Graphics suites combine image editing, illustration, page layout, Web design, and typography functionality in one package. They can be multiple programs bundled together and sold at a discount, or a single application combining all these functions. Buying a graphics suite is a good way to save money and streamline your workflow. Unless noted otherwise, these suites are all available for both Macintosh and Windows. (Last update: Nov. 2006)
1. Adobe Creative Suite 2.3 Premium Edition
The Adobe Creative Suite 2 Premium Edition includes current versions of Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, GoLive, Acrobat, Bridge, and Version Cue. It's everything a professional would need to create original designs, edit photographs, create Web images, assemble professional page layouts, and deliver your creations via print or electronically. Now in Creative Suite 2.3 Premium you also get Dreamweaver 8, the leading Web developing tool.
2. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a value leader, providing capable, professional tools for just about any graphics task. The Suite includes CorelDRAW for vector-based drawing and page layout, and PHOTO-PAINT for image editing and photo retouching. Several supporting utilities also come in the box. For design pros, small businesses, home users, students, and educators, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3's ease of use and value are extremely tough to beat. (Corel stopped developing Graphics Suite for Mac, though older versions for Mac may still be available.)3. Canvas Professional
Canvas consists of a single integrated interface with illustration, photo editing, page layout, presentation, and Web graphics capabilities. It's cross-platform compatible, and supports a huge number of import/export formats. The product is well documented, stable, and backed by Deneba's 15 years of development experience. It's also the least expensive of the products here. (Review is for previous version, Canvas 9. Current version is Canvas X.)4. Adobe Creative Suite 2 Standard Edition
The Adobe Creative Suite 2 Standard Edition includes current versions of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Bridge, and Version Cue. If you don't need GoLive for Web publishing, or Acrobat for electronic documents, you'll save more than US$200 by going with the Standard Edition of Adobe's Creative Suite vs. the Premium Edition.5. Macromedia Studio 8
Macromedia Studio 8 includes current versions of Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Contribute, Flashpaper, and more. About's Web Design Guide Jennifer Kyrnin has this to say about the suite: "Studio 8 is easily the best application suite for a Web Designer to have. It includes all you need to create dynamic, cutting-edge Web sites quickly and easily." Don't miss her review linked below.6. Adobe Web Bundle
If you want it all without compromise, the Adobe Web Bundle is what you're after. This powerhouse design suite includes all the applications in Adobe Creative Suite 2.3 Premium Edition and Macromedia Studio 8 for one massively-discounted price.7. Adobe Video Bundle
If multimedia is what you're all about, you'll want to go for the Adobe Video Bundle. It includes Adobe After Effects Professional, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Audition, Adobe Encore DVD, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Dynamic Link, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Stock Photos, and Macromedia Flash. This suite has what you need to edit audio and video and design interactive content for the Web, film, video, and DVD.