Which Website Design Software is Best

By Jorge Melo, Posted May 24, 2025

Building a website can feel daunting, but the right tool makes it manageable. I’ve analyzed top options based on reviews from The Product Manager, Forbes Advisor, and G2, focusing on features, pricing, usability, and user feedback. This guide presents each tool neutrally, helping you find the best fit for your skills and goals, whether you’re a beginner or a coder.

Why Website Design is Important

A website serves as a digital presence for businesses or individuals, conveying information and supporting objectives like sales or engagement. Effective design ensures visual appeal, accessibility, and functionality across devices, impacting visitor retention and outcomes.

How Website Design Affects User Experience

Design influences how users interact with a site. Clear navigation, fast load times, and mobile responsiveness improve usability. For example, data shows 53% of mobile users abandon sites loading slower than 3 seconds. Logical layouts and clear calls-to-action (e.g., “Buy Now”) enhance engagement and conversions.

Types of Web Design Software

Web design software falls into three categories:

• Code-Free Web Design Software: Tools like Wix use drag-and-drop interfaces, requiring no coding, suitable for beginners.

• Code Editing Platforms: Software like Adobe Dreamweaver requires HTML/CSS skills for detailed control, ideal for developers.

• Graphic Design Software for Mockups/Prototypes: Tools like Adobe XD focus on visual designs or prototypes, sometimes with coding features.

Below are the top tools in each category, based on features, pricing, and G2 user reviews.

Best Code-Free Web Design Software

Best Overall Web Design Software

Weebly

Weebly provides a drag-and-drop editor and templates, with e-commerce features across all plans, supporting small businesses or personal sites.

• Features: Drag-and-drop editor, e-commerce tools, templates.

• Pricing: Free plan; paid from $10/month.

• Pros: Free plan includes e-commerce, user-friendly, affordable.

• Cons: Limited customization, fewer templates than competitors.

Best for Multimedia Sites

Squarespace

Squarespace offers templates for multimedia content, such as portfolios, with an editor for arranging images and videos.

• Features: Multimedia templates, drag-and-drop editor, mobile optimization.

• Pricing: From $16/month (annually).

• Pros: High-quality templates, multimedia support, intuitive.

• Cons: Higher cost, less flexibility for advanced customization.

Best Software with Premade Templates

Wix

Wix provides over 800 templates and a drag-and-drop editor, with an App Market for adding features like analytics.

• Features: Extensive templates, drag-and-drop, SEO tools, App Market.

• Pricing: Free plan; paid from $17/month.

• Pros: Large template library, no coding needed, app integrations.

• Cons: Template lock-in, complex interface for some users.

Best for E-commerce Sites

Shopify

Shopify focuses on e-commerce, offering tools for product management and payments, with scalable templates.

• Features: E-commerce tools, templates, payment integrations.

• Pricing: From $5/month (Starter); full plans from $29/month.

• Pros: Robust e-commerce features, scalable, reliable.

• Cons: Higher costs for advanced features, less suited for non-e-commerce.

  
  

How They Compare

Software	Starting Price	Pre-Built Templates	Key Features
Weebly	Free	Yes	E-commerce, drag-and-drop editor
Squarespace	$16/month (annually)	Yes	Multimedia templates, intuitive editor
Wix	Free	Yes	800+ templates, SEO tools, App Market
Shopify	$5/month	Yes	E-commerce tools, payment integrations

Actionable Tip: Explore free plans from Wix or Weebly for general sites, Shopify for e-commerce, or Squarespace for multimedia to assess compatibility.

Best Code Editing Platforms for Websites

Best for Professional Designers

Adobe Dreamweaver

Dreamweaver combines visual design and code editing, supporting HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, with a split-screen code/preview interface.

• Features: Code/live preview, multi-monitor support, Adobe Creative Cloud integration.

• Pricing: $22.99/month (7-day trial).

• Pros: Supports multiple languages, real-time preview, Adobe integrations.

• Cons: Requires coding skills, resource-heavy, subscription-based.

Best Simple Code Editor

Sublime Text

Sublime Text is a lightweight editor with auto-complete features, designed for speed, but lacks templates.

• Features: Auto-complete, fast editing, minimal interface.

• Pricing: Free; premium license $99 (one-time).

• Pros: Fast, simple, free option.

• Cons: No templates, limited features.

Best Code Editor for Community Support

openElement

openElement is a free editor with community support, offering some templates, though many are non-English.

• Features: Community support, templates, code editing.

• Pricing: Free.

• Pros: Free, community-driven, customizable.

• Cons: Limited English templates, less polished.

Best for Blogs

WordPress

WordPress, powering over 40% of websites, is open-source with extensive plugins, ideal for blogs but requiring hosting.

• Features: Plugins, templates, SEO tools, CMS.

• Pricing: Free (hosting from $3/month).

• Pros: Highly customizable, SEO-friendly, scalable.

• Cons: Plugin conflicts, requires updates, hosting costs.

How They Compare

Software	Starting Price	Pre-Built Templates	Key Features
Adobe Dreamweaver	$22.99/month	No	Code/preview, multi-monitor support
Sublime Text	Free	No	Fast, auto-complete
openElement	Free	Yes (limited)	Community support, customizable
WordPress	Free (hosting costs)	Yes	Plugins, SEO tools, open-source

Actionable Tip: Try Dreamweaver for advanced coding, Sublime Text for simplicity, openElement for community support, or WordPress for blogs, based on your coding comfort.

Best Design Software for Website Mockups

Best for Easy Sharing

Adobe XD

Adobe XD focuses on mockups and prototypes, with templates and UI kits, integrating with Adobe Creative Cloud for collaboration.

• Features: Mockups, UI kits, Creative Cloud integration.

• Pricing: $9.99/month.

• Pros: Easy sharing, template-rich, collaborative.

• Cons: Limited to design, not full development.

Best for Designer-Developer Workflows

Webflow

Webflow offers a no-code visual canvas, outputting HTML/CSS/JavaScript, with CMS and animation features.

• Features: Visual canvas, CMS, animations, templates.

• Pricing: Free plan; paid from $14/month.

• Pros: No-code control, extensive tutorials, dynamic content.

• Cons: Learning curve, no mobile app.

How They Compare

Software	Starting Price	Pre-Built Templates	Key Features
Adobe XD	$9.99/month	Yes	Mockups, Creative Cloud, sharing
Webflow	Free	Yes	Visual canvas, CMS, animations

Actionable Tip: Use Adobe XD for mockups and team collaboration, or Webflow for designing and developing without coding.

How To Choose the Best Web Design Software

Consider these factors:

• Coding Skills: No-code tools (Wix, Weebly) suit beginners; coding platforms (Dreamweaver, Sublime Text) require technical knowledge.

• Budget: Free options include Wix, Weebly, or WordPress; premium tools like Dreamweaver or Shopify have higher costs.

• Features Needed: E-commerce (Shopify), blogs (WordPress), multimedia (Squarespace), or mockups (Adobe XD).

• Skill Level: Beginners benefit from Wix’s simplicity; pros can use Webflow’s control.

• Customization: Coding platforms offer more flexibility; no-code tools are faster but limited.

Actionable Tip: Test free plans or trials (e.g., Wix, Webflow) to evaluate usability and features for your project.

Methodology

This guide draws from The Product Manager, Forbes Advisor, and G2 reviews, analyzing over 20 tools via G2 Grid Reports, hands-on testing, and AI-analyzed user feedback. Criteria include:

• Core Functionality: Customization, prototyping, wireframing, code editing.

• Key Features: Collaboration, templates, SEO, e-commerce, support.

• Usability: Intuitive interfaces, beginner accessibility, tutorials.

• Integrations: Compatibility with tools like Google Analytics or Slack.

• Pricing: Free trials, plans, or cost-effectiveness.

This ensures recommendations are objective and practical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best website design software?

No single tool is best; it depends on needs. Wix suits beginners, Shopify excels for e-commerce, WordPress is ideal for blogs, and Dreamweaver/Webflow cater to professionals.

What is the easiest website design software to use?

Wix and Weebly are the easiest, with drag-and-drop editors and templates, requiring no coding for quick site creation.

Is HTML best for creating websites?

HTML offers full control for custom designs but isn’t necessary. No-code tools like Wix or Squarespace provide faster results, though HTML/CSS enhances customization.

Can I design a website without coding?

Yes, platforms like Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, and Canva enable no-code design with drag-and-drop interfaces.

Can I make a website for free?

Free plans are available from Wix, Weebly, WordPress, and Google Web Designer, though limitations like ads or hosting costs may apply.

What is the best website builder for small business?

Shopify is optimal for e-commerce businesses, Wix and Weebly for versatility, and WordPress for customizable blogs or sites.

What is website design and development?

Design focuses on a site’s appearance and user experience (layout, colors, navigation). Development involves coding to ensure functionality, using HTML or platforms like WordPress.

Where to design a website for free?

Wix, Weebly, WordPress, and Google Web Designer offer free design options, with Google Web Designer better for ads than full sites.

What is website design in digital marketing?

Website design in digital marketing creates sites that attract, engage, and convert visitors, incorporating SEO, mobile optimization, and clear calls-to-action.

What website design guide is the best strategy?

A user-centric approach is effective: prioritize simple navigation, fast load times, mobile responsiveness, and analytics-driven improvements.

Who can design my website?

You can use tools like Wix or Webflow yourself or hire professionals via platforms like Upwork or agencies like J Melo Media.

How much does website design cost?

Costs range from free (Wix, WordPress) to $100-$1,000 for simple sites or $5,000+ for complex designs by professionals.

Are website design costs capitalized?

Some design costs may be capitalized as long-term assets (e.g., business software). Consult an accountant for regional regulations.

FAQs About J Melo Media

Nice to meet you.

I’m Jorge Melo, founder of J Melo Media, a digital marketing agency specializing in website design, SEO, and online strategies. Here’s what you need to know:

• Services: Website design/development, email marketing, content creation/content plans, social media management, growth consulting, SEO optimization, high ROAS META and Google Ads marketing, graphic design, video editing, etc.

• How to Work With Us: Contact us via our website for a consultation to discuss your project and budget.

• Custom Designs: We offer custom sites or use platforms like Wix, WordPress, or Shopify.

• Pricing: Starts at $500 for basic sites; complex projects vary. Request a quote for details.

Actionable Tip: Visit J Melo Media to request a free consultation.

Next Up In Business

• Weebly vs. Wix: Feature Comparison

• Wix Alternatives for 2025

• Squarespace Alternatives to Explore

• Top Blogging Platforms for Beginners

• Shopify Alternatives for E-commerce

• Free Website Builders to Try

Actionable Tip: Experiment with free trials to find the best tool. Contact J Melo Media for tailored website solutions.

Citations

Clark, Hannah. “17 Best Web Design Software to Create Stunning Websites in 2025.” The Product Manager, 25 Apr. 2025, www.theproductmanager.com/tools/best-web-design-software/. Accessed 24 May 2025.

Haan, Katherine, et al. “The Best Web Design Software.” Forbes Advisor, 5 Nov. 2024, www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/best-web-design-software/. Accessed 24 May 2025.

Kazim, Washija. “Don’t Pick the Best Web Design Software Until You Try These 6.” G2, 8 Feb. 2025, www.g2.com/articles/best-web-design-software. Accessed 24 May 2025.