Tools & Services
What you use, is less important, than what you made.
Software is selected based on availability on both Mac and PC operating systems. Create the following account(s). Do NOT upgrade to Paid plans. All accounts are free-to-try.
Pencils, Pen, Markers, and Paper
We are all Designers. We should always be carrying a pencils, pens, markers, and paper -- lots of paper.
Web Browser is: FireFox
Mozilla's FireFox will be the primary browser. FireFox Dev Tools are included in the browser for front-end website: experimentation, debugging, and tooling.
FireFox browser is a free download
Code Playground is: CodePen
CodePen is an interactive-playground for practicing coding, forking other code, and following in class Lecture. Students will use CodePen under the umbrella of the Department — and have access to the paid Developer Team plan.Again, do not upgrade.
Create a FREE CodePen account
Text Editor is: Visual Studio Code
Many (many) text editors to write code. VS Code by Microsoft is the most popular.
Visual Studio Code - Code Editing. Redefined
Many free and paid vector based design tool exists. Each has its Pros/Cons. We will use what is available in the computer labs. Find one you like. Get proficient with it.
Version Control via: GitHub (service & app)
Version Control is essential for modern web design, and development. Many version control options exist, GitHub is the most widely used. The GitHub Desktop app is the graphical-user interface to the GitHub service.
Build and Deploy with: Netlify
GitHub is good for version control, but not website deployment, forms, CDNs, split testing, and edge networks. Many services like Netlify exist, but it is the most widely used. See GitHub vs. Netlify for more information.
Netlify: Develop & deploy the best web experiences in record time
Domain Name via: NC.ME via NameCheap.com
Take the time to find the best domain name options for yourself. Don’t rush it.
Note: Only the NC.ME will be supported in Web Design 2 & Web Design 3. If you have a preexisting domain it should-not be used for course projects.
Create NameCheap.com account. This account will be used to manage your domain. We will return to this periodically.
Next, register a free 1-year domain at NC.me. You wil only to do this once.
Check your email for the domain verification link.
Log into NameCheap.com account. Double check your domain is active. Turn off / Uncheck
auto renewAfter 1-single-year has expired, optionally choose to renew your domain or let it expire.
Vector Design is: Figma
Many free and paid vector based design tool exists. Each has its Pros/Cons. We will use what is available in the computer labs. Find one you like. Get proficient with it.
Create a FREE Figma account
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