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.

Iiyama ProLite X4071UHSU

The proper screen size for a display is always a matter of both personal taste and personal space. However, all the other displays on test this month are dwarfed by Iiyama’s X4071UHSU-B1, which rivals TVs in terms of size. Indeed, it even includes a remote control. What’s more, it appears to offer amazing value for money. The secret is its 10-bit MVA panel technology, which sits somewhere between TN and IPS in terms of capabilities. It has the good 178-degree viewing angles of IPS panels, with a 3ms response time, high contrast ratios and deep black levels.

AOC U2879VF

With launch prices of several thousand pounds, 4K displays have earned a reputation for being hideously expensive, and you didn’t even get a 60Hz refresh rate on some early 4K models. As the technology has become more mainstream, and production lines have matured, though, you can amazingly now pick up a 4K screen under for under £300 inc VAT.