Jump to Software (Listed in alphabetical order):
After Effects | Animate | ArcGIS | Audacity | Audition | Blogger | Canva | Character Animator | Comic Life | DaVinci Resolve | Excel | Express | Final Cut Pro | GarageBand | Google Docs | Google Earth | Google Sheets | Google Slides | Google Sites | Illustrator | iMovie | InDesign | Keynote | LinkedIn | My Maps by Google | NatGeo MapMaker | Numbers | OBS | Pages | Photoshop | Piktochart | Pixton | PowerPoint | Premiere Rush | Premiere Pro | Prezi | QuickTime | Sway | Weebly | Wix | Word | WordPress
Where to Get Help
Looking for software help and/or training on campus?
Check out our friends at Software Training for Students! They offer free workshops on all different kinds of software, as well as free one-on-one help through their one-on-one appointments!
Online Software Tutorial Videos
Check out LinkedIn Learning (previously Lynda.com) for all kinds of software training videos! You’ll also find direct links below directly to training videos for each software program.
Adobe Software (Campus Supported)
Adobe After Effects
This program is used to create visual effects and motion graphics for video content. It works seamlessly with Adobe Premiere Pro. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines, but needs a strong processor and lots of RAM.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Adobe Animate
Adobe Animate is used to create vector graphics and animations for cartoons, advertisements, games, and other interactive content. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison UW-Madison computer labs. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Adobe Audition
This program is industry-standard audio editing software, and it works seamlessly with Adobe Premiere Pro for editing a video’s audio. Adobe Audition is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Adobe Character Animator
Adobe Character Animator combines live motion-capture with a multi-track recording system to control layered 2D puppets drawn in Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. This software is not yet available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs, or can be used with a paid Adobe Creative Cloud account. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a cloud-based media creation application that makes it easy to create social media graphics, fliers/brochures, promotional videos, and single-page websites. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via your free UW-Madison Adobe ID. This software is web-based, and can be accessed from a browser.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
- Links Coming Ssoon
Adobe Illustrator
This program is a graphics editor, typically used for vector (line-based) images. Adobe Illustrator can be used for comics, logos, research poster creation, fliers/brochures, business cards, CVs and resumes, and many other graphic-based projects. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout. This software is available for both Windows and Apple machines.
Software Training for Students Support:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Adobe InDesign
This program is a document creator, typically used for creating print materials. Adobe InDesign can be used for research poster creation, fliers/brochures, magazines, business cards, CVs and resumes, and other printed materials. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout. This software is available for both Windows and Apple machines.
Software Training for Students Support:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Adobe Photoshop
This program is a graphics editor, typically used for raster (pixel-based) images. Adobe Photoshop can be used for photo editing, research poster creation, fliers/brochures, and many other graphic-based projects. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout. This software is available for both Windows and Apple machines.
Software Training for Students Support:
- STS Training Manual for Photoshop 1
- STS Training Manual for Photoshop 2: Special Effects
- STS Training Manual for Photoshop 2: Retouching and Color Correction
- STS Workshops for Photoshop
LinkedIn Learning Support:
- Photoshop 2020 Essential Training: The Basics
- Photoshop 2020 Essential Training: Design
- Photoshop 2020 Essential Training: Photography
- Photoshop 2020 New Features
- Photoshop CC 2019 Essential Training: The Basics
- Photoshop CC 2019 Essential Training: Design
- Photoshop CC 2019 Essential Training: Photography
- and more…
Adobe Premiere Rush
Premiere Rush is the “light” version of the industry-standard video editing software. It is a free download and is also available via your free UW-Madison Adobe ID. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines, as well as on iOS and Android. Premiere Rush is comparable to Apple’s iMovie, and has a few more functions and features. Premiere Rush files can also be opened and further edited in Premiere Pro for more advanced video editing.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
- Coming soon
Adobe Premiere Pro
This industry-standard video editing software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines, but needs a strong processor and lots of RAM. Premiere Pro is a step above Apple’s iMovie, and has a lot more functions and features.
Software Training for Students Support:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Apple Only Software
GarageBand
This program is an advanced audio editing software designed mostly for music, with the ability to create synthesized music and percussion in a multi-track overlay. It can, however, be used for voice-based projects like podcasts. GarageBand is available for free on all Apple devices via the App Store. GarageBand is also available on the Macs in the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Final Cut Pro
This industry-standard video editing software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the on select Macs in UW-Madison computer labs. This software needs a strong processor and lots of RAM, so it is not recommended for use on most laptops. Final Cut Pro is similar in function to Adobe Premiere Pro, and has a lot more features than Apple’s iMovie.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
iMovie
This program is a good introductory and easy-to-learn video editing software. iMovie is available for free on all Apple devices via the App Store. It is also available on the Macs in the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.
Software Training for Students Support:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Keynote
This slideshow software is Apple’s version of Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides. Like PowerPoint, it has the ability to have animations and play/record video. Keynote is available for free on all Apple devices via the App Store. It is also available on the Macs in the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Numbers
This spreadsheet software is Apple’s version of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets. Like Excel, it has the ability to create customizable data visualizations. Numbers is available for free on all Apple devices via the App Store. It is also available on the Macs in UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Pages
This word processing software is Apple’s version of Microsoft Word/Google Docs. Like Word, it has the ability to create word documents that incorporate images and other design elements. Pages is available for free on all Apple devices via the App Store. It is also available on the Macs in UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
QuickTime
This program can be used for recording audio or video on Mac computers, including screen-capturing video. QuickTime is available for free on all Apple devices via the App Store. It is also available on the Macs in UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Google Programs
Google Docs
This word processing software is Google’s version of Microsoft Word/Apple Pages. Like Word, it has the ability to create word documents that incorporate images and other design elements. Google Docs is all online and designed for collaborative work. All documents are housed on Google Drive, so you can easily invite colleagues to edit, suggest edits, and/or comment. Google Docs is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison G-Suite.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Note: Since Google Docs is based heavily on Microsoft Word’s interface, many of the software training links listed under Microsoft Word may be applicable to both software programs.
Google Earth
Google Earth renders maps the earth, moon, and mars using superimposing satellite images, aerial photography, and GIS data onto a 3D globe, allowing users to see cities and landscapes from various angles. With it’s creation tools, you can draw on the map, add your photos and videos, customize your view, and share and collaborate with others. You can also create “fly throughs” of various locations.
Google Support:
Google Sheets
This spreadsheet software is Google’s version of Microsoft Excel/Apple Numbers. Like Excel, it has the ability to create customizable data visualizations, although it does have less features. Google Sheets is all online and designed for collaborative work. All documents are housed on Google Drive, so you can easily invite colleagues to edit, suggest edits, and/or comment. Google Sheets is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison G-Suite.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
- What is Google Sheets?
- Google Sheets Essential Training
- Google Sheets: Advanced Tips and Tricks
- Google Sheets:Advanced Formulas and Functions
- Team Collaboration in G Suite
- and more…
Note: Since Google Sheets is based heavily on Microsoft Excels’s interface, many of the software training links listed under Microsoft Excel may be applicable to both software programs.
Google Slides
This slideshow software is Google’s version of Microsoft PowerPoint/Apple Keynote. Unlike PowerPoint, it has limited functions for animations, video, and audio. However, Google Slides is all online and designed for collaborative work. All documents are housed on Google Drive, so you can easily invite colleagues to edit, suggest edits, and/or comment. Google Slides is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison G-Suite.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
- What is Google Slides?
- Collaborate with Google Slides
- Google Slides Presentations
- Google Slides Essential Training
- Using Google Slides to Replace PowerPoint
- Team Collaboration in G Suite
- and more…
Note: Since Google Slides is based heavily on Microsoft PowerPoint’s interface, many of the software training links listed under Microsoft PowerPoint may be applicable to both software programs.
My Maps by Google
My Maps allows you to make custom Google Maps that highlight places of interest with personalized icons and colors. You can also draw on the maps! My Maps are all online and designed for sharing. All maps are housed on Google Drive and are also accessible under Google Maps > “My Places.” You can easily invite colleagues to edit, suggest edits, comment, or add their own points. My Maps is available to anyone with a Google account.
Google Support:
Microsoft Software (Office 365)
Microsoft Excel
This spreadsheet software is the industry-standard for numbers and accounting. It also has the ability to create customized data visualizations. Similar programs are the online-based Google Sheets and Apple’s Numbers. Microsoft Excel is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via UW-Madison’s Office 365. It is also available via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout.
Software Training for Students Support:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Microsoft PowerPoint
This slideshow software is the industry-standard for presentations. PowerPoint has the ability to customize templates, add animations, and play/record video and audio. Similar programs are Apple Keynote/Google Slides. PowerPoint is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via UW-Madison’s Office 365. It is also available via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout.
Software Training for Students:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Microsoft Sway
This online program can be used to create interactive reports and presentations. Sway can be used to make single page websites, graphic essays, or presentations. Sway allows the creator to design the site to be viewed as a scrolling page top to bottom or left to right. It can also be created to be viewed in a slide layout. Microsoft Sway is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via UW-Madison’s Office 365.
DesignLab Support:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Office 365 Support:
Microsoft Word
This word processing software the industry-standard for creating research papers, reports, and resumes/CVs. Similar programs to Word are Apple Pages and Google Docs. This program has the ability to create word documents that incorporate images and other design elements (color, a variety of fonts, etc.). Microsoft Word is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via UW-Madison’s Office 365. It is also available via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
- Office 365: Word Essential Training
- Word 2019 Essential Training
- Learning Word Online (Office 365)
- Getting Started with Microsoft Word (Learning Path)
- Improve Your Microsoft Word Skills (Learning Path)
- Master Microsoft Word (Learning Path)
- and more…
Online Software (Recommended by DesignLab)
Canva
Canva is an online graphic design platform. It is a great place to make visually stunning documents, including resumes, CVs, business reports, business cards, fliers/brochures, infographics, graphic essays, presentations, and more. While Canva has paid features, you can typically make all of your documents with the free account. This platform also comes with a built-in database of free images and icons (and some at low costs) and also gives you the ability to upload your own content. Your files are saved to your account and kept on the Canva server. You can download the files in multiple different formats.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Canva Support:
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a free editing software is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. While this software is known for color grading and color correction, the latest version provides a full suite of tools for editing, color correcting, mixing, and rendering video. Resolve also includes tools for motion graphics, visual effects, and audio post-production. There is a paid version that allows for more option including 3D rendering, but this is usually overkill for most projects, so we recommend the free version.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
DaVinci Resolve Support:
NatGeo MapMaker
NatGeo MapMaker is a free online custom map maker that allows you to highlight places of interest with personalized icons/images and drawings on one of seven different base maps. You can also add built-in layers onto the map, such as climate data. You need to “Save As” to have your map link sent to you as an email. All maps are housed on the NatGeo server, but after 6 months of inactivity it may be deleted.
NatGeo MapMaker Interactive Support:
Piktochart
Piktochart is another online graphic design platform that works a lot like Canva, but we recommend it more for data visualizations and data heavy infographics. While the program has paid features, you can typically make all of your documents with the free account. This platform also comes with a built-in database of free images and icons (and some at low costs) and also gives you the ability to upload your own content. Your files are saved to your account and kept on the Piktochart server, but has a maximum of 5 documents on the free account. You can also download the files as select formats.
Piktochart Support:
Pixton
Pixton is an online comic creator is designed to be a simple template-based system to drag and drop. While the program has paid features, you can typically make a basic comic with the free account. This platform also comes with a built-in database of free characters, images, and icons. The paid account allows you to upload your own content, print, and download. See also, ComicLife below for another comic creator that is available on campus!
Pixton Support:
- Help Center (Click on the “Help” button at the bottom right of the screen)
Prezi
Prezi is an online presentation software is designed for spatial presentations, rather than the typical linear slideshow presentation model found in Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote. Using a canvas, the presenter creates fly-throughs that zoom in on particular content. While more visually dynamic than most typical slideshows, it can be jarring for an audience and can lead to motion sickness if not careful! Their basic license is free to use to create from a template or from existing PowerPoint slides, record videos, and create dynamic designs and data visualizations with Prezi Design.
Software Training for Students Support:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Open Source Software
Audacity
This program is another industry-standard audio editing software, commonly used by radio stations and bloggers. As an open source program, Audacity is available as a free download for Mac, Windows, or Linux. It is also available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio
This program is the industry-standard video streaming software, commonly used by Twitchers and YouTubers. It is also a good program for video recording because it allow for both webcam and screen capture recording. As an open source program, OBS is available as a free download for Mac, Windows, or Linux.
OBS Support:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Other Software Available on Campus
ArcGIS
This industry-standard program is designed for spatial data (i.e., it is a map creating software). Many base maps are open source, but the program itself is not. ArcGIS is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Comic Life
Create comics from images and hand-drawn artwork with this simple plug-and-play program! Comic Life has built in templates, comic-style fonts, speech bubbles, and image filters to make your comic look authentic. Comic Life is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs.
Comic Life Support:
Website and Online Portfolio Creators
Blogger
Blogger is a free online blog creator with lots of customization options. Great for folks looking to blog without creating a full website.
Blogger Support:
- Help Center
- Help Forum
- Video Tutorials (on YouTube)
LinkedIn is a free online professional profile. Great for folks looking to have an online presence for job applications without creating a full website.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Weebly
Weebly is a website builder that is great for building both personal/business websites and online stores (through their integration with Square). Using their templates and drag-and-drop editor, you can customize your website without knowing HTML or CSS. Keep in mind that the free plan constrains the amount of storage your website has, so you are limited in how much you can upload and add to your site. Additionally, you must pay for one of their more inclusive plans if you want to remove the Weebly branding from your site.
Weebly Support:
Wix
Create everything from a simple personal page to a professional business website with Wix’s free website platform. Wix provides you with templates and allows you to design your site using a drag-and-drop builder, but you are limited in storage and bandwidth unless you pay for a premium plan. You will also have to pay to get your own custom domain and to remove Wix ads from your site.
Wix Support:
LinkedIn Learning Support:
WordPress.com
WordPress’s answer to Wix and Weebly, WordPress.com is a drag-and-drop website builder that is great for simple websites and blogs. Unlike the .org, WordPress.com hosts your website and provides you with everything you need to get started. WordPress.com also offers paid plans, which give you access to more features and allow you to remove ads.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
WordPress.org
WordPress.org is an open-source software that is best for more complicated websites and more advanced web designers. For this software, you will need to provide your own website hosting (such as Amazon Web Services), and, while you can download and use templates and plug-ins from WordPress.org, you may have to pay a third party for more customization options. WordPress.org is great if you know HTML and CSS, or if you are working with a professional web designer.
LinkedIn Learning Support:
Are we missing a software that you would recommend to others?
Email us at designlab@wisc.edu and we’ll take your suggestions under consideration.