There are many reasons to use web design software. Web design software is designed to accelerate the process of creating a website by letting you drag and drop images, text and other elements onto your page without needing to know the ins and outs of coding.
Web design software can be used by anyone to create a website, but it is particularly useful for people who don’t have much experience with creating websites.
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How To Use Web Design Software
(Image credit: Shutterstock / Rawpixel)
The best web design software makes it simple and easy to build a website, either by offering a coding platform, or a drag-and-drop interface.
It used to be the case that the only option was to code a website directing, using HTML & CSS and even JavaScript. However, these days drag-and-drop editors have become much more commonplace, making it a breeze for anyone to customize or even build their own website.
Whichever option you prefer, all of them make it easier to build in the elements you require on your website, and can work with additional tools such as form builders, image hosting, and even content delivery networks.
In this guide we have focused on the best web design tools currently available. When weighing up which to include, we have focused on ease of use, supported web languages, cost, and how easy the tools make it to upload the finished project once you are done.
1. Wix
The best web design software for beginnersTODAY’S BEST DEALSWix ProUS$23/mthWix Connect DomainUS$3.54/mthVISIT SITEat Wix
REASONS TO BUY
+Very easy to use+No coding required+Huge range of powerful features+Yet still highly user-friendly
Wix is more of a website builder than a coding platform, but it is one of the most popular online website creators, offering a range of plans and products. The free version has Wix branding, limited storage space and bandwidth, but move up to the most popular plan (unlimited) and there’s no Wix ads.
An excellent collection of 500 plus templates gets the design process off to a quick start. The drag-and-drop editor gives you all kinds of tools and features to explore – an image editor, video backgrounds, animations, social buttons, an integrated site blog – and just about everything can be tweaked, tuned and restyled. Furthermore, as of recently, Wix introduced Wix Turbo, which increases the speed and performance of websites substantially.
All the core editing functions are really smartly designed, and operate more like a native app than your average website builder. Wix does have some weaknesses, with tech support seeming a little sluggish and limited in some respects. But there’s no denying that the superb editor and range of top-notch templates make it easy for web building novices to create something impressive.
2. Adobe Dreamweaver
The best web design software for professionalsTODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE
REASONS TO BUY
+Customize your design+Build a responsive design+HTML5 support
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not cheap
Adobe Dreamweaver is a long-established app that allows you to code your website design directly, without having to know too much about programming. The software works through a mix of visual editing and HTML editing, which means it shouldn’t have too steep a learning curve for most users.
Additionally, while coding your own website design requires you to put in more effort than simply using an existing ready made template, at least you have the chance to ensure you get the look you actually want, rather than trying to work around someone else’s design specifications.
A particularly good feature of Dreamweaver is that it allows you to produce a responsive design, which means your website can be optimized to display on desktops as well as mobile devices, without limiting the user experience.
However, if you are a more advanced user you may be pleased to note that Dreamweaver provides multi-monitor support for Windows. It also supports the Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) to work with HTML5 elements and CSS grids. Additionally, there’s also support for Git to allow you to edit source code directly from within Dreamweaver.
Dreamweaver is available as part of Adobe’s mid-range packaged app subscription service, Creative Cloud, which also includes Photoshop.
3. WordPress
The best custom option for beginnersTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Easy to install and use+Many available features+Pre-built website templates
REASONS TO AVOID
-Watch out for spamAdvertisementhttps://77d0619fba3591a1dce77ee9832a60a9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
WordPress is an alternative way to set up and design your website, being rather different to the other offerings we’ve highlighted here because it’s actually a content management system (CMS). The power here is that it is a simple matter to set up a website in minutes. Indeed, many web hosting packages include a one-click install of WordPress from their Control Panel, but even without that, WordPress is relatively easy to install.
Once installed, the backend for administration and management is very user-friendly. You can use the existing WordPress design templates for your website, but more likely you will want to download and install an existing free or premium WordPress template – all of which can be done with just a few clicks.
Even if you would prefer to work with your own design, you can often do so using drag-and-drop functions, usually from a downloaded design with an in-built framework. This can allow you to create a professional-looking website without having to learn programming or coding at all.
Better still, there are so many free add-ons available to download and install, often requiring nothing more than a few clicks. This makes the whole process of customizing your website very simple, and it does not require any professional skills.
Overall, WordPress is a very easy CMS to use, and can provide a very quick way to get any form of website online fast. The huge variety of template designs and additional community supported features mean that getting something which is near the mark of what you want isn’t hard at all. Just ensure that in the settings you select to turn off comments so as to avoid spam.
4. Weebly
The DIY e-commerce websiteTODAY’S BEST DEALSWeebly StarterUS$5/mthWeebly ProUS$12/mthWeebly BusinessUS$25/mthVISIT SITEat Weebly
REASONS TO BUY
+Professional look+Mobile-friendly+Easy to personalizeAdvertisementhttps://77d0619fba3591a1dce77ee9832a60a9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Weebly is another online CMS, this time targeted at people with little or no coding experience, by providing easy to use drag and drop tools for creating a website. Weebly also provides the ability for users to create online stores using existing templates to work with their simply website-building framework.
The number of themes available for Weebly is somewhat limited, but the designs are clean and professional-looking, plus there are options to personalize accordingly. Additionally, the themes are responsive, which means they are optimized to work with mobile devices, plus they have in built SEO, analytics, and even a feature for posting ads directly to Facebook.
There’s a free tier available for basic use, and allows you to get used to the service. However, to use your own domain and get rid of ads, you’ll need the Professional plan.
5. Webflow
Cloud-based offering that needs no coding knowledgeTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Drag and drop GUI+Truly cross-platform
REASONS TO AVOID
-Interface takes time to master
Webflow is a cloud-based service which has been created specifically to allow people with no coding knowledge to get started with web design.Advertisementhttps://77d0619fba3591a1dce77ee9832a60a9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Aside from being truly cross-platform, as it’s web-based, Webflow emphasizes the concept of ‘smart codelessness’. In the first instance this means a crisp drag and drop interface allowing you to drop elements such as text and images seamlessly onto a page using one of the freely available templates.
Unlike many WYSIWYG editors, the code produced is very clean and well-written even if you choose the ‘I have no coding experience’ option during setup. Webflow’s automation tool will create the necessary HTML/CSS code for you. You can make granular changes to individual elements using the panels on the right.
Webflow offers a free demonstration of its features via the website, and you can also subscribe for a free Starter package which allows you to create up to two projects.
6. Bluefish
Lightweight and easy to use web coding platformTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Lightweight and quick+Use advanced code via wizards
REASONS TO AVOID
-No visual interface
Bluefish is among the smallest web design tools available today. The tiny installer takes only a few moments to setup. While the interface is text-only, it’s clearly designed with novices in mind as it employs clear-cut toolbars, user customizable menus and syntax highlighting.Advertisementhttps://77d0619fba3591a1dce77ee9832a60a9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
While the main focus is on HTML, Bluefish supports a huge range of other languages including PHP, Java, JavaScript, SQL, XML and CSS. Unlike visual WYSIWYG web design tools, the text interface makes for much cleaner code.
Bluefish has an excellent search function, allowing you to find text across multiple projects. The tool also has no trouble juggling hundreds of documents at the same time. Although Bluefish supports working with remote files, the varied and useful dialogs and wizards don’t currently support direct upload of web pages via FTP.
Despite the best efforts of the developers, Bluefish may take some time to get used to. The tool is available free of charge, however, so you have nothing to lose by giving it a try. (Image credit: Microsoft)
7. Visual Studio Code
A text editor from Microsoft
REASONS TO BUY
+Customizable+Loads of integrations+Source control tools
Visual Studio Code (or VScode) has become popular among developers – the ones who aren’t put off by the fact that it’s a Microsoft product, anyway. It offers a variety of packages and free extensions that can be downloaded from its marketplace to add additional features – and the code editor itself can be customized. Advertisementhttps://77d0619fba3591a1dce77ee9832a60a9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
While a lot of people may be intimated by the idea of coding if they have no programming experience, at some point in the web design process it can be important to be able to edit code directly. This is particularly helpful if you want to customize code for existing software add-ons in order to get the features you want for your website. Visual Studio Code can help make the process less painful by providing a dedicated platform for coding.
Visual Studio Code sports its own terminal and debugger, supports linting, and has integration with all manner of source control tools. It especially offers good support for Javascript and Python, making it potentially useful not just for coding the frontend of a website but also potentially some backend functions as well.
Other web design tools you might find useful
If you’re involved in web design, the chances are you’ll also need some graphic design skills and assets. Here we’ll look at a couple of other resources and assets you’ll properly need to help with your website design process:
1. Graphics program
You don’t need anything too expensive or fancy unless you’re chasing a career in graphic design or illustration. However, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to create simple logos, headings, text features, as well as manipulate photos, all as part of your website design.
There are a lot of different packages out there, from GIMP which is a completely free software platform, to older software such as Jasc’s Paint Shop Pro which remains a competent program that can be bought on the cheap at Amazon.
Alternatively, check out these other features for the latest in best, and sometimes free, software you might want to use:
- Best drawing and painting software
- Best graphic design software
- The best free photo editor
2. Stock photos
On top of creating your own graphics, there’s also a good chance you’ll want to use stock photos to really give your website a professional look.
Stock photos are available on almost any subject matter, and on top of that there are also an increasing number of stock video websites, in case you want to add video media.
Even better is that there are a number of free stock image and video websites, but be advised that these tend to be much more limited than paid-for stock image sites.Advertisement
- The best free stock photo sites
- The best free stock video sites
Here you can check out some of our features on these, to help you choose the best ones:
google web designer
The Google Web designer tool assists the users to create multiple pages to embed within a single website. As a flexible web design program, it is possible to insert 2D, 3D animations and transformation at the inserted content. You can easily switch between the design and cod mode in this environment. This section reveals the tips and tricks associated with the website created using Google Web Designer app.
Step 1: Go to the official webpage of Google Web Designer and download the app. Install the program by traversing through the wizard. Launch the app by double-tapping the tool icon. In the home screen, select ‘Create New File’ to design an interactive website for your needs.
Step 2: Choose ‘HTML’ option in the left pane of the screen. Now, you can personalize the blank file by giving a name, storage location, Title of the web page and the type of automation mode.
Step 3: Insert the element tools, objects like texts, labels etc on the working area available at the left pane by drag and drop action. Customize the component’s color, size, alignment using the parameters displayed at the right side of the screen.
Step 4: Add a text on the working area of Google Web designer and edit it as ‘Menu’. Then, give an ID to the object at the right side of the screen and create an event to that object by tapping ‘Events’ at the bottom right pane of the window. In the pop-up screen select the object ID in the top menu and hit ‘Events -> Mouse -> Click -> CSS -> set style’ to configure the parameters related to the inserted object.
Similarly, you must insert the desired objects on the working area and edit the respective parameters to obtain the desired outcomes.
To work on this platform, you must be familiar with the HTML coding language. Special technical skills are necessary to make the webpage responsive. Moreover, the user interface seems to be a little complex and quite difficult for the newbie to start with their mockup projects.
You can go for the best alternative to Google Web Designer to handle complex projects effortlessly. The Wondershare Mockitt is the perfect partner for the beginners and professionals to create an impressive web design.Try it Free
The Best Google Web Designer Alternative
The Mockitt from Wondershare is the best alternative to Google Web designer app. It is an excellent platform to create complex web pages easily. It is the incredible online prototyping tool to design web pages beyond imaginations. It is an exclusive tool which brings impressive results for your innovative ideas.
Features of Mockitt app
- Directly use the elements in the ‘Asset Library’ and freely access the built-in templates to quickly complete the web design.
- Customize the widgets and save it for your future use
- Make your webpage interactive by importing the design files directly using the ‘Link Area’.
- Apply magic to your website by inserting 17 unique types of screen transitions and 9 gestures.
- Build micro-animations without employing any codes in the web layout.
- The Cloud Editing feature assists the designers to access their files anywhere without any hesitation. You can share the files with your friends and teammates easily.
The Best Google Web Designer Alternative
Mockitt app is an online tool and you can create stunning web design without any download. It is enough if you follow the below guidelines to build an attractive web page for your needs precisely.Try it Free
Step 1: Start with a Blank Project
Go to the official webpage of this online prototyping tool and click ‘Create’ to create a project at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Personalize the project
Then, edit the project by entering the project name, choose the device compatibility and select the device model from the drop-down menu. Mockitt allows you to create projects compatible with Mobile, TV, Tablets, Watch etc. Choose according to your needs and save the customized project.
Step 3: Add the widgets
Drag and drop the necessary widgets in the “Built-in” tab and customize it using the properties panel at the right side of the screen. You can also save the edited widgets to use it in your future works.
Step 4: Screen State animations
Use the Screen State option to carry out interactive animations within the screen. Customize the image components like color, size, a position with the help of Screen State Switching.
Step 5: Insert video into your webpage
First, get the URL of your favorite video from the YouTube platform. Then, insert the ‘Web Page’ widget on the timeline. Finally, paste the URL on this element to add a video to your website.
Try it Free
Thus, you had an enlightening session on the web designing concepts of Google Web Designer application. Mockitt tool is the best alternative to this program and persuades the beginners quickly due to its simple user interface. You can build mesmerizing webpages using Mockitt app and it is an ultimate tool for the professionals in the design field. You can handle complex projects effortlessly if you step into this online prototyping program. Choose Mockitt app and present a realistic website for your needs. It is the right tool which gives flawless websites within a short span. Mockitt is a reliable web design online tool that converts your static innovative ideas into dynamic responsive websites as per your requirements.
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