Graphical Design Tools
What are the best tools for capturing ideas as images that convey intentions.
Images
- Canva / Dream Lab
- Comfy
- Ideogram
- Adobe Creative Suite (advanced editing)
- Midjourney
- Stability AI
Diagrams
Diagrams are best to explain complex decisons using UML, P&ID, mockups etc.
- Figma
- Exalidraw
- Diagrams.net
- Sketchup
- AutoCAD
Related
Figma
FREE for Individuals
Key Features:
- Collaborate with others
- Works on all machines
- Interactive Mockups
- Storybook Integration
Tailwind Integration
Resources
Excalidraw
Great for quickly whiteboarding ideas that can have permanance.
Can be used inside obsidian.
Diagrams.net
Great for UML.
https://www.diagrams.net/
Used to great effect to explain concepts in courses from Stephen Grider.
Sketchup
3D design for architecture and landscape.
https://www.sketchup.com/
AutoCAD
Professional Engineering drawings
Free Design Assets
Free images, icons, patterns
TODO: update for AI.
- kaboompics
- nos.twnsnd
- picjumbo
- gratisography
- getrefe.tumblr
- imcreator
- freepik
- thestocks
- Designers Pics
- Giphy
- Pattern Library
- Pixabay
- substack.net
- Unsplash
SVGs and Icons
Use svgomg to clean up SVGs.