If you are searching for the best web development software, then you may feel a little confused about where to start building a website. For most of us, the thought of building a website or doing anything web development related is a daunting task. Well, there is no need to worry as we can tap into technology to create a fully-functional and good-looking website with the right web development or design software.
Here is a list of best website development software, both free and paid. They will enable you to create, edit, and update web pages without breaking a sweat. And, if you are a newbie or have no coding experience, you can edit/create web pages using WYSIWYG editors included in this collection.
1. WordPress – The most popular website building platform
WP is a blogging platform developed in PHP language and it supports building your website on your own server with PHP/MySQL database. As one of the best web development tools, the software can be used as CMS (Content Management System) to set up a commercial website. Its features include: the WYSIWYG text editor, co-authoring with multiple authors, permalinks optimized for search engines, static page, Trackback/Pingback, member registration/login,etc.
Main features:
- Easy to install and get started, with dozens of site-building tools included.
- Rich third-party plugins for the use of expanded features, flexible and powerful.
- Various site templates and themes are free to use.
- SEO optimized, and friendly for high SERP.
- Robust community support, with thousands of developers contributing and reviewing WP, safe and active.
2. Mockplus – An all-in-one web prototyping tool
As an all-inclusive design tool for designers and developers, Mockplus can be used to create faster, smarter and easier website prototypes with simple drag-and-drop, supporting mobile and desktop apps prototyping too. With a singular mission to keep users focused on design itself rather than the tool, the software has offered a number of incomparable features to make better design and development.
Main features:
A set of ready-made components (3000) and icons (200) are included for your rapid prototyping.
It offers not a few features to improve the design efficiency of making repetitive webpage elements and layouts, such as the Repeater, Auto Data Fill, Format Painter and Paste Style.
The most comprehensive way to preview and test out your project, including Export to the image, Export to demo package, publish to online and offline HTML, view on a mobile app using QR code, etc.
The MindMap and UI Flow design mode can help quickly reflect design ideas and layout project structure.
3. Macaw – The best web design software for code-savvy people
Macaw
Out of the best website design tools, Macaw sets itself apart by providing the same flexibility as your favorite image editor but also writes semantic HTML and CSS. Also, it gives the possibility to make a responsive webpage with beautiful typography and system fonts, letting you style the elements at once. If you are looking for free website design software with a moderate learning curve and flexibility, then don’t miss out the software.
Main features:
Save your design elements in your own library for later use.
The Alchemy tool can convert your design elements to CSS or HTML codes.
There is a real-time layout engine letting you manipulate your design elements with ease.
Your whole website will be optimized for all devices.
4. Weebly – The easiest web builder among the newbies and professional designers
As one of the most popular website development tools among people who want to start their own sites, Weebly is very easy-to-use and aimed at personal, business and professional websites. Above all, it enables you to make site-building work without any coding experience, meanwhile you can choose to edit the HTML/CSS if you have the coding background.
Main features:
More than 40 layout designs, including website maps and portfolios to help you spark in web design and development.
Lots of info buttons, pop-ups, lists and email sequences to take good care of your workflow.
Easy switch between responsive and trendy templates/themes available on the application.
5. Adobe Dreamweaver – One of the most trustworthy web developer tools
Adobe Dreamweaver
This is a proprietary web development tool from Adobe Systems, available for both macOS and Windows. Besides, it provides a nice environment for you to work on the web, which combines with a code editor along with a live view. Another cool thing is the software offers free trial, which gives you some time to experiment and see whether it’s right for you.
Main features:
It offers an adaptive grid.
It enables you to write and edit any code, which includes JavaScript, HTML, CSS and XTL.
Its WYSIWYG interface lets you view how the end result will look like while creating.
6. Bootstrap – The most popular HTML, CSS, and JS library in the world
Bootstrap is a free and open-source CSS framework directed at responsive, mobile-first front-end web development. It contains CSS-based and JavaScript-based design templates for typography, forms, buttons, navigation, and other interface components.
As a popular and powerful framework, Bootstrap is designed for front-end developers to make beautiful designs for websites with HTML, CSS, and JS. With the most advanced development features, Boostrap is well-received by discerning technical users around the world.
Main features:
A great example library of free Bootstrap form templates & examples available, including custom components, frameworks, navbars, and experiments.
It’s built with default Bootstrap components and utilities with little customization.
Team features and multiple support options provided.
