The tools of my trade
Through the years I have used different softwares in designing web sites. From these tools, I have narrowed my preference to a few based on my comfort and familiarity with the softwares.
For vector graphics editing, I use CorelDraw - this is the very first graphic software that I have ever used. I am very familiar with its capabilities, although, I am sure I have not fully utilized its drawing capabilities to the max. Adobe Photoshop is my preferred product for raster graphics tweaking. Recently, I have become reliant on Macromedia Fireworks for creating roll-over effects and optimizing images for the web. Fireworks ties-in very well with Macromedia Dreamweaver (obviously because they are manufactured by the same company). With Dreamweaver, gone are the days that I have to hand code HTML, CSS and Active Server Pages. I can concentrate on creating the look of my page as Dreamweaver takes care of the codes. I only need to see the codes every now and then for those very minute tweaking.
For web animation and interactive cds I use Macromedia Flash. Flash has evolved so much in the ways in which it can be used that I have relied more and more on it over Macromedia Director.
These five products are the core tools I use in design web sites. Others that I use every now and then are Macromedia Freehand, CorelPhotopaint, Adobe Illustrator, and when really in a bind - Microsoft Frontpage.
