The Perfect Web Designer Tech Stack (For Every Stage)

The first question almost every web designer asks is “what builder should I use?” But that’s only part of the picture. In this lesson I break down what your tech stack actually needs to be, the three categories of tools every web designer should have, and how to keep things simple when you’re just getting started.

You’ll learn the three types of tools you need to build world class websites (something to manipulate photos, something to manipulate vectors, and something to build the actual site), the options for each from easiest to most powerful, and the exact stack I recommend if you’re just starting out. I also walk through my personal tech stack and the auxiliary tools I reach for once a project calls for something extra.

The big takeaway: start with a simple, solid foundation and only add complexity when a project actually demands it. You don’t need every tool on day one.

Lesson Links & Resources

Photo Tech
Kittl
Canva
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
Affinity Photo

Vector Tech
Kittl
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Affinity Designer

Website Builders
Showit
Squarespace
Framer
Webflow
WordPress

Auxiliary Tools
GSAP
Magnific
Spline
Unicorn Studio

Lesson Links & Resources

Photo Tools

Kittl
Canva
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
Affinity Photo

Vector Tools

Kittl
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Affinity Designer

Website Builders

Showit
Squarespace
Framer
Webflow
WordPress

Auxiliary Tools (mentioned)

GSAP
Magnific
Spline
Unicorn Studio