Does Mac Come with Graphic Design Software?

When it comes to graphic design, Apple Mac computers are well-regarded for their powerful hardware and the suite of professional-grade software that enhances their usability. If you’re considering a Mac for your graphic design needs, you might wonder whether it comes preloaded with any software suitable for graphic design tasks. This article explores the graphic design software that Mac computers come with, along with options for additional tools and resources you might want to consider.

Preloaded Software on Mac

Apple Macs come with several built-in applications that can be useful for graphic design, although they might not be as advanced as professional tools. Here’s a rundown of the key software that comes with macOS:

1. Preview

   • Overview: Preview is a versatile application that allows users to view and edit PDF files and images. It offers basic image editing features such as cropping, resizing, and annotation.
   • Usefulness: While not a full-featured graphic design tool, Preview can handle simple tasks like adjusting image sizes or adding text to images. It’s a handy tool for quick edits and file conversions.

2. Photos

   • Overview: The Photos app is designed for organizing, editing, and sharing digital photos. It includes basic editing tools such as filters, color adjustments, and cropping.
   • Usefulness: Photos can be useful for making quick adjustments to images and organizing your photo library, but it lacks the advanced features needed for professional graphic design.

3. Pages

   • Overview: Pages is Apple’s word processing and desktop publishing application. It’s used for creating documents, brochures, and flyers.
   • Usefulness: For basic graphic design projects like flyers or simple brochures, Pages offers a range of templates and design elements. However, it’s not intended for more complex design tasks.

Professional Graphic Design Software for Mac

While the preloaded apps are useful, professional graphic designers often require more specialized software. Here are some of the industry-standard tools that are commonly used in graphic design:

1. Adobe Creative Cloud Suite

   • Overview: Adobe Creative Cloud is a comprehensive suite of graphic design applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and more. These tools are essential for tasks such as photo editing, vector graphics, and layout design.
   • Availability: Adobe Creative Cloud is a subscription-based service and is not included with macOS. It needs to be purchased separately.

2. Affinity Designer

   • Overview: Affinity Designer is a popular alternative to Adobe Illustrator, offering powerful vector graphic design tools at a one-time purchase price.
   • Usefulness: It’s well-suited for creating detailed vector illustrations and designs.

3. Sketch

   • Overview: Sketch is a vector-based design tool specifically geared towards user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. It is known for its intuitive interface and robust feature set for web and app design.
   • Usefulness: Ideal for designers focused on digital products and interactive designs.

4. CorelDRAW

   • Overview: CorelDRAW is another vector graphic design software that provides a range of tools for creating illustrations, layouts, and more.
   • Usefulness: It’s a good alternative to Adobe Illustrator and offers features like multi-page layout and advanced typography.

5. GIMP

   • Overview: GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source raster graphics editor. It provides many of the same features as Adobe Photoshop.
   • Usefulness: It’s a powerful tool for photo editing and creating graphic designs, although it might have a steeper learning curve compared to paid software.

Installing and Managing Graphic Design Software on Mac

Most of the professional graphic design software mentioned above can be easily installed on a Mac. Here’s a brief guide on how to get started:

1. Download and Installation

   • Visit the official website of the software you wish to install.
   • Download the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

2. Subscription Management

   • For subscription-based services like Adobe Creative Cloud, you’ll need to create an account and manage your subscription through their website.

3. Updates

   • Keep your software up to date to ensure you have access to the latest features and security updates. Most professional software includes an update feature that checks for new versions.

Free and Trial Versions

If you’re not ready to commit to a purchase, many professional graphic design applications offer free trials or discounted versions for students and educators. This can be a great way to explore different tools and find the one that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

While Mac computers come with several basic applications that can be useful for simple graphic design tasks, professional graphic designers typically rely on more advanced tools that are not included with macOS. Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity Designer, Sketch, and other software provide the robust features needed for serious design work. By combining the preloaded software with additional professional tools, you can create a powerful graphic design setup that meets all your needs.