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Top Rated Graphic Design Software with Custom Brushes in 2026

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Verified reviewer profile picture

All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: March 2026

Custom brushes enable artists to create unique textures, patterns, and effects, enhancing the visual appeal of their designs. They offer greater artistic expression, save time on repetitive tasks, and allow for personalized, authentic artwork. Our reviewers in graphic design software rated this feature as important.

3 Best Graphic Design Software with Custom Brushes

  • Adobe InDesign
  • Canva - Highest rated for custom brushes
  • Adobe Photoshop

See other top Graphic Design products with custom brushes

How we picked the 3 top rated products

We chose the high-performing solutions on this list based on verified user ratings on our site. Depending on available data, qualifying products either had to be among the most user-reviewed or the most searched-for products in the graphic design software category. They also needed to have sufficient reviews about custom brushes, have a minimum user rating of 3 out of 5 for that feature, and show evidence of U.S. market presence. We then added a distinction for the product with the highest rating for custom brushes based on our proprietary ratings and reviews. Sponsorship or client status has no influence on the selection of these products, but it may impact the order in which products appear.

Details for the 3 best products

Adobe InDesign logo
4.8
(339)
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User insights about the custom brushes feature

Reviewers mention that custom brushes are not a commonly used feature in Adobe InDesign. They often prefer using Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator for tasks requiring brushes. Users indicate that InDesign is primarily designed for page layout rather than photo editing or painting. They find the pen and pencil tools useful for drawing, but overall, they suggest using other Adobe software for more flexible and extensive brush capabilities.
“I don't tend to use brushes on InDesign, I end up using Illustrator as it's a bit more flexible to use”
SW

Shannon W.

Graphic Design Manager

“This software is not designed to use custom brushes. Try Illustrator or Photoshop”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Cushi M.

Owner

Graphic Design key features coverage

Adobe InDesign offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Graphic Design software identified by reviewers:

Content Import/Export4.7
Image Editing3.7
Pattern, Color & Art Storage4.3
Custom Fonts4.5
Design Templates4.3
Collaboration Tools4.1

Pros and cons based on 339 verified reviews

80% of users rated Adobe InDesign 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 339 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Versatile brochure creation

Comprehensive print design features

Cons:

High cost concerns

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$20.99 flat rate/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Canva logo
4.7
(13.2K)
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User insights about the custom brushes feature

Reviewers indicate that Canva's custom brushes enhance design flexibility and allow for unique, personalized touches. They find the brushes practical and easy to use, with various sizes and colors available. Users report that while they may not use this feature frequently, it is effective and worth the effort. Some users note that they were unaware of this capability, but those who use it appreciate the creative effects it offers.
“Custom brushes allow for a greater range of artistic expression, enabling users to create unique textures, patterns, and effects that enhance the visual appeal of their designs.”
DM

Davia M.

Student

“Custom brushes in Canva enhance design flexibility, allowing unique, personalized touches and creative effects.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Madan C.

Web Designer

Graphic Design key features coverage

Canva offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Graphic Design software identified by reviewers:

Content Import/Export4.7
Image Editing4.5
Pattern, Color & Art Storage4.6
Custom Fonts4.6
Design Templates4.7
Collaboration Tools4.5

Pros and cons based on 13,234 verified reviews

77% of users rated Canva 5 out of 5 stars, while 0% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 13,234 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Efficient social media graphics

Versatile card creation

Effective marketing material creation

Professional design capabilities

Cons:

Limited file management options

Inadequate image resizing features

Subpar mobile usage experience

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$15 per user/per month|Free version:Available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Adobe Photoshop logo
4.8
(2.4K)
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User insights about the custom brushes feature

Reviewers appreciate Adobe Photoshop's custom brushes for their versatility and creative potential. They find the ability to create and import custom brushes saves time and enhances design uniqueness. Users report that custom brushes allow for detailed and original artwork, with many options available for download. They highlight the ease of use and integration with other Adobe software. Some users mention the process can be tedious, but overall, they value the extensive customization and creative freedom provided by this capability.
“While the pre-set brushes are great it's nice to have the ability to customize your brushes to the needs of your particular art project. They give your own unique twist to your project and allows you to use your imagination creating new and different looks to your designs.”
KK

Karean K.

Graphic Designer

“Photoshop's custom brushes are a crucial feature that let you produce distinctive designs and add unusual textures to your work.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Yazan J.

Civil Engineer

Graphic Design key features coverage

Adobe Photoshop offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Graphic Design software identified by reviewers:

Content Import/Export4.7
Image Editing4.8
Pattern, Color & Art Storage4.6
Custom Fonts4.5
Design Templates4.4
Collaboration Tools4.3

Pros and cons based on 2,432 verified reviews

81% of users rated Adobe Photoshop 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 2,432 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Advanced photo retouching

Versatile graphic design

Efficient background removal

Comprehensive photo alteration

Diverse content creation

Cons:

High memory consumption

Frequent software crashes

Slow performance speed

High cost and inconvenience

Challenging for beginners

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$22.99 flat rate/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Other Top Rated Graphic Design Software with Custom Brushes in 2026

Adobe Creative Cloud logo

Graphic design and video editing software

learn more
Adobe Creative Cloud is a graphic design and video editing suite that enables businesses to publish print layouts, edit images, manage PDF documents, and collaborate with team members using various mobile and desktop applications.

Read more about Adobe Creative Cloud

Users also considered
Adobe Photoshop logo

Image editing & graphic design software for Windows & MacOS

learn more
Adobe Photoshop is an image editing and graphic designing software that helps businesses streamline photo editing and compositing processes and create digital paintings and animations. The artificial-intelligence (AI)-enabled platform lets designers invite external stakeholders to edit documents and share projects via live streaming functionality.

Read more about Adobe Photoshop

Users also considered
Adobe InDesign logo

Layout and page design software

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Adobe InDesign is a layout design and desktop publishing software designed to help businesses and creative individuals create graphic designs with typography from various foundries and imagery from Adobe Stock. The platform lets teams create and publish digital magazines, books, eBooks, interactive PDFs, posters, and more.

Read more about Adobe InDesign

Users also considered
SignMaster logo
Category Leaders

Design software

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SignMaster solutions advance and empower all graphics related industries, allowing the facilitation of production and supports success and growth.

Read more about SignMaster

Users also considered
VinylMaster logo
Category Leaders

Over 2,000 powerful tools and features at your disposal!

learn more
VinylMaster is a cloud-based graphic design software designed to help users with the processes of making signs, decals, banners, posters, lettering, shapes, logos, etc.

Read more about VinylMaster

Users also considered
Canvas X Draw logo
Category Leaders

Graphic design software for editors

learn more
Canvas X Draw is a graphic design software that helps businesses create and edit images, digital drawings, floor plans, and logos. Administrators can add filters and effects to edit raster images and vector illustrations.

Read more about Canvas X Draw

Users also considered
Affinity Photo logo

Graphic designing and image editing software

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Affinity Photo is a graphic design software that provides photographers and creative professionals with tools to edit images on a centralized platform. Supervisors can merge high dynamic range (HDR) images, overlap and stitch panoramic shots, and combine multiple pictures using the focus stacking functionality.

Read more about Affinity Photo

Users also considered
PhotoScape X logo

On-premise photo editing software

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PhotoScape X is an on-premise photo editing software that provides businesses with tools to customize and edit images according to requirements. Professionals can create animated GIFs, capture screenshots, remove background images, and convert photos into the required format.

Read more about PhotoScape X

Users also considered
Sketchbook logo

Professional-grade drawing app with customizable brushes

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Sketchbook is a professional-grade drawing app for designers, artists, and other creatives. It can be used to create quick sketches or more detailed artwork. It provides precision rulers, a predictive stroke tool, customizable brushes, color fill tools, dynamic symmetry tools, plus more. Sketchbook can be downloaded to Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.

Read more about Sketchbook

Users also considered
BeFunky logo

Graphic designing and photo editing tool

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BeFunky is a web-based graphic designing software, which provides customizable templates and elements to assist businesses with photo editing, collage making, advertisement creation, and more. Features include batch processing, graphics library, custom templates, remote access, and image touch up.

Read more about BeFunky

Users also considered
FotoJet logo

Graphic design software with collage layouts and templates

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FotoJet is a web-based photo editing software, which helps graphic designers create photo collages and edit images. It offers a variety of templates for cards, invitations, posters, YoutTube banners, Facebook covers, and flyers.

Read more about FotoJet

Users also considered
JumpStory logo

Authentic Stock Photos of real people & real emotions

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JumpStory is a stock image platform focused on authentic images that make an impact.

We offer access to photos of real-life experiences such as lifestyle, emotions, travel, landscape, cities, and many more.

In adition, you get access to time-saving features and tools.

Read more about JumpStory

Users also considered
Storyteq logo

Generate. Scale. Activate.

learn more
Storyteq helps creative and marketing teams in top brands scale their video production and activate their on-brand content-rich marketing campaigns, on every channel. You can design, build and edit powerful dynamic templates to produce multiple versions of your content for every market and channel.

Read more about Storyteq

Users also considered
Youzign logo

Create stunning visuals effortlessly.

learn more
Youzign is a free and easy-to-use design software that allows users to create a variety of visual content, including social media graphics, ebook covers, and infographics. With access to thousands of templates and millions of integrated images, Youzign makes it simple for users to design professional-looking visuals without advanced design skills.

Read more about Youzign

Users also considered
IdeaOnce logo

Graphic Design Web Application

learn more
IdeaOnce gives users everything needed to design ideal online graphics. IdeaOnce provides an all-in-one, easy, and dynamic design tool to create an online identity, with a huge library of images, graphic elements, templates, and fonts.

Read more about IdeaOnce

Users also considered
YouiDraw logo

Cloud-based vector graphics software for designers

learn more
YouiDraw is a cloud-based vector graphics software, which helps designers create HTML5 logos, website elements, drawings, icons, infographics, and more using various tools, templates, and effects. Artists can add rectangles, ellipses, and circles as well as concave, convex & gear shapes to drawings.

Read more about YouiDraw

Users also considered

Key features for Graphic Design software

Based on GetApp's analysis of verified user reviews collected between July 2021 and August 2024.

  • Content Import/Export: Reviewers value the flexibility to import various file types and export designs in multiple formats, enhancing workflow efficiency and compatibility across platforms. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Image Editing: Users appreciate the extensive tools for refining and enhancing images, including filters, color adjustments, and background removal, which ensure high-quality, professional designs. 87% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Pattern, Color & Art Storage: Reviewers highlight the convenience of saving colors, patterns, and artwork for quick reuse, improving workflow consistency and efficiency across projects. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Custom Fonts: Users emphasize the importance of custom fonts for maintaining brand identity and enhancing creativity, with easy integration and a wide range of typography options. 85% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Design Templates: Reviewers find design templates useful for saving time and ensuring professional quality, offering a solid starting point for various projects and enhancing creativity. 83% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Collaboration Tools: Users appreciate real-time collaboration features that streamline teamwork, enable instant feedback, and enhance productivity by allowing multiple people to work on a design simultaneously. 77% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.