Recommended software
Software
Good software makes your workflow better. Here is a list of digital tools that I recommend.
Pagebuilder
Elementor is the most popular WordPress pagebuilder in the world. It has over 5 million downloads. Why I like Elementor:
- It is super easy to build pages without knowing anything about code.
- Your can create pixel perfect designs. Just how we like it as designers.
- If you are working for clients you can buy multiple licenses at once.
- There is a lot of educational content about it because of it’s popularity.
- It has amazing animation and scroll effects built in.
Design software
Figma is the new standard for UI / UX design. When I saw what Figma could do I replaced Adobe Xd with Figma.
- Figma is web-based, so you will never have to save your files, you can easily share files and can access your files from any computer via the browser.
- It has handy global features that allow you to change colours, fonts and elements from 1 global place.
- Figma has a lot of smart responsive features so that you spend almost no time measuring things.
- Figma has great live collaborations features.
- Figma has Google Fonts implemented so you don’t have to install them.
- They have a free plan!
Hosting & Domain
Hostinger has proved themselves in the last couple of years to be reliable and fast. I myself have their cloud hosting and it’s blazing fast! It’s also perfect for anybody on a budget.
- Really nicely designed interface
- Super affordable
- Free domain on some plans
Use the discount code: LIVINGWITHPIXELS to get an extra 10% discount.
Design software
Relume AI is a A.I. based web design tool that helps you generate content and wireframes for your website. It works by providing a prompt about the business you are trying to create a website for. Then it creates a sitemap (pages and their content) and then you can transform that into Wireframes.
- Save hours doing research on what content should be on what page.
- Save hours manually creating wireframes that are just for UX testing.
- Export the wireframes to Figma for an easy transition to visual design.
The main selling point of this tool is that it doesn’t take away your power to make decisions, because that’s what AI should never do.
Elementor addons
Missing plugins/addons for your Elementor websites. You need this if you want to build more complex websites with Elementor.
- It comes with the amazing Jet Engine. Create your own custom post types and custom fields. All in 1 plugin (similar to ACF).
- A powerful Search feature to add to a website with Jet Search.
- Comes with JetSmartFilters, which is great for creating a filter for your dynamic content.
- Pretty fun visual effects (like parallax effect) with Jet Tricks.
Pro tip: Check their pricing. The freelance package is the best value I think.
Pro tip 2: Check out all their features on this page.
Use the coupon code: LivingWithPixels10 to get up to 10% discount. Important: it only works if you use the exact link that the button will link you to.
Management software
To say that Fillout is just a form platform would be understatement. But their strength is in the forms.
- Easily create beautiful looking forms
- Automatically export form data to Google Docs or Sheets for easy management
- Automation features built in to save time
- Make an call appointment booking page (like Calendly)
- Accept payments with Stripe
Their free plan is amazing with a 1000 responses per month for free.
Wordpress plugin
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is the most popular plugin on WordPress to make Custom Fields. That is because it’s so easy to use and most of their features are free.
- Their interface is really well designed and therefor easy to use.
- They also allow you to create Custom Post Types now, which removes the need for an extra plugin.
- They have a pro version that allows you to create galleries, repeater fields and option pages. But for the money you can better get JetEngine from Crocoblock.
Wordpress plugin
Admin and Site Enhancements is the one plugin that removes the need for many small plugins.
With this plugin you don’t need the following plugins anymore:
- Content Duplication
- Media Replacement
- Admin Menu Organizer
- Disable Gutenberg
- Change login URL
The free version is already great, but they do have a Pro version.
Wordpress plugin
UiChemy is a tool that converts your Figma designs automatically into Elementor websites. And this tool doesn’t make too many assumptions, because it has been build in a smart way. For example it can automatically synchronise your global colors and typography with Elementor.
Wordpress plugin
Unfortunately thousands of WordPress websites get hacked every day. This is because many people don’t take website security seriously. A security plugin offers security features that your hosting company probably does not. Solid Security (formerly known as iThemes) is one of the biggest players. Their interface is beautiful, the set up is easy and the plugin isn’t too heavy for your website.
- Join their known hacker network (automatically locks out bad users)
- Better login security (strong passwords rules, 2FA logins, hidden login page)
- Protection against Brute Force Attacks (when someone tries many passwords)
- Identify vulnerable plugins
Their free plugin has most of the features, so try it out for yourself.
Hosting & Domain
Quickly set up a WordPress website without having to pay for hosting. This is great for testing purposes because the websites are only live for 7 days and they are not connected to a real domain name.
- You can export your website with a simple migration plugin and then move it somewhere else.
- You can “revive” your website after 7 days if you want to, but then you have to pay.
- The interface is really well designed
- You can save a template website for even easier set up.
Check it out!
Management software
Notion is the all-in-one tool for project management, notes, progress tracking. You can build it in the way that fits your business.
- The free version is really generous
- Keep all your project details, client notes, and design assets in one place.
- It is the most customizable system there is (probably).
- You can easily share a page to a client or friend.
- You can let your clients upload their website text, images, making Google Drive unnecessary.
- Lots of tutorials on YouTube because it’s so popular.
So if you feel the need to organise your work and life better, than give Notion a try.
Management software
ManageWP is a tool that allows you to manage all of your client websites in 1 simple dashboard. This makes managing your web design business a lot easier.
- Update all of your client plugins with 1 click.
- Login to your client websites without remembering passwords.
- Create client report PDF’s that you can send to your client.
- It’s free!
Hosting & Domain
LocalWP is a free and easy tool to set up and test WordPress sites locally on your computer.
- Quickly spin up new WordPress sites without needing a live server or hosting.
- Handy for experimenting with plugins, themes, and custom code before going live.
- Keeping your local environment separate from your production sites.
- It works offline, as long as you don’t have to install new things
So if you want a safe space to develop, test with WordPress give LocalWP a try.
Others you should know
Compress images (without a plugin) with TinyPNG or img2go or bulkresize
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, where I earn a commission if you make a purchase via my link. This helps me continue to create the free content that I put out. I will only promote companies that I really believe are worth your money. Thanks a lot if use my links to make a purchase.