12 Extremely Handy Online Tools for Web designers and Developers

Written by Kevin Liew on 18 Nov 2009
48,591 Views • Web Development

Introduction

Never underestimate these small tools, they are extremely handy and able to save huge amount of times and efforts.

Here is a list of useful online generators for web designers and developers. I have used some of them (favico, ajaxload, bgpatterns) and also have just discovered some of them while preparing this post.

  • Favico
    Favico
    I like this one, I always find it's hard to find a desktop based ico generator. But oh well, what I need is just a basic ico tool, and this works really good. In fact, I made Queness's favico with it. :)
  • SpiffyBox
    SpiffyBox
    The Spiffy Box is an automated way to create the code and image needed. This online generator allow you to choose foreground, background color, radius, border color, width and height. Oh well, I guess before CSS 3 is officially supported by most browser, we just have to stick to this kind of solution.
  • Ajax Load
    Ajax Load
    One of my favourite, I'm quite into AJAX and in order to make a responsive ajax script, we need to display a progress bar to indicate 'hey, please wait for a while, we are working on you request.". Ajax load generates all sort of standard animated loading gif and can be quite handy if you're looking for one.
  • Web 20 Badges Generator
    Web 20 Badges Generator
    They are probably one of the most popular trend in Web 2.0 time. It's most over-used trendy little design technique in our days, they immediately attract visitor's attention. Web badges have various round or square corners and eye-catchy colours.
  • Buttonator
    Buttonator
    If you're looking for a button (not the browser default button) and not very fussy about the design, you can have a look at this tool. It's pretty handy and in fact, some of them look quite nice.
  • Load Info
    Load Info
    Yet another Ajax loading generator. It comes with some eye catching and unique animated gifs and I think it's worthwhile to include it in this list.
  • Stripe Generator
    Stripe Generator
    It can be quite tricky to create your own stripe background. If you're struggle with that, you can always use this tool to generate your desired pattern.
  • Bg Patterns
    Bg Patterns
    I used this tool before, it's pretty amazing with how flexible it's for you to customize a background pattern. Should check it out, it's fun to play with.
  • Adobe Kuler
    Adobe Kuler
    hmm, this not really a generator, but I always found this is a good place to look for nice color combination for websites.
  • CSS Typeset
    CSS Typeset
    CSS Typeset is a great tool to customize font settings. The interface for this website is great and easy to use. One of the awesome tools online for sure.
  • Blind Text Generator
    Blind Text Generator
    Looking for dummy data other than Lorem ipsum? This handy tool helps you create dummy text for all your layout needs.
  • Reflection Maker
    Reflection Maker
    Need an urgent reflection touch on your image but without any tools? This online refection maker will add refection to your masterpiece.
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10 comments
roxes 14 years ago
nice collection! :)
Reply
Chris Pierre 14 years ago
Great Post!
I think Adobe Kuler and Ajaxload are really useful!
Reply
Todd Wallace 14 years ago
Giving Web 2.0 Badges a go. Might save me some time using Photoshop.
Reply
BooshMedia 14 years ago
Yeah ajaxupload is very useful as is this post, thanks
Reply
kevin Admin 14 years ago
Hi Icehawg.. Oops, that must be a copy for other rounded corner solution. I have updated the copy. Thanks for letting me.
Reply
Icehawg 14 years ago
\"SpiffyBox - Pure CSS rounded corner solution, no javascript or images.\"

How can you say that it doesn\'t need images to achieve round corners? That\'s precisely how it works.
Reply
Libby 14 years ago
this is a great list, thanks! Another great online tool that I use to create buttons is www.cooltext.com...you can completely customize your buttons and create rollover effects and everything for free...
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Kaj 13 years ago
I would like to add my website www.kalpha.com, which I just started. It lets you draw and take notes on websites.
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Austin Realtor 13 years ago
I am extremely impressed thanks for sharing all information. It is a great post for the people to get the proper information.
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