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Development work includes plenty of tasks outside the code editor. A few focused browser utilities can help you prepare assets and explain how a system fits together, without adding a large toolchain.
The shortlist, at a glance
| Tool | Worth considering for | Access | Format / workflow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squoosh | Optimizing image assets | — | — |
| Excalidraw | Sketching a system | — | — |
| Photopea | An occasional asset edit | — | — |
1. Squoosh
Best for: Optimizing image assets
Use Squoosh to compare compression settings before shipping an image. Its side-by-side workflow helps you judge the trade-off between file size and visual quality.
Keep in mind: Review the result at the size it will actually appear; aggressive compression can introduce artifacts.
2. Excalidraw
Best for: Sketching a system
Use a whiteboard to explain a request flow or think through an interface before implementation. A simple diagram often makes a technical discussion easier to follow.
Keep in mind: Keep diagrams up to date as the implementation changes.
3. Photopea
Best for: An occasional asset edit
For a layered design file or a quick image adjustment, Photopea provides a browser-based editor with PSD support and local file processing.
Keep in mind: Large files depend on the performance and memory available on your device.
Start with the job you need to do
Choose the option whose main purpose matches your next task. Try a representative project and check current features and pricing.
