When you begin building your site, it’s natural to wonder which tools are actually worth your time and investment. We’ve been through the same process while creating our own websites and launching online ventures. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming but the right guidance and the Best Website Design Software can make the entire process smoother, helping you build a professional, high-performing site with ease.
As you begin working on your website, it’s natural to question which website design tools are truly valuable and worth investing in. We’ve faced those same decisions while developing our own sites and launching online businesses. The choices can be overwhelming, but with a bit of guidance and the right tools, creating a professional and effective website becomes much more manageable.
In this blog, we’ll cover why design software matters, the common challenges small businesses face, and our curated list of the best website design software available today. Whether you need a simple portfolio site, an online store, or a full-service business website, there’s something here for everyone.
Our Hands-On Process for Reviewing the Best Website Design Software
We understand that choosing the right web design software can significantly impact your online success whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, blogger, or digital creator. That’s why we took a hands-on approach to testing and reviewing the most popular and relevant website design tools. Our aim? To guide you toward making a smart choice based on real-world performance, user experience, and your unique business goals.
Knowing that not everyone is a designer or developer, we prioritized platforms that are intuitive and beginner-friendly, such as Marvel and Adobe XD while also evaluating professional-grade tools like Webflow, Framer, and even design centric apps like Figma. Our testing included creating full website mockups, building landing pages, setting up eCommerce elements, and experimenting with customization levels, both with and without coding.
We evaluated each platform on multiple devices and browsers to assess speed, responsiveness, mobile compatibility, and how well they handled common tasks like drag-and-drop editing, template flexibility, SEO tools, and AI features. As part of our review of the Best Website Design Software, tools like Adobe XD and Adobe Express stood out for their AI-powered design suggestions and content generation, while others excelled in performance and ease of use.
We also considered pricing structures testing both free and premium versions and whether budget-friendly tools like GIMP could realistically compete with advanced solutions for basic needs. Every tool featured in this guide has been vetted for usability, scalability, and value. Our ultimate question throughout the process: “Would we confidently use this to build and manage our own small business website?”
Every tool on our list of the Best Website Design Software earned its spot through hands-on testing, thoughtful evaluation, and a clear focus on what small businesses truly need. Our reviews were guided by one essential question: “Would we use this tool to build and manage our own small business website?””
Top Website Design Tools at a Glance
In a hurry? Here’s a quick overview of our favorite website design software picks for small businesses.
| Category | Design Tools | Best For | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UI/UX Design & Prototyping Tools | Adobe XD | Professional designers building interactive website and app prototypes | Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) | Free (paid plans from $9.99/month) |
| Visual Design & Publishing Tools | Framer | Designers wanting live, no-code website publishing | Visual drag-and-drop editor, built-in animations, live preview, custom domains, SEO tools, collaboration features | Free (paid plans from $31.49/month) |
| UI/UX Design | Figma | Team-Based Website Design & Interactive Prototyping | Drag-and-drop interface, cloud-based access, version control, seamless developer handoff, plugin integration | Free (paid plans from $16/month) |
| UX Design & Prototyping Tools | Marvel | Creating and testing interactive prototypes and user flows | Web-based editor, interactive design, user testing, feedback tools, team collaboration, integrations with Slack & Jira | Free (paid plans from $8/month) |
| Advanced Design Platforms | Webflow | Designers and tech-savvy entrepreneurs | Full design control, responsive design, CMS functionality | Free (paid plans from $14/month) |
Top Best Website Design Software for WordPress-Powered Sites
WordPress currently powers over 43% of all websites worldwide and it’s the platform we trust and use for all of our own projects. Its flexibility, scalability, and community support make it the go-to choice for everything from small business sites to large scale blogs and eCommerce stores. That’s exactly why we’ve taken the time to test and shortlist not only the best web design tools that integrate smoothly with WordPress, but also the best WordPress themes to help you get the most out of your site.
Below, we’ve listed our top recommendations for WordPress-friendly website design software, each one personally tested and chosen for its performance, ease of use, and real-world value.
Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a professional grade UI/UX design and prototyping tool developed for creating seamless digital experiences. Built with designers in mind, it allows small business owners and creative teams to design websites, mobile apps, and interactive prototypes with pixel perfect precision. With an intuitive interface, Adobe XD supports both wireframing and high-fidelity mockups, making it ideal for end-to-end design workflows. It integrates smoothly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop and Illustrator, allowing users to bring in visual assets effortlessly. Features like repeat grids, auto-animate, voice prototyping, and coediting enhance productivity and bring ideas to life faster. Though it requires some design familiarity, Adobe XD provides unmatched flexibility and control for those who want to design stunning, conversion focused digital products, making it a great choice for crafting layouts that pair perfectly with premium WordPress themes.
Pros:
- Allows designers to create wireframes, prototypes, and UI designs all in one platform.
- Auto-Animate, voice interaction, and component states make for powerful and engaging prototypes.
- Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.
- Collaborative design with real-time coediting and shareable links for feedback and testing.
- Repeat Grid and asset libraries speed up design workflows and ensure brand consistency.
- Cloud documents make it easy to access and edit projects across devices.
Cons:
- Requires a learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with design principles.
- Not a full website builder requires developer support to turn prototypes into live sites.
Why We Recommend Adobe XD:
Adobe XD offers powerful UI/UX design features, seamless Adobe integration, and real-time collaboration making it ideal for crafting professional prototypes and designs that guide development and impress clients.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express offers a lightweight, streamlined way to create beautiful one-page websites without needing advanced design skills. Tailored for creatives, freelancers, and small business owners, it’s ideal for showcasing portfolios, event pages, or simple product highlights. Users can start with ready made templates and customize them with brand logos, photos, animations, and video content. Its integration with Adobe’s design ecosystem (like Adobe Fonts and Adobe Stock) gives users access to high quality visuals, enhancing the overall site appearance. While Adobe Express isn’t a replacement for full featured site builders, it serves as a visually strong, easy-to-use tool for launching a polished online presence in minutes. It’s particularly useful for personal branding, digital brochures, and quick announcements that need to look professional
Pros:
- Clean and intuitive interface ideal for visually driven one-page websites and quick launches.
- Access to Adobe Fonts, Stock images, and branding kits for a consistent, polished presentation.
- Offers motion graphics and video support for more dynamic user experiences.
- No coding needed customize layouts, text, and visuals with simple drag-and-drop tools.
- Automatically optimized for mobile viewing with responsive layouts.
- Great for digital portfolios, event pages, resumes, and micro landing pages.
Cons:
- Limited customization and functionality for multi-page or content heavy websites.
- Not designed for eCommerce or blogging capabilities.
Why We Recommend Adobe Express:
Adobe Express is perfect for creatives who need a stunning single-page site fast. It’s simple, elegant, and backed by Adobe’s powerful design ecosystem.
Figma
Figma is a collaborative UI/UX design tool that allows teams to plan, prototype, and design websites in real-time. While it’s not a website builder itself, it plays a critical role in modern web design workflows, especially for designers working alongside developers. Its cloud based nature means you can access and edit your designs from anywhere, making collaboration seamless and efficient. With interactive prototyping, pixel-perfect design tools, reusable components, and developer handoff features, Figma is ideal for agencies, freelancers, and product teams. Figma is a top choice for mocking up website layouts before diving into full development, especially for platforms like WordPress or Webflow. Its user-friendly interface, extensive plugin ecosystem, and real-time collaboration features make the design process faster and more efficient. If you’re looking for the Best Website Design Software to bring your vision to life, Figma is a strong contender that balances creativity with practicality.
Pros
- Cloud-based platform enables real-time collaboration between teams and clients from any location.
- Powerful design and prototyping tools for building user flows, wireframes, and full UI mockups.
- Includes reusable components and design systems that keep projects consistent and scalable.
- Allows developers to inspect elements and export assets for faster and cleaner handoff.
- Supports community plugins and templates to extend functionality and speed up workflows.
- Clean interface that balances professional-grade features with beginner accessibility.
Cons:
- Not a website builder designs need to be exported and developed separately.
- Can feel complex for users unfamiliar with UI/UX tools.
Why We Recommend Figma:
Figma is perfect for planning and prototyping websites. It offers unmatched collaboration, design accuracy, and developer-ready assets for a smooth build process.
Marvel
Marvel is a cloud-based UX design and prototyping tool that simplifies the entire design workflow for individuals and teams. It allows users to create wireframes, interactive prototypes, and design specs all in a centralized, browser-based environment. You can start designs from scratch using its built-in tools or import assets from platforms like Photoshop and Sketch. Marvel makes it easy to turn static screens into clickable, animated prototypes that reflect real user interactions. Collaboration is one of Marvel’s strongest features. Team members can co-design, leave feedback, and review changes in real-time. With built-in user testing, version history, and integrations with tools like Slack, Jira, and Trello, it fits perfectly into fast-paced, agile environments. Whether you’re working on mobile apps, websites, or internal tools, Marvel helps bring design ideas to life quickly and efficiently.
Pros:
- Web-based and easy to use no software installation required, works directly in your browser.
- Allows quick creation of wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes without coding.
- Real-time team collaboration and feedback make it ideal for remote and agile workflows.
- Seamless integrations with popular tools like Slack, Jira, Trello, and Google Drive.
- Built-in user testing and handoff features streamline developer collaboration and feedback.
- Supports importing designs from Sketch, Photoshop, and other major design tools.
Cons:
- Limited advanced design capabilities compared to tools like Figma or Adobe XD.
- Best suited for smaller teams or less complex design projects.
Why We Recommend Marvel:
Marvel is a great choice for small teams or solo designers who want a simple, all-in-one tool for UX design, prototyping, and collaboration. Its ease of use, browser-based setup, and strong collaboration features make it especially useful for startups, product teams, and fast-moving projects that need rapid iteration without the technical overhead.
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is one of the best website design software for small businesses, freelancers, and creatives who need precision and flexibility without a subscription model. It’s a powerful vector and raster design app that’s ideal for crafting everything from logos and marketing assets to website mockups and social media graphics. Compatible with both macOS and Windows and now available on iPad it’s built for speed, detail, and smooth performance. Its intuitive layout and pro-level features make it a strong alternative to Adobe Illustrator, especially for users who want full design control without ongoing fees. Whether you’re working on brand visuals or UI designs, Affinity Designer offers an excellent blend of power, affordability, and usability.
Pros:
- One-time purchase no subscription fees ideal for small business budgets and freelancers.
- Seamless switch between vector and raster design in the same file with the Persona feature.
- Fast performance with real-time previews, zooming, and panning even on complex projects.
- Precision controls and advanced tools perfect for branding, web UI, and print-ready materials.
- Fully compatible with Adobe file formats (PSD, AI, PDF, SVG), making it easy to collaborate.
- Available on desktop and iPad for design work on the go, with nearly identical functionality.
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer cloud-based collaboration or team workflows like some web-based tools.
- Slight learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with advanced graphic design tools.
Why we Recommended Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a perfect choice for designers who want high-end design features without the ongoing cost of a subscription. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly versatile, ideal for branding, UI/UX, print, and digital design projects. The ability to switch between vector and raster workflows in a single app makes it stand out, especially for small businesses and freelancers who need flexibility without jumping between tools. With its one-time pricing model, it’s a smart investment for creatives who value performance, precision, and affordability.
Framer
Framer is a modern, all-in-one design and publishing tool that allows designers to build fully responsive websites with real-time collaboration and zero coding. Originally created for prototyping, Framer has evolved into the best website design software that bridges the gap between design and deployment. It offers drag-and-drop functionality, smart layout tools, customizable components, and built-in animations all within a sleek, intuitive interface. Whether you’re building a personal portfolio, landing page, or startup site, Framer lets you publish live websites directly from the canvas. It’s especially great for designers who want to go beyond static mockups and create interactive, functional sites with pixel-perfect precision.
Pros:
- Visual website builder with built-in hosting design and launch without writing code.
- Real-time collaboration and instant preview for teams and clients to review progress.
- Pre-built components, animations, and responsive controls streamline the design process.
- Seamless publishing and custom domain support included no need for separate hosting.
- Great for creating modern, interactive sites like landing pages, portfolios, and startup pages.
- Integrated analytics and SEO tools help monitor performance right within the platform.
Cons:
- Limited backend functionality best suited for static sites, not full-scale web apps.
- Monthly subscription model may not be ideal for occasional users or tight budgets.
Why We Recommend Framer:
Framer is a designer’s dream for building interactive, polished websites without touching a single line of code.It combines the power of design tools with the convenience of live publishing, making it perfect for landing pages, portfolios, and client work. With its all-in-one functionality, it’s easily one of the best tools for website design, especially for professionals who value both creativity and efficiency. If you’re a creative professional who wants full control over both design and launch with zero developer dependency, Framer is a top-tier pick. Its seamless UX, speed, and built-in animations help bring your designs to life while keeping the process fast and fun. When used with homepage design best practices, Framer empowers you to create visually engaging and high-converting landing pages without compromising on performance.
Mockitt
Mockitt is the best website design software and prototyping tool that supports creating user interfaces, wireframes, flowcharts, and mind maps—all within an intuitive and flexible workspace. With a clean, drag-and-drop interface and well-organized toolbar, it’s beginner-friendly while still offering advanced functionality for experienced designers. One standout feature is its AI-powered tools, which can auto-generate components, layouts, and even smart content, speeding up the design process significantly.
Mockitt also excels in collaboration, allowing real-time co-editing, commenting, and feedback collection—making it ideal for design teams and remote workflows. The platform includes built-in user testing and smooth developer handoff features to ensure that design stay in sync. Whether you’re building mobile app interfaces or web prototypes, Mockitt provides a seamless and efficient way to bring your ideas to life.
Pros:
- Clean and intuitive drag-and-drop interface, perfect for beginners and non-designers.
- Supports UI design, prototyping, flowcharts, and mind mapping in a single platform.
- AI-powered tools auto-generate components, layouts, and text to speed up workflows.
- Real-time co-editing and collaboration features make teamwork smooth and efficient.
- Easy developer handoff with exportable code snippets and design specs.
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations compared to more mature design tools.
- Offline access is not available—requires an internet connection for use.
Why We Recommend Mockitt:
Mockitt is a smart choice for teams and solo creators who want a unified space for design, collaboration, and prototyping. Its AI features, ease of use, and real-time teamwork capabilities make it perfect for fast-paced, iterative design projects, especially for startups or businesses that need speed without complexity.
Origami Studio
Origami Studio is a free, advanced prototyping tool developed by Meta (formerly Facebook) and used by its own product teams. It’s built for designers who want to create high-fidelity, interactive prototypes with complex animations and logic-based interactions. Origami Studio allows users to fine-tune design behavior using a patch editor, which gives you control over dynamic layouts, gestures, and transitions. It integrates seamlessly with Figma and Sketch, making it easy to import your designs and bring them to life. While it has a steeper learning curve than most beginner-friendly tools, its precision and ability to simulate real product behavior make it a favorite among experienced UX/UI designers.
Pros:
- Ideal for high-fidelity prototyping with detailed interactions and animations.
- Developed by Meta and used by top product teams for real-world design workflows.
- Supports advanced logic, gestures, and dynamic transitions for realistic user flows.
- Integrates with design tools like Figma and Sketch for smooth importing.
- Offers real-time preview on mobile devices via Origami Live app.
- Completely free with no subscription or licensing fees.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve, especially for beginners not familiar with node-based systems.
- Mac-only software, which limits cross-platform accessibility.
Why We Recommend Origami Studio:
Origami Studio is ideal for experienced designers needing full control over animations and interactive logic. Its precision, flexibility, and zero cost make it powerful for building complex, real-world prototypes.
Conclusion
Choosing the best website design software isn’t just about flashy templates or drag-and-drop features it’s about finding a tool that aligns with your goals, your workflow, and your business vision. Whether you’re building your very first site or giving your current one a much-needed upgrade, the right platform can make all the difference.
From beginner-friendly builders to pro-level design tools, we’ve explored a wide range of options that cater to every skill level and budget. The good news? You don’t need to be a designer or developer to build something great. With the tools we’ve tested and reviewed, including options like the WP Theme Bundle, you can confidently create a site that not only looks amazing but also supports your growth, drives results, and leaves a lasting impression.
No matter where you are in your journey just starting out or scaling up there’s a perfect tool waiting to help you bring your vision to life.
So go ahead, pick the one that feels right, and start building your online presence with clarity and confidence.
