Best Image Editing Tools for Next-Level Bloggers

Shamim

Confession time: I’ve been having a lot of fun with Canva over the past several months.

In case you didn’t know, I’ve experienced using a handful of different graphic design tools over the years. I even used Adobe Illustrator to create graphics for a few months.

And despite what these high-caliber tools bring to the table, I ended up with a Canva Pro subscription.

How to use Canva?
With Canva, you don’t need to spend hours reading tutorials to create professional-looking graphics for your blog.

Just visualize the design you need, piece together elements from the sidebar, and download your work.

The fluid, drag-and-drop interface gives you total freedom over your design – no extensive learning needed.  

Canva User Interface
After a while of using Canva, you’ll soon be familiar with some advanced features under the hood. You can play with image filters, use text effects, build data visualizations, insert animations, and more.

Canva Text Effects
How much does Canva cost?
You can use the base version of Canva for free without a time limit. But if you want the “Pro” version, it’ll cost $12.95 per month or $9.95 per month with annual payments.

Click here to try Canva!

2. Visme
Visme
Visme is another graphic design tool I’ve spent a lot of time with.

It’s equipped with features that will help you create infographics, data visualizations, videos, and visual-filled documents.

How to use Visme?
Just like Canva, Visme features a drag-and-drop interface that even non-designers can learn within minutes.

Pick from truckloads of icons, images, and data widgets to easily build visuals packed with information.

Visme Data Widgets
Of course, you can give your design a headstart by using a pre-built template. There are over 50 charts and maps you can use to turn boring numbers into brilliant graphics.

Visme Templates
How much does Visme cost?
Visme also has a free version, but you’re limited to only five projects per account and JPG-only downloads. The standard version costs $15 monthly, but to create unlimited projects, you need a “Business” plan for $29 per month.

Click here to try Visme!

3. Stencil
Stencil Homepage
Stencil is a graphic design tool that focuses on usability.

It comes with features that enable the creation of ad banners, featured images, and social media graphics within seconds.

How to use Stencil?
If you’re interested in Stencil, you’ll be pleased to know that its top features center around simplifying the design process.

You can use Stencil as a browser extension or WordPress plugin – ensuring your design is seamlessly weaved into your workflow.

Stencil WordPress Plugin
When working on designs, simply pick from loads of readily available stock photos, icons, and custom fonts. I’m quite impressed with its collection of quotes that allow you to share bits of inspiration in visual form.

Stencil Quote library
How much does Stencil cost?
Stencil’s “Pro” plan costs only $9 per month, but you’re only limited to phone number data 50 images monthly. If you want to create unlimited images, get the “Unlimited” plan for $12 a month.

Of course, Stencil also offers a free version so you can give it a test run. However, it only allows you to save up to 10 images each month.

Click here to try Stencil!

4. PicMonkey
PicMonkey
For bloggers who want to create eye-catching visual content for social media, PicMonkey is a solid choice.

Its feature set prioritizes the creation of beautiful images for networks like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. If you’re also growing a YouTube channel, you can use PicMonkey to craft professional thumbnails for your videos.

How to use PicMonkey?
With PicMonkey, combining templates, fonts, and photos is the name of the game.

There will be thousands of graphics, textures, fonts, and stock photos at your disposal.

PicMonkey Main interface
PicMonkey also has great image editing features to make even the most generic stock photo look original. You can remove a photo’s background, add image effects, apply filters, and more.

PicMonkey Image Effects
How much does PicMonkey cost?
The entry-level PicMonkey subscription costs $7.99 per month. If you want to save PDFs or upload your own fonts, you’ll need the “Pro” subscription, which costs $12.99 monthly.

Click here to try PicMonkey!

5. Venngage
Venngage
Venngage is a browser-based graphic design tool with powerful features but a simple philosophy:

There are only three steps to creating compelling infographics: picking a template, combining visual elements, and customizing your design.

The app succeeds here by providing a user-friendly interface that streamlines the whole design process.

How to use Venngage?
Venngage has a diverse library of templates for posters, social media images, reports, infographics, and promotional visuals.

You start by picking a template that matches your objectives and adding in the elements you need – one by one.

Venngage Templates
Once you’re happy with your graphic’s layout and content, you can easily customize your design using built-in controls. You can pick your own colors, apply your own fonts, and freely adjust the positioning and scale of elements.

Venngage Main Editor
How much does Venngage cost?
Take note that Venngage’s free version is only good for checking out how the tool works. To create publish-worthy graphics, you need the “Premium” version for $19 monthly or the “Business” plan for $49 monthly.

Click here to try Venngage!