Throughout my internet travels I’ve found a vast array of useful tools to make web design(ing) a lot easier. These are the tools I’ve used the most. If I’ve missed any you’ve found useful feel free to shout at me.

In no particular order:

1. Firefox:

yes, the browser, it’s got so many invaluable add-ons specifically for the web developer/designer.

2. Xenocode cross browser testing:

This is a whole new ballgame, gone are the days of using 5 different PC’s to test each browser on different OS’s, now it can be done from your browser.  I’ve found it a little slow to load, but hell it’s easy and on the whole very efficient!

3. DreamWeaver:

Although it’s a little clunky and not cheap, it’s got everything required to build almost any website. FREE alternative: notepad plus

4. FireFTP Add-on for Firefox:

Another great add-on, does what it says on the tin.  Efficient, effective FTP.

5. Firebug or Web Developer:

Add-ons to firefox which are priceless when finding errors, both are good, but Firebug allows live editing of CSS on any website.

6. Adobe Photoshop:

Obviously for the designers, an image editing program is needed, and Photoshop is, in my opinion the best image editor out there.  The price, again, isn’t cheap, if you have little or no money try the FREE alternative: GIMP. Also check out adobe’s Adobe UK Special Offers Page for some great deals, like student discounts.

7. Google Analytics:

Knowing what your users are looking at, where they come from and a whole host of other features is priceless, very simple to implement and get going.

8. Lorem Ipsum:

To fill in all the blanks, very useful for initial designs.

9. Office accounting:

Free express version and you will definitely require some book keeping software!

10. Itunes:

Without music, I would go mad.

Mentions:

1. Statcounter: Great for specific day to day SEO, can be used in conjunction with Google Analytics.
2. Illustrator: For logo’s, text editing and web vectors.  I could live without it..so haven’t included it.
3. Notepad++: Notepad ++ does a good job, especially if you’re a little short on money (as it’s free!).  Notepad ++ is recommended if you’re starting out as it’s focused on knowing how to code, great practice, and a little less daunting than taking on Dreamweaver straight off.
4. Fireworks: Many swear by it (or did), got some very useful slicing tools, but personally I prefer using Photoshop to cut up all my images as I find it provides me with greater control.
5. IETester: Crackin useful if you’re into testing all IE’s (which you should be if you’re a web designer! IE Tester