Web design software aids in the creation of websites by helping users create web pages, add and edit content and images, and upload the finished website pages to their web hosting account. With so many web design tools available, how do you go about choosing the right software for you?
Start with your skill level
How much do you know about web design? Are you familiar with writing HTML or other scripting languages? There are two basic types of web design software (link here) and each is geared toward a different skill level. In order to get started on the right foot, you’ll need to choose the right tools for the job. Spend some time investigating your options and looking specifically at software that matches your webmaster skill set.
Match your platform
Web design software is available on all of the following platforms:
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Windows
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Macintosh
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Linux/Unix
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Mobile phones and portable devices
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Online
If you use a Windows computer, you’ll obviously want to investigate Windows based web design software. On the other hand, if you plan to work on your website from home and work and use different operating systems in each location, it may be wise to consider a web based tool.
Know your needs
All web design software is not created equally. Different manufacturers offer different feature sets, so it’s important that the software you choose is able to meet your specific needs. Web design software can accomplish many tasks, including the creation and implementation of web pages, images and dynamic menus. Some software can even upload your website pages to your hosting account. What are your needs?
Make sure you look at not only what elements you’d like to create with web design software, but also what functions it can perform. If you don’t know how to use FTP software to upload web pages to your web hosting account, you’ll want to find software than can handle this chore for you.
Work with your budget
Not everyone has the same operating budget, so in order to get the software that will work best for you, you’ll want to figure out how much, if any, monies you’d like to invest. Web design software can be freely downloaded as open source or freeware, and there are also paid (shareware) versions available as well.
All you need to begin development of your website is a domain name, web hosting package and web design software.