AI graphic design tools and techniques—how to harness AI for design

AI has completely transformed how we do almost everything—from daily routines to how we work—and graphic design is no exception.

Graphic designers can now hand off those repetitive, time-consuming tasks to AI, freeing up more time for the creative work that matters. Plus, AI isn’t just about automation; it’s also a powerful design assistant, offering suggestions and ideas whenever needed.

In this article, we’ll look closer at AI tools for graphic design and how AI impacts the graphic design industry, how you can use it to boost productivity, and which tools will help you get the most out of it.

While using AI for graphic design might sound like a new idea, it’s actually not. Tools like Photoshop have been using AI-powered features for years—such as the curvature pen tool, which allows you to draw, push, and pull path segments for easy modification.

Modern design tools are way more than just basics these days. Take the latest Adobe Photoshop, for example—it has a generative fill feature that lets you remove parts of an image just by typing a text prompt. No more fiddling with anchor points and dragging them around manually!

There’s a lot more where that came from, like:

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for design: These learning algorithms pit two neural networks against each other to create more authentic data from an original dataset. Tools like Dall-E use GANs to generate unique images, which can be perfect as backgrounds or design elements for your templates.

Analytical algorithms for suggestive design: You’ve probably already met ChatGPT, the conversational assistant. Well, newer design tools are taking a similar approach, using predictive and machine-learning algorithms to give you in-app design suggestions. These features analyze your work deeply and boost productivity by offering smart ideas and improvements as you go.

Machine learning for text-to-response design features: Machine learning allows design systems to respond intelligently to your input. Take Illustrator’s generative recolor feature, for instance—just give it a text prompt, and you can explore all kinds of color palettes until you find the perfect one. You can even ask the AI to create a harmonious color scheme based on specific data.

With these features, AI becomes an indispensable design assistant—whether it’s integrated into platforms like Canva or working as a standalone tool like DeepArt.

Graphic design can be a serious time sink, with its long, detail-heavy processes that often stretch out across multiple steps—ideation, sketching, prototyping, revisions, and so on. Some designers can whip up something amazing in a few hours, but more complex projects like logos and brand flyers? That can take weeks or even months!

Take Stellen, a design agency, for example. They spend anywhere from five weeks to three months crafting a logo. It’s a necessary process, but it’s also a long one.

That’s where AI steps in.

Platforms like Figma come equipped with collaborative AI features that allow multiple people to work on the same project, give real-time feedback, and make edits without constant back-and-forth. Even mundane tasks like reshaping or tracing an image get an AI boost—Adobe Photoshop’s Sensei AI can do it in seconds with just two clicks.

Other features like auto-enhance, auto-blur, and content-aware fill also cut down design time, allowing you to focus on the creative parts. Plus, tools like Shopify’s AI or Looka’s brand name generators can even help you come up with names or branding ideas when needed.

Every designer has hit that creative block at some point—staring at the screen, waiting for that brilliant idea to finally click. It’s time-consuming and frustrating. Sure, browsing Pinterest or other design sites can spark inspiration, but it’s hit-or-miss, and self-critiquing your work can be tough without bias.

That’s where AI can be a game-changer. With its predictive algorithms, you can get multiple design suggestions that fit your brief in seconds. AI tools like Khroma and Colormind can generate harmonious color palettes, and Dall-E can create contrasting images that might just be the missing piece for your design.

Let’s talk money. On average, graphic designers earn around $22 an hour, with salaries estimated at over $70,000 a year. Depending on your needs, that can add up if you’re hiring multiple designers.

As a freelancer, the costs of buying or subscribing to design tools add up, too. AI tools offer a more affordable alternative—companies can streamline workflows with fewer people, and designers can boost their efficiency by automating repetitive tasks. Tools like Canva come with built-in AI features, offering everything from background removers to color palette generators in one place.

There are plenty of AI tools to choose from. Some of the top picks include:

Having all these AI tools is great, but using them efficiently is the real key. Here are a few tips:

AI has revolutionized graphic design, making it easier and more efficient than ever before. By automating repetitive tasks and offering creative suggestions, AI tools can help you boost productivity and enhance your designs. Just remember, it’s a tool to support your work—not to replace your creativity. Learn more in our post on the dangers and potential of AI for creatives.