Web design is an industry that constantly goes through changes as new technologies and tools get released for use. It seems like only a short time ago when an incredible amount of coding knowledge was required for creating websites.
No longer is the web design process so complicated. Instead, you can use some of the available tools that simplify everything for you. Let’s take a look at seven web design tools that help you work smarter.
Sketch
Sketch has become a popular graphic design tool. The reason is because it’s versatile and will most likely cause you to leave Photoshop behind. Sketch makes it simple to bring your ideas into the world as you create and collaborate.
This web design tool is relatively easy to learn when you compare it to some of the other available design apps. It offers a seamless and intuitive grid system. Sketch comes fully loaded with several plugins that streamline your work process.
The app offers a wonderfully supportive community, too. The community is always coming up with more plugins to keep your work organized. Sketch has improved dramatically since its early days and has become one of those go-to tools that will likely become a large part of your success.
UXPin
UXPin provides you the opportunity to code and design at the same time. Use this high-end tool when your goal is seeing real-time changes as you interact with coding changes. Here are a few of its exciting features:
- Interactive form elements
- Code components
- Built-in libraries
- Real-time collaboration functionality
- Vector drawing tools
UXPin offers diversity via its API request functionality. Using API requests brings flexibility to your projects by integrating extra features that compliment your coding work. If you’re using Sketch, then you can even import files and components directly into UXPin’s interface.
Linksplit
Work smarter, not harder, with Linksplit. This does a lot of heavy lifting work for you when you need to make use of website A/B tests. Easily toggle traffic between a couple different website variations. The first 10,000 clicks are free as you start using Linksplit. You can begin the process without going through a sign-up process, as well.
All you need to do to start using this web design tool is:
- Visit their website
- Enter your URLs
- Use the short-test URLs generated
Linksplit allows for specific URL rules. For example, you might want United States clients to land on one URL and Australian clients to land on a different URL. Conducting these types of tests is a snap using this app.
Figma
This is one power-packed tool when it comes to working smarter inside your web design business. It provides a hassle-free process for creating animated prototypes and various design elements.
Allow other people to give their feedback after you share easily-produced design file links. This feature makes it a great choice when you need a tool for collaborating across multiple teams.
Invision Studio
This piece of software helps when you want to create fantastic layouts. You can work through several web-design tasks via this software’s high-end tools. Its tools include:
- Embedding and attractive visual elements
- Prototyping
- Interactive interfaces
You’ll create outstanding animation transitions with Invision Studio’s prototyping tool.
Flare
2Dimensions makes this design tool. Design and animate vector art with Flare, which is a browser-based application. Flare allows you to work with your assets in real time and include them into the final version. This eliminates the hassle of redoing your work via coding.
The result is a design tool that makes your animation process as simple as possible. It’s part of the Open Design movement, too, so an added bonus is the ability to get started on this time-saving app for zero down.
Adobe XD
Everything you need for non-static interactions comes inside this vector design and wireframing app. It’s built by Adobe and seems to provide a continuously improved experience as it ages.
Easily import a variety of UI libraries and kits from other sources to improve the scope of each project. You should enjoy some of its advanced features, such as voice prototyping.
Here are more reasons to give Adobe XD a try:
- Integrated sharing tool
- Easily obtain feedback
- Mobile and desktop previews
- Creative Cloud integration
- Start projects with optimum device-specific art board sizes
- Import third-party UI kits
- Import Illustrator and Photoshop assets
- XD is excellent when working with other teams. It’s also a tool that doesn’t require a long time to master.
You should find these tools effective for creating layouts, designing websites and prototyping, whether you’re just beginning or have been web designing for years. Take time to use more than one so you can compare and find the web design tools that work best inside your specific situation.