# What design students need.

> A design student needs an iPad with a pencil for drawing and a laptop with a colour-accurate screen; the MacBook is a common pick. Most design software is free or discounted for students: Figma and Canva free, Adobe at a large first-year discount.

## What design students need

- An iPad with a pencil: for drawing and sketching; it replaces a drawing tablet.
- A laptop with an accurate screen: for Adobe files; the MacBook is a common pick among designers.
- External or cloud storage: for large project files.
- A sketchbook, pens and markers: for first ideas.
- A USB-C hub: for an external screen, camera and drives.
- For interior design: the architecture studio tools and Autodesk software.

Start with the iPad and laptop; the rest comes with your courses. Accessories on student deals are below.


## Best laptop and iPad for design students

Graphic design wants an accurate screen and enough memory for Adobe files. A MacBook Air covers most work; the Pro is easier for video and 3D. The iPad with a pencil is for drawing and sketching. Apple education prices are below; more in Apple student discount.


## Free and student-priced software for design

- Design software for students: Canva, Figma and Adobe for students compared.
- Blender: 3D modelling and animation, free and open source.
- AutoCAD and 3ds Max: for interior design students, free for students.

And on tiswa, once you verify you are a student:

- Adobe offers 70% off Creative Cloud Pro, first year to university students in Saudi Arabia for SAR 86.17, 71% less than the regular SAR 293.25.
- Figma offers Figma for Education to university students in Saudi Arabia for free.
- Canva offers Canva Pro free through Canva for Campus to university students in Saudi Arabia.
- Autodesk has a deal for university students in Saudi Arabia: Autodesk software free for students (Free).


## Questions

### What do design students need?

The basics: An iPad with a pencil, A laptop with an accurate screen, External or cloud storage, A sketchbook, pens and markers, A USB-C hub and For interior design. Your college's own list has the last word.

### What is the best laptop or iPad for design students?

Graphic design wants an accurate screen and enough memory for Adobe files. A MacBook Air covers most work; the Pro is easier for video and 3D. The iPad with a pencil is for drawing and sketching. Apple education prices are below; more in Apple student discount.

### What software is free for design students?

Design software for students, Blender, AutoCAD and 3ds Max, Adobe, Figma, Canva and Autodesk. Most check that you are a student with your university email.

### MacBook Air or Pro for a design student?

The Air covers graphic design, branding and interfaces. The Pro is easier if your work is video or 3D. Compare their education prices in the table.

Sources: https://www.blender.org/, https://www.apple.com/sa-en-edu/store