Reasons why many developers choose to use MacBooks include great system performance, intuitive tools, and strong security features that Apple keeps rolling at regular intervals. To make it even better, you can optimize your Mac and install browsers, developer tools, and other apps to set up your Mac perfectly for web design. Here are some tips to help you.
1. Optimize Mac performance
For efficient web design, you need to manage both in-build and third-party apps as well as the system resources. Mac has various built-in tools that make this possible, and that too in easy steps. The virtual desktop organization tool allows you to create different workspaces. You can use program windows, switch between them, and organize your workspace. The built-in Activity Monitor on Mac allows you to track active processes and see CPU, use of memory, etc. This helps you to figure out what could be causing performance issues.
If you regularly clean your Mac, it will increase your productivity when using your Mac for coding. Getting rid of unnecessary files is just one of the ways to increase your storage space and minimize distractions. This can enhance your focus when doing design tasks. Read here to find out how to clean your Mac. These pro tips will ensure that the system is running smoothly and efficiently and you are achieving your work goals without any unnecessary interruptions.
2. Install the right browsers and local development framework
You need to test your web designs on different browsers as they will all display them in a slightly different way. Safari is the default browser on Mac, but it does not limit you to this. If needed, you can install other popular browsers, such as Firefox. All these browsers have developer tools to make your design work easy.
If you want to create and test websites, you need a local development framework. Docker is a popular open-source platform you can use. Using Mac Apache MySQL PHP (MAMP) is another popular option for designers who use MySQL and PHP.
3. Download and install a code editor
Coding is the main process in web design. A MacBook doesn’t have a dedicated code editor, so you will have to download one. Using the right code editor can make all the difference when it comes to writing quality code. Visual Studio Code is a free code editor with many useful features, such as syntax highlighting, integration into version control, and auto-completion.
4. Install Node.js, npm and Git
Web development tools often rely on JavaScript and package management systems such as Node.js. Using these tools helps you to build more interactive websites. For efficient web development, you need to manage packages and project dependencies. Many developers choose to download Homebrew to help install and update software on Mac.
To install Node.js and npm:
- Go to Applications>Utilities and open Terminal.
- In the Terminal window type the command ‘brew install node’.
- Once you have completed the installation, type the command ‘node –v npm –v’ in Terminal to confirm it.
You can use many commands and scripts in Terminal to perform tasks, such as managing code versions. Git can help you manage code versions and is usually built into the Xcode Command Line tools.
5. Download UI design and development tools
There are some powerful tools you can use to design and develop user-friendly interfaces. They allow you to create mock-ups, interactive models, and prototypes of web pages. This helps you to ensure that the user experience is a high-quality one and meets the current trends.
- Adobe XD is usually the go-to choice for designers worldwide. You can quickly create mockups and prototypes. It makes collaborations easier so you can work together with other designers on projects.
- Figma is a cloud-based tool and quite popular among designers. The tool allows you to collaborate on designs in real time.
- Sketch is a vector editor. With this tool, designers can create professional layouts quickly. You can use tools to work with design elements such as graphics, shapes, etc.
Conclusion
Using the above expert tips will help you to set your MacBook up for efficient web design. You will be able to come up with designs that everyone from your team to the clients will love and appreciate. From writing code to testing websites, optimizing the Mac environment and installing the right tools will streamline your workflow and make you more productive.