Stress-Free Web Design: Must-Have Tools

With so many design tools available, designers can choose the one that best suits both their own needs and those of their clients. Having the right tools at hand can make all the difference – between a collaborative, efficient, and seamless design process on one side, and a slow, unproductive, and uninspired one on the other.

Below, we highlight the top favorites among both designers and clients.

1. Figma

In its early development, Figma quickly stood out as a leading collaborative tool, allowing multiple users to work on the same design file simultaneously. One of its biggest advantages is that it’s a web-based application – there’s no need to download it, and it’s accessible across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Figma also comes with a built-in prototyping feature, enabling designers to create interactive and animated prototypes without needing extra tools. Naturally, there’s a paid Pro version that unlocks unlimited access to all features, responsive design capabilities, and advanced analytics.

Figma – Key Advantages:

• Excellent for creating app prototypes, mockups, wireframes, animations, and full UI designs
• User-friendly, with fast and easy file sharing
• Built for collaboration – ideal for teams and clients to work together in real time, with unlimited commenting and editing in the free version (projects are limited in the free plan)
• Real-time cooperation with multiple stakeholders

Figma – Potential Drawbacks:

• The free Starter plan comes with limitations – it only retains design version history for up to 30 days, after which earlier changes are automatically deleted
• Requires a constant internet connection, which can affect performance if the connection is weak

If you enjoy an energetic, collaborative workflow that’s easy to share and available on any operating system, Figma is the go-to tool for companies, designers, and clients alike.

2. Sketch

Sketch is a widely popular web design tool, though it’s important to note that it’s available exclusively for macOS. It offers a large number of integrations, including InVision, Zeplin, Marvel, Principle, and more, which helps streamline the entire design process.

Sketch stands out in the design community thanks to its foundation in advanced vector graphics, which makes it especially powerful for building interface designs and prototypes. It brings an innovative approach to screen design and offers great features like artboards, symbols, and content sharing options.

Sketch – Key Advantages:

• Intuitive and easy to use, with a clean and simple interface
• Supports every stage of the design process, from wireframes to prototypes
• Compatible with a wide range of plugins and third-party integrations

Sketch – Potential Drawbacks:

• There is no free version—only a limited free trial is available
• Works only on macOS, making it inaccessible to Windows and Linux users
• Collaboration features are limited and often require additional tools for teamwork

3. Adobe XD

As the name suggests, Adobe XD comes from the Adobe family and is available as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, though it can also be purchased separately.

Adobe XD was initially developed with Windows users in mind, as Sketch is available exclusively for macOS. However, many designers—including macOS users—have switched to Adobe XD, either because they were already Creative Cloud subscribers or because they were simply pleased with the experience and functionality the software offers.

If you’re already familiar with Sketch, you might enjoy the more refined interface and unique features of Adobe XD. And if you’ve been using Adobe tools for years, working in a familiar ecosystem will feel natural and seamless. One standout feature is the voice prototype option, which allows designers to explore early-stage development for voice-activated applications.

Adobe XD prednosti:

• Available for both Windows and macOS, with companion mobile apps for Android and iOS
• Integrated into the Creative Cloud suite, offering a familiar Adobe environment
• Voice prototype functionality

Adobe Xd nedostaci:

• Lack of plugin and third-party component support, which is one of Sketch’s stronger points

There are many reasons why Figma is our top choice. Thanks to its highly intuitive interface, it offers the most flexible design process. It’s extremely user-friendly, runs without crashes, and makes working with animations simple and intuitive.
Figma shines in terms of collaboration, allowing multiple people to comment and edit a project in real time. It also offers a wealth of resources, community support, and reusable components that make the entire design workflow faster and more efficient.

At Cubes, we’re proudly a Figma team.

So, the solution isn’t to choose the most popular or most expensive design tool, but rather the one that’s right for you and your specific needs.
The best choice is the tool that supports your business and your design team. That’s why personal preferences and an honest assessment of your current technical capabilities should play a key role in the final decision. Here are a few guiding questions that can help steer you in the right direction:

• What’s your budget? If you’re working with a limited budget, you may want to focus on free or significantly more affordable options.
• What’s your experience level? If you’re just starting out, you might prefer software that offers tutorials and responsive customer support.
• How much flexibility do you need? Based on your answer, you’ll want tools that offer more or less customization to suit your specific design needs.

No matter which web design software you choose, the most important thing is that it supports your brand and business goals, adapts well to your needs, and fits within your available budget.