How would you like to be able to use the same resources that graphic designers use, so you can create amazing websites and other projects? There are plenty of well-known, and not-so-well-known tools on the Internet that the world’s top designers use for many of their projects, and you can access these same tools for all of your projects. Here are 30 of the best online resources for graphic designers of all levels.
1. UI Cloud
This is the world’s largest user interface design database. You can download more than 46,608 UI elements, such as progress bar, music player, and more.
2. Free Stock Images
You will likely be needing images for websites and documents, and you don’t necessarily want to pay for them.
3. Kaku
This is a great free tool to use if you deal with clients and associates from other parts of the world. This plugin will let you translate text layers into a variety of different languages, and it is easy to use.
4. Psddd.co
This is a great site to use for PSD files. You will also have access to UI and blurred background elements. Find all kinds of templates and more, for free.
5. Gridzzly
If you need grid paper, don’t bother running to the store, or trying to use a ruler and a pencil to create it. Instead, use Gridzzly to create grid paper you can print out for free and use any time.
6. Colour Lovers
Sure, you have a decent color pallet on your computer, but you likely only have the basic Pantone color pallet. This website has more than three million free color pallets which you can use to inspire you to create amazing projects.
7. Subtle Patterns
Sometimes, you just want subtle patterns for backgrounds. Find about 400 different patterns here for free. You can even get a Photoshop plugin.
8. Size Marks
This Photoshop scrip will convert rectangular marquee to labeled measurement mark. This is a great free tool for web designers and front-end engineers.
9. Webydo
Design a website for free, and you don’t even need to use code, so it is also super easy. You can manage content, and even publish independently using Webydo.
10. guideguide
It can be really hard to use guides when you are creating websites. Guideguide will show you how to easily use guides. You can download this tool for Photoshop 3.1.3. There is no cost to use this site.
11. No More Banding
Don’t you just hate it when you try to do gradient colors, and they end up banding? Put an end to it with this tool, which is free to use.
12. Make App Icon
Here is a fast way to turn your designs into app icons. Simply drop your files, and your icons will be created for you. It doesn’t get much easier than that, and it’s free.
13. Hexy
You don’t have to select layers, highlight text, or open the Color Picker to get a hex value of a certain color any longer. Just use the free Hexy eyedropper tool to click on any color on the object, and copy it right to your clipboard.
14. Perfect Effects 3
This is a site for photographers, where you will be able to add effects. The great thing about this site is that it is faster and easier to use than other photo editing software, and it is free.
15. Cut & Slice
Export assets to various devices quickly and easily with Cut & Slice. You can even name layers for a better workflow. This is a free Photoshop plugin.
16. Layrs Control 2
Download this Photoshop extension for free, and make doing this tedious job a whole lot quicker and easier. Here you will find seven scripts to make layering actually seem like fun.
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17. Prisma
If you miss those great color swatches from Illustrator in Photoshop, you can find them here for free. Connect layers and then re-color them together using multiple PSD files.
18. CG Textures
It can be difficult to find the best backgrounds and textures for your graphics. At CG textures, you will find just about any texture you can think of, free of charge. One of the really neat features of this site is that you also can check out tutorials on how to use the textures.
19. Free Behance Presentation Builder
Build presentations for your Behance portfolio in a single click. This free PDS File and Action tool is easy to use, so you can build presentations without worrying about all of the hard stuff.
20. WhattheFont!
Sometimes you see a font that you really like, but you don’t know what it’s called so you can’t use it. Now, you can send a screenshot to find the closest match to the fonts you like, at no cost.
21. Fribbble
When you need icons, you can get them at Fribble for free. Some of the neat tools you can use include a Halftone Pack, an iPhone/iPad PSD Mockup, and a Sketch Icon Set. You even get 50 free icons.
22. Velositey Version 2
Using Photoshop, you can design an awesome website in a matter of seconds, for free. Choose from loads of templates and modules, and get the design aspect out of the way so you can get down to the nitty-gritty of creating a website.
23. Liveshare PS
Use this free tool to broadcast any Photoshop document to an unlimited amount of people via a LiveShare meeting. Everything is in real time, so if you make any document changes, they will be seen by everyone instantly.
24. Instagram Filters
This app has 13 filters that are just like the app Instagram for Photoshop, and it is simple to use. You do have to buy the art, and the cost will depend on the work and the artist.
25. Typewolf
Choosing the right fonts for your website can be difficult. Typewolf will show you the fonts used on various real websites, so you can see how they look in use. This tool will also recommend fonts for you to use. This tool is free to use.
26. Free Images
Any time you need free images, this app has nearly 400,000 for you to choose from. No matter what you need, you are sure to find it here. There are even tutorials on how to use the images to your best advantage.
27. Free Lorem Ipsum Generator
This free app will let you see how your design looks with default text or Lorem Ipsum. Customize options for generating words, sentences, and paragraphs in a single click.
28. FontAwesomePS
This tool lets you search for icons, and then click to make a new layer shape that you can edit. There is a huge selection of font icons, and you can download this tool for free.
29. Photoshop Share Plugin
This free tool lets you share your designs instantly. The great thing is that you can do it all from one app, so you no longer have to switch back and forth between apps.
30. Social Kit
This is from Made by Source, and it covers images, ad banners, and profile photos for social media. This plugin is free to use, and you will find customizable templates for Facebook.
Featured photo credit: Trapped in Suburbia via flickr.com
