As a seasoned web and graphic designer, I've used my fair share of design software. I used to obsess on finding free or cheap design apps. I’ve also worked with many other designers who use a variety of different apps. In my experience, Adobe Creative Suite (Cloud) is the best option for most designers. Here are a few of the advantages of using Adobe Creative Suite over individual third party design apps:

Integration: All of the apps in Adobe Creative Suite are tightly integrated with each other. This means that you can easily move files between apps, and you can take advantage of features like Smart Objects and Dynamic Link. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, and it can help you to create more polished and professional designs.

Compatibility: Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard for design software. This means that your designs will be compatible with the vast majority of other design software and hardware. This is important if you ever need to collaborate with other designers, or if you need to export your designs for print or web.

Features: Adobe Creative Suite includes a wide range of features that are essential for modern design. This includes tools for photo editing, vector graphics, web design, animation, and more. Adobe is constantly adding new features to Creative Suite, so you can be sure that you'll always have the tools you need to create the best possible designs.

Training and support: Adobe offers a wide range of training and support options for Creative Suite. This includes online tutorials, in-person classes, and phone support. This can be helpful if you're new to design software, or if you need help with a specific feature.

Of course, there are some disadvantages to using Adobe Creative Suite. The biggest disadvantage is the cost. Adobe Creative Suite is a subscription-based service, which can be expensive for some users. This is what I used to get annoyed with as a younger developer and why I used such apps as The Gimp and Open Office. However, the cost of Creative Suite is offset by the fact that you get access to all of the latest features and updates including AI like Adobe Firefly.

Many designers that work in teams have turned to Figma, moving away for Adobe XD. I personally do not much care for Figma, I have no issue using it, but I find the childish design and content to be a turn off. Lets act like adult professionals people! Hopefully Adobe will mature the interface once they acquire it.

Overall, I believe that Adobe Creative Suite (Cloud) is the best option for most designers. It offers a wide range of features, integration with other apps, and compatibility with the latest hardware and software. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile design software suite, I recommend Adobe Creative Suite.

Here are some additional advantages of using Adobe Creative Suite over individual third party design apps:

Cloud storage: Adobe Creative Cloud includes 100GB of cloud storage, which you can use to store your designs, assets, and projects. This can be helpful if you need to collaborate with other designers, or if you need to access your files from multiple devices.

Mobile apps: Adobe Creative Cloud also includes mobile apps for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. This allows you to work on your designs on the go, even if you don't have a computer with you.

Community: Adobe has a large and active community of designers who use Creative Cloud. This can be a great resource for finding help, inspiration, and feedback.

If you're serious about design, I highly recommend Adobe Creative Suite. It's the most comprehensive and powerful design software suite on the market, and it offers a wide range of features and benefits that can help you to create better designs.