The Best 5 Chrome Extensions for Graphic Designers
So, you're in need of some handy Chrome extensions, aye? My process as a brand and web designer has been significantly improved by adding just a few helpful tools, and I'm spilling the tea on my favorites! Your creative process is at the heart of your work, and learning how to utilize the right tools can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity. Not to mention, your clients will be wowed by your professional and speedy turnarounds. While skill in your craft is of utmost importance, I believe honing your process is a very close second. These extensions help you to do just that! I hope you find these resources helpful. Alright, let's dive in!
1. Font Ninja
Have you ever visited a website and gasped over their pretty typography? The problem is, you have absolutely no idea what fonts they're using. Let me tell you, friend, the Font Ninja Chrome extension is the solution. Simply identify any font on a webpage with just a few clicks. All you need to do is hover over the text, and Font Ninja will reveal the font name, size, line spacing, and color. Are you impressed? Me too! When I found this chrome extension, it was a game-changer! This time-saving extension is a must-have for any typography enthusiast. Okay, what are you waiting for? Grab the Font Ninja Extension and speed up your design process.
2. Milanote
I could probably do a whole blog about Milanote and its amazing uses, but I'll keep it short. In a nutshell, Milanote is an easy-to-use tool to organize your ideas and projects into visual boards. My primary use for Milanote is creating mood boards for my branding clients and then sending them a link to the board where they can edit and add comments. The Chrome extension is what really makes it one of my favorite tools, though. The extension allows you to save references directly to your visual board. It's kind of like a Pinterest board, except you're not limited to the content on Pinterest. Any inspiration that you find on the web is one click away from being perfectly organized. This significantly simplifies my process of collecting and organizing my thoughts, images, and design references. Whether you're conceptualizing a new project or gathering inspiration, Milanote ensures your creative sparks are never lost.
3. Image Downloader
Right-clicking on any image offers a quick "Save Image" option, but this can be time-consuming when trying to download loads of images. The Image Downloader Chrome extension streamlines image downloads with a user-friendly interface. Just choose a destination folder for organized storage and perform bulk image downloads effortlessly. The extension supports various image formats, catering to diverse projects and purposes. I find it especially helpful when rebuilding websites and needing to grab photos from an old site. It also works for background images, a feature that right-clicking does not have. In my opinion, the Image Downloader extension is a must-have for any web user.
4. ColorPick Eyedropper
Accurate color selection is the backbone of compelling graphic design. The ColorPick Eyedropper extension allows you to sample any color on a webpage, revealing its precise hex code. This makes it effortless to match colors from existing designs or websites, maintaining consistency throughout your projects. You can also save your favorite colors, creating a personalized color palette for quick access. Say goodbye to color guesswork!
5. GoFullPage
Before I found GoFullPage, I used to screenshot sections of a webpage and piece them together in Photoshop. Does that sound like a hassle? Because it was! GoFullPage is a fantastic Chrome extension that captures entire web pages in a single screenshot. It's an excellent tool for showcasing web designs, landing pages, and long-scrolling websites. I like to make scrolling website animations in Photoshop, and this extension makes it quick and easy. With just one click, GoFullPage captures the entire page, ensuring your design's full impact is conveyed to your audience. Additionally, it offers various export options, making it easy to share your full-page screenshots with clients or team members.
I use all 5 of these Chrome extensions religiously. If you try any of them out, I hope they are incredibly helpful to you. As always, please reach out with any questions – silly or serious. That pretty much wraps things up, friends. Catch ya later and happy designing!