A common question asked in the digital world is, “Do web designers need to code?” This question often pops up when individuals consider pursuing a career in web design. So, let’s delve into this topic and uncover the truth.

What Do Web Designers Do?

Web designers essentially create the look and feel of a website. They focus on layout, color scheme, and overall design of a web page. Their work influences a website’s usability and user experience. However, does web design require coding? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

Web Designer vs Web Developer

To understand whether web designers need to code, one must first differentiate between a web designer and a web developer. Web developers use languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby to bring a web designer’s vision to life. They do code, and their work focuses on the functionality of the website.

On the other hand, web designers are more concerned with the aesthetic aspects and user interface of a website. They use tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Google Web Designer, Figma, invision, and even just plain paper and pencil to create the layout and other visual elements of the site.

Do Web Designers Need to Code?

While it’s not mandatory for a web designer to know how to code, having coding skills can be a significant advantage. It can enhance a web designer’s understanding of what is technically feasible, improve their communication with the development team, and enable them to make minor changes without needing a developer’s assistance.

Technical Skills Required for Web Designers

The technical skills required for web designers vary based on their specific role and the demands of the job. However, familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can be beneficial. Additionally, proficiency in design software, understanding of color theory, and awareness of design principles are crucial web designer skills required.

And in today’s digital age, a web designer needs to have chops in Photoshop and other graphic design and prototyping software. However, in the future, AI software may replace a lot of the technical skillset that has been required for web designers. In the future, they may just need to be great designers that aren’t necessarily fluent in Photoshop, and can put great prompts into ChatGPT-like design tools.

How to Become a Web Designer

If you’re wondering how to become a web designer, start by learning about design principles and software. From there, consider taking a web designing course that covers the basics of coding. Although not always required, having these skills can open up more opportunities and increase your potential web designer salary.

One of the best ways to learn is to start taking on web design projects. Even if you’re a beginner designer, there’s plenty of work out there, and you can learn the skills you need while doing client work. This is usually a much faster way to grow and improve than just following tutorials.

Web Designer Job Description and Salary

A web designer’s job description typically includes creating website layouts, designing graphics, and improving user experience. Depending on their skill set, they may also code. As for the web designer salary, it varies widely depending on experience, location, and additional skills like coding. A web designer in the U.S. may make anywhere between $50k-$150k. I know that’s a broad range, but it really depends on how valuable the work is that you’re doing.

Clients buy websites for all different kinds of reasons, but if they’re looking for an intricate and visually on-point web design, a high-end web designer is needed. That’s because the high-end designers are building according to a design system–and each part of the system was chosen on purpose, whereas lower paid designers may not have the same knowledge, understanding and skillset to put together an intricate system like that.

In Conclusion

So, do web designers need to code? While it’s not an absolute requirement, it certainly is a valuable skill that can broaden a designer’s career prospects. Whether you’re creating a web design skills resume or preparing for web designer jobs, remember that every skill you add increases your value in this dynamic field (including AI design skills).