Illustration tools are used to create images from scratch. Illustration tools are used to draw backgrounds, design logos and illustrate images. Most illustration programs give users the option to draw lines, circles, squares and other shapes, and fill these shapes in with color. Most also give users the ability to distort images with blur and shadow effects. Commercial illustration tools include FreeHand and Illustrator, but many open source alternatives are available for free online.
Photo tools allow users to re-size, manipulate and touch up photos. Image manipulation tools allow users to re-size photos, replace colors and smooth rough parts of images. Scanners and digital cameras allow users to upload photos onto computers from other sources. Popular image manipulation programs include Photoshop and its open source alternative GIMP, but many other open source alternatives exist as well (see Resources).
Many graphic designers do page layout work. Page layout work requires software to position text, photos and advertisements. Many page layout programs allow users to do all three. Popular page layout programs include Express, InDesign and their open source alternatives (see Resources).
Some graphic designers enjoy working with 3D images. While it is possible to draw in 3D using conventional illustration software, more advanced 3D images require 3D design software. These programs allow users to create complex 3D images using vector graphics generators and 3D layering. There are many commercial and open source 3D illustration programs available for graphic designers (see Resources).
Many graphic designers create graphs, charts, spreadsheets and other visual data representations. For these designers, there are many programs to choose from. From established programs like Excel to more complex tools like Flowchart, there are many visual data representation tools available for the graphic designer.