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Best Design & Creative for Mac in 2026
Creative tools for designers and content creators
110 apps•107 free•Updated January 2026
Creative tools for Mac designers, illustrators, and content creators — covering UI/UX design, vector editing, photo retouching, prototyping, and color management. Every app in this collection is installable through Homebrew, which means no hunting for download links or dragging DMGs into Applications. Whether you're a freelance designer working in Figma or a photographer editing in Affinity Photo, these tools represent the best of what macOS has to offer for visual work. Bundl lets you assemble a complete creative toolkit and install it on any Mac with a single command, so you can spend less time setting up and more time creating.
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Adobe Creative Cloud
Collection of Adobe creative apps
Affinity Designer 2
Professional graphic design software
BlenderFree
Free and open-source 3D creation suite
GIMPFree
Free and open-source image editor
InkscapeFree
Professional vector graphics editor
ScribusFree
Open source desktop publishing
FreeCADFree
Open source parametric 3D CAD modeler
(Un)coloredFree
Rich text (HTML & Markdown) editor that saves documents with themes
3D SlicerFree
Medical image processing and visualization system
3D SlicerFree
Medical image processing and visualization system
4K Image CompressorFree
Image compressor
4K StogramFree
Download Instagram photos, accounts, hashtags and locations
A Better Finder AttributesFree
File and photo tweaking tool
A Better Finder RenameFree
Renamer for files, music and photos
AbstractFree
Collaborative design tool with support for Sketch files
AcornFree
Image editor focused on simplicity
Acronis True ImageFree
Full image backup and cloning software
Acronis True Image Cleanup UtilityFree
Uninstaller for Acronis True Image
Adobe Acrobat Pro DCFree
View, create, manipulate, print and manage files in Portable Document Format
Adobe Acrobat ReaderFree
View, print, and comment on PDF documents
Adobe AIRFree
Framework used in the development of applications and games
Adobe ConnectFree
Virtual meeting client
Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner ToolFree
Utility to clean up corrupted installations of Adobe software
Adobe DNG ConverterFree
DNG file converter
Adobe Photoshop Patterns Quicklook PluginFree
Quick Look plugin for Adobe Photoshop pattern files
AffinityFree
Image editing and design software
Affinity DesignerFree
Professional graphic design software
Affinity Designer 2Free
Professional graphic design software
Affinity PhotoFree
Professional image editing software
Affinity Photo 2Free
Professional image editing software
AirDashFree
Transfer photos and files to any device
ALCOMFree
Graphical frontend of vrc-get, open source alternative to VRChat Package Manager
AmadineFree
Vector graphic and illustration software
Amazon PhotosFree
Photo storage and sharing service
Asset Catalog TinkererFree
Browse/extract images from .car files
AstrofoxFree
Motion graphics program for music visualisations
Aurora HDRFree
HDR photo editor with filters, batch processing and more
Autodesk EAGLEFree
Electronic design automation software
AutoDMGFree
App for creating deployable system images from a system installer
AVIFQuickLookFree
Quick Look Plugin for AVIF images
BazecorFree
Graphical configurator for Dygma Raise keyboards
Bépo layoutFree
Keyboard layout designed to facilitate input of French and computer languages
Bing WallpaperFree
Use the Bing daily image as your wallpaper
BirdFontFree
Font editor
BlocsFree
Visual web design software
BlueJFree
Java Development Environment designed for beginners
BobHelperFree
Helper tool designed for Bob to solve the shortcut key issue
Bootstrap StudioFree
Design and prototype websites using the Bootstrap framework
BrilliantFree
Design and communication tool
calibrite PROFILERFree
Display calibration software for Calibrite, ColorChecker and X-Rite devices
CameraBagFree
Filter and edit photos
Camo StudioFree
Use your phone as a high-quality webcam with image tuning controls
Canon My Image GardenFree
Photo editing and printing tool
Canon UFR II/UFRII LT/LIPSLX/CARPS2 Printer DriverFree
Printer driver for Canon imageRUNNER office printers
ccStudioFree
Color management tool for accurate monitor and printer calibration
CellProfilerFree
Open-source application for biological image analysis
chaiNNerFree
Flowchart-based image processing GUI
Chromium-GostFree
Browser based on Chromium with support for GOST cryptographic algorithms
ChrysalisFree
Graphical configurator for Kaleidoscope-powered keyboards
Color StudioFree
Coherent colour scheme creator
ColorChecker Camera CalibrationFree
Software to build custom camera profiles
ColorSnapper 2Free
Colour picker
ColorWellFree
Colour picker and colour palette generator
ComposercatFree
Graphical interface for Composer (PHP)
Connect FontsFree
Font manager
Convert3DGUIFree
Command-line tool for converting 3D images between common file formats
CrunchFree
PNG image optimiser
DevToysFree
Utilities designed to make common development tasks easier
Disk JockeyFree
Disk image creator and analyser for retro computers or emulators
DisplayLink USB Graphics SoftwareFree
Drivers for DisplayLink docks, adapters and monitors
DMG CanvasFree
Stylised disk images made easy
DrawBotFree
Write Python scripts to generate two-dimensional graphics
Duplicate Annihilator for PhotosFree
Photo duplicate detector
Dwarf Fortress LMP (Lazy Mac Pack)Free
Use and switch graphics packs with Dwarf Fortress without corrupting your game
EagleFree
Organise all your reference images in one place
EasyEDAFree
PCB design tool
Electric VLSI Design SystemFree
Electrical CAD system for the design of integrated circuits
EnfuseGUIFree
HDR image creator
EnteFree
Desktop client for Ente Photos
Epson Print LayoutFree
Software to layout and print images with Epson printers
EtcherFree
Tool to flash OS images to SD cards & USB drives
Excire FotoFree
Photo library manager with object recognition, search, and culling tools
FastDMGFree
Alternative to Apple's DiskImageMounter app
Fedora Media WriterFree
Tool to write Fedora images to portable media files
Figma AgentFree
Font installers for Figma.app
Figma BetaFree
Collaborative team software
FijiFree
Open-source image processing package
File JuicerFree
Extract images from PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel and other Files
FiloMailFree
AI-powered email client designed for Gmail
Flickr UploadrFree
Photo upload tool
FlowVisionFree
Waterfall-style image viewer
Folder ColorizerFree
Folder icon editor and manager
Folding@homeFree
Graphical interface control for Folding
Font FinaglerFree
Help troubleshoot misbehaving fonts
Font Smoothing AdjusterFree
Re-enable the font smoothing controls
FontBaseFree
Font manager
FontCreatorFree
Font editor
FontForgeFree
Font editor and converter for outline and bitmap fonts
FontGogglesFree
Font viewer for various font formats
FontlabFree
Professional font editor
FontplopFree
Open Source Webfont Converter
Fontra PakFree
Browser-based font editor
FontstandFree
Font discovery and rental platform
FotokastenFree
Create and buy photo products
FramerFree
Tool that helps teams design every part of the product experience
FreeSurferFree
Software suite for processing and analyzing brain MRI images
fSpyFree
Still image camera matching
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Best Design & Creative Apps for Mac in 2026
The year 2026 marks a pivotal era for design and creative professionals on Mac, characterized by a potent fusion of artificial intelligence, seamless cloud collaboration, and the continued optimization for Apple Silicon. The landscape is more dynamic than ever, offering an expansive toolkit for graphic design, vector illustration, photo editing, UI/UX, video editing, and 3D modeling. Designers are increasingly seeking applications that not only deliver powerful features but also integrate intelligently into their workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and facilitate real-time teamwork across distributed environments. A key trend driving this evolution is the pervasive integration of AI. Tools are no longer just assisting; they are actively generating design suggestions, enhancing images, automating masks, and even transforming natural language commands into complex visual outputs. This AI-powered assistance is drastically accelerating workflows, allowing creatives to focus more on conceptualization and less on manual execution. From intelligent upscaling in photo editors to AI-driven voice isolation in video production, these capabilities are becoming standard expectations rather than novelties. Collaboration has also reached new heights, with cloud-native platforms dominating the UI/UX and graphic design spaces. Real-time co-editing, in-context commenting, and integrated version control are no longer just 'nice-to-haves' but essential components for modern design teams. Figma continues to lead in this area, but other suites are rapidly catching up, offering robust tools for shared workspaces and streamlined feedback loops. The ability to work seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and web browsers ensures flexibility for creative professionals, regardless of their physical location. Performance on Apple Silicon Macs remains a critical differentiator. Applications are increasingly optimized to leverage the M-series chips' neural engines and unified memory architecture, leading to breathtaking speeds in rendering, processing complex effects, and handling large files. This hardware-software synergy ensures a fluid and responsive creative experience, even with demanding tasks like 8K video editing or intricate 3D rendering. When choosing the best design and creative apps for Mac in 2026, consider several factors: the depth of AI integration, the robustness of collaborative features, performance optimization for your specific Mac hardware, the learning curve, and the pricing model (subscription vs. one-time purchase). The industry is seeing a rise in both comprehensive, all-in-one suites and specialized tools excelling in niche areas. Additionally, the availability of high-quality free and open-source alternatives continues to grow, providing accessible entry points for aspiring creatives. Ultimately, the best app is one that empowers your creativity, fits your workflow, and scales with your professional needs in this exciting new era of digital design.
Current Trends
AI-Powered Automation & Generation
In 2026, Artificial Intelligence is deeply embedded in creative workflows, moving beyond simple enhancements to full-fledged content generation and automation. Designers can use natural language prompts to generate layouts, remove complex backgrounds, upscale images, and even create dynamic animations. This trend significantly reduces repetitive tasks, freeing up designers to focus on higher-level creative strategy and concept development, drastically accelerating project timelines and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with digital art.
Real-time Cloud Collaboration
The shift towards cloud-native platforms facilitating real-time collaboration has become a cornerstone of creative work in 2026. Tools now offer simultaneous editing, integrated commenting, version control, and seamless asset sharing across global teams. This trend is vital for distributed workforces, enhancing productivity, streamlining feedback loops, and ensuring design consistency across all stakeholders, from ideation to developer handoff.
Apple Silicon Optimization & Cross-Platform Synergy
The ongoing optimization for Apple Silicon Macs in 2026 delivers unparalleled performance, with apps leveraging the M-series chips for faster rendering, AI processing, and energy efficiency. Coupled with this is a growing emphasis on seamless cross-platform experiences, allowing designers to start a project on a Mac, refine it on an iPad with Apple Pencil, and share prototypes via web browsers. This synergy maximizes creative flexibility and productivity across Apple's ecosystem.
Accessibility & Democratization of Design
2026 sees a continued drive towards making powerful design tools accessible to a broader audience, regardless of technical skill or budget. This includes the rise of intuitive, template-driven platforms with AI assistance for beginners, as well as robust free and open-source software alternatives. The focus is on lowering the barrier to entry, empowering more individuals and small businesses to create high-quality visual content efficiently and effectively.
Getting Started with Design & Creative Apps on Mac
1
Assess Your Needs & Budget
Before diving in, identify your primary design tasks (e.g., photo editing, UI design, video production) and determine your budget. Free tools like DaVinci Resolve or Canva are excellent starting points, while professional suites like Adobe Creative Cloud or Affinity offer deeper features for a cost. Consider if a subscription or a one-time purchase best suits you.
2
Leverage Free Trials & Community Resources
Many premium apps offer free trials, allowing you to test their features and workflow compatibility before committing. Simultaneously, explore the vast array of online tutorials, community forums, and YouTube channels. These resources are invaluable for learning interfaces, discovering advanced techniques, and solving common issues.
3
Optimize Your Mac for Performance
Ensure your Mac is set up for creative work. Close unnecessary applications, maintain sufficient storage, and consider external drives for large project files. For demanding tasks like video editing or 3D, maximizing RAM and utilizing a Mac with Apple Silicon will significantly enhance performance and responsiveness.
4
Start Simple and Iterate
Don't try to master every feature at once. Begin with simple projects to understand the basic tools and workflow of your chosen app. As your skills grow, gradually explore more advanced functionalities. Embrace iteration and don't be afraid to experiment; continuous learning is key in the creative field.
5
Embrace Collaboration & Version Control
Familiarize yourself with collaborative features if working in teams. Cloud-based platforms make sharing, feedback, and co-editing seamless. Even for solo projects, utilize built-in version history or cloud syncing to safeguard your work and track changes, preventing accidental loss or irreversible edits.
Our Recommendations
The Mac design and creative landscape in 2026 is an exciting frontier, blending advanced AI, real-time collaboration, and unparalleled Apple Silicon performance. The choice of app now hinges less on brand loyalty and more on specific workflow needs, budget, and the desire to leverage cutting-edge technology. Figma remains the undisputed champion for UI/UX teams, while DaVinci Resolve offers a remarkably powerful, often free, option for video professionals. Pixelmator Pro continues to impress as a robust and Apple-optimized image editor, and Canva democratizes design for a broader audience with its AI-driven simplicity. The trend towards integrated ecosystems, where apps communicate seamlessly and intelligent automation handles repetitive tasks, will continue to shape how creatives work and innovate. Ultimately, the best tools are those that empower your vision and streamline your path from concept to creation.
Emerging:
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2026, several excellent free design and creative apps are available for Mac. DaVinci Resolve stands out for professional-grade video editing, color correction, and VFX, offering a feature set comparable to paid software. For graphic design and image manipulation, alternatives like GIMP and Inkscape provide robust open-source solutions for pixel and vector graphics, respectively. Canva offers a powerful free tier for quick, template-based graphic design, perfect for social media and presentations. For basic photo editing, Apple's Photos app offers surprisingly capable tools, and Pixelmator Pro (while paid) often has more accessible pricing than Adobe products.
About the Author
Creative Software Expert
Design & Graphics SoftwarePhoto & Video EditingUI/UX Design Tools
Maya Rodriguez specializes in design and creative software, bringing 10 years of experience as a professional graphic designer and UI/UX specialist. Maya evaluates design tools, media applications, and creative workflows with an eye toward both artistic capability and technical performance.
10+ years in graphic design · Former creative director