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Mac vs PC for Designers: Which Is Better?

HELPING CREATIVE AGENCIES MAKE SMARTER IT DECISIONS

Walk into most studios and you’ll likely see a lot of Macs, but PCs are still widely used and, we would even say in some cases, make more sense.
 

The truth is there isn’t a single “right” answer for which is the best fit. This guide aims to breaks down the real differences to help creative agencies decide what works best for them.

Why The Mac Preference? 

Macs have long been popular in creative industries, and this isn't just because they're the sleeker looking device, but there are a few other clear reasons that sway designers towards them. 

Reliability and stability

The predictability of the Mac makes it particularly attractive for designers day-to-day work. Where deadlines are often unforgiving, working on machines that are less frequently crashing out on you provides a significant advantage.

Strong creative software support

Most major design tools run very well on macOS, as most were developed with Mac using in mind. These include:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud

  • Figma​

  • Final Cut Pro

  • Affinity tools

Colour accuracy and displays

Apple devices are known for their high-quality displays and good colour accuracy straight out of the box. For designers who are working in branding or photography, this makes a noticeable difference.​​​​

Hardware and software integration

Because Apple controls both the hardware and software, the overall experience of the user can often feel far more streamlined. On top of this, updates and the device performance are more consistent across machines which again keeps the experience for your Team smooth and without interuptions.​​​

Where PCs Can Have the Advantage

Although Macs may be a popular choice, PCs shouldn’t be overlooked. In some situations they can actually be the better choice.
 

More hardware flexibility

PCs come in a wide range of configurations, meaning teams can choose:

  • Different graphics cards

  • Larger RAM options

  • Custom builds

  • Lower-cost machines for lighter work
     

This flexibility can be useful for studios with varied needs.


Cost options

PC hardware can be more affordable depending on the configuration, which can make scaling a team easier, particularly for junior roles or those with less demanding needs.
 

3D, rendering and specialist tools

Certain software used in jobs such as 3D design, architecture, engineering, and rendering can perform better or be more widely supported on Windows machines.

Performance: Which is Faster?

This is a question we get asked a lot. But the answer isn't necessarily down to Mac or PC, but instead about which specification and setup you choose.
 

A well-specced PC can outperform a Mac, but also a Mac with Apple silicon can outperform many PCs.
 

What you should really be asking about is the devices:

  • RAM

  • storage speed

  • GPU performance

  • how files are stored and accessed

  • network speed for shared assets
     

For many design teams, file storage and collaboration tools actually impact performance more than the device itself.

Collaboration and File Workflows

Design teams rarely work in isolation. Files are constantly shared between:

  • designers

  • video editors

  • clients

  • external partners
     

Both Mac and PC environments can work very well on their own. The challenge usually appears when businesses run a mix of the two. With different operating systems, storage setups can sometimes lead to messy file structures or confusion around where the latest version of a file lives.


The good news is this doesn’t have to be the case. With the right storage tools and management in place, Mac and PC environments can work as one.

So, Mac or PC for Designers?

In reality, we’d often argue there’s value in having both Macs and PCs within a team. Many agencies run mixed environments very successfully.

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For example:

  • Designers on Macs

  • Finance teams on PCs

  • Developers using both

  • ​

For most growing creative businesses, the bigger priority is having the right foundations in place:

Get those things right and both Macs and PCs can perform extremely well together.

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That said, this setup usually only works well when the IT provider understands how to properly integrate the two environments. We often see businesses working with providers who say they support Macs, but don’t really have the tools or experience to manage them properly. 

 

If you’re outsourcing your IT, it’s worth asking direct questions about their Mac experience and how they manage mixed environments.

Want To Speak To Our Mac & Windows Integration Experts? 

If you’re unsure whether your current IT setup is giving your design team the best performance and value, a short review can show you:
 

  • Where workflows are slowing down

  • Where file storage or software costs could be optimised

  • Whether your current setup will scale as your team grows
     

This will give you clarity on whether Macs, PCs, or a mixed environment, and the way they’re managed, is the best fit for your agency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Macs better for graphic design?

Many designers prefer Macs because of the operating system, display quality, and stability. However, modern PCs with the right specifications can perform just as well for most design work

Is Creative Software Better On Mac?

Most major creative tools work well on both platforms today. Some software historically launched on Mac first, which contributed to its popularity in design studios.

Are Macs worth the higher price?

For many creative teams, the reliability and lifespan of Macs make them good value over time. The right choice depends on the type of work your team does and how your systems are set up.

Do design agencies use Macs or PCs?

Many agencies primarily use Macs, but mixed environments are very common. Finance, development, and operations teams often use PCs while designers use Macs.

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