Design is no longer just for designers — students across tech, business, media, and even engineering now need basic visual and creative skills.
Luckily, many top-tier creative tools offer completely free access to students.
Here’s your 2025 guide to the best design and creative software you can use at no cost.
🎨 1. Figma for Education
- What’s Free: Figma Professional Plan — real-time collaboration, version history, unlimited projects.
- Eligibility: Must have a valid student email or .edu domain.
- Use Cases: UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping.
👉 Visit Figma Education
🖌️ 2. Adobe Creative Cloud (Student Discount)
- What’s Free: 7-day trial + major discounts (up to 60% off).
- Tools Included: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro.
- Tip: Some universities provide access for free.
👉 Visit Adobe for Students
🧰 3. Canva Pro for Education
- What’s Free: Canva Pro with premium features.
- Eligibility: Verified school/university email.
- Use Cases: Posters, resumes, presentations, social media.
👉 Visit Canva for Education
🎞️ 4. Blender
- What’s Free: 100% open-source 3D modeling and animation suite.
- Great For: Students in VFX, gaming, animation, or design.
- No Strings: Free for everyone, forever.
👉 Visit Blender
📱 5. InVision Free Plan
- What’s Free: Real-time prototyping and whiteboarding tool.
- Perfect For: Product design, UX workshops, collaboration.
👉 Visit InVision
🖼️ 6. Pixlr
- What’s Free: Browser-based image editing.
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight alternative to Photoshop, no installation needed.
👉 Visit Pixlr
🎥 7. DaVinci Resolve (Free Version)
- What’s Free: Professional video editing software.
- Use Cases: YouTube, short films, reels, motion graphics.
👉 Visit DaVinci Resolve
🖍️ 8. Krita
- What’s Free: Digital painting tool for illustration, concept art, and comics.
- OS Support: Windows, macOS, Linux.
👉 Visit Krita
✏️ 9. Penpot
- What’s Free: Figma alternative that's fully open-source.
- Great For: UI/UX design in privacy-conscious environments.
👉 Visit Penpot
✨ 10. Gravit Designer
- What’s Free: Cross-platform vector design tool.
- Works On: Browser + native apps.
- Use Case: UI, logos, vector art.
👉 Visit Gravit
📌 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to create great things. These free or heavily discounted tools allow students to explore design and creativity without financial limits.
Want more student hacks and career tools?
Explore our blog at Jobspundit.com — we curate the internet so you don’t have to.
