Top Design Tools for Android App Developers

In this article, I’d like to show you the most useful (and free!) tools that you might like while designing your Android app. You’ll find plugins, websites, and more. So let’s start!

1. Device Metrics – web site

Web site: https://design.google.com/devices/

Have you ever wondered what density has your phone? Or which device has tvdpi density? Or what is the most common aspect ratio for phones? Here you can find the answer! Very useful site when you’re designing application and want to check what is approximately screen size for each of densities. Plus you can check basic material metrics.

2. DPI Calculator – Chrome plugin/web site

Plugin for Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/dpi-calculator/dldofgjemhkpilajnlenfijjpkabilcg

Web site: http://jennift.com/dpical.html

This tool allows you to convert dpi value from one density to another. It’s useful when you make graphics for different densities and want to check what sizes should they be (e.g. icons). Very handy, because you can use it from your Chrome browser!

3. MaterialPalette – web site

Web site: https://www.materialpalette.com/

The idea is easy. You pick two colors and you receive example of your future app appearance. Now all you have to do is copy value from table to your app theme and you can enjoy your beautiful new MaterialDesign app.

4. Android Resizer – tool

Web site: https://github.com/asystat/Final-Android-Resizer

This small tool helps you to resize your graphics to all densities. You can drag&drop your image, check input density and wait until this tool make all the dirty job for you.

5. Android Resource Navigator – Chrome plugin

Plugin for Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/android-resource-navigato/agoomkionjjbejegcejiefodgbckeebo

This plugin allows you to quickly check everything in Android XML resources. You need to type ‘arn’ and then style or theme framework which you’re looking for. That’s it!

6. Android Asset Studio – web site

Web site: http://romannurik.github.io/AndroidAssetStudio/

Here you can find all the tools for generating icons for launcher, toolbar, notification, and more. If you’ve never been on this site, then for sure one day you’ll need it.

7. DP to PX converter – web site

Web site: http://androidpixels.net/

No need to explain. Just type value in pixels or dp and site will automatically convert it to all densities.

8. Material Design Icon Generator – IntelliJ Plugin

Web site: https://github.com/konifar/android-material-design-icon-generator-plugin

(Thanks to Marcin Mazepa)

This IntelliJ plugin is very helpful to get quick access to MaterialDesign icons. No more searching and looking for the proper icons, you have all of them in one place and they’re available right in your IDE in every density.

Related posts