Amidst the overwhelming amount of information available, much of what you encounter regarding web design tools and resources tends to be repetitive.
This compilation aims to address that issue. The major players in the industry are notably absent from this list, as they already enjoy ample visibility.
We explored a variety of exceptional free and premium web design tools and resources that are often overlooked, resulting in a curated selection of 15 tools and resources categorized into five distinct groups:
- Website and Page Building Tools: This category includes a promising free AI website builder along with a selection of top-notch free and premium WordPress themes, providing everything you need for your projects.
- Ecommerce Store Creation Tools: Featuring Shopify, which is rapidly gaining traction, we present a high-quality Shopify theme. If you prefer WooCommerce, there are several best-selling WordPress themes specifically designed for WooCommerce included in this list.
- Animation and Special Effects Tools: These tools will enhance your website’s appeal, enticing visitors to make purchases. While static pages can improve loading performance, they often fall short in effectively converting visitors into customers.
- Tools for Adding Popular Website Features: One highly sought-after feature is booking functionality. Clients from various sectors expect their websites to handle and manage bookings seamlessly. We’ve included two user-friendly tools that excel in this area.
- Resources for Visual Enhancement: The most effective way to set apart similar products or services is through visual elements. This list features distinctive illustrations, icons, and a font identifier that allows you to tailor a website to your liking.
And here’s the exciting part: at least 50% of the web design resources and tools listed below are available for free.
What Do These Web Design Tools & Resources Share in Common?
- Most of them are free or offer a free version, allowing you to save money.
- They are high-quality, representing the best in web design tools and resources, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
- Your website projects will benefit from a more appealing design. Dull design is one of the top five reasons people hesitate to purchase a product or service. These tools and resources can transform an average website or page into something captivating.
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1. White Label
The Premier White Label Booking Software for Agencies and Developers.
Trafft allows you to facilitate online appointment bookings, manage team schedules, accept payments, send reminders, and much more. Its standout feature is the White Label Option, which lets you showcase your branding, ensuring your clients associate the booking software with your agency.
You’ll quickly come to appreciate numerous features, especially with the White Label Option, which will also enhance your clients’ experience. Key benefits include user-friendly navigation and extensive customization options. Additionally, Trafft’s collection of prebuilt websites significantly contributes to its value, showcasing how to manage bookings for various services.
Customer Rating: 5 stars on Capterra, 4.7 (Excellent) on Trustpilot.
Testimonial: Pros: “The ease of setting up Trafft is my favorite aspect. Everything is intuitive and straightforward, making it a breeze to manage. The modern, sleek interface is impressive; I love the dashboard, and nearly every feature is self-explanatory. They’ve done a wonderful job with the annotations, making it easy to grasp.”
Cons: “The main drawback is the lack of a refund option. This has been a significant concern and has been requested for over a year without a solution. This issue definitely needs addressing.”
Support Resources: Support manual, YouTube videos, email, social media, and Customer Support via a Ticketing System.
2. wpDataTables
wpDataTables is the top WordPress plugin for those looking to create tables and charts effortlessly.
wpDataTables is renowned for enabling users to create tables and charts easily, even in complex situations. Its newest highlight is Multiple Database Connections, allowing each table to connect independently to MySQL, MS SQL, or PostgreSQL databases, transforming it into a virtual data hub that integrates data seamlessly from various sources.
Tables generated with this plugin effectively serve as dynamic gateways to a vast array of data resources.
You’ll soon realize the powerful capabilities of this plugin. The workflow is simplified by its intuitive interface, making data management significantly easier. It adeptly handles complex data structures thanks to features like separate database connections, four chart-building engines, and single-cell shortcodes.
Templates are also beneficial. Although the template is weather-related, its layout is versatile enough for a variety of applications.
Customer Rating: 4.5/5 on WordPress.org.
Testimonial: “wpDataTables features an easy-to-use interface, abundant customization options, and integrates seamlessly with my WordPress sites. It performs exceptionally well, and the support team provided excellent assistance with some customizations until everything was functioning perfectly. Thank you to the team for delivering such a fantastic tool! This is the plugin I’ve been anticipating for quite some time.”
Support Resources: Support Manual, YouTube videos, Facebook Community.
3. Amelia
Amelia is the top WordPress plugin for agencies and service-based businesses looking to create a stunning and user-friendly booking website.
Amelia’s standout feature is its automated notifications system, favored by over 70% of its users. This allows users to confirm or decline appointments directly through their email and make payments via a provided link.
The multilingual capability keeps both clients and employees informed about appointment statuses, enhancing communication. Users can customize notifications for specific services or events, ensuring timely alerts that streamline the management of appointments and events.
With templates designed to attract new clients and facilitate easy bookings for returning ones, Amelia simplifies the setup process. For instance, its barbershop template is particularly popular.
Users often commend Amelia for its intuitive navigation, user-friendly design, transparent pricing, and extensive customization options.
Customer Rating: 4.8 on Capterra.
Testimonial:
Pros: “As a WordPress developer, I’ve searched for the best booking tools for years, and I finally found Amelia. Its intuitive design and clean, modern backend and frontend are fantastic.”
Cons: “The sheer number of features and customization options can sometimes feel overwhelming.”
Support Resources: Support Manual, YouTube Videos, Discord Group.
4. Uncode
Uncode is the ultimate multiuse WordPress and WooCommerce theme for those seeking a comprehensive solution.
Uncode users consistently highlight the theme’s impressive WooCommerce demo library as its standout feature. Each demo showcases remarkable attention to detail and offers inspiration for various applications.
Determining the best demo is subjective, depending on individual user needs. However, the Creative Software demo stands out as one of the top five most popular, adaptable for numerous uses.
As an Uncode user, you’ll quickly recognize the extensive customization options available, the value provided by the demos and wireframes, and the exceptional customer support.
For shop creators, Uncode’s advanced WooCommerce features are incredibly beneficial. Freelancers and agency representatives can also leverage its robust customization options to meet their clients’ specific requirements.
Customer Rating: 4.89/5.
Testimonial: “This has been the best purchase in my 10 years as a web designer. I already have three licenses and plan to acquire more. Uncode serves as the foundation for all my client projects, featuring impressive coding, a fantastic design, and a responsive support team!”
Support Resources: Support Manual, YouTube Videos, Facebook Group.
5. Mobirise
Your go-to tool for generating and downloading full-page websites using just prompt commands.
The Mobirise AI Website Builder excels in simplifying complex tasks, allowing users to create a fully functional website—or significant portions of one—using a single prompt.
Its innovative AI technology transforms your specifications into a comprehensive, content-rich website. While some fine-tuning is necessary to achieve perfection, much of the work is efficiently handled by the AI.
Mobirise AI also features a vast template library to kickstart your project. Instead of providing a detailed list of requirements, you can focus on customization via prompts.
The AI not only saves time but also ensures that your content is engaging, aligns with the overall site message, and is optimized for SEO.
You’ll soon discover the builder’s capability to respond to prompts in any language, download the completed website as a ZIP file, and edit content without needing to write any code.
Testimonial: “WOW, I’ve tried several AI website builders, but this one stands out as the best!”
Support Resources: Support Manual, User Forum, YouTube Videos.
6. LayerSlider
LayerSlider is your go-to solution for creating sliders, slideshows, popups, and animated web content. It stands out for its seamless integration of breathtaking animations and effects, establishing a dynamic connection between visitors and your content.
Key features include:
- Professional Templates: Access a library of pre-made, visually appealing templates that are easily customizable.
- Scroll Effects: Explore impressive scroll effects in newer templates that enhance user experience.
With its user-friendly interface, LayerSlider makes it easy to navigate and create captivating visuals on any website, regardless of its content.
Client Feedback: “I’ve tried many slider plugins, but nothing compares to LayerSlider.”
Support Resources: Support Ticket System, email assistance for bug reports and pre-purchase questions.
7. Slider Revolution
Slider Revolution empowers you to design captivating content sections for your website, whether it’s for the homepage or special product highlights.
Highlights include:
- Versatile Designs: Create attention-grabbing home pages and portfolios with ease.
- User-Friendly Templates: Utilize a range of beautifully designed templates to elevate your website’s professional appeal.
Ideal for web shops, small agencies, and individual designers, Slider Revolution offers a powerful toolkit for making your content stand out.
Customer Rating: 4.65/5 on Trustpilot.
Testimonial: “Slider Revolution blew me away with its functionality and seamless WordPress integration. The beautifully designed templates provided an instant professional uplift!”
Support: Support Manual and YouTube Videos.
8. WhatFontis
WhatFontis excels at accurately identifying font images, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of over 90%.
Here’s how it works:
- Extensive Database: Access a library of 990K+ free and commercially licensed fonts, far exceeding competitors.
- AI-Powered Search: Quickly identify fonts from submitted images and receive suggestions for up to 60 similar fonts.
- Download Links: Get information on where to download free fonts or how to purchase licensed ones.
Testimonial: “WhatFontis saves me time when matching fonts for my clients’ websites. The results from Google Fonts were perfect!”
Support: Font Identifier Forum.
9. Essential Grid
Essential Grid shines with its extensive library of 50+ unique grid skins, perfect for creating visually striking galleries.
Key features:
- Unique Grid Formats: Discover grid layouts that you won’t find elsewhere, including formats designed for showcasing team members.
- Time-Saving Organization: Users appreciate how Essential Grid helps streamline content management.
Customer Rating: 4.7/5 on Trustpilot.
Testimonial: “Essential Grid can be a bit tricky to navigate initially, but the support you get is outstanding. Creating a ticket will get you the help you need.”
Support: Support Manual, YouTube Videos.
10. Blocksy
Blocksy is the best free WordPress theme for building beautiful, lightweight websites in 2024.
Blocksy offers a multitude of features, including advanced WooCommerce integration and a customizable white label module. Its speed and user-friendly design make it a favorite among users, along with its stunning demos that cater to various website types.
Customer Rating: 5/5 on WordPress.org
Testimonial: “Blocksy combines robust features with exceptional support. Their team is fast, friendly, and proactive, even helping with issues beyond the theme’s scope.”
Support: Support manual, YouTube videos, documentation section, and Facebook Group.
11. Hongo
Hongo is a creative, conversion-optimized Shopify theme with unique demos.
Hongo prides itself on design quality, allowing you to create visually appealing Shopify stores without relying on additional apps. With 19 carefully crafted demo stores, over 150 sections, and 100 pre-built pages, Hongo offers great flexibility for various eCommerce niches.
Customer Rating: 4.87/5
Testimonial: “After working with 14 themes, Hongo is the best! The design, speed, and support are outstanding. I recommend it to everyone!”
Support: Support Manual, YouTube Videos, and 150+ online articles.
12. Litho
Litho is a modern, highly customizable Elementor WordPress theme perfect for various clients.
Litho’s integration with Elementor provides users with remarkable page-building capabilities. Its versatile demos cater to freelancers, agencies, bloggers, and more, allowing for easy customization.
Customer Rating: 4.94/5
Testimonial: “Litho’s flexibility and customer support are outstanding. I was able to create a visually stunning website that perfectly fit my vision.”
Support: Support manual, YouTube videos, one-on-one support ticket system, and the Litho support portal.
13. GetIllustrations
The best resource for top-quality illustrations with exceptional attention to detail.
GetIllustrations offers over 21,500 vector illustrations, free updates for one year, and new illustrations added weekly. With 40+ categories and a focus on detailed, customizable designs, it’s a treasure trove for designers.
Testimonial: “Get Illustrations has world-class design and customer service. I love working with them on custom kits!”
Support: Vector stock illustrations available in .Ai, .SVG, .PNG, and .Figma formats.
14. XStore
If you’re aiming to create high-converting online stores, XStore is the premier WooCommerce theme for you.
The XStore theme is renowned for its array of pre-built online store templates. Recently, a new feature has taken precedence, surpassing the selection of these templates: a robust suite of sales-boosting tools. XStore boasts the largest collection of these features available in the marketplace.
These tools include functionalities like Frequently Bought Together, a Free Shipping progress bar, a sticky add-to-cart bar, Cross-sells after “Add to Cart,” and more—each designed to streamline the shopping experience and enhance a store’s conversion rate.
Additionally, XStore provides a Single Product Builder, an Archive Products Builder, a Checkout Builder, and a Cart Builder, making it easy for shop owners to customize their stores.
Users will find both the XStore Control Panel and the XStore Builders Panel user-friendly, and incorporating the previously mentioned Sales Boosters will be an enjoyable process. The demo online stores are crafted to help launch your project swiftly, making this theme one of the most popular choices.
Customer rating: 4.88/5
Testimonial: “I must say, I have rarely encountered such excellent support. Every question is addressed thoroughly. You won’t wait longer than 1-2 hours for a response. That’s impressive. The theme is tailored for stores and includes the latest features. All essential elements like sales promotions, Elementor widgets, etc., are available. I highly recommend XStore.”
Support: Support Manual, YouTube Videos
15. WoodMart
For niche eCommerce designs, WoodMart is the ultimate WooCommerce theme.
Just a glance at the WoodMart website showcases its standout feature: realism. This theme is designed to entice shoppers to start browsing immediately!
To get started, you’ll need to leverage WoodMart to create your store, which shouldn’t take long once your content is set.
As you dive in, you’ll discover many appealing aspects of this WordPress theme, including:
- User-friendly layout customization options.
- A Theme Settings Search function and performance optimization features.
- Customer-focused features like “Frequently Bought Together,” “Dynamic Discounts,” and various social integration options.
WoodMart also presents a White Label option worth considering if you’re a developer, while marketers will appreciate the usefulness of the social integrations.
Choosing the most popular demo can be a bit tricky due to the numerous options available. However, WoodMart’s demo stands out as one of the most sought-after. You can easily explore the potential it provides.
Customer rating: 4.93/5
Testimonial: “I’ve implemented WoodMart on over 10 websites for my clients. I can’t say enough good things about it—highly recommended!”
Support: Support Manual, YouTube Videos
Summary
Our objective was to compile a list of high-quality, lesser-known web design resources and tools that you can utilize to deliver:
- Website projects that captivate visitors with superior design aesthetics and visuals.
- eCommerce stores that effectively convert visitors into customers, leveraging backend theme features specifically designed for this purpose.
- Website functionalities that are currently in high demand, such as booking forms.
