What tools am I using?
A new site section is in the works: a page and a blog category about web design tools, software and online services which I find useful and can recommend others to use. I often get asked what editor I use, why I use that editor over others and if I can recommend some good online services for various tasks. Instead of answering that question over and over again, I will add the tools section and update it with the most common questions.
For example, I use Notepad++ as my main editor, a free code editor for Windows which I have used to create all free templates that you can find on andreasviklund.com. I use it because I like to work directly with the code rather than with a visual editor, and because the features suite my workflow well. I also use commercial software such as Adobe Dreamweaver and Photoshop, and online services such as Pixlr and CSStidy.
If you would want to read more about a specific tool or want me to write about any specific online service, I would be happy to try it out. Feel free to post recommendations and ideas, either as a comment to this post or in the forum.
This article was written by Andreas Viklund
Web designer, writer and the creative engine behind this website. Author of most of the free website templates, along with some of the WordPress themes.
10 comments:
andreas, you are indeed a
true web designer, web
design can make with simple
tools but the result is
satisfactory, I have a lot to
learn more
Andreas, I am fairly new to website design and was wondering if you could write about Pixlr and its pros and cons.
I have had a Pixlr tutorial in mind for some time, and I will definitely publish it once it is completed. Pixlr is a tool that I use myself quite a lot, especially when I am away from my main computer (where I have Adobe Photoshop CS5 installed). As a lightweight alternative on my small netbook, Pixlr is quite amazing. Is there anything special you are interested in? So far, my plan has been to focus on how to edit images inside the CSS templates, but I would be happy to include other things if anyone requests it.
Hi Andreas,
Thanks for reminding me of Notepad++, I always loved using it to strip away any styling before copying MS Word text into a WP blog post but after it gave an error I just negelcted to download the new version. (I’m downloading as I type :))
I was wondering if you use any project management software to help structure your thoughts and to-do’s when you build site for clients – and that’s worth mentioning?
Thanks a stack!
haha, I use to love notepad++ it used to save me so much time when using it in conjunction with my WordPress blog (its the one I’ve linked above )
thanks for such a great article!
brendan
I want to learn more webdesign, but I am not the most artistic guy out there. I would love to see some tools that makes templates and drag and drop as easy as possible.
My biggest need in design tools are tools for making Facebook iFrame pages, as well as wordpress themes (I use Headway already, but header design is always a struggle that I choose to outsource).
A collection of arrows, buttons, checkboxes etc would also be great! Looking forward to see how this resource grows.
Hi Andreas, I have several wp theme and blogger templates was created by my self. Can I share it here on your site?
Hi Andrea,
I greatly appreciate the information you put out as it helps a lot of us.
In this new section, will you also be covering free and open source tools instead of the expensive (albeit good) tools for various tasks. Given your experience, a lot of us would appreciate your views on the pros and cons of various tools.
Cheers,
Joe
Notepad++ and pixlr.com are probably the most important tools that spring to mind. I’m an internet marketer and website designer and its funny how these two free tools trump a lot of paid ones. How To Pull A Girl
hi, notepad++ is good but personnaly i use netbeans IDE, the latest version is most beautiful. thanks for the test!