Web Developer Vs Web Designer: The Difference
- Harford Digital
- Oct 20, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Ever wonder who’s really behind the magic of a great website? One makes it beautiful, the other makes it work—but the line between web developers and designers can get a little blurry. Whether planning a new website or just curious about who does what, understanding the difference can save you time, money, and major headaches.
In this guide, we’ll break down the roles, skills, and how they work together, so you’ll know exactly who to call when it’s time to bring your website vision to life.
Web Developer Vs Web Designer: What's the Difference?
Web developer vs web designer are two different positions in the web development field. Web designers use design software like Photoshop or Illustrator to make a website look visually appealing, while developers create the code that makes it work.
Both jobs require strong skills in their respective fields, but what is the difference between them?
Web Developer
A web developer is a creative force behind an online website. They are responsible for making a site function and look good through programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.
Web developer tasks include:
Creating the code that makes a website work.
Writing software to maintain websites, keep them secure, and run smoothly.
Web Designer
Web designers are responsible for a website's appearance using design programs like Photoshop or Illustrator. They create graphics for sites with images, logos, icons, and other visual elements. A web designer's job is to give a website its own unique style that sets it apart from the competition.
Web designer tasks include:
Creating logos, icons, and other graphics for sites or blogs.
Making site design decisions like color schemes, formatting, and layout changes.
The Relationship Between Web Designers and Developers
A web designer should know web design and development to better communicate with a developer. The designer will give the developer a list of changes to make on the site, like adding new pages or changing how something looks. A good relationship between these two is important for effective workflow in creating online content.
Do I need A Web Developer or A Web Designer?
If you need to tweak or update your site, go with a web developer. Want help with branding and a polished visual style? A designer’s your best bet. Sometimes, you might need both, but developers usually step in when things get more complex (and yes, that can mean a higher price tag).
Before you hire anyone, ask the important stuff: Will you be able to manage updates yourself? Are there extra monthly fees for maintenance or hosting? Knowing upfront can save you time, stress, and surprise expenses.
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