4 Graphics programs for authors besides canva

I create a lot of graphics...and I mean a lot, and while using only one program would be easier, not every program has what I need it to do. Some only allow you to upload already created pictures. Some are just images that you can add quotes to. And the list goes on. 

At any rate, since I've been using these programs for a while, I thought I'd share some of my favorites that really help me with social media and spreading the word about everything I want to share. 

Picmonkey

Picmonkey will always top my list because you can do practically anything with it. It has templates galore for Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. And it's a fairly easy program to use. You can also create ebook covers, flyers, and so much more. There is a free version, but you won't get as much out of it as when you upgrade. 

BeFunky

BeFunky is a cool program if you like to turn images into cartoons or other artistic creations. The effects are a lot different than ones you will find on Picmonkey, but that's a good thing. I tend to create with one program and use another to make effect changes. It's not as easy to start an image from scratch here as it is with Picmonkey, though. 

BookBrush

Bookbrush is a perfect program for when you need to announce a new book release or a sale. The graphics are already pre-defined, and you only have to upload your book cover. It also has some cool cover reveal templates. It has a free program, but you can't do as much with it like the cover creator. Though you can't actually create the cover itself. You can upload the front, back, and spine of a cover you've created in another program, input the size, page count, etc, and it will compose the pdf for you that will work with KDP and Ingram Spark. I use Picmonkey to create the cover images and then use Bookbrush to put the complete cover together. You can also create a video for your book, but that costs a bit more yearly. 

Crello

Crello is fairly easy to use, but it uses photo filters instead of effects so it's much like using the Instagram app on your phone. It does have many, many premium images you can use for free, as well as music, and you can create videos

All of these programs have a free version, but there are so limited that it's worth the investment, especially if you create a lot of graphics for social media or want to create your own book covers.