Whatever the creative field you’re specialized in, like graphic design, digital art, movie and music production, 3D design, game creation, or any other creative fields… you need to check out this list!
If you want to learn one of those fields, or you already have some experience with them, you need powerful and advanced software to get your work done easily.
So, we’ve prepared this all-in-one list of the best creative professional software for you! There are paid software, free software, or even libre/open-source software in this list, but all of them are powerful enough to get your work done, so choose the one you like.
Want to buy your favorite software but don’t have a bank account or a credit card?
No problem! We’ll show you at the end of this article how to use CASHU to pay online without the need for a bank account!
Contents
- 1. Raster Graphics Editing Software
- 2. Vector Graphics Software
- 3. Photography Software
- 4. Digital Art Software
- 5. Pixel Art Software
- 6. Desktop Publishing Software
- 7. Web Design and Development Software
- 8. UI Design and Prototyping Software
- 9. Font Creation Software
- 10. Color Scheme Building Tools
- 11. 3D Modeling and Animation Software
- 12. 2D Animation Software
- 13. Game Design and Development Software
- 14. VFX and Motion Graphics Software
- 15. Video Editing Software
- 16. Storyboarding Software
- 17. Audio Editing Software
- 18. Audio and Music Production and Engineering Software
- 19. Media Transcoding Software
- 20. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software
- How to Buy Your Favorite Software Using CASHU, without the Need for a Bank Account
1. Raster Graphics Editing Software
This software allows you to edit and manipulate raster images (images that are made of pixels) in any way you want, like compositing, retouching, painting, correcting colors, and more.
Adobe Photoshop
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPadOS
Price: $20.99 per month
GIMP
Developer: GIMP Team
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Affinity Photo
Developer: Serif Europe
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPadOS
Price: $49 for the PC, $19 for the iPad
Pixelmator Pro
Developer: Pixelmator Team Ltd. & Apple Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPadOS
Price: $39.99 for the Mac, $7.99 for the iPad
2. Vector Graphics Software
Vector images are the opposite of raster images. They’re made of paths and curves dictated by mathematical formulas. These programs help you create vector graphics, like logos, icons, vector characters, illustrations, and more.
Adobe Illustrator
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPadOS
Price: $20.99 per month
Inkscape
Developer: Inkscape Developers
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
CorelDRAW
Developer: Corel
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $399 per year, or $785 for one time only
Gravit Designer
Developer: Corel
Software type: Proprietary, Freemium, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Web
Price: Free for the standard plan, or $49 per year for the Pro plan
Affinity Designer
Developer: Serif Europe
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPadOS
Price: $49 for the PC, $19 for the iPad
3. Photography Software
These programs are made for photographers. They allow you to organize photos and enhance them by correcting the colors and white balance, removing noise, and other enhancements.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, tvOS
Price: $9.99 per month
Luminar AI
Developer: Skylum
Software type: Proprietary, Paid
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $79
Darktable
Developer: Darktable Developers
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
4. Digital Art Software
Digital art software provide you with a large set of painting brushes and tools for your arts.
Krita
Developer: Krita Foundation, KDE
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome OS
Price: Free
Corel Painter
Developer: Corel
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $199 per year, or $429 for one time only
Procreate
Developer: Savage Interactive Pty. Ltd.
Software type: Proprietary, Paid
Platforms: iOS, iPadOS
Price: $9.99
Autodesk Sketchbook
Developer: Autodesk Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Freeware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android
Price: Free
5. Pixel Art Software
These programs are specialized in pixel art only.
PikoPixel
Developer: Twilight Edge Software
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Aseprite
Developer: David Capello
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (Ubuntu only)
Price: $19.99
Lospec Pixel Editor
Developer: Lospec
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Web
Price: Free
6. Desktop Publishing Software
These programs are used to create magazines, books, flyers, or any online and offline publications.
Adobe InDesign
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $20.99 per month
Scribus
Developer: Scribus Team
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Affinity Publisher
Developer: Serif Europe
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $49
LucidPress
Developer: Lucid Software Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Web
Price: Starts at $10 per month
7. Web Design and Development Software
Web design and development are usually done using code editors. You can use advanced code editors or a dedicated web designer.
Visual Studio Code
Developer: Microsoft Corporation
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Brackets
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Adobe Dreamweaver
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $20.99 per month
8. UI Design and Prototyping Software
These tools provide you with a complete set of tools for you to design user interfaces, in addition to prototyping and wireframing.
Sketch
Developer: Sketch BV
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: macOS
Price: $99
Adobe XD
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $9.99 per month
InVision Studio
Developer: InVisionApp Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Web
Price: Free for the standard plan, $7.95 per month for the Pro plan
Figma
Developer: Figma Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Web
Price: Free for the standard plan, $12 per month for the Professional plan
Penpot
Developer: Penpot
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Web
Price: Currently free (still under development)
9. Font Creation Software
Font creation can be done with vector graphics editors, but a dedicated font creator can better carry out this job.
FontLab
Developer: Fontlab Ltd.
Software type: Proprietary, Paid
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $459
Glyphs
Developer: Glyphs
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: macOS
Price: $299
FontForge
Developer: George Williams and the FontForge Project contributors
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
10. Color Scheme Building Tools
Use these tools to create amazing color palettes, themes, and gradients for your brand or app.
Adobe Color
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary
Platforms: Web
Price: Free
Leonardo
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Web
Price: Free
Palx
Developer: Jxnblk
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Web
Price: Free
Coolers
Developer: Fabrizio Bianchi
Software type: Proprietary
Platforms: Web
Price: Free
Accessible color palette builder
Developer: Toolness
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Web
Price: Free
CSS Gradient
Developer: Moe Amaya
Software type: Proprietary
Platforms: Web
Price: Free
Colorable
Developer: Jxnblk
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Web
Price: Free
11. 3D Modeling and Animation Software
These are the most powerful tools for 3D modeling, sculpting, animation, and rendering.
Blender
Developer: Blender Foundation and the community
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
3ds Max
Developer: Autodesk Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows
Price: $1,620 per year
Maya
Developer: Autodesk Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (RedHat and CentOS only)
Price: $1,620 per year
Cinema 4D
Developer: Maxon Computer GmbH
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $719 per year
ZBrush
Developer: Pixologic
Software type: Proprietary, Paid
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $895
3D Printing Software
After creating 3D models, use these tools to edit and prepare your models for 3D printing.
Ultimaker Cura
Developer: Ultimaker
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Fusion 360
Developer: Autodesk Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $495 per year, or free for the basic version
12. 2D Animation Software
These are the programs you need to create 2D animations, like Anime.
Blender
Developer: Blender Foundation and the community
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
OpenToonz Morevna Edition
Developer: Dwango, Morevna Project
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Adobe Animate
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $20.99 per month
Wick
Developer: Wicklets L.L.C.
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
Price: Free
13. Game Design and Development Software
Game design and development are done using a “Game Engine”. It’s a full-featured environment for building games and publishing them into multiple platforms. Your 3D and 2D assets can be created using these programs or using the 3D and 2D tools mentioned before.
Unreal Engine
Developer: Epic Games Inc.
Software type: Source-available, royalty model for commercial use
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Royalty-free for the first $1 million in revenue, then 5% royalty on gross revenue of the game.
Unity
Developer: Unity Technologies
Software type: Proprietary, Freemium
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (Ubuntu and CentOS only)
Price: Free for the Personal version, starts from $399 per year for the advanced versions
Godot Engine
Developer: Juan Linietsky, Ariel Manzur, and Godot contributers
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
Price: Free
CryEngine
Developer: Crytek GmbH
Software type: Source-available, royalty model for commercial use
Platforms: Windows
Price: Royalty-free for the first $5000 of the annual revenue per project, then 5% of the gross receipts.
14. VFX and Motion Graphics Software
The realistic imaginary visual effects you see in movies are done using these programs. In addition to the visual effects, motion graphics are also made using these programs (like infographics, where you create vectors using vector graphics software, then animating them using these programs).
Blender
Developer: Blender Foundation and the community
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Blackmagic Fusion
Developer: Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd.
Software type: Proprietary, Freeware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Apple Motion
Developer: Apple Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: macOS
Price: $49.99
Adobe After Effects
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $20.99 per month
15. Video Editing Software
These are the most advanced video editing tools to help you produce professional videos.
Final Cut Pro
Developer: Apple Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: macOS
Price: $299.99
DaVinci Resolve
Developer: Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd.
Software type: Proprietary, Freeware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Adobe Premiere Pro
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $20.99 per month
Avid Media Composer
Developer: Avid Technology Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Freemium
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: Starts from $23.99 per month, or free for the basic version
Kdenlive
Developer: KDE
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Blender
Developer: Blender Foundation and the community
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
16. Storyboarding Software
Storyboarding is the step that comes before the actual making of a movie or animation. Use these tools to sketch your ideas.
Storyboarder
Developer: Wonder Unit Inc.
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Plot
Developer: Modio L.L.C.
Software type: Proprietary, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Web
Price: $10 per month
17. Audio Editing Software
Audio editing software are used to edit and add effects to your recordings or music, like trimming, equalizing, fading in and out, amplifying, and more.
Audacity
Developer: Audacity Team
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Adobe Audition
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: $20.99 per month
18. Audio and Music Production, and Engineering Software
Audio and music creation is done using a “Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).” These programs are used for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio and music. You can connect these programs to other tools like virtual instruments and synthesizers or load them into your DAW directly.
FL Studio
Developer: Image Line Software
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: Starts from $99
Avid Pro Tools
Developer: Avid Technology Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Freemium
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: Starts from $29.99 per month, or free for the basic version
Logic Pro
Developer: Apple Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: macOS
Price: $199.99
Ardour
Developer: Ardour Team
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Less than $45 to get the current version, $45 or more to get the current and the next major version, or subscribe at any price to get all updates as long as the subscription continues
Cubase
Developer: Steinberg
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: Starts from $99.99
Ableton live
Developer: Ableton
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: Starts from $99
19. Media Transcoding Software
These tools help you convert between audio and video formats.
HandBrake
Developer: HandBrake Team
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
Adobe Media Encoder
Developer: Adobe Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware, Software-as-a-Service
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Price: Comes by default with After Effects or Premiere Pro
Apple Composer
Developer: Apple Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: macOS
Price: $49.99
20. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software
CAD Software allow you to create a diverse set of designs and drawings. They’re used commonly for architectural and industrial designs.
AutoCAD
Developer: Autodesk Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows
Price: $1,690 per year
FreeCAD
Developer: FreeCAD Team
Software type: Libre/Open Source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free
SketchUp
Developer: Trimble Inc.
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Web
Price: Starts from $119 per year, or free for the basic version
BricsCAD
Developer: Bricsys NV
Software type: Proprietary, Trialware
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Starts from $350 per year
How to Buy Your Favorite Software Using CASHU, without the Need for a Bank Account
Are you looking for an easy way to buy your favorite software without the need for a bank account nor a credit card? Get to know CASHU now!
CASHU is the first and largest e-wallet in the Middle East and North Africa used for online shopping and making financial transactions without the need for a bank account nor a credit card. Join more than 2.7 million CASHU users in the region for a safe and hassle-free online payments.
You can read this article to know more about CASHU services and how to fund the wallet through the authorized resellers. There are more than 300,000 points of sale across the MENA region and other countries that you can purchase CASHU credit through!
CASHU offers multiple solutions to pay online, and one of these solutions is Majd Joy Plus card. It’s a virtual prepaid Mastercard which you can use on any website in the world that accepts the virtual Mastercard.
Majd Joy Plus offers many features such as the ability to purchase up to $500 per day and $5,000 per month, in addition to the 3D-Secure feature, and you can get it now through CASHU App in just a few minutes.
We previously prepared an article on how to get Majd Joy Plus through CASHU App and use it to shop online, read the article now!
Summary
So, these are all the best professional creative tools to help you get your work done easily. All of them perform similarly, so just pick the program you personally find comfortable to work on.
And don’t forget to check out Majd Joy Plus card so you can buy your favorite software without a bank account!