Best Linux Distros for Designers

In the world of design, having the right tools and platform can make a huge difference. This page explores the best Linux distributions tailored for designers, considering factors like software availability, performance, and ease of use.

What makes a good designers distro?

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Software Availability

A good designer's distro needs robust support for design software, whether it's open-source alternatives or compatibility layers for popular tools.

Performance

Efficient resource management is crucial to handle demanding design applications and multitasking without lags.

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Display and Graphics Support

High-quality display settings and support for professional graphics cards are essential for precision in design work.

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Customizability

Designers often require a personalized workspace; hence, a distro's flexibility to customize the environment is vital.

Recommended distros

Our top picks for designers, ranked by overall experience.

1
Ubuntu Icon

Ubuntu

Best overall experience

Ubuntu offers a user-friendly interface and extensive software repositories, making it a top choice for designers seeking stability and versatility.

  • Extensive software repository
  • User-friendly interface
  • Strong community support
  • Great hardware compatibility
2
Fedora Icon

Fedora

Cutting-edge features

Fedora is known for its cutting-edge features and frequent updates, providing designers with the latest tools and technologies.

  • Latest software updates
  • Strong developer community
  • Excellent GNOME support
  • Rich in design tools
3
Pop Os Icon

Pop!_OS

Seamless workflow

Pop!_OS, with its emphasis on productivity and unique tiling window manager, offers designers a seamless workflow.

  • Optimized for productivity
  • Tiling window manager
  • Great hardware support
  • Built-in graphics switching
4
Manjaro Icon

Manjaro

User-friendly Arch

Manjaro provides the power of Arch Linux with a user-friendly approach, ideal for designers looking for a balance between control and ease of use.

  • Easy installation
  • Rolling release model
  • Strong community support
  • Wide range of desktop environments
5
Elementary Os Icon

elementary OS

Beautiful and simple

elementary OS focuses on simplicity and aesthetics, offering a beautiful interface perfect for designers who value design and functionality.

  • Elegant user interface
  • Curated apps
  • Privacy-focused
  • Consistent design language
6
Kde Neon Icon

KDE Neon

Cutting-edge KDE

KDE Neon combines the latest KDE Plasma desktop environment with Ubuntu's stability, providing designers with a customizable and powerful platform.

  • Latest KDE Plasma
  • Highly customizable
  • Stable Ubuntu base
  • Frequent updates

Compare designers distros

Not sure which to pick? These comparisons might help.

Designers FAQ

Which Linux distro is best for Adobe tools?

Ubuntu and Fedora offer the best compatibility with Adobe tools through Wine or PlayOnLinux, but users might also consider using virtual machines or dual booting.

Can I use Linux for professional graphic design?

Yes, Linux has powerful design tools like GIMP, Inkscape, and Blender. Distros like Ubuntu and Fedora provide excellent support for these applications.

Is there a Linux distro with a focus on aesthetics?

elementary OS is renowned for its focus on aesthetics and simplicity, making it ideal for designers seeking a visually pleasing environment.

How does Linux handle color management for design?

Linux supports color management through tools like DisplayCAL and the integration of ICC color profiles, essential for accurate color reproduction in design.

What are some recommended design software on Linux?

Popular design software on Linux includes GIMP for image editing, Inkscape for vector graphics, and Krita for digital painting.

Is Linux suitable for UX/UI design?

Yes, Linux is suitable for UX/UI design with tools like Figma, running through a browser, and native tools like Pencil and Gravit Designer.

Related categories

Not sure which to pick?

Compare any two distros side-by-side.