A brand needs a memorable logo to stand out. But to make a professional-looking logo, you need to know the best logo design software out there right now.
In this guide, we’ll outline our top picks for the best and free logo design software on the market. We’ll evaluate their cost, pros and cons, and answer who should use each software for logo design, so you know which is the best fit for your logo needs.
- The best logo makers create professional-looking logos in minutes with user-friendly tools that require no design experience.
- Inkscape and Logomaker by VistaPrint are the best free logo makers, while Adobe Illustrator remains the industry standard for designers and Affinity Designer is a cost-effective alternative.
- When choosing software for logo design, prioritize vector editing tools, export file formats (SVG, PDF, PNG) and customization options.
- Logomaker by VistaPrint, Looka and Vectr are ideal for beginners, while CorelDRAW and Photoshop are suited for designers who prefer sketching-based workflows.
Logomaker by VistaPrint: Best for beginners to pros
Logomaker by VistaPrint is a free online logo maker that delivers professional results without needing design skills. It’s one of the best free logo makers that’s quick and easy to use. After answering some questions about your design idea and business, AI will create multiple logo template options suited to your brand identity. You can then customize the graphics, text and colors, ensuring a personalized brand logo. Then download your logo for free and even unlock a print discount.
Before you make your business logo, take time to understand logo color meanings.
Source: Logomaker by VistaPrint
Cost
It’s completely free to design and download your logo! Get all digital files (SVG, PNG, PDF) at no cost. You only pay to print your logo onto physical products like business cards, marketing materials or signage.
After using Logomaker by VistaPrint, you get your first 50 business cards for just $10.
Pros of Logomaker by VistaPrint
- Easy to use, beginner-friendly
- Vast library of assets and templates
- Ask for a professional designers’ support or use the design services to perfect your logo
- Ability to preview your logo on business cards and other marketing materials before finalizing
- Can save multiple versions and return to edit them later
- Mobile-friendly interface allowing you to create a logo on any device
Cons of Logomaker by VistaPrint
- Final files available in SVG, PNG and PDF formats only
- A logo may not be eligible for a trademark if you solely use the tool and existing graphics
Who should use this software for logo design?
If you’re just starting out with design ideas, this is one of the best logo maker apps to experiment and create a logo in minutes.
Corel Vector: Best online logo design software
These days, you don’t need to download software—you can create a professional-looking logo with an online logo design app. Corel Vector (Previously Gravit Designer) is available online and on desktop, with extensive features and tools to support custom logo design, including selection tools, precision alignment, blending modes and symbol libraries.
Source: Logo design tool via Corel Vector
Although the free version has enough assets to create a professional logo, you have to pay for the pro version if you want full editing control over color, typography and vector paths.
Cost
- Free version with limited features
- Pro version with full features costs $99.99/year
Pros of Corel Vector
- Features and tools that rival industry-standard design programs
- Fully functioning vector program for projects beyond logo design
- Video library of software tutorials
- Library of template icons and illustrations
- Intuitive interface with customizable workspaces for different design needs
- Advanced typography tools for precise text manipulation
- Comprehensive color management system for both digital and print outputs
- Compatible with multiple file formats for easy collaboration with clients
Cons of Corel Vector
- Drawing tools are limited to pen and pencil (no brushes)
- You have to purchase many of the features
- The free version is limited in terms of exporting capabilities and design control
- Less extensive community support compared to Adobe products
Who should use this logo design software?
People who have experience with vector programs or a willingness to learn, to know how to use the tools available.
Vectr: Easiest logo software to use
If you’re looking for a simple online software for logo design that’s easier to use than Corel Vector, Vectr provides a streamlined interface that supports custom logo design. Their mission is to make graphic design accessible to everyone, and this translates to completely free software and an intuitive workspace that welcomes newcomers to vector art.
Want to learn more about logo design? Learn how to design a logo.
While the barebones toolset delivers on this promise, there are limits to how far you can take your designs. But Vectr’s selection of tools (pen/pencil, gradients, shadows and opacity) make it a great place to start with basic logo design.
Source: Free online design platform via Vetr
Cost
- Free: Limited access with 30 MB space and ads
- Plus: $3.99 per month with 1 GB space, 50 free credits, 23,000+ exclusive elements and an ad-free experience
- Premium: $7.99 per month with 3 GB space, 150 free credits, 23,000+ exclusive elements and an ad-free experience with full access to all premium features across all platforms
Pros of Vectr
- Real-time collaboration features with integrated chat for team projects
- Can be used in a browser or downloaded as an app
- Learning support for graphic design that goes beyond software tutorials
- New AI-powered vector generation tools for converting images to vector formats
- No quality loss when scaling designs, ideal for creating logos at various sizes
Cons of Vectr
- Tools do not have the fine control that other programs have (such as complex selection or smoothing functionality)
- Limited options for editing created shapes aside from deleting and starting over
- Some advanced AI features require a learning curve to use effectively
- Limited advanced editing tools compared to professional vector programs
Who should use this logo design software?
Beginner logo designers looking to get started with vector programs, or anyone who needs to create a custom logo design with no budget or time to learn how to use design software.
Looka: Best AI-powered logo designer
Looka’s online AI logo maker software is perfect if you don’t have the design skills to create your logo from scratch or the budget to hire a designer.
The preliminary questionnaire is more involved than similar platforms like Renderforest—Looka delves deeper for more accurate results about what kind of brand you are and what your visual style is. However, the quality of these AI-generated logos can be mixed and aren’t fully customized.
Source: AI-generated logo variations via Looka
Choose logo fonts carefully. The right typography can communicate your brand’s personality and tone at a glance.
Cost
- Brand kit subscription: Costs $96/year. With it, you can make unlimited changes to your logo, download high-resolution files and have full ownership of your logo, even after your subscription ends
- Brand kit web subscription: Costs $129/year and includes everything in the Brand Kit Subscription, plus an AI-generated website
- Basic package: Costs $20 for one PNG logo file
- Premium logo package: $65 for multiple high-res file types (PNG, EPS, SVG, PDF) and multiple color variations (including transparent backgrounds). It includes unlimited post-purchase changes, full ownership of your logo and lifetime technical support
Pros of Looka
- Own a customized logo in minutes after filling out an in-depth questionnaire
- Provides vector logo files and PNG, SVG, EPS and PDF formats
- Offers social media templates and business card designs in the package
- Provides a brand style guide with color codes and fonts
Cons of Looka
- No matter how good the AI is, the logo results aren’t fully custom
- Hard to find representation for obscure or niche businesses or industries
- Post-purchase editing requires a subscription to their Brand Kit
Who should use this logo design software?
If you lack design skills, you’re on a deadline or you just don’t have the time, and the budget to hire a freelance designer.
Hatchful: Best mobile logo creator
Although you can use it on desktop, Hatchful (the logo maker from Shopify) has an excellent mobile interface that makes it perfect for on-the-go users. Hatchful works similarly to other free logo makers in that you choose your category and style, with more options that deliver on-brand results.
Source: Hatchful by Shopify logo design software via Hatchful
Cost
Free. Create and download your logo designs without paying a thing. Since it’s developed by Shopify, they’re hoping you’ll use your logo on their e-commerce platform, but there’s no obligation to do so.
Pros of Hatchful
- Works for iOS and Android (and desktop)
- Offers industry-specific template recommendations based on your business type
- Includes social media-optimized files for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
Cons of Hatchful
- Not enough customization tools to make a truly unique logo
Who should use this logo design software?
People who prefer to make their logo on a mobile device and don’t mind using logo templates.
Inkscape: Best free logo design software
Inkscape offers lots of features and is free to download and use. As an open-source design program, a community of developers (and users) are always working to improve this free online logo maker.
Source: Inkscape open-source design software via Inkscape Takeru Kobayashi
Cost
Free. Inkscape is an open-source software that’s free to download and use for any purpose, including commercial projects.
Pros of Inkscape
- Features like text modification, a full color palette, premade vector shapes and the pen tool
- Inkscape is an open source program that still receives regular updates
- Fairly robust free logo design software
Cons of Inkscape
- Steeper learning curve compared to some beginner-friendly alternatives
- Limited support for advanced color management (like CMYK profiles for print)
Who should use this logo design software?
Designers on a tight budget who are looking for more functionality and creative freedom than the templates offered by other free logo software or don’t want to invest in pricier design software. Plus developers who want to tweak and personalize the source code of their design software.
Adobe Photoshop: Best design software for logo sketching
Adobe Photoshop, while primarily a photo manipulation editor rather than logo design software, offers plenty of professional tools and design features, including digital painting and 3D imaging.
Source: Adobe Photoshop CC tools for logo sketching by Adrian Meadows via Adobe
Photoshop is great for freehand drawing and logo sketching on a graphics tablet. Its layers, resizing and selection tools, and undo function make it one of the most versatile design programs around.
Though vector programs are necessary for finalizing logo designs, Photoshop’s sketching capabilities and vector tools are ideal for initial logo prototyping. For a top-quality logo, you’ll need to transition to vector software eventually, but Photoshop is an excellent starting point.
Cost
- Annual plan, paid monthly: $22.99 per month
- Annual plan, prepaid: $263.88 per year
- Monthly fee: $34.49 per month
- 7-day free trial
- Graphics tablets start at around $20 but price and quality vary
Pros of Photoshop
- Lots of brushes for sketching and drawing. Photoshop can mimic paint brushes, pencils, charcoal, watercolor and more
- Sketching tools make Photoshop perfect for sketching out a logo in the initial prototype stage
- Advanced visuals available, like shiny metals, embossing or complicated shading
- Ideal if you want to edit raster effects into your logo
- New Generative Fill feature for seamlessly adding or replacing elements in logo designs
- Customizable workspace with saved presets
- Integrates with other Adobe programs like Illustrator or InDesign
- Mobile app version now available for designing on iPhone
Cons of Photoshop
- Limited vector capabilities, making it mainly software for raster graphics. Hence the name Photoshop
- Steep learning curve—only invest in Photoshop if you plan on using it for years
Who should use this logo design software?
Because of the learning curve and price, Photoshop is best suited for professional designers, particularly those who work with raster images.
CorelDRAW: Best logo design software for adapting sketches
A popular brand among designers, CorelDRAW (not to be confused with Corel Vector) is a professional design software that rivals Adobe’s industry-dominating products. The LiveSketch tool allows you to transform free-form sketches into precise vector graphics with a pen-enabled device, without the hassle of scanning and tracing.
Source: CorelDRAW Graphics Suite demonstrating the LiveSketch tool by rodriigo designer via Corel
One big downside is its non-industry-standard file format, so if you need to share your original files with clients, stick to software with standard file formats.
Cost
- Annual plan: $22.42/month ($269.00/year)
- One-time purchase: $549.00
Pros of CorelDRAW
- Works for Windows and Mac
- The LiveSketch tool lets you draw digitally
- Comprehensive vector illustration tools with creative effects
- Access to over 1,700 Google Fonts families, plus typography tools with text effects
- Includes Corel PHOTO-PAINT for advanced photo editing with AI enhancement
- Multi-page layout capabilities for complex document creation
Cons of CorelDRAW
- The purchase price is higher than its competitors
- Non-industry-standard file format
- The interface isn’t as intuitive as other software for logo design
Who should use this logo design software?
CorelDRAW is as much digital sketching software as a logo editor, so if you’re a designer who loves drawing with pencil and paper, this is the best option for you.
Canva: Best beginner-friendly logo editor
Canva offers an intuitive drag-and-drop logo design solution that’s accessible to everyone. With over a million professionally designed templates and AI-powered tools, Canva makes it easy to create custom company logos. The platform combines simplicity with powerful design features that work for beginners and professionals.
Source: Canva logo maker interface via Canva
Cost
- Free version: Offers essential features and templates
- Pro version: $165 per year for advanced features
- Canva Teams: $135 per year per person for collaborative features
Pros of Canva
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface suitable for beginners
- Massive library of templates, icons and design elements
- AI Logo Generator for quick, unique logo creation
- Design once and resize for all your branding needs
- Collaborative features for team input on logo designs
Cons of Canva
- Limited advanced vector editing capabilities
- Missing ome professional design features compared to dedicated vector programs
Who should use this logo design software?
Small business owners who want to make a professional-looking logo without complex design software or hiring a designer. Canva is ideal for those who need to create consistent branding across multiple platforms quickly.
Affinity Designer: Best all-in-one logo design software
Digital images are usually either vector, meaning their size can scale without a loss of quality, or raster, meaning they have a set number of pixels. Most design software prioritizes one over the other, but Affinity Designer provides top-tier features for both.
Raster elements, while not ideal for logo design, are for more complex graphics, texture and shading. Serif (Affinity’s publisher) has also garnered popularity for challenging Adobe’s subscription-based model by offering its software at a flat rate, which many graphic designers prefer.
Source: Affinity Designer logo design by Jonathan Ortiz via Affinity
Cost
- Desktop: $69.99
- iPad: $18.49
- 10-day free trial
Pros of Affinity Designer
- Ideal for switching back and forth between vector and raster
- Professional tools that justify the price tag
- Can be used in conjunction with other logo design software
- Wide platform compatibility across Mac, Windows and iPad
- iPad version allows for professional design work on the go
- Optimized for the latest hardware including Apple M-series chips
- The extensive export list even includes PSD (the only vector export missing is AI)
Cons of Affinity Designer
Offers more features than free logo software, but lacking compared to other professional design software in this list. For example, there aren’t any perspective grids or workspace presets.
Who should use this logo design software?
Professional designers who want to switch between vector and raster without using multiple programs, or are on a budget and don’t want to pay for more expensive logo design software.
Adobe Illustrator CC: Best overall logo design software
A pioneer in vector art, Adobe Illustrator remains the most popular vector software available thanks to its comprehensive toolset, from perspective tools and complex imaging effects to advanced color, typography and vector controls, giving designers unmatched control over imagery. Illustrator isn’t just logo design software but a complete vector powerhouse.
Source: Adobe Illustrator CC logo design by Vasava Studio via Adobe
Familiarize yourself with different types of logos, so you can pick one that fits your brand best.
Cost
- Annual plan, paid monthly: $22.99 per month
- Annual plan, prepaid: $263.88 per year
- Monthly subscription: $34.49 per month
- 7-day free trial
Pros of Adobe Illustrator CC
- Tools for creating and manipulating vector art: drawing tools, effects, layers, live painting and gradients
- Advanced AI features like Generative Shape Fill and Retype font identification
- 3D capabilities with Project Neo (beta) for creating 3D vectors from 2D designs
- Enhanced vector tracing with improved Image Trace functionality
- Precise object arrangement with the Objects on Path feature
- Access to over 30,000 fonts from Adobe Fonts library
- An active online community for DIY troubleshooting
- Customizable workspace with saved presets
- Integrates with other Adobe programs like Photoshop or InDesign
- Cloud functionality
Cons of Adobe Illustrator CC
- Illustrator has a steep learning curve with many advanced tools that might not be suitable for non-designers
- Some of the newest features may require more powerful hardware
- High cost
Who should use this logo design software?
Adobe Illustrator is for graphic designers—its comprehensive vector capabilities make it the software of choice for professional logo designers.
The best logo design software for you
The best logo design software for you depends on your particular project needs and budget. With the right tools, you’ll be on your way to creating a custom logo that fits your business and brand.
Logo design software FAQs
Which software is best for logo design?
Designers typically use Adobe Illustrator, while beginners might prefer the AI tool Logomaker by VistaPrint for ease of use. If you’re budget-conscious, Inkscape offers professional features for free.
What is the best free logo design software?
VistaPrint’s Logomaker provides a free and user-friendly experience with professional templates and customization tools. Vectr and Inkscape are also excellent free options for beginners looking for simplicity without sacrificing quality.
What software do professionals use to design logos?
Most professionals use Adobe Illustrator for its vector capabilities, precision tools and industry-standard formats. Some start sketching their logo design in Photoshop before finalizing it in Illustrator, while others choose Affinity Designer or CorelDRAW for its LiveSketch feature.
Can I design a professional logo without design experience?
Absolutely! You can design a professional logo without design experience using intuitive AI tools like Logomaker by VistaPrint or Looka, making it easy to generate quality logos based on your preferences with templates and simple customization tools. Understanding basic design principles like color theory, typography and composition will improve your results.
