Hey there, future digital Picasso!
At Stey Academy, we know the struggle of finding the right tools for web design. You’re staring at the screen, trying to figure out if you’re more “I got this!” or “What’s a hex code?” But don’t sweat it—every legend starts somewhere, don’t they? Today, we’re here to make sure you have the essentials on your toolbelt so you can design websites that pop, sparkle, and maybe even get you a few OOHS and AHHS….
Not leaving out that, if you’re feeling inspired (and we know you will be), you might want to check out our web design course at Stey Academy. After all, why just read when you can learn and do? Without further ado, here’s our list of the top 5 tools every web designer needs to know, whether beginner or pro:
Meet Adobe XD, the tool that’s like having a personal design sidekick. You can create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, and it’s all super intuitive. Adobe XD is particularly known for being collaboration-friendly—ideal if you’re working in teams or want to share your masterpiece with clients for feedback. And the real kicker? It’s got a whole ecosystem of plugins to make your life easier, from icons to colour palettes.
Pro Tip: Adobe XD is to a designer what coffee is to Monday mornings—essential. And hey, if you’re feeling a bit lost in Adobe’s universe, sign up for Stey Academy’s web design course. We’ll break it down for you, minus the overwhelming jargon!
Ever felt like you’re playing design tug-of-war with your teammates? Enter Figma, the collaborative tool that keeps everyone on the same page (literally). Figma is fantastic for UI design and works directly in your browser, so no need for clunky downloads. It’s fast, it’s smooth, and it’s easy to use whether you’re working solo or with a group.
Why should you care about Figma? Imagine a world where your changes are saved in real-time, and your team doesn’t have to go through 17 different versions of a project. Yep, it’s that good. And guess what? We cover Figma tips and tricks in our web design course here at Stey Academy. You’re welcome!
Ah, Sketch. If you’re a Mac user, you’ve probably heard people raving about this one. Sketch is the OG of web design tools and is widely loved for its clean interface and intuitive design features. It’s particularly popular for crafting pixel-perfect interfaces and vector graphics that look as sharp as your wit.
While it’s only available for Mac, Sketch remains a go-to for many designers. Want to become a Sketch Pro? We’ve got your back. Stey Academy’s courses are here to help you become best friends with this design classic (and yes, we’ll provide plenty of shortcuts).
We’ll admit it, Canva isn’t just for web designers. But it’s earned a spot on this list. For those of you looking for an easy, drag-and-drop design without the steep learning curve, Canva is the answer. It’s perfect for creating visuals for social media, blogs, and even website elements when you’re pressed for time.
Canva is that reliable friend you call on when you need something eye-catching fast. Plus, Canvas templates can be a lifesaver if you’re in a time crunch. Still, if you want to level up from Canva to the big leagues, Stey Academy has got you covered with deeper design theory and practical sessions.
If you’re serious about prototyping, InVision should be in your toolkit. It’s ideal for creating clickable prototypes that showcase the flow of a site before it’s actually live. Clients love seeing how the site will function, and InVision makes it easy to get feedback on every button and transition.
InVision is like the magician that lets your design come alive. It’s a must if you want to show your clients and teammates exactly how the end product will work. And of course, we dive into prototyping and user interaction in our Stey Academy course. Imagine building interactive prototypes while sipping coffee, knowing you’ve got this web design thing down!
By now, you’re probably thinking, “This is a lot of tools…do I need to know them all?” Here’s the truth: a solid designer has options. It’s like having a wardrobe that’s more than just jeans and a T-shirt—you want to be ready for anything! At Stey Academy, we’re all about giving you those skills. Whether you’re ready to dive into the Adobe suite or need to finesse your Canva magic, we’re here to get you to the next level.
So, what are you waiting for? The internet isn’t going to design itself! Grab your spot in Stey Academy’s web design course and let’s turn those ideas into pixel-perfect realities.
