Best tool for CSS?

Question

Hi,

What is the best free tool for CSS design?

Cheers, Srinivas

Answer 1

I think the best way to create CSS files is still some Editor with Syntaxhighlighting (for example Notepad++, Eclipse with extensions, ...). Also quite nice is Firebug to test some small changes before you put it in the CSS file.

Answer 2

Firefox with Firebug.

Answer 3

Some great pointers here about Best CSS Tools.

Answer 4

I'm guessing you don't want to hear me say, "A text editor and a good understanding of CSS"? It's what I use, combined with other good development tools like Firebug and the Web Developer extension for Firefox. These let you fool around with your CSS, although they might not be what you're looking for.

Answer 5

Similar question asked here:

CSS coders out there! What is your fav editor?

Answer 6

I am going to go against the flow here :) but personally I think Visual Studio is fantastic for CSS editing. Though I didn't try it, I heard that the free Visual Studio Web Developer Express has the same features.

Answer 7

CSS Stylizer is quite good.

I mostly just use Visual Studio though.

EDIT: Sorry just read that you wanted free. In that case I would use one of the VS Express editions.

Answer 8

If you happen to prefer Eclipse as a development environment, the Aptana plugin has a rather nice CSS editor with code hints and debugging. Plus, both Eclipse and Aptana are free =)

Answer 9

Firebug is great because it shows you the box (size, padding, border, and margins) generated by an element and lets you visually edit margins, padding, etc and see the results onscreen.

Understanding the box model is the hardest part about learning and using CSS, so tweaking it visually is a huge help.

Of course, you still need an editor to actually create the code and save any changes.

Answer 10

CSSEdit looks cool. I wanted to buy it for a long time but I don't have a mac.

Otherwise, I have to say that Firebug is the champ. Totally demystifies CSS and Javascript.

Answer 11

If you really feel that you need a CSS "tool/editor", check out TopStyle Pro. I used to utilize this program religiously because of the quick and automatic preview. However, I have now dumped it in favor of the following Firefox extensions:

1. Firebug
2. Web Developer
3. CSSViewer

Answer 12

http://designinfluences.com/fluid960gs/

http://960.gs/

http://bluetrip.org/

Are three CSS frameworks that give you a good base to build a CSS design on top of. Starting with a grid based css layout makes it much easier to position elements in a consistent manner that's pleasing on the eye.