Chromebooks are lightweight, portable, and affordable alternatives to traditional laptops. But despite being somewhat underpowered compared to Windows laptops, Chromebooks are more than capable of handling graphic design work. In fact, there are several graphic design apps for Chromebooks that are both efficient and easy to use.
Chromebooks operate on Chrome OS, which is a Linux-based operating system. This means they can run apps from the Google Play Store, making them versatile for various tasks, including graphic design. With the right app, a Chromebook can be transformed into a powerful graphic design tool.
Overview of Graphic Design Software and Apps for Chromebooks
The Google Play Store offers a plethora of graphic design apps for Chromebooks. These apps cater to a range of users, from beginners to professionals. Some of these apps come with a range of features, including brushes, filters, and layers, allowing you to create complex designs with ease.
While there are many apps to choose from, not all of them are created equal. Some apps excel in certain areas, such as photo editing, while others are better suited for vector graphics or layout design. It is important to choose an app that fits your specific needs.
In this article, we will explore some of the best graphic design apps for Chromebooks. We’ll look at their features, pros, and cons, and how they compare to apps on other platforms.
Sketchbook by Autodesk
Let me start by saying that Sketchbook by Autodesk is one of the most popular graphic design apps for Chromebooks. Originally designed for professional artists, Sketchbook has a wide range of tools that make it suitable for graphic designers of all skill levels.
The app features over 190 customizable brushes, allowing you to create a myriad of effects. It also offers layers, full PSD (Photoshop Document) support, and an intuitive interface. Sketchbook is free to use, with an optional pro version offering additional features.
The beauty of Sketchbook lies in its simplicity. The app’s uncomplicated interface makes it easy to navigate, even for beginners. Despite its simplicity, Sketchbook doesn’t compromise on functionality. It offers a comprehensive set of tools, making it a versatile choice for all types of digital art.
Sumo Paint
Sumo Paint is another excellent graphic design app for Chromebooks. It’s a cloud-based app, meaning you can access your work from anywhere, anytime. The app offers a wide range of tools, including brushes, shapes, text, gradients, and more. It also supports layers and blending modes, giving you the freedom to create complex designs with ease.
One of the unique features of Sumo Paint is its community. The app has a vibrant community of artists who share their work and provide feedback. This can be a great source of inspiration for your own designs. Sumo Paint has a free version, but a pro version is available for a small fee, offering additional features and tools.
Infinite Painter
Infinite Painter is a comprehensive graphic design app that offers a wide array of features. It boasts over 160 brushes, which can be customized to your liking. The app also offers layers, blending modes, and a variety of tools for creating shapes and patterns.
Infinite Painter also comes with a range of presets, allowing you to create beautiful designs with just a few clicks. It also supports high-resolution canvases, making it a good choice for large-scale projects. The app is free to use, with additional features available through in-app purchases.
Canva
CanvaCanva is a popular graphic design app known for its simplicity and ease of use. It’s perfect for creating social media posts, posters, logos, and more. Canva offers a variety of templates, making it easy to create professional-looking designs without any design experience.
In addition to its design tools, Canva also offers a library of over a million images, graphics, and fonts. This makes it a one-stop-shop for all your design needs. Canva is free to use, with additional features available through a pro subscription.
Adobe Express
Adobe ExpressAdobe Express is a versatile graphic design app that allows you to create stunning graphics, web pages, and short videos. The app offers a range of templates, making it easy to create professional-looking designs. It also supports collaboration, allowing you to work on projects with your team.
One of the unique features of is its storytelling capabilities. With Adobe Express, you can combine text, images, and video to create engaging stories. This makes it a great tool for creating social media content, presentations, and more.
Vectr
Vectr is a free, cloud-based vector graphics software that’s perfect for creating logos, illustrations, and other graphic designs. The software offers a user-friendly interface and a range of tools, making it easy to create stunning vector graphics.
Vectr also supports real-time collaboration, allowing you to work on designs with your team. In addition, the software offers tutorials and a user guide, making it easy for beginners to get started.
PhotoPea
PhotoPea is a free online photo editor that’s perfect for basic photo editing and design work. The software supports a range of file formats, including PSD, XCF, and Sketch. This means you can open and edit files created in other design software, such as Photoshop and GIMP.
PhotoPea offers a range of tools, including brushes, layers, and filters. It also supports vector graphics, making it a versatile choice for all types of design work.
Pixlr
Pixlr is an online photo editor that’s perfect for quick edits and touch-ups. The software offers a range of tools, including filters, effects, and overlays. It also supports layers and blending modes, giving you the freedom to create complex designs.
Pixlr offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of templates, making it easy to create professional-looking designs. The software is free to use, with additional features available through a pro subscription.
Corel Vector
Corel Vector is a vector graphics software that’s perfect for creating logos, illustrations, and other graphic designs. The software offers a range of tools, including brushes, shapes, and text effects. It also supports layers and blending modes, giving you the freedom to create complex designs.
Corel Vector offers a user-friendly interface and a range of templates, making it easy to create professional-looking designs. The software is available for a one-time fee.
Drawtify
Drawtify is a cloud-based graphic design software that’s perfect for creating logos, banners, and other marketing materials. The software offers a range of tools, including text effects, shapes, and images. It also supports vector graphics, making it a versatile choice for all types of design work.
Drawtify also offers a range of templates, making it easy to create professional-looking designs. The software is available through a monthly or annual subscription.
Artboard Studio
Artboard Studio is a cloud-based graphic design software that’s perfect for creating social media posts, logos, and other marketing materials. The software offers a range of tools, including text effects, shapes, and images. It also supports layers and blending modes, giving you the freedom to create complex designs.
Artboard Studio offers a user-friendly interface and a range of templates, making it easy to create professional-looking designs. The software is available through a monthly or annual subscription.
Boxy SVG
Boxy SVG is a vector graphics software that’s perfect for creating logos, illustrations, and other graphic designs. The software offers a range of tools, including brushes, shapes, and text effects. It also supports layers and blending modes, giving you the freedom to create complex designs.
Boxy SVG offers a user-friendly interface and a range of templates, making it easy to create professional-looking designs. The software is available for a one-time fee.
EvolveUI
EvolveUI is a graphic design software that’s perfect for creating user interfaces and wireframes. The software offers a range of tools, including shapes, text effects, and images. It also supports layers and blending modes, giving you the freedom to create complex designs.
EvolveUI offers a user-friendly interface and a range of templates, making it easy to create professional-looking designs. The software is available for a one-time fee.
InPaint
InPaint is a photo editing software that’s perfect for removing unwanted objects from your photos. The software offers a range of tools, including clone stamp, magic wand, and lasso. It also supports layers and blending modes, giving you the freedom to create complex edits.
InPaint offers a user-friendly interface and a range of tutorials, making it easy to get started. The software is available for a one-time fee.
Getting the Most Out of Your Chromebook for Graphic Design
Now that we’ve explored some of the best graphic design apps for Chromebooks, let’s look at some tips to help you get the most out of your Chromebook for graphic design.
- Firstly, always ensure that your Chromebook is updated to the latest version of Chrome OS. This not only ensures that you have the latest features, but also that your device is secure.
- Secondly, make use of cloud storage. Chromebooks are designed to work seamlessly with Google Drive, so take advantage of this to store and access your design files from anywhere.
- Thirdly, don’t forget to explore the Chrome Web Store and Google Play Store for new apps. There’s a wide range of graphic design apps available.
While not the first choice for most graphic designers, Chromebooks are still a viable platform. With the right apps, they can be transformed into a relatively powerful design tool.
Graphic Design on Chromebooks vs Other Platforms
Most graphic design apps for Chromebooks are cloud-based, meaning they don’t require much storage space. This makes Chromebooks a great option for designers who work on the go. Moreover, their compact size and long battery life add to their portability, making them perfect for remote work.
Plus, many of these apps are either free or significantly cheaper than their counterparts on other platforms.