A web designer is not the same thing as a web developer — though, to be fair, it’s pretty easy to confuse them at first glance. After all, both positions build websites, right? Well…sort of. The tools they use, the problems they solve, and even the way they think about the web are completely different. One job will have you knee-deep in JavaScript while the other will have you studying the differences between using blue to make users feel calm versus yellow to make them energetic.

So, what IS the difference between a web designer and a web developer? If seeing these two job titles mentioned side-by-side with no explanation has you thoroughly confused, don’t sweat it! Whether you’re debating which path to follow or just trying to understand who does what in a project, this guide will walk you through each role, what sets them apart, and how they work together.

Table of Contents

• What is a Web Developer?
• What is a Web Designer?
• Web Designer vs. Web Developer: The Differences
• Foundational Skills: Programming Logic & Syntax vs. Visual Design Principles
• Software & Tools: Coding Languages & Frameworks vs. Design Tools
• Deliverables: Functional Code & Websites vs. Blueprints & Prototypes
• Perspective: User Focus vs. System Focus
• Salary: More vs. Less
• Is Web Development or Web Design Right For You?

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What is a Web Developer?

Web developers are computer programmers who turn digital ideas into working, interactive websites and web applications. On the front end, they take the visual mockups from web designers and write the code to build it — HTML for structure, CSS for style, and JavaScript for behavior. On the back end, they develop everything users don’t see: databases, servers, and the logic that powers features like logins or shopping carts.

Not to be confused with full-stack development — which handles both sides — web developers usually focus on either front-end development or back-end development. They collaborate with designers, fix bugs that appear out of nowhere, and constantly update code to keep things running smoothly. Think of them as the reason your favorite streaming site remembers what episode you’re on. It may not seem overly flashy, but it’s all essential.

Web developers don’t just simply websites. They make sure they function, scale, and stay secure once they’re in the hands of their users.

Related: Starting a Career as a Web Developer: Nearly Everything You Need to Know

What is a Web Designer?

A web designer is a digital creative who plans and designs the visual layout and user experience of a website. They decide everything from the color palette and typography to the spacing, imagery, and layout — ensuring everything looks intentional and stays true to the brand. Instead of guessing how users might interact with a site a certain way, the designer creates clear customer personas and uses data to map paths through different content and features. Buttons, forms, and menus aren’t just styled; they’re intentionally designed to feel natural and easy to use. Designers do this with tools like Figma and Adobe XD to create mockups and prototypes that show exactly how a site will look and function before development begins.

Web designers are why your favorite website doesn’t look and feel like a 2003 blog — unless that’s the vibe they’re going for. It’s the difference between a chaotic layout and the smooth, satisfying user interface (UI) of something like Spotify (a personal favorite) — where every visual choice looks like it’s made to guide users, not confuse them.

Pro tip: If you want to start learning website design for free, HTML & CSS are great skills to start with. We’ve got our free coding camp if you’re ready right now. Otherwise, take a look at our roundup of 100+ free resources for learning to code.

Web Designer vs. Web Developer: The Differences

So no, these titles aren’t synonymous. Each job is distinct from the other, and while that’s not to say a web developer can’t also dabble in web design or vice versa, each role calls for specific skill sets and performs unique functions. Now, we’ll break down each job — their skills, software and tools, deliverables, and focus — in detail below, but basically: web designers are to architects as web developers are to construction companies. One thinks about how a website should look and drafts a resulting visual plan (like an architect’s blueprint), and the other builds that website based on that plan.

Foundational Skills: Programming Logic & Syntax vs. Visual Design Principles

Web developers and web designers may work toward the same goal, but their foundational skills — what they need to understand about the web — are worlds apart.

Web development is rooted in programming logic and syntax. It’s about breaking down a problem into steps and translating that into code. Developers need to think in terms of algorithms (designing step-by-step processes that outline how tasks are performed), data structures (organizing data so it’s easy to access and manipulate), and control flow (using structures like statements, loops, and functions to control how a program flows). They need to understand how to manage variables, create functions, and apply object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts so their code is easier to manage.

Then there’s syntax, the specific structure a programming language needs. If you’re a beginner to programming, think of syntax as the set of rules that tells you how to structure your code properly. Just like a sentence needs correct grammar to make sense, your code needs the right syntax — symbols, keywords, structures, etc. — so your computer understands what you’re trying to do. Even the smallest mistake can keep a program from running. That’s why, for web development, the biggest focus is on writing clean, efficient code that a computer can understand and execute.

In contrast, a web designer operates in the world of (primarily) graphic design principles. They use visual elements to create an experience that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their design skills are rooted in composition (arranging elements in a way that feels balanced and purposeful), color theory (using color to create emotional connections), and typography (picking fonts that are easy to read and match the brand’s tone). They make sure a website’s layout is visually engaging and user-friendly, guiding your eyes where they need to go using other principles like balance, hierarchy, and contrast. If that sounds overly simple, it’s definitely not. It’s more than choosing the right font for readability. Web designers use intuitive and visually cohesive designs to ensure we enjoy our web experience and the website feels natural to navigate and use.

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Software & Tools: Coding Languages & Frameworks vs. Design Tools

A web developer’s toolkit is mostly filled with coding languages and frameworks. They use HTML to build the structure of a webpage, like setting up headings, paragraphs, and images. CSS is used to style that structure — think colors, fonts, and how the layout adjusts to different screen sizes. JavaScript adds interactivity, like making buttons work or handling user inputs. On the back end, developers use languages like Python, Ruby, Java, or PHP to manage data, user logins, and database interactions.

To speed up development, developers use JavaScript frameworks and libraries (pre-written tools) like React or Angular to build interactive front-end features or Django or Express.js for handling server-side logic. They also rely on tools like npm (Node Package Manager) to install pre-built code from other developers, and when it’s time to optimize, build tools like Webpack bundle everything together and optimize it for the real world.

Web designers, however, use a different set of tools focused on visuals and user experience. UI design software like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD lets designers create interactive prototypes and mockups that show how the site will look and behave. To create detailed images, logos, and icons, they’ll turn to graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Once the visual design is ready, prototyping tools like InVision help designers make interactive prototypes, allowing you to click through and experience the site before it’s built.

Ultimately, developers use code-centric tools while designers use visual and design-focused software.

Note: Many designers do most of their work in software programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign — three Adobe products you’ll learn to use in the Skillcrush Visual Designer Course.

Deliverables: Functional Code & Websites vs. Blueprints & Prototypes

The differences between web designers and web developers also extends to their deliverables. Designers provide the vision, and developers make that vision come to life.

A web designer’s work revolves around planning and visualizing the user experience. Their deliverables are blueprints and simulations that illustrate the look and feel of the site before any code is written. For example, designers create user personas to understand their target audience, design wireframes to outline page layouts, and produce high-fidelity mockups showing what the site will look like — complete with colors, typefaces, and images. At this point, they’ll also create interactive prototypes so stakeholders can test the user experience before the website is built.

Alternatively, web developers focus on turning those designs into a fully-functional website. They handle the coding that brings the designer’s vision to life. Again, front-end web developers create HTML files to structure the site, style it with CSS, and add interactive elements with JavaScript. They also use responsive design to make sure the site works across different devices. On the back end, they write server-side code (using languages like Python and PHP) and set up databases to store user data. And finally, they deploy the website, linking it to its domain and preparing technical documentation for future updates and troubleshooting.

Perspective: User Focus vs. System Focus

Web designers focus on user experience and usability. They’re more concerned with how the website looks and feels, prioritizing the ease and happiness of its users. Every design choice is guided by a deep understanding of the audience, whether it’s choosing colors that evoke certain emotions — like how fast food chains use yellow and red in their branding to make us hungry — or ensuring the layout is intuitive. Designers want users to navigate their sites effortlessly, find information quickly, and leave with a positive impression. This includes making the site accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and testing the design with real users to spot any issues before launch.

For web developers, they’re more concerned with the systems that power the website. They focus on building a website that performs well, loads quickly, and handles growth. They ensure the site is secure, reliable, and scalable by building solid infrastructure behind the scenes.

Without the designer’s focus on the user and the developer’s focus on the system, websites wouldn’t work the way they’re supposed to. Though different, both are vital to creating a successful website.

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Salary: More vs. Less

On average, web designers make around $67,000 while web developer salaries range higher at about $81K. That gap likely exists mostly because development often requires deeper technical expertise — like building secure, scalable systems or integrating APIs — especially for full-stack or back-end roles. Developers fluent in JavaScript, Python, or frameworks like React or Node.js also tend to see bigger paychecks.

Now, web designers can absolutely close that salary gap. Those who master UI/UX strategy, prototyping tools, and even a bit of front-end code are highly sought after in today’s job market. Remember, both roles are essential, but the market tends to financially reward technical implementation a bit more.

Is Web Development or Web Design Right For You?

A web designer is someone who thrives on creativity — people who naturally lean into visuals, layout, and the kind of details that make branding pop. If you’re the type who sketches in the margins, obsesses over color schemes on Pinterest, or has a background in print or visual arts, design could be a great fit.

Web developers are wired a little differently. They love figuring out how things work, breaking down big problems into logic-driven solutions, and turning design mockups into something you can actually click or scroll. Writing clean code and building tools that do things — that’s their sweet spot.

That said, these paths aren’t as separate as they used to be. A designer can pick up HTML and CSS to gain more control over their designs, just like a developer can sharpen their UI/UX skills to become more versatile. It doesn’t always have to be one or the other. Where you take it is entirely up to you.