50 Amazing Free Tools For Web Pros

In many occupations, solving problems and finding ways to be more productive are top priorities. This is especially true for web designers and frontend developers who perform and repeat many microtasks. The fact we work with open web technologies that are often used to build free and open source software means we have a plethora of tools at our disposal. In my ongoing research into web tools, I come across dozens of new options every week – scripts, plugins, browser extensions, native apps, web services, libraries, frameworks, graphic packs and so much more.

After wading through the mountains of possibilities, I’ve put together a categorised list of 50 amazing tools that can benefit web designers or frontend developers. And the best part? They’re all absolutely free!

Interview with Rachel Inman

Google’s UX designer on visual thinking, helping people do good in the world, and how she found her fire

Rachel Inman doesn’t like exclusivity. Describing herself as a “bit of a nerd” growing up, it reminds her of when one group of kids felt entitled to exclude others. In a business environment, people can often unconsciously create an ‘us versus them’ mentality too.

Digital - first branding

James Bates asks why digital is still treated like a second-class citizen when it comes to building a brand identity

Branding has always been a very top-down process: through identity and messaging, brand designers have tried to define and influence what consumers think. Then with consistent exposure, they hope to build recognition, trust and eventually loyalty. This approach arguably worked when you had control over static mediums like advertising, packaging and even television, but these days brands no longer exist purely on a shelf or a billboard. They live online.