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What is the Best Graphic Design Software?

By , About.com Guide

Question: What is the Best Graphic Design Software?
Graphic design software and desktop publishing software are essentially the same thing. The primary difference is that the desktop publishing category includes some consumer level programs not typically considered graphic design software.
Answer: The term desktop publishing was originally coined to describe Aldus (now Adobe) PageMaker and among professional designers refers primarily to high-end page layout software applications including Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress. These are also the primary page layout programs considered to be graphic design software. Additionally, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are frequently used graphics software programs used for professional graphic design work.

Choose Graphic Design Software Based on Task
There is no single best graphic design software program. There are, however, specific programs that are better suited for certain tasks than others. The previously mentioned programs are considered industry-standard; however, they are not the only choices.

Although the following FAQs use the term {i]desktop publishing software, simply substitute graphic design software as you read them to find the answer to your questions about what graphic design software is best for doing graphic design print work.

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