To build a website, you need to have the right software and design in mind. While there are many options available, only a few software packages are standard tools. Web design software includes all of the tools needed to get your page started, which is why it is a bit difficult to find the best software packages out there. What is suitable for images may not be good for your UX. However, we have searched the internet and found nine software tools essential to site design.
- Dreamweaver
This program is for serious website designers and is the top program for website design. Fully capable of handling whatever coding your site requires and delivering the complete site ready for your domain and web hosting services is essential to the process. That being stated, it can be challenging to understand. A drag and drop program may be best if you are not comfortable with code.
- WiX
For people who are more visually oriented than code-oriented, Wix may be the software program for you. Using simple drag and drop as well as several templates, you can have your site up and go in no time. Remember that domain name registration services are not included in the program. Wix is free to set up a primary site. If you wish to upgrade their services, you can do so. Depending upon the shared domain hosting you have, you may be capable of bringing your site to the platform. However, most people would urge you to use WordPress as it is more accessible at hosting.
- Squarespace
Quickly becoming the popular online source for creating quick and professional websites using several tools, Squarespace offers several packages to get your site up and to go. Small to medium businesses seem to like square space, allowing for quick e-commerce integration and setup.
- WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source form of WordPress that allows you to set up and operate an e-commerce site quickly. WooCommerce offers a few extensions for their locations, including PayPal, jetpack, Facebook, MailChimp, and google ads. Additionally, the WordPress web hosting services that you use can work with WooCommerce, giving you access to the sites from anywhere, primarily if you use the WooCommerce app.
- Shopify
Shopify is another eCommerce website design, and it is typically used by sites that want to stay away from WordPress for one reason or another. Shopify does require a bit more coding and understanding of website design to use with various platforms and software. Additionally, the site-building software is rather large and complicated (apart from the base package, which is relatively simple to use).
- Photoshop
Before you get too involved in the drag and dropping of content, the content needs to be ready to go to the website. Photoshop is the key to making this happen. With tools that allow you to enhance pictures quickly, add captions, remove blemishes, compress images as needed, adjust levels, and more, it is critical for any site with media content. Using Photoshop for your mock-up, the software allows you to hyperlink to other pages within your domain and web hosting services.
- Gimp
If you do not want to pay for Photoshop, as it is monthly subscription software, you can use Gimp. Gimp is the free alternative to Photoshop, offering many of the same photo manipulation and website development tools to get your site ready for the web.
8. Invision Studio
When you have the design established, the next step is to test the UX. InVision is a platform that allows you to create interactions between the components of your site to see how well you have designed the user interface. In addition to the tools, the program also allows for collaboration between different parties working on the site, ensuring that you get the right look and functionality.
- Adobe XD
Entirely create your site with Adobe XD. The program is a vector-based layout program. You do not need to worry about coding at this time, as it is not the program's function. The intent is for you to see the visual connections between the pages and find out if the navigation and UX are suited to the page's overall design.
Conclusion
These are just some software options available to help you build your website. Before starting the process, it is always crucial to storyboard your design and lay one graphics, text, and other essential elements. Know your target market and obtain the proper shared WordPress hosting or buy a domain through your domain and web hosting services.
