Some of the best Web design software packages cost hundreds of dollars, and if you need to buy graphics software, video software, animation software, or programming software, the costs can mount quickly. But with these suggestions for getting the most out of your Web editor, you can save money and buy only what you need to buy.
Remember that price shouldn't be your only evaluation when choosing a Web editor. If you're not sure what to look for, answer this questionnaire to determine the best Web design software for you.
1. Free Web Editors
There are a lot of great HTML and Web design editors available for free. This is a great way to save money on Web design software and you'd be surprised at the quality of some of the free software available. These are my top 20 favorite free editors for Windows and Macintosh:
2. Inexpensive Web Editors
If you can't find an HTML editor that meets your needs and is free, you can find editors for under $50 that might fit the bill. Some good ones for Windows include:
- Rapid PHP Editor - $39.85
- CoffeeCup HTML Editor - $49
- UltraEdit - $49.95
And for Macintosh:
- RAGE WebDesign $29.95
- skEdit $34.95
3. If You're a Student - Check Your Bookstore
Academic pricing can be very competitive and can get you some of the best software available for a very low price. Be aware, however, that academic versions sometimes come with strings attached, such as not for commercial use. And others may have fewer features than the consumer version. Be sure to check the details before you commit to buying an academic version of your software.
And even if your bookstore doesn't carry the software, check the website of the product you're interested in. They may offer academic discounts from there. It never hurts to ask.
4. Trialware or Demo Versions
While trialware won't get you the software forever, you can at least try out the software for 30 to 60 days to find out if it really will meet your needs. Plus, most trial and demo versions of software work well enough for the trial period that you can get some work done on them. Then when you're done with the trial, you will really know for sure if this software works as you need it to. Be sure to look into the agreement on the trial version. Some are fully functional for a time period, others for a certain number of opens, and a few only allow you to save one or two projects.
5. Buy Older Versions
In many cases, older versions of a software product will be a lot cheaper than their more recent iterations. And if you can find software that has been discontinued, that can result in even greater savings. For example, Microsoft FrontPage has been supplanted by Expression Web, but you can still find it for sale (Compare Prices). Even though this software is no longer available from Microsoft, it is still a great Web editor, and could be a way to save some money.
6. Bundled Software is Usually Cheaper
If you are going to need more than just an HTML editor, then looking into bundles can save you a lot of money. For example, Microsoft offers Expression Studio if you need graphics editing as well as Web development (plus a few other things). Adobe offers several bundles of their Creative Suite software with things like graphics editing, animation, and other options.
7. Use Software Already on Your Operating System
Both Windows, Macintosh, and Linux come with text editors that can be easily used to write HTML and build Web pages. Many people use them all the time. This software may not be dedicated to writing Web pages, but it is built into your operating system and so comes free.
