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March 9, 2012

Handcraft – Collaboration Between Designers & Developers

Handcraft is an HTML prototyping tool that web designers and developers can use to collaborate effectively and share their projects with clients. Using HTML, CSS, and Javascript, web professionals can create interactive prototypes filled with real content to share with others in a password-protected online environment.

If you work in a field that requires collaboration for success, then Handcraft could be a tool worth checking out. After you start a 30-day trial, Handcraft will guide you through all the steps to create your first HTML prototype. Give your first prototype a name, select the URL where it will be located, and then get to work perfecting it using the Handcraft editor. Handcraft’s editor was designed in a way that lets you skip repetitive work across multiple pages and automatically completes commonly used HTML and CSS codes. The editor also includes an error-handling tool, which scours your prototype to help you figure out what’s not working correctly. Copywriters, meanwhile, will appreciate being able to write their text directly into the HTML code, rather than emailing back-and-forth with developers.

Eager clients who can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on can be directed to the URL for your personal prototype site. After typing in the password you’ve sent over, they can view all the work you’ve done in an easy-to-understand format. Handcraft is an excellent tool for collaboration among colleagues, as well. The application has a “recent changes” feature, which people can use to see all the changes their coworkers have made to the prototypes they’re working on, along with a number of tools that limit what certain colleagues can see and edit from within the site.

Practical Uses:

  • Impress clients with your professional prototypes
  • Collaborate with colleagues on a group project
  • Create a password for your prototype to limit who has access
  • Let copywriters enter their content directly into the prototype

Insider Tips:

  • Follow Handcraft’s seven basic steps for getting started
  • Limit distractions by working in full-screen mode
  • Find code within a prototype by using the ‘search and suggest’ feature
  • Advanced users can use keyboard shortcuts to expedite the process

What we liked:

  • Handcraft makes it easier for developers and designers to work together
  • Developers can impress clients by giving them their own login codes
  • All work is automatically backed up
  • People can keep their prototypes under wraps by using secure password features

What we didn’t like:

  • Nothing

Alternatives:

Company Info:

  • Launched: April 2011
  • Privately Held
  • Founded by: Rahul Choudhury and Martin Kool
  • Web site: http://handcraft.com

Costs:

  • Free 30-day trial
  • $19/month

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