I often get asked about the different software packages I use on a day to day basis to design and build websites. For this reason, I thought I’d write a post listing each one and why.
Adobe Create Cloud
I subscribe to the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite at a cost of £59.00 per month. I have been using Adobe Photoshop since around the turn of the century when it was Photoshop 6. I also used to use Macromedia Dreamweaver and Macromedia Flash to build websites. Adobe purchased Macromedia in 2005 and they all became part of the Adobe Create Suite. There are other alternatives available but it’s what I’ve always used. Recently though Adobe CC seems slower and has a tendency to crash, if this continues I may look elsewhere.
Adobe Photoshop
I have to admit I use a very small percentage of the tools within Photoshop. It’s an incredibly powerful tool but in my daily work, I mainly use it for resizing photographs for websites. Occasionally I’ll use the actions to create realistic looking brochures or merchandise to show clients how their logo and branding may look in various scenarios. I also have the skills to make people more Instagram friendly, but that rarely crops up.
Adobe Dreamweaver
On the whole, most of the websites I build are in WordPress and I create a bespoke, hand-coded theme from scratch. Although I can code straight into WordPress (and it is getting better for doing this), I prefer to link it to Dreamweaver and code within there. I like the different colours used to identify the various parts of the code, it’s easier to undo and rollback your work. I never use the design view, I prefer instead to view the website in a browser as I’m building it. I’ve been using Dreamweaver since 2002 so I’m very comfortable with it. One issue I have with their last update was that they have changed the logo from the green I have always known to a pink one. I have years and years of muscle memory built up that directs me to a green logo when I want to use Dreamweaver and now I have to stop, think and look for a pink one.
Adobe Illustrator
Illustrator is my go-to tool for logos, business card and leaflet design. Also, increasingly SVG graphics are being used on websites, they are smaller in file size, quicker to load and are crystal clear no matter what their size is. I use Illustrator to create and edit these SVG graphics. I can also draw sketches in Illustrator on my iPad with my Apple Pencil and then import them straight to my desktop computer to use in websites.
Zoom
Zoom is a newer addition to the software that I use and it’s mainly down to the Covid-19 pandemic. I now use Zoom for client meetings, new business meetings and networking meetings. I also use it for my business coaching and even the occasional quiz night.
Grammarly
As I write blog posts, articles, social media posts and emails I like to know that my spelling and grammar is all correct. Grammarly checks through all of my text and suggests alternatives when needed. It’s like a spell check but better.
Calendly
I use Calendly on my website to allow clients and potential clients to quickly and easily book a meeting with me (via Zoom for the time being). It connects with my calendar so it knows my availability and can display this to anyone who would like a meeting.
When I first downloaded WhatsApp I used it mainly for friends and social groups, it is fantastic for arranging the teams at 5-a-side or for arranging a group holiday. More and more I now find I’m using it for work. A lot of clients prefer WhatsApp instead of using their email. I now have it open constantly on my desktop whilst I’m working (which isn’t always great for productivity).
GoodNotes (iPad application)
I use GoodNotes on my iPad alongside my Apple pen. I can take handwritten notes in a meeting and then afterwards it will transform them into text. which I can save and search through. Each client has their own pad so it makes finding historical notes very easy.
Keynote
I use Keynote for presentations, I have used PowerPoint in the past but as a Mac user I’ve now got used to using Keynote, they are both similar and I can save presentations as PowerPoint files if required.
FileZilla
I use FileZilla for transferring files and images from my desktop to the web. It connects quickly and has an easy to use drag and drop interface. It does seem to have a LOT of updates though, almost every time I open it there is a new version that requires installing.
Spotify
I get Spotify Premium as part of my mobile phone contract. I use it for listening to music throughout the day whilst working. As well as Spotify I listen to audiobooks, Talksport radio and od course Popmaster on Radio 2 with the wonderful Ken Bruce.
