Developer

8 free or inexpensive web design tools

By // May 5, 2011, 3:38 AM PST

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  • HTML Kit

    HTML_Kit can be downloaded to the PC and installed at no cost; there are many plug-ins that can be added as well. It is provided by Chami.

  • Komodo Edit

    Considered by some to be the best free XML editor available today, Komodo Edit includes a lot of features for HTML and CSS development and coding design. It also features many extensions, and add-ons for languages and special characters, and while it might not be the best HTML editor, it is considered to be at the top of the pack for the price. It can be run on Windows, Mac, and Linux and can be downloaded from ActiveState, the self proclaimed Dynamic Language Experts.>

  • First Page

    First Page is a completely free program, whichcomes bundled with over 450+ JavaScripts, syntax Highlights for Perl, CSS, HTML, CF, ASP, and SSI, and allows you to store your own code snippets in the myCode Library. It is available from Evrsoft.

  • KompoZer

    KompoZer is another WYSIWYG web page editor that combines web authoring with web file management, designed for ease of use, and ideal for non-technical users who do not have all the knowledge of HTML or coding. It is provided by KompoZer, offering versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

  • Picnik

    Picnik is a photo editor acquired by Google in March of 2010, and the online tool is available for free. A premium upgrade is available for $24.95 on an annual renewal basis.

  • Photoscape

    An easy to use photo editing software that enables you to fix and enhance photos, Photoscape is provided by MOOII TECH and offers such features as batch processing, page layouts, combining/ joining images, and modules to create frame-based animation from multiple photographs. The screenshot shows the feature to make one photo by merging multiple photos at the page frame.

  • GIMP

    GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program and has been compared to the free version of Photoshop due to its steep learning curve and similar functionality. Available for use on Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems, it is frequently updated with new features and fixes, customizable and extensible with the addition of plug-ins and scripts. The program is available at Gimp.org.

  • Aviary

    Aviary Phoenix Image Editor runs within the browser and offers similar functionality and editing features as the expensive desktop imaging software. Developed by Aviary, the image editing tool is part of their free suite of online tools including screen capture, vector editor, effects editor, music creator, audio editor, image markup, and color editor tools. The screenshot of the tool in use is taken from the video tutorial on “Unzipping a kitty,” Several tutorials are also available for the Phoenix Image Editor.

HTML Kit

HTML_Kit can be downloaded to the PC and installed at no cost; there are many plug-ins that can be added as well. It is provided by Chami.

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By Ryan Boudreaux

Ryan has performed in a broad range of technology support roles for electric-generation utilities, including nuclear power plants, and for the telecommunications industry. He has worked in web development for the restaurant industry and the Federal g...