Types of Web Design Software
Code-free web design software: These tools don’t require you to write any code and are typically more user-friendly.
Code editing platforms: You’ll need to have some coding skills to use these tools, but they give you more control over the design process.
Graphic design software for mockups and prototypes: These tools can be used to create mockups and prototypes but may also have web design features. Sometimes, these are code editing platforms or code-free web design software.
Best Code-Free Web Design Software
How They Compare
| Starting Price | Pre-Built Templates | Key Feature(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weebly | Free | Yes | Basic e-commerce features included in all pricing plans |
| Squarespace | $16 per month (annually) | Yes | • Easy-to-use site editor
• Award-winning templates |
| Wix | Free | Yes | Large number of free templates |
| Shopify | $5 per month | Yes | Built for e-commerce |
Best Code Editing Platforms for Websites
How They Compare
| Starting Price | Pre-Built Templates | Key Feature(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Dreamweaver | $20.99 per month | No | Access Code intuitively assists |
| Sublime Text | Free | No | Context-aware auto-complete features for code make building/editing faster |
| openElement | Free | Yes, but most are not in English | Forum with a community of coders who can help with answers |
| WordPress | Free (but you must pay a host) | Yes | Tons of support, completely customizable and open source |
Best Design Software for Website Mockups
How They Compare
| Starting Price | Prebuilt Templates | Key Feature(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe XD | $9.99 per month | Yes, templates and UI kits | • Layout and design features available • Connection to Creative Cloud libraries |
| Webflow | Free | Yes | • Visual canvas • Over 400 free tutorials on how to use and scale your business with Webflow |
How To Choose the Best Web Design Software
Now that you know about the various types of web design software available, as well as their key features and pricing, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do you want to learn to code? If you have no interest in learning to code, you’ll want to stick with a WYSIWYG editor (an acronym the web design space uses, which stands for “what you see is what you get”) or one of the all-in-one platforms such as Weebly. If you’re willing to put in the time to learn to code, you have a lot more flexibility in terms of what software you can use.
- What is your budget? Some of the best web design software, including Dreamweaver and Photoshop, can be quite expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to stick with a free or lower-cost option.
- What features are you looking for? Make sure the software you choose has all the features you need. For example, if you want to create an online store, make sure the platform you choose has e-commerce features. Or, if you want to be able to create custom designs, make sure the software has a WYSIWYG editor.
- What level of experience do you have? If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to choose software that is easy to use and has a lot of tutorials and support available. If you’re more experienced, you’ll have more leeway in terms of what you can choose.
- How much flexibility do you have to customize? No matter which web design software you choose, remember that the most important thing is to create a website that reflects your brand and helps you achieve your business goals.
The most important facet of choosing web design software for your solo venture or small business is assessing your existing capabilities. If you’re an experienced coder and want more customization options, Dreamweaver or Sublime Text are better choices.
If you need a website up and running quickly, Weebly or Squarespace are better options. If there are bugs affecting Squarespace and Weebly sites, you’d have to go through customer service instead of being able to fix them by yourself. Make sure you have someone dedicated to website maintenance, no matter what web design software you’ve chosen.
In the end, the best web design software is the one that helps you create the website you need, within your budget and with as little hassle as possible. So, take some time to explore your options and choose the software that’s right for you.
Methodology
To find the best web design software available, we analyzed over a dozen of the leading solutions on the market. We considered a variety of factors that matter most to those looking for an easy and effective tool to assist with their web design—from features that matter to web design beginners, such as easy-to-use site editors and pre-built templates, to e-commerce capability and code-based UI design. Additionally, we factored in pricing, customer support and user reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best website design software?
The best website design software is the one that helps you create the website you need within your budget and with as little hassle as possible. However, our top picks include WordPress, Adobe Dreamweaver, Sublime Text and openElement.
What is the easiest website design software to use?
It depends on your previous coding experience. Although Squarespace and Weebly are easiest to use overall, coders might prefer something with more customization options.
Is HTML best for creating websites?
Although HTML is the basis for all static web pages, most websites now use CSS for style and JavaScript as well as other enhancements. Web design software can have these features already made for you with templates.
Can I design a website without coding?
Most web design software does not require coding. However, if you want to add more complex features, you might need some coding skills. If you want to try your hand at coding, check out WordPress as 43% of websites are powered by it. It’s open-source software and there are tons of tutorials. Otherwise, consider a drag-and-drop website editor, such as Wix or Weebly.
Can I make a website for free?
Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that free website builders usually have limited features and storage. If you need more features or storage, you’ll likely have to upgrade to a paid plan.
What is the best website builder for small business?
If you’re looking for a website builder for small business, we recommend Shopify. It’s an e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of features, such as abandoned cart recovery and automatic tax calculation. Plus, it has a 14-day free trial and plans that grow with your business.
