and archival, making them ideal for design, papercrafts, journals, illustration, crafts, or any application requiring precision and permanence.

Unlike dye-based ink found in most pens and markers, this “Pigma ink” will not feather or bleed, even through the thinnest paper. Pigma ink is derived from a single pigment to ensure color consistency, and is fadeproof against sunlight or UV light. Pigma inks will not clog or dry out like most mechanical pens

This pack comes with sizes: 0.2mm (005), 0.25mm (01), 0.3mm (02), 0.35mm (03), 0.4mm(04), 0.45mm (05), 0.5mm (08), 1.0mm (1), 2.0mm(2), 3.0mm(3), 0.8-2.5mm (BR).

See here for the best pens for artists.

Pros	Cons
➕ Sharp lines	➖ Non-fillable
➕ Ultra fine nib sizes	➖ Not much grip
➕ Permanent bleed proof

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Ring Light: IVISII Ring Light with Remote Controller 

Improve your video calls, vlogs, interviews, Zoom meetings and selfies with a ring light.

This luminous 19-inch IVISII Ring Light with Remote Controller is packed with an LED light with four different colors, this stunner’s brightness can be adjusted from 0% to 100%, making it perfect for variety, flexibility, and options.

Its Bluetooth-operated remote control makes it easier to film and take photos from a distance too, so you don’t have to worry about putting your mobile on a timer and scrambling to your spot to pose. One of the larger ring lights available today, users can choose among the colors white, blue, red, and green—absolutely perfect for anyone who’s looking to use their ring light for a ton of different purposes and platforms.

Pros	Cons
➕ Good size	➖ No batteries
➕ Smooth and Strong one	➖ Confusing to set up
➕ Powered by power adapter and batteries

 

 

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Best Graphic Design Tools – Software

Creative Software: Adobe Creative Cloud

As a designer you’re most likely going to need software to produce your designs. Adobe are the industry leader when it comes to creative software. The Adobe Creative Cloud has all the tools you may need, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD or more. If you’re a student, you can get 60% off a Creative Cloud subscription here.

You could also consider Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo or Corel Painter. See the 11 Best Graphic Design Software & Tools

See here for the latest Adobe Creative Cloud sales.

Pros	Cons
➕ Price is competitive	➖ Plans are expensive
➕ No need to upgrade the softwares	➖ Downloads are not portable
➕ Access your plan from anywhere

See our full list of the best software & apps we use.

 

Antivirus software: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

It’s easy to fall into the trap of a virus or malware, as it’s possible to open a pdf or a website that has an invoice from a client or another person you may trust, which is enough to infect your computer. This is frustrating if you’ve made regular backups, and if you do not, then it could lead to a catastrophe.

It is vital to have reliable antivirus software, especially for those who use the internet regularly. It is even more important for those who work remotely or have WiFi. It is always important and good to have a premium subscription to virus protection software and is an undeniable tool for graphic designers.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a full security suite. This helps in protecting up to 10 devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, and Android phones. It comes with a real-time virus and malware detection system, as well as phishing, and attempts protection.

This software identifies suspicious programs based on their behavior even if it hasn’t come across such a threat before. It will also block these sorts of websites before it affects your system.

This Antivirus Plus comes with a secure browser specifically for online banking and shopping to help you to keep all your card, and bank account details secure. In addition, there is a file shredder to ensure that hackers cannot recover confidential information from a client.

Pros	Cons
➕ Real-time protection from malware	➖ No app for iOS devices.
➕ Anti-phishing tools
➕ Detect and block brand-new threats.

 

VPN software: ExpressVPN

Do you know what is and why a VPN is important to have? VPN, or a Virtual Private Network, acts as a secure door to the internet allowing you to secure access. This is always an essential tool for those who work in a common workplace or travel often. This is an ideal investment if you work remotely.

Certain countries block their internet based on their laws, and a VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions, so you may access websites in your home country while abroad. These are essential tools for graphic designers while traveling or working remotely.

For protecting and securing you from any malware, one great software is ExpressVPN. This protects you when you are using public Wi-Fi and hotspots in public spaces such as cafes, restaurants, resorts, hotels, and shared workspaces. It helps in preventing hackers from snooping on your online activity.

ExpressVPN uses an encrypted connection by redirecting web traffic through one of 160 servers, spread throughout 94 countries.  ExpressVPN has live support available 24/7 if you have questions and want support.

It works well with laptops, and desktop computers, and features mobile apps for your smartphone and tablet. You can install ExpressVPN on many routers to secure every device on your home WiFi network. ExpressVPN also gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service.

Pros	Cons
➕ 160 servers spreading throughout 94 countries.	➖ Can connect only five simultaneously.
➕ Live 24/7 support.
➕ Money-back guarantees up to 30 days.

 

Productivity software: Google Docs

If you are a designer or a creator searching for productivity software, there’s the classic Google Docs. This software suite functions like Microsoft Office and comes along with bounds and strides as it is a free service.

The special features include making your documents, spreadsheets, and slides accessible from any browser. It is also simple to collaborate on with other users and employs an intuitive interface that consistently integrates Google’s vast search features when you need them.

In addition to these, it includes a range of quality templates available at a moment’s notice. There are also third-party add-ons available that offer standard features in Microsoft Office, such as a more advanced equation editor. 

You can also use Google Translate to convert a document into another language. If you want more collaboration tools, there is always Google Docs G Suite, which now requires a subscription.

Pros	Cons
➕ Free apps	➖ Lack some features available on MS office.
➕ You can access it from any website.

 

Essential Graphic Designer Tools Summary

1. Laptop: Apple Macbook
2. Desktop Computer: iMac (2021)
3. High-Res Monitor: BenQ PD3200U
4. Monitor Calibrator: Datacolor SpyderX ELITE
5. Reliable Hard Drive: LaCie Porsche Design External Hard Drive (5TB)
6. Graphics Tablet: Wacom Cintiq 16
7. Stylus Pen: Apple Pencil
8. Brainstorm Board: Dry Erase Whiteboard Paint
9. Smart Notebook: Evernote Smart Notebook
10. Color Swatches: Pantone Swatch Book
11. Ergonomic Chair: Herman Miller Aeron
12. Studio Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
13. Noise-Cancelling Earphones: Bose SoundSport Free 
14. Wide-Format Printer: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 
15. High-End Smart Phone: iPhone
16. Ergonomic Mouse: Logitech MX Master 3
17. Standing Desk: FlexiSpot Standing Desk
18. Pens: Sakura Fine Liner Set
19. Ring Light: IVISII Ring Light
20. Creative Software: Adobe CC — Get 65% off Adobe CC
21. Antivirus software: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
22. VPN software: ExpressVPN
23. Productivity software: Google Docs

 

Related Posts

• Best laptops for designers
• Best computers for designers
• Best printers for designers
• Best monitors for designers
• Best tablets for designers
• Best mouse for designers
• Best earphones for music-lovers
• Best cameras for designers
• Best microphones for designers
• Best office chairs for designers
• Best pens for artists
• Best smart phones for creatives
• Best monitor calibrators
• Best external hard drives

 

What graphic design tools can you not live without?