Designers love creating. But managing assets? That’s a whole different beast. Fonts, icons, photos, logos—you name it. If your files are scattered all over, things can get messy real quick. Thankfully, there are tools to make life easier.
TLDR: Designers need reliable tools to store, organize, and share their creative assets. We’ve narrowed it down to the top 4 asset management tools that designers adore. From ease of use to powerful features, each of these tools helps keep projects neat and accessible. Scroll down to learn which one is your perfect match!
1. Figma – A Cloud Favorite
Figma isn’t just for designing. It’s also a rockstar in asset management. Why? Because it’s built for teams. You can store your entire design system—logos, color palettes, fonts, and so much more—in one place.
- Real-time collaboration: Everyone sees updates as they happen. No more “which file is the latest?” confusion.
- Shared libraries: Create a set of reusable components and keep your whole team aligned.
- Browser-based: No need to install anything. Open it from anywhere.
Many design teams use Figma as a single source of truth. It’s fantastic for keeping important assets right inside your design workspace.
Best for: Teams that design together, especially those working remotely or with large projects that need constant updates.
Cool tip: You can create Design Tokens in plugins and use them across multiple projects!
2. Adobe Creative Cloud Libraries – The Classic Powerhouse
If you use Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, then guess what? You already have Adobe’s asset management tool built in! Creative Cloud Libraries lets you save and access graphics, colors, styles, and more from all your Adobe apps.
- Drag and drop: Save assets directly from your canvas to the library.
- Cross-app syncing: Use the same icon in Illustrator and Photoshop without copying files.
- Easy sharing: Send a library link to another designer or a client with all your assets neatly packed.
Adobe Creative Cloud Libraries are seamless if you’re living inside Adobe’s software suite. They save you from cluttered folders with 500 files named final_FINAL_v3.png.
Best for: Designers already using multiple Adobe tools and looking for easy syncing and sharing of creative elements.
Pro tip: Libraries can store Typekit fonts too. So your typography can travel with your assets!
3. Dropbox (with Paper) – Go Beyond Just Storage
Everyone knows Dropbox. But did you know it can do much more than just store files?
Dropbox with Paper turns a plain storage box into a collaborative creative hub. It helps you keep assets safe while managing feedback and notes in one place.
- Smart folders: Organize by client, project, or asset type.
- Visual previews: See thumbnails for Sketch, PSD, and image files right from the browser.
- Paper docs: Collaborate on project ideas, checklists, or campaign layouts with your team!
Plus, Dropbox integrates with tools like Slack, Trello, and Zoom. So whether you’re brainstorming, revising, or delivering assets—it’s all smooth sailing.
Best for: Designers who want their storage to do extra work: organization, collaboration, and even light documentation.
Insider insight: Set up version history to backup and roll back files if things go sideways. Lifesaver!
4. Bynder – The Enterprise Asset Guru
If asset management had a boss level—Bynder would be it. It’s all about being professional, scalable, and super organized. Think: digital libraries, brand guidelines, usage permissions, and automatic tags.
- AI-powered tagging: Upload a photo and Bynder can auto-generate tags. No more hunting through folders!
- Brand Portals: Keep guides and logos handy for clients and vendors.
- Workflow control: Set up approval steps and track stages in creation.
Bynder is used by big brands that need everything in its proper place. But don’t let that scare you. It’s got a pretty user-friendly interface that even freelancers can grow into.
Image not found in postmetaBest for: Larger teams, agencies, and brands that need control, security, and quick access to everything visual and branded.
Neat trick: You can create templates for repeatable projects like social posts or email headers. Huge time-saver!
Final Thoughts
Design is already tough—don’t let messy folders and lost icons slow you down. Whether you’re a solo designer, part of a remote team, or managing brand assets across a company, these tools can make your creative life easier.
Here’s a mini recap:
- Figma: For real-time teamwork and shared design systems.
- Adobe Libraries: Ideal if you’re deep into Creative Suite.
- Dropbox + Paper: Great for organizing, previewing, and collaborating.
- Bynder: A serious pro when you need branding and structure done right.
Pick the one that fits your style, workflow, and budget. Try a free version or trial if you can. Your future self (and your team) will thank you!