Updated March 26, 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns may have changed how we work. However, in 2025, hybrid models are becoming the norm. According to Gallup, 55% of the US workforce uses a hybrid model compared to 26% fully remote and 19% on-site.

Among the top professions that still continue to enjoy fully remote work are graphic designers. Graphic designers are essential for any company that relies on advertising. Brands are also expected to pump out content across channels and audiences regularly. 

The best remote collaboration software built for graphic design teams should combine art and agility to help them stay connected. Graphic design project management tools also efficiently organize tasks, deadlines, and creative assets, allowing teams to streamline their workflows and maintain productivity. 

What kinds of tools do graphic design teams need to collaborate?

Sometimes, remote graphic designers get stuck using applications that aren’t suited to their needs or have limited integrations. They might even need to remove startup items so their design tools can run smoothly. Luckily, several different types of graphic design tools help remote teams collaborate.

1. Graphic design software

Graphic design software helps artists create digital art that can be used for various purposes. Things like billboard ads, infographics, brand logos, fine art, clip art, and digital photos are all created with graphic design software. 

2. Remote collaboration software

Remote collaboration software tools enable teams to communicate and share files seamlessly, no matter where they are. For example, project management platforms and video conferencing apps can be used to appreciate an employee remotely, monitor them, and help facilitate better collaboration among remote teams. Because of powerful storage and collaboration tools, designing can be more creative and fun, even with a big team.

3. File management software

File management software allows graphic design teams to store, organize, and share files. A centralized platform allows teams to easily share mockups with remote workers and make files accessible for clients and stakeholders. 

Online apps for remote graphic design teams are built with these tools to allow designers, project managers, and team leaders to collaborate remotely without compromising on quality. Still, it's important to understand your team's needs and usual tasks fully first before finding the best remote collaboration software.

Best Tools For Remote Graphic Design Teams

SaaS is booming, and new solutions that promise to solve the problems of managing remote graphic design teams are coming out daily. We've gathered some of the best remote graphic design project management tools to save you the trouble of trial-and-error testing collaboration and graphic design software.

1. Procreate

Procreate is an app that enables graphic designers to create their designs from an iPad. The app also has features to enhance illustrations, photos, and even 3D designs. Graphic designers use it for banners, logos, posters, and packaging designs. 

2. Adobe Creative Cloud 

Adobe Creative Cloud isn’t just one tool — it’s a suite of graphic design, video editing, and web development apps that allow users to create and share their creative work. It’s one of the most popular design tools used by graphic designers. 

3. Sketch

Sketch is an application that enables collaboration across teams throughout the design process. Its intuitive user interface lets creative workers design quickly and easily. It also allows multiple designers to work on projects together in real time. 

Sketch enables enhanced collaboration through a shared library of design files and components for instant access. 

4. Weave

Communication is key when it comes to successful collaboration for graphic design teams. Weave is a tool that enables one-click communication with teams and clients from anywhere. It comes with simple two-way texting to send reminders and updates and automation that ensures immediate follow-up for missed connections. 

Weave also comes with crucial features for remote graphic design project management that save time for workers and managers, improve communication, and offer a convenient way to update stakeholders. 

5. Design.com

Design.com is an innovative platform tailored for both budding and professional designers to bring their creative visions to life. With its intuitive interface, Design.com offers powerful tools that enable users to craft stunning visuals effortlessly, regardless of their design expertise.

The platform boasts a robust library of templates, high-quality images, customizable fonts, and unique design elements suitable for various projects, from social media posts to marketing materials.

Its seamless drag-and-drop functionality and advanced editing options ensure that every design is polished and professional.

6. Amazon S3

Amazon S3 is a graphic design tool that is useful for document storage and management. Many remote graphic design teams use Amazon S3 because it’s an industry leader in performance, security, and scalability. 

Amazon S3 enables graphic designers to create a backup work repository. It can also be used for file sharing, archiving, and file management remotely in real time. 

7. Dropbox

Another file storage tool that is widely popular among remote graphic design teams is Dropbox. It allows designers to store documents, preview files, and easily share and request project feedback. Graphic designers can use it to send Photoshop, PostScript, Illustrator, Sketch, and SVG files in full resolution. 

Dropbox also offers powerful storage and collaboration tools so teams can collaborate on large-scale remote graphic design projects. It’s perfect for in-house designers, freelancers, vendors, agencies, and everyone else. 

8. Google Drive

Google Drive is a document management tool with numerous add-ons and integrations for remote graphic design teams. It offers remote teams simple and secure access to digital files to collaborate while working apart. 

Another perk of Google Drive is its search feature, which helps users locate documents and files across connected devices. It also integrates well with apps like Slack and Monday for optimal team performance. 

9. iCloud

iCloud is much like Google Drive but for Apple lovers. It provides a native experience that seamlessly integrates with macOS and iOS systems. 

Remote teams can access projects and files saved to iWork so everyone can work together harmoniously. It also automates backups with easy retrieval in case of data loss and is a central repository for remote teams. 

10. Internxt

Internxt is a privacy-focused cloud storage service and an alternative to Google Drive. It offers two products in its subscription package: Internxt Drive, a cloud storage solution, and Internxt Send, a file-sharing service that encrypts and sends files via a secure link or email.

Internxt Drive has secure file-sharing options, so teams can collaborate on documents securely, control access to documents with a password, and manage access at any time.

11. Figma

Figma has become the industry standard for collaborative design, offering real-time collaboration where multiple designers can work simultaneously in the same file. Its browser-based approach eliminates version control issues, while its component libraries ensure better graphic design project management. 

Figma's commenting system and presentation mode make client feedback seamless, and its plugin ecosystem extends functionality for specialized needs.

12. Miro 

Miro's infinite canvas is ideal for visual brainstorming, user journey mapping, and design sprints. Remote graphic design teams use Miro's collaborative workspace to organize research, create mood boards, and plan projects visually. Its integration with tools like Figma bridges the gap between the planning and execution phases. 

13. Loom

Loom has transformed asynchronous design reviews through screen recording with voice and face commentary. Designers can explain their thought processes while walking through their work, allowing team members in different time zones to understand nuanced design decisions without scheduling live meetings. This contextual communication reduces misunderstandings common in text-based feedback. 

14. Pitch

Pitch modernizes presentation creation for design teams needing to showcase their work. Its collaborative features allow team members to build sections simultaneously, while its design-focused templates maintain brand consistency. Remote teams value their presentation analytics to understand client engagement with design proposals. 

15. Abstract

Abstract provides version control for design files, allowing remote teams to track changes, manage branches, and merge updates. This "GitHub for designers" approach helps large remote teams work on different parts of a project simultaneously without overwriting each other's work.

Security Best Practices for Remote Design Teams

Remote design teams often handle sensitive intellectual property, unreleased product designs, and client confidential information. Implementing these security practices helps protect valuable creative assets: 

Implement Zero Trust Architecture 

Apply the principle of "never trust, always verify" by requiring authentication for all resources, regardless of user location. This approach is particularly important for design teams accessing high-value brand assets and unreleased campaign materials from various locations. 

Use Digital Rights Management (DRM) 

Implement DRM solutions like Adobe Document Cloud security features to control who can view, edit, print, or share design files. This prevents unauthorized distribution of design assets even after they've been downloaded from your main storage system. 

Establish version control protocols 

Maintain complete audit trails of who accessed and modified design files using platforms like Abstract or GitHub for design. This ensures accountability and allows teams to roll back unauthorized changes if necessary. 

Encrypt design file transfers 

Encrypted file transfer protocols should be required when sharing design assets externally. Tools like Tresorit or Internxt provide end-to-end encryption for sensitive design files, preventing interception during client review processes. 

Implement watermarking for external sharing 

Automatically apply visible or invisible watermarks to design files shared outside your organization. This helps trace the source if designs leak prematurely and discourages unauthorized sharing. 

Create tiered access levels 

Establish different permission levels for various team members based on their roles. Junior designers might have access to component libraries but not master brand assets, while senior designers might have broader permissions. 

Conduct regular security training 

Train design team members to recognize phishing attempts targeting creative professionals and to handle client materials properly. Designers are often targeted specifically because they have access to valuable pre-release content. 

Document your security practices clearly and review them with new team members during onboarding. This creates a security-conscious culture within your remote design team.

Final Thoughts

Remote work and hybrid models are here to stay. The graphic design industry is particularly booming. Effective hardware lifecycle management supports remote design teams by ensuring employees have well-maintained equipment.

Remote collaboration tools help improve productivity by 20-30% among remote teams, and collaboration is key for graphic designers. Other tools like cloud storage, knowledge base software, and task management software can also make your processes more efficient.

Productivity aside, software created for remote graphic design teams also elevates outcomes through improved communication. These tools enable full visibility across teams, ensuring accountability, speeding up workflows, and helping teams work together more effectively. They are great for remote workers or for those who work and travel.

We hope this helps you choose the best tool to manage your graphic design team, regardless of their location. 

Written by DesignCrowd on Tuesday, November 8, 2022

DesignCrowd is an online marketplace providing logo, website, print and graphic design services by providing access to freelance graphic designers and design studios around the world.