You don’t need to be a designer to build great interfaces but if you’re a developer; you do need to understand how designers work.
Smooth collaboration depends on speaking the same language both visually and technically. And that includes being familiar with the tools designers use every day.
Let’s break down the ones that come up most often.
Common Tools Used by Designers in the Industry?
Figma
Figma is a cloud-based design tool where teams create wireframes, mockups, and fully developed UI prototypes.
For developers, Figma isn’t just a place to view designs. It also holds the specifications such as font sizes, spacing, colors, and layout dimensions. You can inspect elements, grab CSS values, and even leave comments directly in the file.
It’s interactive, and fast. Think of this as a better version of a static PDF you’ve received from a designer.
Adobe XD and Sketch
Adobe XD and Sketch are still popular among some teams, despite being used less than Figma, especially in agencies and enterprise settings. Like Figma, they offer artboards, prototyping tools, and developer handoff features.
Other Tools That Help Designers, and Matter to Developers
- Photoshop & Illustrator – Used for high-fidelity graphics, icons, and image-heavy assets (think banners or custom illustrations).
- InVision – Once a go-to for prototyping and feedback, it’s now mostly used for client presentations or review flows.
Wrapping Up
As a developer, you don’t need to master these tools, but you do need to understand what they’re for. The more familiar you are with the design process, the easier it is to build exactly what was envisioned—without guesswork, and without the back-and-forth that slows everyone down.
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