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Graphic design is a discipline dependent on up-to-date computer hardware and software. The digital design process places a very large demand on the equipment, with video and animations potentially taking many hours to completely render even on the best computers. As students progress through the program, their resulting work can become more complex and place further strains on aging hardware. As a result, the minimum requirements are based on recommendations of the most computer-intensive software and consider the future needs of the coursework during junior and senior year.

We suggest using the recommended (not the minimum) specifications for Adobe AfterEffects as a good starting point for purchasing a machine for graphic design: .

Additional Recommendations:

• Minimum 16GB memory – 32GB memory is recommended
• Minimum 4GB VRAM GPU (Avoid Intel integrated GPUs)
• Display: 16" Full HD (1920p) minimum
• Disk Storage: 1TB SSD storage

Other Hardware, Storage and Peripheral Recommendations:

• External Hard Drive: Portable 2TB or above hard drive
• Cloud storage: iCloud, OneDrive, Creative Cloud Storage, Dropbox, etc. Students may require a subscription for additional cloud storage depending on their machine's storage specs. (Redundancy between cloud backups and external hard drive backups is also strongly encouraged.)
• Mouse
• Wacom pen (required for animation classes, details will be included in course supply list)
• Adaptor for connecting to external displays and projectors

To facilitate student competency in top-rated software products demanded by industry professionals, SDSU requires students to purchase current versions of software packages from Adobe. It is imperative that students have the required computer software packages purchased and installed during their first week of their first graphic design course (spring of freshman year).

Software requirements

• Business: Office365 (free to every student)
• Design:

Students may be asked to purchase additional software in conjunction with additional coursework. Any additional software purchases will be disclosed prior to students’ class registration.

1. SDSU and the School of Design at SDSU prohibit the use of pirated software. Students who have pirated software on their computers will not be serviced and can be reported. Students are expected to maintain proof of ownership for all software and will be expected to maintain a file cataloging of all software license numbers, serial numbers, etc.
2. While the graphic design program does not specifically endorse either Windows or Mac OS, Macs are often used in graphic design-focused studios, while many larger corporations rely on Windows. MacBook Pro laptops have traditionally been an excellent choice for students focused on developing a well-rounded graphic design skill set. Students pursuing animation may wish to consider a Windows machine because of the availability/compatibility of free animation software and extensions.
3. Students who currently have a laptop capable of running Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign may wish to delay their purchase of a new machine until sophomore or junior year to take advantage of updated hardware as the coursework becomes more demanding. Do note that iPad, Chromebook and other tablet devices will not be sufficient for the graphic design program and should not be relied upon as the sole device for completing coursework.
4. Some graphic design courses will require printed outcomes. Students are responsible for the cost of production. Generally, home-quality inkjet printers will not have the color accuracy and quality required for final products. Students should be prepared to take advantage of the on-campus and in-town printing options.