There are many options when it comes to choosing Web design software, from simple, bare-bones programs that can be downloaded for free, to Adobe Creative Suite, which contains multiple programs and comes in several versions that can cost up to $2,500. With the wide range of options available, choosing a software can seem confusing, but asking the right questions will help.
- Decide what sort of websites you want to build. For a simple personal website that consists of a few pages, it is probably not necessary to purchase an expensive program or suite of programs. Free software will likely be all that is needed. If, however, the site needs to be more professional and is commercial in nature, then purchasing software will likely be a good investment.
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Step 2
Assess your abilities. If purchasing software is necessary, be honest about how much time and effort can be spared and exactly what features will be necessary to complete the intended project. Don’t buy the luxury model when the economy model will do. There are many software programs that can create graphics and video for the Web, but there is no need to buy and expensive package like the Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection if most of the programs will go unused. Decide if each individual feature is right. If you can’t draw a straight line, an art program like Adobe Illustrator, which comes with some Adobe software bundles will not be very useful. If, however, a more complex set of programs seems like something that may be useful, be aware that there will be a steep learning curve and a significant investment in time to learn the programs included
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Step 3
Try before buying. Free Web design software can be downloaded without cost, and most commercial Web design software will offer a trial version that users can test before buying. Download the trial or order trial CDs for any program before spending money. It may even be helpful to narrow the choice down to two or three programs and then test them all side by side.