50 Free eBooks for Web Designers & Developers


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Online, there are thousands of books available for web designers and developers to peruse. Countless languages, topics, and trends have been extensively explored and analyzed, resulting in this vast library of ebooks that cover almost every aspect of web design and development.

The best part? All of these books are completely free to download! We’ve curated this collection of our favorite free eBooks for your convenience.

Whether you’re interested in CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress, Git, UX, or any other web-related topic, you’ll find something that piques your interest. These eBooks come in various formats, including HTML, PDF, and even ePub, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

CSS & HTML Essential Free eBooks

Resilient Web Design By Jeremy Keith (HTML)

Resilient Web Design isn’t a conventional guide. It emphasizes durable techniques and approaches to web design that have proven to last.

The book provides insights into enduring principles to create websites that stay functional, robust, and adaptable as technologies and user needs evolve.

Adaptive Web Design By Aaron Gustafson (HTML)

Adaptive Web Design delves into the origins of progressive enhancement, its philosophy, and mechanisms, and reveals the countless practical ways that you can apply progressive enhancement principles using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Magic of CSS By Adam Schwartz (HTML)

In Adaptive Web Design, the author explores the roots, ideology, and mechanisms of progressive enhancement. The book showcases an array of practical ways to implement progressive enhancement principles using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Discover how to create web designs that adapt to diverse user contexts and improve accessibility without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics.

A Guide to HTML5 & CSS3 By Ashley Menhennett

A Guide to HTML5 and CSS3 is a comprehensive ebook that provides a solid foundation for web development. Whether you’re interested in creating websites, mobile apps, or games with HTML5, this ebook is an excellent starting point. Please keep in mind that you’ll need to register to access the download link.

HTML Canvas Deep Dive By Josh Marinacci (HTML)

The book is structured into two parts: The first part includes interactive reading sections that explain how the Canvas API works, and the second part comprises hands-on lessons that guide you through creating your own Canvas apps. This book will give you practical knowledge and skills to unleash your creativity with Canvas.

HTML5 Canvas By Jeff Fulton

HTML5 Canvas teaches you how to create web games while learning how to draw, render text, manipulate images, and animate with Canvas.

The book includes 53 online interactive examples and exercises, making it a complete guide to creating dynamic and interactive web content.

Pocket Guide to Writing SVG By Joni Trythall (HTML)

This guide offers a comprehensive introduction to building SVG online, providing all the details you need to get started. With this book, you’ll quickly learn how to leverage the power of SVG in your web design and development projects.

Learn JavaScript

Speaking JavaScript By Dr. Axel Rauschmayer (HTML, PDF & ePub)

This is a valuable ebook for both beginners and seasoned programmers. For beginners, it offers just enough JS to help them be productive immediately. For advanced programmers, the book provides an in-depth reference guide that covers every feature of JS comprehensively.

JS MythBusters By Kiko Beats (HTML)

MythBusters JS is a guide to optimizing JavaScript code while maintaining readability. Covering performance patterns and best practices, this book is a practical resource for anyone looking to improve the maintainability and performance of their JavaScript code.

Learning JavaScript Design Patterns By Addy Osmani

Learning JavaScript Design Patterns demonstrates how to write elegant, maintainable, well-structured JavaScript code using classical and modern design patterns. Keep your code efficient and up-to-date with the latest best practices by applying the skills and knowledge gained from this book.

jQuery Fundamentals By Rebecca Murphey

Looking to master jQuery? Look no further than jQuery Fundamentals. This book has been written to help you tackle many of the common challenges you may encounter while using jQuery.

Each chapter covers a specific concept and provides examples of code related to that concept. With this book, you’ll gain hands-on experience and feel confident using jQuery to solve real-world problems.

Programming JavaScript Applications By Eric Elliott

This book provides an opportunity to learn how to develop complete web-scale or enterprise applications that are both easy to extend and maintain.

Developing Backbone.js Applications By Addy Osmani

Developing Backbone.js Applications teaches you how to create structured JavaScript applications using Backbone’s model-view-controller (MVC) architecture. With expert guidance, you’ll learn how to build scalable and maintainable frontends for your single-page applications.

Learn PHP

PHP: The Right Way By Josh Lockhart

PHP The Right Way is a quick reference for best practices, coding standards, and authoritative tutorials to help new PHP users avoid bad practices and code. This book provides guidance for writing clean, maintainable, and industry-standard PHP code.

Learn WordPress

Locking Down WordPress By Rachel Baker, Brad Williams & John Ford

Locking Down WordPress by WordPress experts Rachel Baker, Brad Williams, and John Ford provides comprehensive guidance on securing your WordPress site. This book covers everything you need to know to protect your site from security threats and malicious attacks.

The WordPress Plugin Business Book

If you’re looking to gain new plugin users and convert them into paying customers, this free ebook is for you.

The book provides a step-by-step guide to help you learn the necessary skills to attract new users and convert them into loyal subscribers. With this ebook, you’ll gain practical insights and actionable tips to boost your plugin’s growth and success.

WordPress Meet Responsive Design By Chris Coyier, Ian Stewart & Sara Cannon

Discover the secrets of designing WordPress responsively with WordPress Meet Responsive Design by Chris Coyier, Ian Stewart, and Sara Cannon.

This book offers real-world strategies and practical tips for designing WordPress sites that are optimized for all devices. With this book, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to create responsive WordPress designs that are beautiful, user-friendly, and effective.

Things to Do with Every New WordPress Install (PDF)

This ebook offers tips and strategies to begin providing WordPress maintenance services to clients.

Learn how to package and deliver services that meet client’s needs, whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting. Take your WordPress services to the next level with this resource.

WordPress Security – A Pocket Guide (PDF)

This introduction to WordPress security provides you with straightforward tips and best practices to help you protect your site from potential threats. With this ebook, you’ll learn the essentials of WordPress security and gain the knowledge you need to keep your site safe.

Learn Git

Pro Git 2nd Edition By Scott Chacon and Ben Straub (HTML, PDF, ePub & Mobi)

The Pro Git eBook, now in its second edition, is the ultimate guide to Git. This book covers Git basics as well as advanced topics, including branching and running distributed Git. With this book, you’ll gain a deep understanding of Git and learn how to use it effectively to manage your projects.

Git From The Bottom Up by John Wiegley

This comprehensive guide covers Git basics to advanced topics and is available as a convenient PDF file that you can download and use at your leisure.

UX – User Experience Free eBooks

Making an Enterprise UX Friendly By Justinmind

This free ebook, Making an Enterprise UX Friendly, provides you with the necessary tools and templates to build a strong UX team, create a business-facing UX strategy, and make a compelling business case for UX. With this book, you’ll gain valuable insights and actionable tips to enhance your enterprise’s UX and drive business success.

UX Design for Start-Ups By Marcin Treder

UX Design for Start-Ups offers valuable insights and practical tips for creating stunning UX designs that can help businesses succeed.

The Little Book Of Modern Frontend Tooling (HTML)

The Little Book Of Modern Frontend Tooling is a free, open-source book that introduces you to the world of tooling for modern web applications. This ebook guides you through the development lifecycle and helps you streamline your process to create high-quality web applications.

Web & Mobile App Design eBook

Modern Web Design Process By John Moore Williams (PDF)

The Modern Web Design Process provides valuable insights into the web design process and how it can translate into successful websites.

You’ll gain practical tips and expert advice on how to create effective web designs that meet your client’s needs and exceed their expectations.

Web Development & Beyond By Kyle Prinsloo

Web Development & Beyond is a free ebook that provides you with the skills and knowledge to become a successful web developer and freelancer. The ebook offers practical tips on honing your skills, finding clients, and managing projects for a successful career in web development.

Mobile Game Design By Chroma Coders (PDF)

Mobile Game Design (or, How to Start Your Own Mobile Game Company) is a free, in-depth ebook that covers the main mechanics for mobile game development and introduces “hidden game mechanics” for standing out in the marketplace. Essential for succeeding in the mobile game industry.

Email Marketing Field Guide By MailChimp (ePub, PDF & Mobi)

The Email Marketing Field Guide by MailChimp covers HTML email basics and provides tips and best practices for developing a successful email marketing plan. Improve your email marketing skills and achieve business success with this essential resource.

Pixel Perfect Precision Handbook (PDF & iBook)

Last year the popular ebook Pixel Perfect Precision Handbook was updated and released with over 40 new pages, as well as some updates to existing content.

Book of Speed By Stoyan Stefanov

The Book of Speed by Stoyan Stefanov is a free, online, open-source book that provides valuable insights and practical tips for optimizing your website’s speed and performance. Enhance your user experience with this essential ebook for creating fast and efficient websites.

50 Logo Design Tips By Ian Paget

This free ebook by Ian Paget provides tips and insights from experienced and influential logo designers. Gain inspiration and knowledge to create stunning logos that effectively represent your clients’ brands. Essential for any designer looking to improve their logo design skills.

Designing for the Web By Mark Boulton

Learn graphic design theory and techniques that you can apply to your designs, taking them from good to great. An essential ebook for beginners and experienced designers alike.

Pay Me… Or Else! By Lior Frenkel (HTML)

Are you tired of struggling to get paid by clients? This short ebook is the ultimate resource for anyone facing payment issues. It covers valuable tactics and tips for recovering your hard-earned money and avoiding similar situations in the future.

Whether you’re a freelancer or a small business owner, this ebook is an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their cash flow and avoid payment disputes.

Older, Yet Still Relevant Free ebooks

Introduction to Good Usability by Peter Pixel

This guide aims to improve usability by highlighting common interface elements and errors users often encounter. While not exhaustive, it’s an excellent starting point.

Faster, and More Secure Webfonts By Bram Pitoyo

Font embedding can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the web, but security and load times are valid concerns. This ebook demystifies font embedding, streamlines the process, and enhances performance and security.

Taking Your Talent to the Web By Jeffrey Zeldman

This book was originally written in 2001 for print designers whose clients wanted websites. While some references may feel dated, the advice on adapting to the web remains pertinent.

The Elements of Typographic Style Applied to the Web

This book aims to dispel the myths surrounding web typography. It adopts Bringhurst’s principles and details how to achieve them using HTML and CSS. The book is structured to guide readers through each principle, ensuring clarity and ease of implementation.

Integrating Accessibility Throughout Design

Empower people with disabilities online. This book removes accessibility barriers and offers strategies to enhance inclusivity and usability.

Getting Real: The Book By 37signals

Getting Real is a streamlined approach to website development that prioritizes actual problem-solving over theoretical considerations. By focusing on real issues, it delivers faster, more effective results than traditional methods.

Research-Based Web Design & Usability Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration, has produced this ebook to assist web creators in making informed decisions based on the latest and most reliable data available.

Search User Interfaces

This book delves into the human aspect of information-seeking and highlights how the user interface can best facilitate this process. It explores user interface design and search interface design methodologies to provide insights on building effective interfaces.

Web Style Guide – 3rd Edition

This book details established design principles and offers comprehensive coverage of web design, encompassing planning, production, and maintenance. It illustrates how these principles are applicable in projects focused on information design, interface design, and streamlined search and navigation.

Type Classification eBook By Jacob Cass

This book has been written to help you learn the ten broad classifications of type. These are the basic foundations of what you need to learn to learn typography, and it is essential for any designer to know how to classify type.

How To Be Creative By Hugh MacLeod

Hugh MacLeod, an accomplished advertising executive and renowned blogger, shares his 26 proven techniques for unleashing your creativity. The book is complemented by the author’s original illustrations, adding a touch of whimsy and insight to each point.


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