4 Awesome FREE Tools For Any Web/Graphic Designer!

Here are 4 awesome, free tools that I use all the time!

#1: Pixie Color Analyzer

I use this little tool all the time. Just open this app and you have a little box that will analyze whatever color your cursor is over. Shows the color codes in RGB, CMYK, HTML, HSV and HEX. Very handy for when a client requests a design to match their website colors. Developed my Nattyware.

#2: FavIcon Generator

Use this online tool to easily create a favicon (favorites icon) for your site. A favicon is a small, 16×16 image that is shown inside the browser’s location bar and bookmark menu when your site is called up. It is a good way to brand your site and increase it’s prominence in your visitor’s bookmark menu.

I generally make my favicons in Photoshop but since I’ve found this online tool I’ve started using it quite often. Just upload a square jpg or png of your icon and viola! You have a 16×16 .ico file. Also supports transparency if you upload a png with transparency enabled.

#3: CushyCMS

Ever built a website for a client and wished there was a simple way for them to update parts of their site? Such as their schedule or news column? This is the perfect option.

Super simple and free!

• Allow clients to safely edit content
• No software to install, no programming required
• Takes just a few minutes to setup
• Produces standards compliant, search engine friendly content
• Define exactly which parts of the page can be changed

Check out their video on their homepage to see how it works.

#4: Adobe Kular

Find tons of really sweet color schemes here! Once you find the swatch palette you need just download the AI or PSD color palette and then you can easily bring it into Photoshop and Illustrator. Super easy. There is also a desktop application version that you can also download . (pictured below).

Cheers!

Siah

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