Best software/plug-ins for creating web UI designs?

[sparkie7]

I need suggestions for creating sophisticated web UI, such as nav banners, drop downs, search boxes (with debossed/inset shadows) menu tabs that look great (not tacky) -- like the  site, see attached.. the nav bar with subtle grads & shadings, cool search inset, and subtle rounded corners with shadows. Also the 2nd image attached showing a very slick login / Register debossed buttons. Any ideas how this was achieved?

What are you pros using at present, Eye Candy? or are you doing it all manually in photoshop?

TIA

 

[ChicoWeb]

There's no magic involved. It's all hand built using applications like Photoshop and Illustrator.

 

[decksnap]

Fireworks is a little more tuned for this sort of thing than Photoshop.

'manual' example: There really isn't a 'make it look good' button.

 

[citizenzen]

Sophisticated design doesn't come out of a box.

Could you likewise ask what musical software is best for writing a good song?

It's the melody in your head that makes a good song. Like wise it's the aesthetics you possess that make for good design.

The program merely allows you to put it on the web.

 

[bootedbear]

Great analogy, citizenzen.

 

[sparkie7]

Thanks guys.

decksnap, what specific feature in Fireworks are batter than PS?