6 Must-Use AI Tools for Graphic Designers to Speed Up Your Workflow
Before AI, graphic designers would spend hours doing repetitive chores like resizing photos and producing mockups, as well as brainstorming concepts and fine-tuning designs. It was a time-consuming process, and it was sometimes difficult to fulfill deadlines.
AI has drastically changed the landscape. Intelligent tools can now automate repetitive activities, produce design concepts, and streamline workflows, freeing designers to concentrate on creativity and innovation. AI has developed into a vital ally for contemporary graphic artists, helping to boost productivity and provide fresh concepts. In this blog, we’ll look at six must-have AI technologies that can help you speed up your workflow and improve your design game.
Here’s a list of 6 must-use AI tools for graphic designers that can significantly speed up workflow and boost creativity:
- Canva AI
- ChatGPT
- Gemini
- Adobe Firefly
- Figma + AI Plugins
- MidJourney
Canva AI
Canva AI is a user-friendly, AI-powered design tool that speeds up the generation of expert images for marketers, graphic designers, and content producers. With features like Magic Resize, color palette recommendations, text-to-image generation, and automatic design suggestions, Canva AI simplifies the creative process and eliminates tedious work. It’s extremely popular for social media graphics, presentations, posters, and promotional items.
Free Version vs Paid Version:
Free Version:
- Access to basic AI tools like text suggestions, Magic Resize, and a limited library of templates and stock images.
- Suitable for small projects or casual designers.
- Limited cloud storage and fewer advanced AI features.
Paid Version (Canva Pro):
- Unlocks full AI capabilities like Text-to-Image, background remover, brand kits, and premium templates.
- Access to millions of stock images, videos, and elements.
- Enhanced collaboration tools, more cloud storage, and priority support.
- Ideal for professional designers or teams handling frequent projects.
Advantages of Canva AI:
- User-Friendly: Easy for beginners and professionals alike.
- Time-Saving: Automates repetitive tasks like resizing, layouts, and image generation.
- Versatile: Can be used for social media, presentations, posters, and more.
- Cloud-Based: Access designs from anywhere, collaborate in real-time.
- Affordable Pro Version: Provides powerful AI tools at a reasonable subscription cost.
Disadvantages of Canva AI:
- Limited Customization: Advanced designers may find it restrictive compared to Photoshop or Illustrator.
- AI Creativity Limits: Generated designs may lack originality and require manual tweaking.
- Dependence on Internet: Canva AI is cloud-based, so offline access is limited.
- Free Version Limitations: Many advanced AI features are locked behind the Pro subscription.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT isn’t just for writers; it’s also becoming a secret tool for graphic designers. This AI technology, created by OpenAI, aids designers in improving productivity, generating innovative ideas, and streamlining communication. From developing engaging social media captions and client proposals to exploring design concepts and color palettes, ChatGPT saves time on the thinking and writing side of design work. It assists in turning vague concepts into precise creative directives, freeing up designers to concentrate more on what they enjoy most—designing.
Free Version vs Paid Version:
Free Version (GPT-3.5):
- Excellent for general tasks like coming up with creative prompts, composing brief captions, and brainstorming.
- Ideal for individual designers or beginners experimenting with AI to improve workflow.
- May respond more slowly and have less access to sophisticated tools.
Paid Version (ChatGPT Plus – GPT-4):
- Provide more intelligent, prompt, and thorough answers.
- Perfect for companies, freelancers, and professional designers who manage several projects.
- Can develop customer briefs, project plans, thorough copywriting, and even creative strategy concepts with more accuracy.
- Provides access to file uploads, picture comprehension, and improved precision for intricate queries.
Advantages of ChatGPT for Graphic Designers:
- Idea Generation: Quickly brainstorms design themes, concepts, or campaign ideas.
- Creative Inspiration: Suggests color combinations, typography styles, or layout ideas.
Disadvantages of ChatGPT:
- Text-Focused: It can’t create actual visuals or design elements.
- Needs Clear Prompts: Output depends heavily on how specific your request is.
- Generic Suggestions: May require manual tweaking to match your creative tone.
- Online Use Only: Requires an internet connection for access.
Gemini
Google created Gemini, a sophisticated AI model that combines productivity, creativity, and intellect into a single, integrated tool. Gemini can be a valuable tool for graphic designers, aiding in idea generation, creative writing, picture prompt production, and project planning. Integrated into Google Workspace tools such as Docs, Sheets, and Slides, it enables designers to compose captions, make client presentations, produce graphic concepts, and even investigate trends without leaving the Google ecosystem. It’s like having a creative buddy who speeds up your planning, writing, and thought processes.
Free Version vs Paid Version:
Free Version (Gemini in Google Workspace):
- Available through limited integration in Google products like Gmail and Docs.
- Offers basic AI writing assistance, summaries, and idea suggestions.
- Great for casual users or individual designers who need light creative help.
Paid Version (Gemini Advanced):
- Runs on the more powerful Gemini 1.5 Pro model with enhanced reasoning and creative capabilities.
- Can handle complex prompts, longer documents, and multi-step creative tasks.
- Integrated with Google Workspace Premium, giving designers access to advanced features in Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
- Ideal for design studios, agencies, and professionals handling large projects and client communication.
Advantages of Gemini for Graphic Designers:
- Creative Brainstorming: Helps generate mood board ideas, slogans, and design directions.
- Time-Saving: Automates research.
- Accessible Anywhere: Cloud-based and works across devices via Google Workspace.
- Reliable Support: Backed by Google’s robust AI ecosystem and frequent updates.
Disadvantages of Gemini:
- Limited Visual Creation: Does not directly generate images or graphics (unlike Firefly or Midjourney).
- Full Power Locked Behind Paid Version: Many advanced tools are only in Gemini Advanced.
- Requires Internet & Google Account: Dependent on the Google ecosystem for access.
- Not Specialized for Design: More text-focused — great for planning, not actual designing.
- Regional Availability: Some advanced features are still rolling out globally.
Adobe Firefly
Adobe’s own AI-powered creative engine, Adobe Firefly, was created especially for designers and artists. It enables users to produce excellent text effects, graphics, and design elements straight from text prompts. Whether you want to conceptualize a concept, create distinctive textures, or design breathtaking backgrounds, Firefly brings them to life in seconds. It improves traditional design workflows by automating repetitive activities and boosting creative possibilities, making it one of the most powerful AI tools for current graphic artists. It integrates effortlessly into applications like as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Express.
Free Version vs Paid Version:
Free Version:
- Comes with limited “generative credits” that determine how many AI actions (like image generations) you can perform.
- Includes basic access to text-to-image, text effects, and recolor features.
- Great for experimenting with AI-generated designs or casual projects.
Paid Version (Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription):
- Offers more generative credits and full integration with Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Express.
- Access to Firefly-powered tools like Generative Fill, Generative Expand, and AI-driven object removal.
- Faster processing and higher-quality AI outputs.
- Perfect for professional designers, agencies, and freelancers who need advanced creative control and reliability.
Advantages of Adobe Firefly:
- Deep Adobe Integration: Works smoothly within Photoshop and Illustrator, enhancing existing workflows.
- High-Quality Visuals: Generates professional-grade images and textures suitable for commercial use.
- Text Effects & Recoloring: Create eye-catching typography and color variations instantly.
- Saves Time: Automates background removal, image expansion, and creative ideation.
- Commercially Safe Content: Trained on licensed Adobe Stock images, ensuring outputs are safe for use.
Disadvantages of Adobe Firefly:
- Limited Free Usage: Generative credits in the free plan run out quickly.
- Requires Creative Cloud Subscription: Full access tied to paid Adobe plans.
- Dependent on Internet Access: Cloud-based processing for AI tasks.
- Learning Curve: Some advanced tools may take time to master.
- Restricted Outside Adobe Ecosystem: Works best only within Adobe apps.
Figma + AI Plugins
Figma is one of the most widely used design collaboration tools, and its capabilities have increased with the popularity of AI plugins. These plugins, including Magician, FigGPT, Automator, and Genius, integrate AI directly into Figma, assisting designers with design ideas, layout creation, UI text writing, and even repetitive task automation. Figma’s AI technologies can transform unfinished concepts into editable design parts in a matter of seconds, whether you’re creating a brand mockup, app interface, or website. It’s essential for designers who wish to work more efficiently and creatively because of its AI support and user-friendly design.
Free Version vs Paid Version:
Free Version:
- Includes access to basic Figma tools and limited plugin usage.
- Suitable for freelancers, students, or small teams.
- Collaboration and cloud storage are capped, and some AI plugins may have limited functionality or usage caps.
Paid Version (Figma Professional / Organization):
- Unlocks advanced collaboration, version history, and plugin integrations without restrictions.
- Provides access to premium AI plugins and more team management features.
- Ideal for design agencies, UI/UX teams, and professionals who need real-time collaboration and enhanced productivity.
- Offers better control over design systems and AI-generated components.
Advantages of Figma + AI Plugins:
- Boosts Productivity: Automates repetitive design tasks like resizing, naming layers, or content generation.
- Idea Generation: Helps brainstorm color palettes, layouts, icons, and design inspiration instantly.
- Smart Content Creation: Generates placeholder text, UI copy, and image ideas directly in the design canvas.
- Seamless Collaboration: Multiple team members can work together in real time, powered by AI suggestions.
- Customizable Workflow: A wide range of plugins allows designers to tailor Figma to their specific creative needs.
Disadvantages of Figma + AI Plugins:
- Plugin Limitations in Free Plan: Some AI tools require paid subscriptions or have limited functionality.
- Internet Dependence: Most plugins rely on online servers to generate results.
- Occasional Inaccuracy: AI-generated design suggestions may not always match brand guidelines or design intent.
- Learning Curve: Understanding which plugins best fit your workflow takes time.
- Privacy Concerns: Some plugins may access design data, so reviewing permissions is essential.
Midjourney
One of the most widely used AI image-generation tools, Midjourney, turns text prompts into stunning images. For graphic designers, it is a valuable source of concept art, inspiration, and high-quality design components. Whether you require a fast moodboard, character design, mockup, or creative reference, Midjourney facilitates the visualization of concepts that could otherwise require hours of laborious sketching. The program works through Discord, where users may ask questions and receive AI-generated graphics in seconds, combining art and technology to foster creative thinking and visual storytelling.
Free Version vs Paid Version:
Free Version:
- Currently unavailable. Midjourney discontinued its free trial due to high demand and misuse.
- Earlier, free access allowed limited image generations per month for testing.
Paid Versions (Subscription Tiers):
Basic Plan:
- Around $10/month, suitable for casual designers.
- Limited “fast hours” and slower generation times.
Standard Plan:
- Around $30/month, with more “fast hours” and unlimited relaxed generations.
- Great for freelancers and regular users.
Pro and Mega Plans:
- $60–$120/month with advanced features, private visibility, and priority access.
- Ideal for agencies, professional artists, and design teams needing constant generation at high speed and quality.
Advantages of Midjourney:
- Instant Inspiration: Quickly generates creative visuals and design directions.
- High-Quality Artwork: Produces detailed, professional, and stylistically rich images.
- Customizable Prompts: Designers can fine-tune prompts to control style, lighting, mood, and composition.
- Time-Saving: Great for concept visualization without spending hours on manual illustration.
- Unique Aesthetic Output: Known for producing visually striking and artistic results that stand out from other AI generators.
Disadvantages of Midjourney:
- No Free Access: Paid subscription required even for basic use.
- Discord-Based Platform: Requires familiarity with Discord, which may be confusing for beginners.
- Limited Editing Options: Generated images can’t be easily edited within the tool.
- Licensing Restrictions: Commercial usage terms vary by subscription tier — careful review is needed.
- Lacks Real-Time Collaboration: Not integrated with traditional design tools like Figma or Photoshop.
Benefits of Using AI Tools for Graphic Design
- Speeds Up the Design Process: By automating repetitive tasks like image scaling, background removal, and layout generation, artificial intelligence (AI) tools free up designers to concentrate more on the artistic elements of their work. In addition to saving time, this makes it easier to meet deadlines.
- Enhances Creativity and Idea Generation: Creative blocks can occasionally hinder the design process. AI tools like Midjourney, Firefly, and Figma plugins can rapidly produce design alternatives or visual inspirations, allowing designers to explore new avenues and ideas they may not have considered before.
- Boosts Productivity and Efficiency: AI makes sure that every stage of the design process is optimized, from ChatGPT’s content creation to Figma’s intelligent automation. Designers may expedite communication, oversee several projects, and provide outcomes more quickly while preserving consistency in quality.
- Improves Accuracy and Consistency: AI reduces human errors by assuring color accuracy, alignment, and visual balance. Brand consistency can be preserved by using tools like Adobe Firefly or Canva AI, which automatically apply the appropriate color schemes, typefaces, and styles to every design.
- Enables Personalized Design Solutions: AI examines user preferences and actions to assist designers in producing more engaging and customized content. AI-powered branding tools, for instance, might recommend fonts or layouts that complement a brand’s tone and target market.
- Cost-Effective and Accessible: With free and low-cost versions of many AI products available, independent designers and small enterprises can have access to cutting-edge technology without making a significant investment. AI democratizes design, enabling everyone to achieve expert results.
- Supports Better Collaboration: Platforms with AI capabilities, such as Figma and Gemini, improve teamwork by streamlining feedback, communication, and real-time co-editing. Workflows become more efficient as a result, and projects are finished sooner.
Final Thoughts
AI’s emergence has changed the way creativity functions, particularly in the field of graphic design. Although technology boosts creativity, it’s the skill and strategic thinking of a professional team like The Leeway Media that truly brings designs to life. Our team of talented designers and marketing experts combines human creativity with AI-driven efficiency to create images that engage your audience, represent your business, and make an impression.
Whether you’re a startup striving to build a compelling visual identity or an established company looking to revamp your brand image, working with a professional graphic designing agency in Kerala can help you turn ideas into powerful designs. Contact us today to boost your brand identity.