Web development today can seem so vast and overwhelming to the novice user, and a lot of this can stem from the amount of money that web developers are spending on their software these days.
However, what many beginner web developers need to know straight from the start is that there are a whole slew of tools available for free that can take their skills and work to a whole new level.
Here are some of the best, free tools available for web developers right now:
1 – CSS3 Button Maker
With CSS3 Button Maker, you no longer have to use trial and error to find a great button. Simply use the live preview function while editing values to get that perfect button.
2 – Frame Box
Frame Box makes it easy to share frames with team members. Start by sketching your frame in your browser by dragging and dropping various elements. Once you’re finished and satisfied, you can send your link to anybody for quick and easy viewing. Pretty nifty, huh?
3 – Screenfly
One of the many issues web developers face is getting their website and content to look great on all resolutions and browsers. Screenfly allows you to test on a multitude of resolutions and browsers without the hassle.
4 – CSS3 Generator
CSS3 Generator is a great solution for any web developer who wants to create CSS code on the fly. By entering your own values (or choosing from a drop-down list), you can create the exact CSS code you need, and even preview it as you go!
5 – GIMP
GIMP is a tool very similar to Adobe Photoshop, and even just as powerful with its support for layers, advanced photo editing tools and so much more. The best part is its free.
6 – 0 to 255
With 0 to 255, if you’ve got a color in mind that you’d like to incorporate into your project, you can skim the variations and select the perfect HEX number for your needs.
7 – Favigen
Favigen makes it a cinch to upload your custom Favicon and put it to use. Simply upload your .ICO file, choose a size and then generate your Favicon!
8 – Spritebox
If you’re a fan WYSIWYG tools for web developers, then you’ll love Spritebox. From one sprite image, you can create your CSS classes and ID’s. The Spritebox application makes use of jQuery, CSS3, as well as HTML5 to generate very accurate code.
9 – ColorExplorer
ColorExplorer is a great place to find great color schemes, as well as create your own. The website is backed by a strong community which also shares a strong passion for color.
10 – Google Swiffy
Google Swiffy is a great conversion tool for converting Flash to a re-usable format for devices not compatible with Flash (ie. iPhone or iPad). This tool is a must for web developers who are keen on using Flash.
11 – wordmark.it
Wordmark.it completely diminishes the need for changing the font manually each time on your computer to see how your text will look. Simply type a word, and you’ll see how every single font looks with that word. Nifty!
About the author: Anie A. is a web designer for @InMotionHosting, a Los Angeles company providing Web Hosting from dedicated servers.