How We Rate Tools
What we cover
For every tool we check what you can actually do for free, what’s watermarked or locked, which platforms it runs on, whether it needs a signup, and what it exports.
Our verdict labels
Every tool carries one of five badges so you know the deal at a glance:
- Truly free
Genuinely free for the job — no watermark, export lock, or paywall on the core feature.
- Free, with limits
Free to use, but with a real catch — a watermark, an export lock, a project cap, or a signup. We name the catch on the tool’s page.
- Free trial only
Free only for a trial window, then you must pay to keep using it.
- Free, brand-locked
Free, but you can only design with one brand’s own product catalog.
- Paid
No free tier worth counting on — you pay to do real work.
How we rank
We rank by fit for a given job — ease, real free value, output quality, and platform support. Some links and placements may be sponsored or affiliate-influenced — see our disclosure.
Freshness
Free tiers change often. Every tool shows a “Last verified” date. We re-check popular tools regularly and whenever a reader reports a change.
How we make money
Some links are affiliate links — if you buy a paid plan, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Some listings and placements may be sponsored or affiliate-influenced. Full disclosure.