What are the best tools for creating texture for UI elements? For instance, a mouse pointer with 3D look, or a button with 3D look, with textures of metal or stone, possibly with cracks, decorated frames… Things like that.
Any 2d drawing program you’re familiar with will do. Depending on the style, coudl be Aseprite, could be Clip studio, could be Krita, could be Inkscape, could be Photoshop, could be anything.
Thanks. I am seeking something that provides some presets like a 3D effect. Since I am no artist I will probably have a hard time drawing the lighting to simulate the 3D effect. I even used Powerpoint to do this, but I was expecting something more specialized.
If you really want something 3d for GUI, you can always model it in 3d.
An alternative is to consider that some software has tools that actually do simulate 3d lighting effects. Photoshop for example has layer effects, which can add many effects, some of which can give some 3d looking results.
Finally, though you say you aren’t an artist, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility for you to learn. And in this case there are plenty of tutorials that could help get you started. You don’t have to learn all the things an artist does just to learn how to make a 3d looking UI button.