The Web Design Tools I Actually Use (After 7 Years of Trial & Error)

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Nicolai Palmkvist

Written by a Wordpress Warrior | 6 min read
06/23/2025

If you’re a web designer like me, you know how overwhelming the tool landscape can be. But after 10+ years of building websites and trying almost everything out there, I’ve landed on a small set of tools I actually use — and trust.

Here’s what’s in my toolbox (and why):

1. Elementor – Pagebuilder That Feels Like My Brain

If I had to pick just one plugin, it’d be Elementor. It’s intuitive, powerful, and perfect for designers who think visually. It responds exactly how I expect — which means less frustration and more flow.

👉 Explore Elementor

2. Envato Elements – Stock Images & Videos

With over 1,000,000 royalty-free assets, Envato gives me everything I need for visuals — from hero images to subtle icons. I use it for thumbnails, backgrounds, and quick inspiration.

👉 Explore Envato

3. Crocoblock – Advanced Features Without Coding

Want to build custom listings, dynamic content or advanced layouts? Crocoblock is packed with widgets that go way beyond the basics — no coding required.

👉 Explore plugin

4.  Tinify – Image Compression That Actually Works

Fast websites = better performance and SEO. These tools let me shrink images without losing quality — it’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

👉 Explore compressor

5. Screen Studio – Clean Video Recording for YouTube

I use Screen Studio to record all my videos. Smooth animations, crisp quality, and export presets for YouTube make it my go-to screen recorder.

👉 Explore Screen Studio

6. Lummi – AI-Powered Stock Images

This one’s a game-changer. Lummi uses AI to deliver stunning, unique visuals — including 3D renders, illustrations, and curated photos. It’s like stock photography… but fresh.

👉 Explore Lummi

Final Thoughts:
Using the right tools saves time, improves quality, and lets you focus on what you do best — designing. These aren’t just tools I like. They’re tools I rely on every day to run my business.

Want more tools, tips, and free templates?
👉 Join my template club

Btw – Some of the tools I mention here use affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you decide to buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps me keep making free content. I only recommend stuff I genuinely use and trust, so thanks a lot if you choose to support me that way.

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