Design tools: are objects media or computer programs, which can be used by designers or artist to design any kind of 2D or 3D objects and facilitate the artist and designers in creating their artwork and design more creatively and efficiently. The design activities which are facilitated by the design tools include idea generation, visualization, expression, prototyping, realization and production. At different stages of design and art activities, different design tools are used to support these activities. Some of these design tools includes sketching, rendering and image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Coral etc. some hardware tools for the same includes touch screen tablets, pen, stylus, digital pencils etc. For 2D and 3D modeling and visualization, tools like Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Alias, Rhino etc. and Prototyping tools like and 3D printers etc. Some of the hardware tools include touch screen tablets, pen, stylus, digital pencils etc.

Traditionally, objects or tools like pencil, compass, ruler, drawing triangle, crayons, pastels, charcoal, pens, air brush, washable markers, calligraphy pens, erasers, variety of paper, cardboard, computer etc. have been considered design tools.