11 graphic design tools employers want you to know

If you’re a budding graphic designer (or even a seasoned one looking to stay competitive), mastering the latest design tools is a non-negotiable.

Employers aren’t just looking for creativity anymore – many are seeking professionals who can confidently wield the most in-demand, industry-relevant graphic design software to bring their brand vision to life.

So, whether you’re planning to polish your portfolio or pivot into the design industry, here are 10 graphic design tools employers are loving in 2025, and why you should get familiar with them.

1. Adobe Illustrator

If you’re creating anything that needs to scale, from business cards to billboards, Adobe Illustrator is still your go-to. It’s the vector design powerhouse that employers often expect you to know, especially in branding, marketing, and product design environments.

Why it’s an essential tool:

• Perfect for logos, icons, typography layouts, and scalable assets.
• Used extensively across branding and packaging work.
• Integrates beautifully with other Adobe apps (like Photoshop and InDesign).

Knowing how to create reusable templates, manipulate anchor points, and build brand assets in Illustrator can set you apart, especially in fast-paced agency roles or in-house design jobs.

From an employability standpoint, Adobe is highly valued by employers due to its versatility in producing a wide range of graphics and scalability of designs without compromising on loss of quality.

2. Adobe Photoshop

Another beloved design program used widely among graphic designers is Photoshop, a multi-functional tool that designers use for photo manipulation, digital painting, social media content, mockups, and more.

What makes it a must-know:

• Image correction (like retouching, masking, compositing).
• Creating digital artwork or assets for motion graphics and web.
• Essential for building social media content, banners, and ads.

Employers across all industries – from fashion to SaaS – want designers who can edit photos, prep visuals for campaigns, and create sharp, high-impact graphics. If Photoshop still feels overwhelming, start with basics like masking, blending modes, and smart objects, before moving on to more sophisticated techniques.

3. Adobe InDesign

For those working on magazines, books, brochures, whitepapers, or annual reports, InDesign is a must.

This layout-focused software is all about making large volumes of text and imagery look clean, professional, and readable.

Why employers still rely on it:

• It’s the industry standard for multi-page documents.
• Great for working with grids, master pages, and typographic styles.
• Integrates well with Illustrator and Photoshop for a smooth workflow.

InDesign is especially valuable in publishing, advertising, education, and corporate communications. Even as digital formats evolve, beautifully designed PDFs and publications aren’t going anywhere.

Having InDesign along with Photoshop and Illustrator in your design repertoire can make you stand out among applicants when applying for design-related positions. This is because employers typically prefer candidates who can navigate multiple Adobe programs seamlessly. If you’re strong in one but weak in another, it’s advisable to brush up on your skills.