There are some tools that, as a professional, you simply cannot manage without, regardless of how experienced you are or how new to graphic design you are. This list covers the top 10+ essential tools for graphic designers that every graphic designer should have on hand. These are the best ones.
The premium items shown below are geared toward professionals. You can survive with just a laptop & design software if you’re just starting off.
Anyway, let’s get started!
At a Glance: Top 10+ Essential Tools for Graphic Designers to Buy in 2022
- Laptop Computer: Apple MacBook Pro 16″ – Apple’s best large screen laptop
- Desktop Computer: iMac (24-inch, 2021) – The best computer for graphic designers
- Monitor: BenQ PD3200U – Professional Designer Monitor
- Monitor Calibrator: Datacolor SpyderX ELITE – The Best Monitor Calibration Tool Overall
- Reliable Hard Drive: LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB External Hard Drive
- Graphics Tablet: Wacom Cintiq 16 – The best value tablet with a screen for designers
- Stylus Pen: Apple Pencil – Still the best stylus for iPad
- Brainstorm Board: Dry Erase Whiteboard Paint
- Smart Notebook: Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
- Color Swatches: Pantone Swatch Book
- Ergonomic Chair: Herman Miller Aeron
- Studio Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Noise-Cancelling Earphones: Bose SoundSport Free
- Wide-Format Printer: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
- High-End Smart Phone: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Ergonomic Mouse: Logitech MX Master 3
- Standing Desk: FlexiSpot Standing Desk
Top Essential Tools for Graphic Designers in 2022
| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
Our Pick1  | Apple MacBook Pro 16″ | 9 | $2,349.00 |
2  | iMac (24-inch, 2021) | 9 | $1,564.92 |
3  | BenQ PD3200U | 9 | $679.99 |
4  | Datacolor SpyderX ELITE | 9 | $213.58 |
5  | LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB External Hard Drive | 9 | $164.99 |
6  | Wacom Cintiq 16 | 9 | $649.95 |
7  | Apple Pencil | 9 | $99.00 |
8  | Dry Erase Whiteboard Paint | 9 | $223.12 |
9  | Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook | 9 | $16.95 |
10  | Pantone Swatch Book | 9 | $319.99 |
11  | Herman Miller Aeron | 9 | $1,849.99 |
12  | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | 9 | $3,399.00 |
13  | Bose SoundSport Free | 9 | $297.00 |
14  | Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 | 9 | $345.99 |
15  | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | 9 | $1,099.00 |
16  | Logitech MX Master 3 | 9 | $72.99 |
17  | FlexiSpot Standing Desk | 9 | $249.99 |
1. Laptop Computer: Apple MacBook Pro 16″
| Brand | Apple |
| Model Name | MacBook Pro |
| Screen Size | 16 Inches |
| Color | Space Gray |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB |
| CPU Model | Intel Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
Even though it may not be the newest, Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro is still one of their greatest computers. The MacBook Pro has a size-defying, ultra-thin, light, and svelte design, even at 16 inches.
With that more space, you can create amazing designs on a great display, which is just the first of several cutting-edge components that Apple has inside. The MacBook Pro is unquestionably the greatest MacBook available for content makers, designers, and other creative professionals because it also comes with a set of incredible speakers and a fantastic keyboard.
2. Desktop Computer: iMac (24-Inch, 2021)
| Brand | Apple |
| Model Number | MGPL3LL/A |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
| CPU Model | Unknown |
| CPU Speed | 3.1 GHz |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| Total USB Ports | 4 |
| Display Type | LED |
Apple has redesigned their iMac series for the first time since 2012. The new 24-inch model, which is available in seven colors, is an improvement over the previous generation in practically every manner.
The iMac is unquestionably the greatest computer for graphic design in 2022 thanks to its larger screen, the abovementioned color makeover, and excellent performance provided by Apple’s M1 CPU. The price hasn’t changed, which is the best part.
The new iMac is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, taking up even less space on an already busy desk. It comes with a colored keyboard, mouse, and touchpad.
3. Monitor: BenQ PD3200U
| Brand | BenQ |
| Model Number | PD3200U |
| Screen Size | 32 Inches |
| Resolution | 4K UHD 2160p |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
The BenQ PD3200U has a widescreen display that makes dealing with 4K and 3D images more simpler than it would be on other monitors. The 32-inch display includes a PS screen with a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and complete, 100% sRGB color palette support.
The PD3200U is a 4K monitor with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 that offers 100% compatibility for Rec 709 and includes a darkroom, dedicated animation, and CAD/CAM modes. With its KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) switch, the PD3200U enables you to switch between two PCs while using just one screen, keyboard, and mouse. If you utilize different computers and have a smaller workplace, this can be a terrific choice and space-saving.
With features that can make it a perfect option to be the only monitor you need, the cost of the PD3200U from BenQ is modestly priced when compared to other monitors on the market today.
4. Monitor Calibrator: Datacolor SpyderX ELITE
| Brand | Datacolor |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 3″L x 3″W |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Model Name | SpyderX Elite |
| Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Number of Items | 1 |
This calibrator’s setup is straightforward thanks to a wizard-based mode. The Datacolor SpyderX ELITE can calibrate your laptop and desktop with “infinite” settings, including grey-balancing, in just five minutes.
To get the ideal brightness for your monitor, calibrate all of your displays to the same target and use lightroom monitoring. You may even view before and after pictures of your own images using the SpyderX ELITE.
5. Reliable Hard Drive: LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB External Hard Drive
| Digital Storage Capacity | 5 TB |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 1.1 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB, Thunderbolt |
| Brand | LaCie |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Hard Disk Description | HDD |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Color | Moon Silver |
| Hard Disk Size | 5 TB |
| Read Speed | 118.5 Megabytes Per Second |
Always and early backup your data! You can rest easy knowing that you have an external hard drive in case the unthinkable occurs—and it does!
It also provides USB-C and USB 3.0 connectivity, providing it more mobility than a typical hard drive.
6. Graphics Tablet: Wacom Cintiq 16
| Brand | Wacom |
| Item Weight | 4.19 Pounds |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI |
| Operating System | Windows and Mac |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Wacom Cintiq 16 tablet is an excellent entry-level option that is more reasonably priced than other tablets of a similar caliber. The Cintiq 16 has a trick up its sleeve that may cause some designers to disregard it despite being entry-level: the Wacom Pro Pen 2. With a maximum sensitivity level of 8,192, the pen outperforms many tablets with comparable prices.
Wacom’s superiority in the tablet market is highlighted by its stunning display. Wacom’s Cintiq 16 is the ideal illustration of how expensive high-quality tablets don’t have to be. This is an excellent tablet to start with for any designer who is just getting started in their industry.
7. Stylus Pen: Apple Pencil
| Color | White |
| Brand | Apple |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Item Weight | 0.73 Ounces |
| Compatible Devices | Compatible with iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th and generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, and 5th generations), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations)5th |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.53 x 0.35 x 0.35 inches |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Item Diameter | 0.35 Inches |
There is no denying that this Apple Pencil is the best stylus for the iPad, despite the fact that we intended to highlight the other available options.
It has palm rejection, pressure sensitivity, and zero lag to provide artists with the greatest drawing experience imaginable. The cost is the main drawback. Although the Apple Pencil may be a fantastic tool, many designers may not be able to afford it.
8. Brainstorm Board: Dry Erase Whiteboard Paint
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Brand | IDEAPAINT |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.75 x 4.5 x 10 inches |
| Item Weight | 2 Pounds |
Use Dry Erase Whiteboard Paint to transform any wall or surface into a whiteboard canvas!
This Dry Erase Whiteboard Paint is the best-performing, highest-quality product on the market today. It is made to write clearly and erase cleanly each and every time, without the bothersome dust typically found with chalk boards.
9. Smart Notebook: Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
| Brand | Rocketbook |
| Color | Inifinity Black |
| Sheet Size | 6-x-8.8-inch |
| Ruling Type | Dotted |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Pattern | Notebook |
| Binding | Office Product |
Despite being created for the digital age, the Rocketbook notebook offers the feeling of writing with a pen and paper. The Rocketbook resembles a conventional notebook in feel, yet it is connected to all of your preferred online services and is endlessly reusable. Any pen from the Pilot Frixion series will make your writing adhere to Rocketbook pages just like conventional paper. But incorporate a drop of water. and the notebook magically disappears.
Because of its sleek design and thick cover, which ensure that it is suitable for everyday journaling, writing, and sketching, it is adored by travelers, designers, and journalists.
10. Color Swatches: Pantone Swatch Book
| Color | Color Bridge Set Coated & Uncoated – GP6102N |
| Brand | Pantone |
| Item Weight | 1.75 Pounds |
| Is Stain Resistant | No |
| Product Dimensions | 10.63″L x 4.13″W |
For accurate color consistency if you work in print, you’ll need your own Pantone swatch book.
The most useful color tool for graphic designers is a Pantone color book since it allows you to compare the aesthetic qualities of Pantone spot colors to the nearest CMYK process colors, producing a match on both coated and uncoated paper. Additionally, it provides HEX and RBG values to guarantee the greatest possible color reproduction on the screen.
11. Ergonomic Chair: Herman Miller Aeron
| Color | Graphite |
| Brand | Herman Miller |
| Product Dimensions | 16.75″D x 27″W x 41″H |
| Style | Modern |
| Material | Recycled Material |
We have to admit that this chair kind of has a special place in our hearts. The Aeron is by far one of the best ergonomically designed chairs ever built and is available in three different sizes to fit just about every person imaginable. It will look great in a home office or board room.
12. Studio Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
| Compatible Mountings | Canon EF |
| Aspect Ratio | Unknown |
| Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
| Supported File Format | RAW |
| Maximum Focal Length | 70 Millimeters |
| Optical Zoom | 1 x |
| Maximum Aperture | 4 f |
| Exposure Control Type | Manual-and-automatic, Aperture-priority, Shutter-speed-priority |
| Screen Size | 3.2 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
Canon isn’t particularly renowned for being the first manufacturer to demonstrate the newest camera technology. However, they excel at producing high-quality goods, and the EOS Mark IV maintains its lead as the best-selling interchangeable lens camera. Your photographs will always be of the highest quality thanks to the 30.4 megapixels still camera and Dual Pixel focusing when filming video. You can mistakenly believe that the Mark IV has no problems at all because of its high ISO capability, 7 frames per second continuous shooting rate, and 61-point autofocus system.
13. Noise-Cancelling Earphones: Bose SoundSport Free
| Brand | Bose |
| Model Number | 774373-0020 |
| Color | Blue |
| Ear Placement | In-Ear |
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
These are for focusing and for people who value the ease that wireless headphones may provide. Even the best earbuds can occasionally experience connectivity problems, leaving users with the choice of spending more money on a different pair of headphones or easily becoming frustrated and giving up. With the SoundSport Free from Bose, the cutting-edge design and top-notch technology offer an incredibly dependable connection. The Bose SoundSport Free earphones have a simple in-ear design and are ideal for everyday use, from lounging about the home to intense exercise.
14. Wide-Format Printer: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
| Brand | Epson |
| Printing Technology | Inkjet |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless;Ethernet |
| Operating System | Windows, Mac |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Wattage | 24 watts |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 30.9 x 18.7 x 16.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 18.7 Pounds |
This Epson printer is a professional workhorse for photography and design built for dependability. It has six separate dye ink tanks for prints of incredibly realistic images. The XP-15000 can print on paper that is up to 13″ x 19″ in size and can work with nearly all common paper weights and qualities. High-yield ink cartridges for this Epson model are compatible and can print up to 800 pages per color.
15. High-End Smart Phone: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
The enormous 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) display with a refresh rate of 120Hz is the focus of the show. For a more immersive multimedia experience, it boasts a narrower notch than what we’ve seen on earlier iPhones. Aside from its physical dimensions, it is identical to the iPhone 13 series in terms of its A15 processor, stainless steel body, and three-lens camera module.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is the most advanced iPhone you can get, and it is difficult to find any flaws with it if money is not an issue.
16. Ergonomic Mouse: Logitech MX Master 3
| Brand | Logitech |
| Color | Graphite |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Special Feature | Alcohol-Free |
| Movement Detection Technology | Optical |
In the modern market, Logitech and computer peripherals are essentially interchangeable. When it comes to quality and responsiveness, they frequently provide some of the best items. When you need a mouse that can manage the precision needed for the type of work you do, this can be a terrific thing. The MX Master3 cordless mouse is made to sit comfortably in your hand and not put any strain on it when used for extended periods of time.
The Master 3’s 4,000 dpi Darkfield sensor allows it to operate on any surface, even transparent glass. The three green LEDs on the mouse’s left side serve as a battery charge indicator when you return to your desk to work, and the mouse promptly wakes up. The mouse’s battery life may last up to 70 days on a single charge, but in an emergency, you can charge it using the micro-USB port on the front of the device while you’re using it.
17. Standing Desk: FlexiSpot Standing Desk
| Brand | FLEXISPOT |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Desk design | Computer Desk |
| Product Dimensions | 30″D x 48″W x 28″H |
| Color | Black |
| Style | Modern |
| Top Material Type | Wood |
| Finish Type | Laminated |
| Special Feature | Adjustable |
| Room Type | Bedroom |
The desktop workstation from FlexiSpot makes it simple to switch between sitting and standing during the work day. This particular standing desk provides a large keyboard, a deep work surface, and immediate tablet connectivity. These high-quality workstations feature ergonomic monitor mount compatibility and smooth up/down motion.
