It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.
A web based program that is also available as an app for iOS. Widely considered the easiest free design software to use, with hundreds of templates and graphics to get started quickly. Results are clean and professional but customization tools are limited.
GNU Image Manipulation Program is a free downloadable program for Windows, OS X, and Linux. It has advanced features such as layers, filters, and animations for vector image processing but is simple enough for beginners.
A downloadable program for Windows that works with both vector and raster images as well as photos. The free version in powerful enough for most day to day design needs.
A downloadable program for Windows, Mac, and Linux that works for vector image creation (particularly SVG file format) that can be saved as raster files.
Available as a web application and downloadable software for Windows, Mac, and Linux, Vectr offers sophisticated yet easy to use 2-D vector image creation. Particularly useful for live online collaboration with other designers.
Available as a web application or downloadable software for Windows (requires Flash) this program offers all the standard design and image editing capabilities in a simple to use interface. Files can be saved to the cloud or downloaded as PNG and JPEG files.
A web based photo editor with mobile applications for iOS and Android, with powerful features such as layers and filters similar to the tools available in Adobe Photoshop.
Personality, Design and Marketing: Matching Design to Customer Personal Preferences by 
