Every creative field depends on execution tools, so a successful web designer needs not just inspiration, but also the right tools to bring their ideas to life. Graphic tools are constantly evolving, with the newest releases making work increasingly simpler and more comfortable. Here are the most current tools in web design!
Software
The central activity in web design takes place in graphic processing and illustration programs. The most popular and useful software package available for designers is undoubtedly Adobe Creative Cloud. This includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and many other very useful programs.
If your activity is focused around vector design (illustrations, logos, etc.), other attractive options include our favorite, Sketch, as well as Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo. These are also much more accessible than Adobe products.
Pantone
For those with projects that include print deliverables, the Pantone reference system is essential. With it, we can see how colors selected in Illustrator or InDesign will look in print. The tool is also very useful for precisely communicating color values to the team handling the printing. The Pantone reference package includes 14 books, digital support, and useful accessories. The entire package has a rather steep price, but can also be purchased in parts. These tools are very useful for professional work at the highest level.
Calibration
Since we just talked about Pantone and color accuracy, we should also discuss monitors and calibration programs. One of the best web design tools for calibration is Datacolor Spyder 5 Pro. It allows detailed calibration, adaptation to room lighting conditions, synchronization with your printer and various programs, etc.
Hardware
All the software needs to be supported in detail by hardware. We need powerful devices that can meet the high demands of the programs we use for web design. The MacBook is the choice of most designers, thanks to its performance and consistent adaptation to working conditions. The latest MacBook Pro Touch Bar is every web designer’s dream.
Storage
It’s very important to keep our files safe, so we need impeccable storage media. SSD storage is currently the fastest and safest. Nothing is more unpleasant and unprofessional than losing documents from a web design project.
Graphics Tablet + Stylus
For those who want to keep drawing as natural as possible, a graphics tablet is the best option. It allows drawing with a pen, just as if you were drawing on paper. The most advanced graphics tablets of this type are from Wacom. Wacom Intuos or Cintiq are models with high sensitivity to the pressure applied to the digital pen in Photoshop or Illustrator and offer an impressive graphic experience.
Sketches
A very attractive tool from Wacom is the smart pad. A model like Wacom Bamboo Slate offers the possibility to create manual digital sketches that can then be easily moved into Photoshop. These smart pads are available in A4 or A5 format and are very useful tools in graphic design.
Smartphone
Few would say that a smartphone is a web design tool, but such a phone can help us a lot in the relationship with clients. With a high-performance smartphone, we can respond to emails, take photos, preview and send images, as well as make small retouches in Photoshop or Lightroom. You need a smartphone that supports intense multitasking and has a generous screen with vibrant colors. iPhone 7 Plus is a very popular option, along with Google Pixel XL or Samsung Galaxy S8.
