To help illustrate this, we have gathered 25 must have software applications for web designers. With everything from packages that can help build tons of sites out of nothing to tools that can make them better in seconds, they are full of options for everyone from the experienced pro to the starving student.

Must-Have Free Software Applications for Web Designers

1. Komodo
   There is a reason this is one of the most popular free code editors for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers customizable syntax coloring, folding, background syntax checking, and more. In addition to the free version, there is an IDE with loads more.
2. Net Beans
   Now available in its seventh version, this application is “the smarter way to code.” It allows you to develop desktop, mobile, and web applications with Java, PHP, C/C++, and more. There are also loads of tutorials and demos on the homepage.
3. Aptana
   This tool for web designers is so popular, it was recently acquired by Appcelerator. See why by joining the other six million who have downloaded it. They are even looking for developers to style their next project.
4. Bluefish
   Stop here for a web application designed specifically towards programmers and web designers. It has many options to write sites, scripts, and programming code. It even runs on all three main systems, as well as FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Solaris.
5. HTML Kit
   They strive to “make HTML code fun again.” Although it is aimed at HTML, it can handle other types of text files for web designers as well. You can get the free version or a trial version of their tools.
6. Coffee Cup
   With built-in FTP uploading, wizards for tables, frames, fonts, and more, this software application is also a must have for web designers. It has support for HTML5 and CSS3, and 100% valid code output. They also have a fully functional trial for the full version in addition to the free one.
7. Eclipse
   If the above is too complex for you, have a look here. Eclipse is an open source community, whose projects are focused on building a development platform comprised of extensible frameworks, tools, and runtimes for building, deploying, and managing software across the lifecycle. Simply download to get started.
8. Alleycode
   It was named best HTML editor by “PC World” a few years ago, but it is still a draw for many designers. Now owned by a website building company, you can get the same tool they use at no charge. There are also other paid services here.

Must-Have Paid Software Applications for Web Designers

9. Adobe Dreamweaver
   The maker of many leading photo and video editing software also has this option for web developers. A host of tools and lack of hassles is often what draws expert web developers to invest their hard earned dollars in exchange for all the time Dreamweaver saves them. Making the case is the blogger at Desktop Wealth.
10. Microsoft Expression
    It comes in various forms and levels, but the Studio Web Professional version offers a full graphic, video, and web design capability. It has tons of features from WYSIWYG to free templates and scripts. Jennifer Kyrnin of About.com listed it as one of the best.
11. Visual Site Designer
    If you don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend on software, check out this lower priced alternative. The software was rated number one by Top Ten Reviews and sells for only $49.00. The first place was given out for ease of use, features, and tools.
12. Web Plus
    Those who are new to web design will enjoy this software. It is a great tool for beginners in design, publishing, and editing as described by the Talk. Tech. Blog. Features include a marketplace, photo gallery, and loads of templates.
13. Webpage Maker
    This software was touted as the best drag and drop visual web site editor around. As reviewed by Turnkeyfox.com, it is very user friendly and allows you to see which buttons are for what. There is a free trial version, as well as the paid.
14. Artisteer
    They offer quick template design for publishing platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Blogger, DotNetNuke, and more. Developers and designers will enjoy it as well as those with little knowledge of CSS or PHP. The blogger at Let Us Buzz has more.
15. Actual Drawing
    Although most of the reviews at CNET are not positive, this software application remains one of their most popular, with over five million downloads. It is a visual publishing tool that helps make web pages and allows you to drag and drop content. It is free to try and $59.00 to buy.
16. Mr. Site Storefront
    If you think the only decent software you can buy is in the U.S., stop here. Tech Radar reviews software in the UK, and this was the number one contender for web design. It sells for 25 pounds and has loads of easy to use features.

Other Must-Have Software Applications for Web Designers

17. JR Screen Ruler
    Get a virtual ruler for web designers here. It is a tool that allows you to measure online units using just your screen. It is especially useful when measuring graphics, browser sizes, and more.
18. Digital Image Tool
    If you are a designer who often has to resize a bunch of images to fit the web, you will appreciate this software. It can do batch image processing, which saves the trouble of having to open and edit each image. It also offers rotation, crop, renaming, and watermarks.
19. LS Screen Capture
    A small tool, it does just what it says. It allows you to simply and easily capture whatever is on your screen. It also doesn’t have many of the other bothers of other capture tools. There is even a keyboard shortcut for designers who hate reaching for the mouse.
20. Color Picker
    If looking to capture just the color, not an image, try this. The tool allows you to pick a color from any part of the screen. You can get the color in RGB or HTML format, and it also offers shortcuts.
21. Suitcase
    Do all of your font work the easy way with the help of this software. It allows you to work with the fonts you know, as well as a ton of new ones. It was listed first by Smashing Magazine, which also includes some free options.
22. Brands of the World
    If you are web designer that works at all with logos, stop here. This site has tons of them from across the world to inspire. There are also tools for you to create your own logo with.
23. Firebug
    The blogger at Practical eCommerce called this “a developer’s tool worth the buzz.” It is a Firefox add-on that gives developers the power to inspect and edit HTML, CSS, and code. They also have lots more on why you should add it to your browser.
24. Aardvark
    Get a software application as a Firefox add-on here. It allows you to clean up your site, see how a page is created, and view source code. The site also has a demo and shortcuts for you to use.
25. Microsoft Net Framework Assistant
    With over 14 million users, this app is doing something right. It allows those working in Microsoft to do more.

And the above 25 must have software applications for web designers are just some of the options available. Be sure to update software regularly in order to keep up with the latest changes.

Computers and Computing

Understanding computers and computing is your first order of business. Here are some open courseware classes that can help give you a handle on computers:

1. Introduction to Computers: This course from the University of California Berkeley offers you the basics of computers and how they work.
2. The Anthropology of Computing: MIT looks at the importance of computing and computer developments and how they influence our society.
3. Computer Networks: Another MIT course, this class helps you learn about the global network infrastructure of the Internet, and offers basic design principles.
4. Computers and computer systems: The Open University offers you a look at how computers and processors work, and how they affect us in every day life.
5. Data Mining: MIT provides useful information about data mining and how it can be used.

Programming

An essential skill of the web designer is the ability to understand and use programming languages. Here are some helpful open courseware classes on computer programming.

6. Basic HTML: The University of Washington presents a helpful course on HTML, which is one of the most important languages in web design.
7. Programming Languages: Get an overview of different program languages and learn about Scheme+ especially.
8. Java Programming: Sofia provides a look at using the programming Java.
9. XML Foundations: Berkeley offers a course on the basics of XML.
10. XML with Java: Learn how to combine XML with Java, and get a handle on JavaServer and XQuery from Harvard.
11. Server-Side Web Development Distribution Lectures: Indiana University provides a helpful look at server-side programming.
12. Flash: Learn how to use Flash in web design, and how to use ActionScript, from Utah State University.
13. Introduction to Multimedia Programming: Monash University looks at the basics of using programming languages with multimedia.

Web Design

These web design classes can help you learn about how design works on the Internet, and how you can improve your skills.

14. Web Design: Miami Dade College offers this course on web design and the principles behind creating online content.
15. Software Engineering for Web Applications: ArsDigita University allows you to focus on software for web applications.
16. Digital Typography: MIT offers this look at typography and how it functions as part of your web design.
17. Creating Interactive Multimedia: The University of Southern Queensland provides a look at how you can design interactive web pages.
18. Introduction to Web Design: Indiana University looks at the basics of web design and uses video to introduce you to a number of concepts.
19. The Future of the Internet: Stanford University offers a look at where the Internet is going, and what to expect in the future.

Graphic Design and Visual Elements

Learn about creating graphics and images, as well as arranging other visual elements on web sites.

20. Information Visualization: This course from the University of British Columbia helps you learn how to take information and then put it in an attractive visual form.
21. Art of Color: Learn about how color works, and how you can use it in the visual arts, from MIT.
22. Historical Foundations of Visual Technology: DePaul University offers a look at the history behind visual technology.
23. Survey of 3-D Animation: Another offering from DePaul University, this course looks at the basics of using 3-D in web design.
24. Algorithms for Computer Animation: MIT has another course for graphic designers — this one dealing with animation.
25. Graphic Design Basics: This course from About U looks at the basics behind graphic design.

Usability

One of the essential skills of a web designer is to make things accessible and usable for a wide range of people. Here are some open courseware classes that can help you create web pages that are more user friendly.

26. Designing the user interface: Get information on how text, sound, animation and other elements can be used to make a more accessible online experience from the Open University.
27. People-centered Design: This is another course from the Open University that focuses on helping you understand how to design web sites for people.
28. Human Computer Interaction: The University of Washington offers a class on the interaction between humans and computers, and how to make computer more accessible.
29. Foundations of American Cyber-Culture: Get a handle on cyber-culture and how people use computers and the Internet in this class from the University of California Berkeley.
30. Social Visualization: This MIT open courseware class focuses on social interactions online, and how you can make your web design more compatible with social media.
31. User Interface Design and Implementation: Another MIT course, this class can help you learn about interface design and provide practical methods for implementing your vision.
32. Advanced Internet and Web Services: This course from the University of Washington offers insight into how you can make web services and the Internet more useful to ordinary people. Includes information on search engines and how they work.

Content Development

You will need to know how to develop content and create interesting visual, video, audio and text. These courses can help you learn about content:

33. Electronic Media: This basic course from Abilene Christian University offers a basic look at electronic media, and what people enjoy about it.
34. Information Security: Part of good content development is helping it remain secure. This course from the University of Bristol can help you learn about keep information safe.
35. Media in Cultural Context: Popular Readings: This MIT open courseware class helps you understand new media and the Internet in today’s culture.
36. Communicating in Cyberspace: Another MIT course, this one looks at how to develop content that conveys what you want it to.
37. Dynamic Content Development: Purdue offers a course on creating dynamic content that can help add interest to your web design.
38. Blogs, Wikis, New Media for Learning: Get a handle on how to use blogs, wikis and other development online from Utah State University.
39. Reading visual images: The Open University provides insight into how to make visuals part of your content.

eCommerce Design

More people are shopping online and making money online. You can use your knowledge to design web sites that are compatible with the new electronic economy.

40. Economics and E-commerce: This course from MIT focuses on the economics of the Internet, and how things are changing.
41. An introduction to e-commerce and distributed applications: The Open University offers insight into e-commerce and the applications that go with it.
42. Transaction Processing for E-Commerce: Learn about how transactions are processed online in this course from the University of Washington.
43. A new era?: Another offering from the Open University, this course looks at innovation in ecommerce.
44. Search Engines: Technology, Society and Business: This Berkeley course emphasizes the role search engines play in society and business transactions online.

Electronic Law and Ethics

Get a handle on the rules behind web design, content and what goes on over the Internet.

45. Ethics and Law on the Electronic Frontier: This course from MIT looks at how ethics and law apply online.
46. Introduction to Copyright Law: Another MIT course that can help you understand some of the fundamental issues associated with Internet content.
47. Communications and Information Policy: MIT offers a look at policy online and information that goes with it.
48. Online Media Law: This class from News University provides helpful information on the basics of online media law.
49. A Fair(y) Use Tale: This video presentation from Novell is short and to the point — and it teaches about fair use law.
50. Introduction to Ethical Decisions Making: News University offers another class on ethics and how to make good decisions with online content.

Best Practices

These are web design blogs dedicated to best practices and helping you figure out what you can accomplish. Many of these blogs are also more general in terms of web design topics.

1. A List Apart is one of the premier web design blogs. Plenty of inspiration and the latest information on best practices.
2. Fuel Your Creativity holds interesting discussions on items related to web design, as well as providing good examples and helpful hints.
3. Just Creative Design provides a portfolio of interesting work, as well as information on bettering your web design practices.
4. Noupe offers a number of great posts on best practices — as well as the worst practices and things you should avoid.
5. Web Designer Wall has a number of examples of best practices in different web design areas.
6. Vandelay Design offers a number of posts and examples on good design and helps you identify best practices.
7. David Airey is a graphic designer with a great blog on design and best practices.
8. Apples to Oranges focuses on different practices and provides inspiration for web design.
9. Unmatched Style provides galleries and good examples of design that works. Also includes podcasts on best design practices.
10. Stopdesign looks at different aspects of the web design world and shares insight into practices.
11. 24 Ways is an interesting concept in blogging. It’s an advent calendar updated every December with all sorts of design goodness. The archives provide great educational insight.
12. The Design Cubicle offers insight on how to run a successful design business. Also includes information on best practices and resources.
13. Creattica Daily looks at news and information from the design world.

Tips and Tricks

While these blogs do concentrate on design aspects, they also focus heavily on providing helpful tricks and tips to improve your web design ability and use various tools.

14. Smashing Magazine is home to a plethora of helpful tips and tricks. From tips for help with HTML5 to information on Photoshop plugins, you can find useful design hacks.
15. SitePoint has a blog that offers a number of design hacks and tricks that can help you find faster ways to be more effective.
16. Woork offers a number of quick tips and code tricks to help you with better web design and development.
17. CSS Tricks is a great place to head if you are looking for some CSS design hacks.
18. Web Design Ledger keeps you updated on the latest tricks for making web design a little bit easier.
19. BittBox offers a number of helpful hints and features “free texture Tuesday” within interesing — and realistic — design elements you can add to your web design.
20. Line25 provides information on helpful design tricks and tools you can use to improve your look.
21. 1stwebdesigner has a number of helpful tips and tools for your web design needs. Includes typography tools, as well as information on finding icon sets.
22. In the Woods provides tips that can take your design to the next level.
23. The Design Superhero offers a number of useful tips and tricks to improve your web design — and make it easier on you.
24. SpoonGraphics has a number of helpful tips and ideas for better web design.
25. Simple Bits offers interesting tools and tips for effective web design.

Guides and Tutorials

These blogs go beyond offering tips and tricks to providing in-depth how-to and tutorials. Many of these blogs offer handy guides to web design elements and can help you seriously enhance your skills.

26. Six Revisions offers a number of helpful guides, including one on using FirePHP for logging and benchmarking. A number of other tools and inspirations are also available.
27. Nettuts provides a variety of tutorials and guides that can help you learn more about web design.
28. Sharebrain has tutorials and guides about a variety of web design needs. Very educational for both the beginner and the pro.
29. Tutorial9 provides access to and information on some of the best web design tutorials and guides out there.
30. DesignM.ag includes a number of helpful tools and guides in helping the web design community to its job better.
31. CSS Vault offers in-depth descriptions of different CSS techniques that can help your web design.
32. Boxes and Arrows offers interesting insight into design, and provides how-tos and tutorials that can help you learn more about better design.
33. MyInkBlog provides helpful guides on a number of design aspects, from Photoshop blend modes to choosing a web hosting company.
34. creative briefing looks at different ways to enhance design through helpful guides and how-tos.
35. Vector Tuts offers in-depth tutorials for vectors and for Adobe Illustrator. Very helpful for learning web design.
36. SylizedWeb offers design tutorials and other educational hints for the budding — and professional — web designer.
37. Speckyboy Design Magazine has a number of tutorials and helpful hints focused on web design.

Development

These are blogs that focus on development. You want help developing web sites for yourself and for clients in ways that are user friendly and that provide a pleasing look.

38. ColourLovers focuses on using color in your web design. Very interesting and inspirational for those looking to add something to their web development skills.
39. Devlounge is designed for web developers. Helpful and insightful posts on various areas of Web development.
40. We Function focuses on icons and other functional items that help in web development. Great design ideas and integrations as well.
41. SmashingApps provides a number of useful development tools and tricks for developers. Includes content management help, as well as design tools.
42. Design Melt Down helps you with development, as well as identifying and fixing problems in web design.
43. Design Shack offers a number of helpful posts on development and design, inlcuding using Ajax and integrating with Google.
44. mezzoblue provides insight into fixing problems and other developmental design issues.
45. Ajaxian is a web design and development blog focused on Ajax and incorporating it into your web design.
46. UX Booth offers information on user experience that can be very helpful from a development standpoint.
47. Webdesigner Depot looks at different tools you can use to improve design and development.
48. 456 Berea Street explores different development issues. There is a helpful emphasis on designing with and for Macs.
49. Snook offers development tools that can help you improve your web design.
50. CSS Globe is aimed at designers and developers looking for the latest CSS news, articles and tutorials.