• Website Building Software For Mac
• Free Web Site Design Tool Software For Mac Os X
• Best Web Design Software Mac
• Best Design Software For Mac

It hasn’t been a great year for iWeb users. Apple’s lone Web design app wasn’t updated with the release of iLife ’11, and future versions—much less a successor—are in doubt. Even if iWeb’s prospects are as bad as they seem, there’s more to creating websites on the Mac than just one program. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-use iWeb replacement or a more sophisticated program with more powerful features for you and your site’s visitors, a host of applications is available for every skill level and budget. Here are some of the highlights and how current iWeb users could find them useful.

Origami — A free tool for designing modern user interfaces (Mac)| Adobe Experience Design — The first all-in-one tool for UX designers (Mac) Prott — A new mobile app prototyping tool built for design teams (Mac)| ($421/year). Solid Edge, a portfolio of affordable, easy-to-use software tools, addresses all aspects of the product design and development process for design engineers, including 3D design, simulation, manufacturing, design management, and more. The Best Free Graphic Design Software app downloads for Mac: SketchUp Adobe Illustrator CS6 Microspot DWG Viewer Sweet Home 3D Paintbrush Sketch Corel. This design tool is for those of you who want to see the result before redesigning a room (and before paying a dime). The best thing about this free tool is the ability to learn about the products before you buy them. This free web design software for Mac has a unique minimalistic interface making the workflow easy and intuitive. Create stunning websites, landing pages, online resumes and personal portfolios with tons of site blocks and pre-made templates available completely free of charge.

The iWeb problem

While iWeb may be unavailable on the Mac App Store, it's still currently sold in boxed editions of the iLife ’11 suite. This summer, the app was updated to version 3.0.4, and will presumably keep working even after Apple ends MobileMe Web hosting on June 30, 2012. After that date, many iWeb users will have to find new hosts for their sites, but iWeb will still export to FTP and Finder folders.

However, many iWeb features, like password protection, blog and photo comments, and blog searches won’t work without MobileMe hosting. While iCloud provides convenient data and photo syncing, it’s not a Web host. It's possible that Apple could bring some MobileMe features to iCloud, but which features, and when they would be added, is an open question. Whether you’re thinking about replacing iWeb now, or are forced to do so later, finding an application that’s right for you depends on your needs.

Professional and prosumer options

If you’re ready to take your skills and sites to the next level, professional Web design software can help. These applications offer sophisticated WYSIWYG features, rich code editing tools, or both, and are aimed at building and maintaining complex sites. Dreamweaver CS5.5 ($400) is the choice of many Web design pros for designing cutting-edge sites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or PHP. It’s suited to building and maintaining complex database-driven sites, but its rich graphical tools (and integration with other Adobe software like Photoshop) let you unleash your inner artist, too. Flux (£70, or roughly $112), sometimes referred to as MacFlux, is an HTML 5 and CSS design app for new and experienced designers who don’t mind guidance like page templates and libraries of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS widgets. Flux can also create Ruby on Rails, Concrete5, or ePub projects, as well as WordPress themes. Freeway Pro ($229) is a strictly WYSIWYG designer that’s user-friendly enough to include templates to get your site started. But it doesn’t skimp on advanced features like support for PSD, TIFF, and EPS files as well as CSS layouts and full CSS text styling.

Template-based consumer apps

For a more iWeb-like experience that lets you build sites with themed templates you can customize with your content, you have several options. These programs offer a wider variety of templates, widgets, and social media features than iWeb ’09 while still remaining easy to use. RapidWeaver ($80) offers more than 40 themes and templates for your site that you can edit in an uncluttered interface. The features and behavior of your site can be extensively customized with Flash photo slideshows, custom favicons, WebClip icons, meta tags, and more. Sandvox ($80) offers over 50 themes and templates and easy access to both your iLife media and browser bookmarks. Its widget-like objects can easily add Facebook 'Like' buttons, your Twitter, Skype, or IM status, and other social interactivity to your site—even a contact form and Facebook, IntenseDebate, or Disqus comment systems. Freeway Express ($69) is a streamlined version of Freeway Pro that retains many of its sibling’s powerful features, like templates, CSS navigation bars, and master pages that let you easily add menus, media, and more across pages when designing a site from scratch. A $50 version, called Freeway Express AS, is available on the Mac App Store.

Freehand consumer programs

Sometimes, even the best-looking templates aren’t enough. If you’d prefer to create pages on a blank canvas, but still want user-friendly design features, there are apps for that, too. Muse (free until early 2012; $180 annual or $15 monthly subscription thereafter) is an Adobe application that works like a simplified mix of InDesign and Photoshop. Users of either application will be at home with its floating palette of tools and quick access to Web-safe colors, fonts, and text-styling options. Its widgets can easily add navigation bars, slideshows, and other interactive features to your site; and these can be extensively customized along with objects you create yourself. Hype ($30) lets you create HTML5 animations, but it can also be used to create an entire site. Animating objects is as easy as giving them different states (such as position or color) on a timeline. The “in-between” frames are created for you, and a recording feature that tracks changes simplifies the process even further. Animations, page transitions, and even JavaScript actions can be triggered when visitors mouse over content, or at other points you define.

Free applications and Web-based services

Each application above is available to try before you buy, but some Web design software comes with no price tag at all. These free cross-platform programs may lack the look and feel of modern Mac apps—and conveniences like iLife media integration—but with them you can create and upload Web pages using a combination of WYSIWYG and code-based tools without breaking your budget. KompoZer, Amaya, and BlueGriffon are three options that are worth a look.

Website Building Software For Mac

If your budget is zero, you may not even need a dedicated design application, thanks to social media sites. Odds are you’re already using Flickr for photos, YouTube for videos, or Blogger or WordPress to share your writing (and more) with the world. The ubiquity and ease of use of these services can’t be denied. But even if you’re comfortable with some or all of them, packaging that content in a single site of your own design can be a great way to present yourself online.

No matter what the future holds for iWeb, or what your needs are, the Mac Web design scene offers plenty of alternatives. With so many choices, you’re bound to find a new tool that’s right for you—and probably some new skills along the way.

[Adam Berenstain is a freelance writer in upstate New York and a frequent contributor to Macworld.]

Best Kitchen Design Software 2019 - Reviews for Mac and PC

After more than 240 hours of testing the best kitchen design software, Virtual Architect Ultimate was our top pick. This is due to its easy usability, exhaustive object library and full array of designing tools. It allows you to drag and drop decor wherever you want in your design in both 2D and 3D modes. Unlike other programs we reviewed, this program’s floating objects feature worked flawlessly. It also has a very useful materials list and cost estimation tool that lets you know exactly what it will take to bring your design into the real world.

Virtual Architect Ultimate Home Design

This program bested the rest because it’s very easy to learn and use, has a comprehensive object library, and offers useful tools such as a cost estimator and several furniture designs.

TurboFloorPlan Instant Architect

This application costs about $60 less than our top pick. Nevertheless, it has almost every tool we look for. It takes a while to learn, but it’s worth your time.

Home Designer Interiors

If you use the Sketchup or Trimble 3D Warehouse databases to design your kitchen, this is the program you want. It’s the only one we reviewed that can utilize both.

Best Overall

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Our top pick blew the competition out of the water. It scored high marks in all the tests we put to it.

Chief among them was our ease-of-use test; we gave it an A+ grade because it’s the simplest program to pick up and go. It offers instructional videos and written guides that walk you through each feature step by step. It may take you a while to learn all the tools this software has to offer, but once you do, you will have a lot of design power at your fingertips.
The other main reason we chose this program as our top pick is its complete tool set. It has a library of more than 7,5000 objects to design your kitchen with, the most of any program we evaluated. It also comes equipped with a material list and cost estimator to let you know what you’ll need in order to bring your kitchen from the digital realm into real life. Its photo import tool isn’t perfect, but still useful. The floating object tools worked flawlessly. All the other tools work well, and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding what you need.

Best Value

Reasons to Buy

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Reasons to Avoid

If all those extras don't appeal and you want to save a few bucks, this program may suit your needs. It costs a fraction of our top pick – Virtual Architect Ultimate Home Design – but still manages to pack in nearly every tool we look for in the best kitchen design software.

It’s not as easy to learn, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly enough. It has a library of 4,700 objects to work with; not nearly as many as some other applications, but more than enough to get the job done.
This software is relatively easy to learn and use – not as intuitive as our top pick, but you should get the hang of it without too many problems. There are 45 sample floor plans to use as starting templates and customize them until you get exactly what you want. After a little experimenting with the sample plans, you’ll be able to build a kitchen from the ground up. It also comes with design tools for cabinets, furniture, fireplaces and more. The SmartWand tool allows you to experiment with different colors and materials for every aspect of your kitchen.

Most Compatible

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

SketchUp and Trimble 3D Warehouse are third-party databases of objects for kitchen design. Home Designer Interiors is the only program we reviewed that can draw from both.

Others can only use SketchUp, and some can’t use either. This drastically expands the program’s native object library from 6,500 to essentially unlimited.
Additionally, this program is available for Macintosh computers, something most of the other programs lack. It also has the best photo importer we encountered. You can scan pictures of existing rooms into your computer, then use them as the basis for your kitchen design. This is great if you plan to expand an existing kitchen, or simply want to copy or build on a kitchen that you like.
Unfortunately, the drag-and-drop tool leaves much to be desired. Compared to the other programs we reviewed, it’s buggy and slow. Additionally, it scored relatively low in our ease-of-use tests. You’ll still be able to learn it without too many headaches, but it will take you longer than most of the other programs. If you ever need help using a tool, you can consult the video tutorials on the software’s official website.

Best for CAD Users

Professional designers and architects use a program called CAD to create their visions. But CAD programs are complicated and require years of training and practice to master.

Punch Home & Landscape Design Premium incorporates CAD elements into its interface and allows users to export their plans into a format they can take to a professional designer or contractor. And, in our experience, this program does that the best of all the kitchen design programs we compared.
As its name implies this product is not just for kitchens, but for your whole home. From bathrooms, studies and bedrooms to landscapes, gardens and more, this is an all-in-one solution. If you’re looking for a comprehensive program, this is the one to buy.

Best for Quick Projects

Reasons to Avoid

If you’re looking to see what your dream kitchen or home may look like, but don’t want to spend a lot of cash on the best design software or spend several hours learning the ins and outs, then Virtual Architect Instant Makeover is definitely worth considering.

This program only costs about $24 and can completely reimagine any room in your home in just three steps. It’s very easy to use and offers a great jumping-off point for more involved endeavors.
Of course, it doesn’t come with some tools such as object libraries and designers for cabinets and fireplaces. But for the price you pay, it delivers a lot.

Why Trust Us?
During our testing phase, we obtained 15 kitchen design programs. We either bought them or had the manufacturers send us testing copies. We simulated the hands-on experience of a typical consumer. Manufacturers had no input on our testing methodology, and our results were not released to them ahead of publication.

We spent more than 240 hours designing dozens of kitchens. Our reviewer team noted how easy each program was to learn and use. They also compared common tools found in each program. When testing was complete, our reviewers weighed the hard data they collected against their subjective experiences to determine which programs are the best and why.

We also spoke with professional designers about what people should know before making their own kitchen plans. Trevor Broughton is the lead designer at Mountain West Architecture in Ogden, Utah. He told us that novice users probably lack the skill necessary to design a buildable plan. “My biggest concern with anything brought to me is that it is scalable and accurate,” Broughton said, adding that the most common problem people have is grasping spacial flow. “Most people do not speak that language,” said Broughton.

He went on to say that kitchen design software made for non-professionals could help. “Consumer grade software could allow someone to really grasp how much space is absorbed by each architectural element,” Boughton said. “It lets them work through some of the issues before they come to us so we can get a more concise interpretation on our end.”

We also spoke with Gregg Hodson of Salt Lake City, Utah. He is the owner of an independent design firm and has been designing commercial, health care, retail and residential interiors for 27 years.

We asked him about the most critical aspects of interior design. Hodson said, “I don’t do anything without a space plan. I want everything to the inch. That’s what makes the difference in a well-designed space. Every inch counts: the arm height of the sofa, the table, the height of the side table, you’ve got to make all those work so in the end it all comes together flawlessly.”

We asked him about his experiences being given home made designs by potential clients. He pointed out that most people don’t have the knowledge or experience to understand how to create a proper plan. Hodson indicated the programs we reviewed could be helpful. “I think [they] could be very useful to a lay-person,' he said, 'because that’s where they need to start.”

How We Tested
Our expert reviewers gathered 15 separate kitchen design programs and used them to make several test plans. They evaluated how easy each program was to learn for someone who has no previous knowledge of design software. They also graded several features, such as the drag-and-drop tool and photo importer. They took meticulous notes about their personal experiences, what they liked and didn’t like about each program. They also evaluated each program’s custom design tools that allow you to create objects such as cabinets, fireplaces, windows, doors and furniture.

Each program was used to create a test kitchen. This test design was duplicated across all the programs we reviewed. Our reviewers noted how long it took to create the design, what tools were required, and how easy it was to put together. They exported each design and compared the resulting plans with what was in the computer, noting any differences or deficiencies. They also meticulously combed through each product, evaluating every tool they found; nothing was left unused during our evaluation phase.

We also reached out to the manufacturers’ customer help and support services. We asked them common questions, and posed issues regarding their software. We noted how informed and friendly the support staff was, and how easy it was to find information on the companies’ websites.

If you don’t have much experience with kitchen design software, pick a sample plan to customize as a jumping-off point.

Key Features to Look for When Buying Kitchen Design Software

Best Web Design Software Mac

Create Quickly
When we used each of the kitchen design programs, we took note of how easy each one was to use. Each program has unique features to make them accessible to typical users. Home Designer Interiors has a tool that allows you to import images of existing plans for kitchens and other rooms. This lets you build on existing kitchen designs, which is great if you’re remodeling. Some programs also have a quick-start wizard that shows construction requirements for things like walls, windows and doors. This feature is helpful for those new to kitchen design.

Objects & Décor
Kitchen designs are more than just floor plans. You’ll want to include everything that belongs in your new kitchen, such as appliances, cabinets, plants and tables. Each program comes with a library of preprogrammed objects that you can place in your design. The best programs are also compatible with third-party object databases such as SketchUp and Trimble 3D Warehouse. The more objects available, the more versatile the software.

Customize
Once you have your designs in place, you can customize them until you get exactly what you want. The best kitchen design software not only allows you to add furniture and other objects, but also change their color, texture, materials and more. Some have specialty design tools such as cabinet designers that let you fine-tune small details like paint finishes and wood grains.

Construction Tools
Planning a kitchen that is functional as well as beautiful involves determining what goes inside as well as outside of the walls. If your kitchen remodel is a complete overhaul, look for software that lets you plan HVAC, plumbing and electrical configurations. This way you know where to put outlets, light fixtures, heating and air vents. Without planning for these essentials first, you will not know if your ideal plan is even feasible.

It's always a good idea to enlist the help of licensed contractors for tasks involving electrical and plumbing work. Whether you are an expert at construction or need professional help, consider using kitchen design software either way. The best software lets you save your finalized plans to a PDF file, so that you can share them with a contractor via email for quotes and feedback.

How Much Does Kitchen Design Software Cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $100 for kitchen design software. But before you buy, you should consider what you need and what you don’t. For instance, Virtual Architect Instant Maker only costs $24, but lacks many features compared to the $100 Punch Home & Landscape Design Premium.

Best Design Software For Mac

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