The best web design software simplifies the process of building a professional website by offering either a robust coding platform or an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
In the past, creating a website required proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Today, drag-and-drop editors have revolutionized web design, enabling anyone to customize or build websites with ease, regardless of coding experience.
These tools facilitate the creation of essential website elements and often integrate seamlessly with additional functionalities such as form builders, image hosting services, and content delivery networks for enhanced performance.
This comprehensive guide highlights the top web design tools available in 2024, carefully considering factors such as ease of use, supported programming languages, pricing, and the simplicity of deploying your completed project.
Best Website Design Software for 2024
Wix
Wix continues to be one of the most popular and user-friendly website builders in the industry. Offering a range of affordable subscription plans, it caters to beginners and professionals alike.
With over 800 professionally designed templates, Wix’s drag-and-drop editor allows users to customize themes extensively, including adding animations, video backgrounds, custom forms, and social media integrations.
Wix also supports eCommerce functionality with an easy-to-set-up online store and includes a powerful SEO Wizard to help optimize your website for search engines, boosting organic traffic effectively.
The Wix App Market further enhances website capabilities through numerous third-party widgets, covering everything from live chat to marketing tools.
Additionally, Wix Turbo, its latest performance enhancement technology launched in 2023, significantly improves website loading speeds, resulting in better user experience and higher search engine rankings.
Adobe Dreamweaver
As part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, Dreamweaver remains a top choice for web developers seeking a powerful coding environment combined with visual editing capabilities.
Offering real-time code and design views, Dreamweaver supports modern web standards including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and integrates seamlessly with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator.
While it has a steeper learning curve compared to drag-and-drop editors, Dreamweaver is ideal for professionals who require full control over responsive website design and advanced customization.
New updates in 2024 include enhanced multi-monitor support and improved Git integration for streamlined version control.
Webflow
Webflow strikes an ideal balance between traditional coding and modern visual web design. Its fully visual interface allows dragging and dropping design elements, while providing granular control over CSS properties like padding, margins, shadows, and alignment with pixel-perfect precision.
Webflow also supports CMS integration and eCommerce functionality, making it a versatile platform for freelancers, agencies, and businesses.
The tool’s ability to export clean, semantic code empowers developers to collaborate efficiently, ensuring websites are both visually stunning and technically robust.
Squarespace
Squarespace remains a leading choice for creatives such as photographers, artists, and freelancers who prioritize stunning aesthetics and ease of use.
This fully hosted platform comes bundled with powerful built-in tools, including a high-quality image editor, blogging capabilities, and eCommerce integration.
While Squarespace does not offer full drag-and-drop editing, its design customization options for individual page elements provide flexibility for users to create unique layouts.
Additionally, extensive third-party app support and reliable customer service make Squarespace an excellent all-in-one solution for creative professionals.
WordPress.org
WordPress.org is the leading open-source content management system powering over 43% of all websites worldwide as of 2024.
Its unmatched flexibility allows creation of various website types—from simple blogs to complex eCommerce stores and membership sites. Users benefit from thousands of themes and plugins that extend functionality endlessly.
While WordPress.org requires separate domain registration and hosting (with Bluehost being a recommended provider), it provides complete ownership and control over your website, appealing to beginners and advanced developers alike.
Weebly
Weebly stands out as an intuitive and beginner-friendly website builder, featuring a straightforward drag-and-drop editor that enables users to launch websites quickly and without coding knowledge.
It offers responsive templates, integrated eCommerce capabilities, built-in SEO tools, and real-time analytics, making it a solid choice for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Although Weebly may not offer as many advanced features as some competitors, its ease of use and affordability make it an excellent platform for users seeking simplicity.
If you’re interested in exploring more website building options, be sure to check out our 9 Web Design Trends You Need on Your Website in 2022 section within the Digital marketing category for comprehensive resources and tutorials.
In today’s digital landscape, selecting the right web design software is crucial for creating a compelling online presence. Modern tools not only simplify the design process but also enhance website performance, responsive capabilities, and SEO. Whether you are a beginner looking for easy drag-and-drop interfaces or an experienced developer seeking advanced customization and control, the options available in 2024 cater to all skill levels and project requirements. Investing time in choosing a platform that aligns with your goals will ensure your website is both visually appealing and functionally robust, driving higher engagement and business growth.
