Clients do not pay for the app you use; they pay for the result. Still, you need tools, and the good news is that free ones are enough to start and even to earn. This lesson explains the main kinds of tool so you can choose wisely and switch later without fear.
Pixels and vectors
Every design file is one of two kinds.
- Raster (pixel) images are made of tiny coloured squares called pixels. Photos are raster images. If you stretch a small raster image to make it bigger, it goes blurry or blocky. Common raster files are JPG and PNG.
- Vector graphics are made of shapes described by points and curves. You can make a vector logo the size of a stamp or the size of a billboard and it stays sharp. Common vector files are SVG and PDF. Many print shops in Ghana design in a paid vector program such as CorelDRAW, and most will also accept a PDF with the text converted to outlines.
Simple rule: photos are raster, logos and illustrations should be vector.
Three kinds of free tool
- Template based design apps. Apps such as Canva run on Android phones and in a browser. You start from a size or template and add text, shapes and photos. They are quick for social media posts and flyers. Their free plans change over time, so check what is included before promising a client a feature.
- Photo editors. Free editors such as Photopea (in a browser) and GIMP (on a laptop) let you crop, retouch, adjust colour and cut people out of backgrounds. Photopea works on a phone but is much easier on a bigger screen.