How To Fix Largest Contentful Issues With Subpart Analysis

Original Source: https://smashingmagazine.com/2025/03/how-fix-largest-contentful-issues-subpart-analysis/

This article is a sponsored by DebugBear

The Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) in Core Web Vitals measures how quickly a website loads from a visitor’s perspective. It looks at how long after opening a page the largest content element becomes visible. If your website is loading slowly, that’s bad for user experience and can also cause your site to rank lower in Google.

When trying to fix LCP issues, it’s not always clear what to focus on. Is the server too slow? Are images too big? Is the content not being displayed? Google has been working to address that recently by introducing LCP subparts, which tell you where page load delays are coming from. They’ve also added this data to the Chrome UX Report, allowing you to see what causes delays for real visitors on your website!

Let’s take a look at what the LCP subparts are, what they mean for your website speed, and how you can measure them.

The Four LCP Subparts

LCP subparts split the Largest Contentful Paint metric into four different components:

Time to First Byte (TTFB): How quickly the server responds to the document request.
Resource Load Delay: Time spent before the LCP image starts to download.
Resource Load Time: Time spent downloading the LCP image.
Element Render Delay: Time before the LCP element is displayed.

The resource timings only apply if the largest page element is an image or background image. For text elements, the Load Delay and Load Time components are always zero.

How To Measure LCP Subparts

One way to measure how much each component contributes to the LCP score on your website is to use DebugBear’s website speed test. Expand the Largest Contentful Paint metric to see subparts and other details related to your LCP score.

Here, we can see that TTFB and image Load Duration together account for 78% of the overall LCP score. That tells us that these two components are the most impactful places to start optimizing.

What’s happening during each of these stages? A network request waterfall can help us understand what resources are loading through each stage.

The LCP Image Discovery view filters the waterfall visualization to just the resources that are relevant to displaying the Largest Contentful Paint image. In this case, each of the first three stages contains one request, and the final stage finishes quickly with no new resources loaded. But that depends on your specific website and won’t always be the case.

Time To First Byte

The first step to display the largest page element is fetching the document HTML. We recently published an article about how to improve the TTFB metric.

In this example, we can see that creating the server connection doesn’t take all that long. Most of the time is spent waiting for the server to generate the page HTML. So, to improve the TTFB, we need to speed up that process or cache the HTML so we can skip the HTML generation entirely.

Resource Load Delay

The “resource” we want to load is the LCP image. Ideally, we just have an <img> tag near the top of the HTML, and the browser finds it right away and starts loading it.

But sometimes, we get a Load Delay, as is the case here. Instead of loading the image directly, the page uses lazysize.js, an image lazy loading library that only loads the LCP image once it has detected that it will appear in the viewport.

Part of the Load Delay is caused by having to download that JavaScript library. But the browser also needs to complete the page layout and start rendering content before the library will know that the image is in the viewport. After finishing the request, there’s a CPU task (in orange) that leads up to the First Contentful Paint milestone, when the page starts rendering. Only then does the library trigger the LCP image request.

How do we optimize this? First of all, instead of using a lazy loading library, you can use the native loading=”lazy” image attribute. That way, loading images no longer depends on first loading JavaScript code.

But more specifically, the LCP image should not be lazily loaded. That way, the browser can start loading it as soon as the HTML code is ready. According to Google, you should aim to eliminate resource load delay entirely.

Resources Load Duration

The Load Duration subpart is probably the most straightforward: you need to download the LCP image before you can display it!

In this example, the image is loaded from the same domain as the HTML. That’s good because the browser doesn’t have to connect to a new server.

Other techniques you can use to reduce load delay:

Use a modern image format that provides better compression.
Load images at a size that matches the size they are displayed at.
Deprioritize other resources that might compete with the LCP image.

Element Render Delay

The fourth and final LCP component, Render Delay, is often the most confusing. The resource has loaded, but for some reason, the browser isn’t ready to show it to the user yet!

Luckily, in the example we’ve been looking at so far, the LCP image appears quickly after it’s been loaded. One common reason for render delay is that the LCP element is not an image. In that case, the render delay is caused by render-blocking scripts and stylesheets. The text can only appear after these have loaded and the browser has completed the rendering process.

Another reason you might see render delay is when the website preloads the LCP image. Preloading is a good idea, as it practically eliminates any load delay and ensures the image is loaded early.

However, if the image finishes downloading before the page is ready to render, you’ll see an increase in render delay on the page. And that’s fine! You’ve improved your website speed overall, but after optimizing your image, you’ve uncovered a new bottleneck to focus on.

LCP Subparts In Real User CrUX Data

Looking at the Largest Contentful Paint subparts in lab-based tests can provide a lot of insight into where you can optimize. But all too often, the LCP in the lab doesn’t match what’s happening for real users!

That’s why, in February 2025, Google started including subpart data in the CrUX data report. It’s not (yet?) included in PageSpeed Insights, but you can see those metrics in DebugBear’s “Web Vitals” tab.

One super useful bit of info here is the LCP resource type: it tells you how many visitors saw the LCP element as a text element or an image.

Even for the same page, different visitors will see slightly different content. For example, different elements are visible based on the device size, or some visitors will see a cookie banner while others see the actual page content.

To make the data easier to interpret, Google only reports subpart data for images.

If the LCP element is usually text on the page, then the subparts info won’t be very helpful, as it won’t apply to most of your visitors.

But breaking down text LCP is relatively easy: everything that’s not part of the TTFB score is render-delayed.

Track Subparts On Your Website With Real User Monitoring

Lab data doesn’t always match what real users experience. CrUX data is superficial, only reported for high-traffic pages, and takes at least 4 weeks to fully update after a change has been rolled out.

That’s why a real-user monitoring tool like DebugBear comes in handy when fixing your LCP scores. You can track scores across all pages on your website over time and get dedicated dashboards for each LCP subpart.

You can also review specific visitor experiences, see what the LCP image was for them, inspect a request waterfall, and check LCP subpart timings. Sign up for a free trial.

Conclusion

Having more granular metric data available for the Largest Contentful Paint gives web developers a big leg up when making their website faster.

Including subparts in CrUX provides new insight into how real visitors experience your website and can tell if the optimizations you’re considering would really be impactful.

Turns out Oreo's had 12 logos since 1912, and they're a beautiful ride through design history

Original Source: https://www.creativebloq.com/design/logos-icons/turns-out-oreos-had-12-logos-since-1912-and-theyre-a-beautiful-ride-through-design-history

Pure retro joy.

Developer Spotlight: Yannis Yannakopoulos

Original Source: https://tympanus.net/codrops/2025/03/06/developer-spotlight-yannis-yannakopoulos/

In this spotlight, Yannis Yannakopoulos shares his journey with over 15 years of experience in web development, generative art and modular synths.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 gets a wild new park design

Original Source: https://www.creativebloq.com/entertainment/gaming/tony-hawks-pro-skater-3-4-gets-a-wild-new-park-and-a-release-date

The new map looks perfect.

How to Automate Your Print-on-Demand Business in 2025

Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/how-to-automate-your-print-on-demand-business

I’ve been in eCommerce and print-on-demand for over a decade. I’ve scaled stores from zero to six figures, helped countless sellers fix their bottlenecks, and seen first-hand what makes or breaks a POD business.

Here’s the harsh reality: most sellers are stuck doing things manually, and that’s why they never scale.

Uploading designs one by one. Manually sending orders to suppliers. Responding to customer emails all day. It’s exhausting and, more importantly, a waste of time.

The solution is automation. The more you automate, the more time you free up to focus on real growth—scaling ads, launching new products, and improving your brand.

This guide will cover every automation you need to make your print-on-demand business run with minimal effort.

1. AI and Automation: The Future of Print Production

The print industry is undergoing a major transformation, and AI-driven automation is at the center of it.

According to the report, 80% of print producers agree that AI and automation are essential for improving workflows and cutting costs. However, only 55% are actively investing in automation tools, cloud-based management solutions, and predictive maintenance technologies.

This means that while most industry leaders recognize the importance of automation, many have yet to take full advantage of its capabilities. Those who do are seeing increased efficiency, reduced waste, and improved margins—all critical factors for staying competitive in 2025 and beyond.

1.1 How AI is Transforming Print Production

AI is no longer just a buzzword. It is actively reshaping how print businesses manage operations, optimize production, and enhance customer experience.

Predictive Maintenance – AI-powered tools analyze machine performance and predict failures before they happen, reducing downtime and repair costs.

Automated Workflow Optimization – AI-driven systems allocate resources, manage print jobs, and reduce material waste by optimizing print schedules.

AI-Powered Customer Support – Chatbots and AI-driven order tracking systems reduce customer service workloads by answering FAQs and providing real-time updates.

Smart Order Processing – AI-integrated print management systems automate job routing, ensuring faster and more accurate fulfillment.

1.2 Why Print Producers Need to Invest in Automation Now

AI-driven automation isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s becoming a necessity. As consumer expectations rise for faster turnaround times, greater customization, and sustainability, print businesses need automation to keep up.

Companies that fail to integrate AI into their workflows risk falling behind. By automating key processes, print businesses can:

Increase efficiency and reduce human error

Lower labor costs and improve workforce productivity

Scale production without hiring additional staff

Enhance customer satisfaction with faster order fulfillment

Automation is the key to unlocking long-term growth in print production. The question isn’t if print businesses should adopt AI and automation—it’s how quickly they can implement it.

2. Top Challenges Facing the Print Industry in 2025

While the print industry is full of opportunity, it also faces significant challenges in 2025.

The report highlights three major obstacles that print producers must overcome to remain competitive:

Talent Shortages (68%) – Finding skilled workers is becoming increasingly difficult, making automation and workforce upskilling critical.

Rising Raw Material Costs (62%) – Supply chain disruptions and increased material costs are forcing businesses to rethink procurement and pricing strategies.

Logistics and Supply Chain Issues (59%) – High shipping costs and delays are pushing the industry toward localized production models.

2.1 The Workforce Challenge: Attracting and Retaining Talent

With 68% of print producers citing talent shortages as a significant challenge, the industry must find new ways to attract, train, and retain workers.

One major shift is the transition from traditional craftsmanship to technology-driven roles. Print businesses are hiring fewer press operators and more automation specialists, software engineers, and digital production experts.

To stay ahead, companies should:

Invest in workforce training – Upskilling employees in AI, automation, and digital workflows will ensure they can adapt to modern print production.

Leverage automation to reduce reliance on manual labor – AI-powered solutions can minimize the need for highly specialized workers while improving efficiency.

Change the perception of print – Younger talent is drawn to industries with innovation and technological advancement. Promoting AI, sustainability, and digital transformation will make print more attractive to new workers.

2.2 Managing Rising Material Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions

With 62% of print producers struggling with rising raw material costs, businesses need to focus on cost efficiency, strategic sourcing, and supplier collaboration.

Some strategies to mitigate these challenges include:

Bulk Purchasing & Supplier Negotiation – Pooling resources with industry partners can help secure better pricing and reduce costs.

On-Demand & Localized Production – Instead of large print runs, shifting to localized, just-in-time production reduces material waste and shipping costs.

AI-Driven Procurement Systems – Predictive analytics can help businesses forecast demand, optimize inventory, and automate supply chain decisions.

2.3 The Shift Toward Collaboration in the Print Industry

One of the most promising solutions to these challenges is greater collaboration between print businesses.

The report highlights that print producers who adopt a community-driven business model are thriving. By sharing resources, knowledge, and production capabilities, businesses can lower costs, increase efficiency, and expand their market reach.

Key benefits of collaboration include:

Stronger purchasing power to combat rising material costs

Shared logistics and distribution networks for faster delivery

Access to new markets through cross-industry partnerships

Print providers that embrace collaboration will have a major competitive advantage in 2025.

2. Automating Order Fulfillment (Never Manually Process an Order Again)

If you’re still manually forwarding orders to your supplier, you’re running your business like it’s 2010. Today, fulfillment can be 100% automated, so you never have to touch an order.

2.1 Use Print-on-Demand Suppliers with Auto-Fulfillment

To fully automate fulfillment, you need a supplier that syncs directly with your store. The best options are:

Printful – High-quality products with fast shipping. Automatically fulfills orders from Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon.

Printify – Lower-cost products with multiple supplier options. Auto-syncs with major eCommerce platforms.

Gelato – Best for international sellers. Prints locally in multiple countries for faster shipping.

Once integrated, these platforms automatically process, print, and ship every order. No need to manually check emails or forward orders to a supplier.

2.2 Sync Orders Across Multiple Marketplaces

If you sell on multiple platforms, order management can get messy. Instead of logging into different dashboards, use automation tools like:

Order Desk: Syncs orders from Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon into one dashboard.

Zapier: Automates order forwarding between different platforms.

These tools ensure that orders from all platforms go to the right supplier without you lifting a finger.

3. Automating Customer Service (Eliminate 90% of Support Tickets)

One of the biggest drains on time is customer service. Most sellers answer the same questions every day:

“Where’s my order?”

“Can I return this?”

“Do you ship to [country]?”

3.1 Use Chatbots for Instant Responses

Tidio (Shopify) and Gorgias (multi-platform) automatically answer common customer questions.

Etsy Auto-Responder handles repetitive questions inside Etsy.

A chatbot can cut customer support time by 70%, especially if you get a lot of repetitive inquiries.

3.2 Automate Order Tracking Emails

Instead of manually sending shipping updates, use:

AfterShip: Sends automatic tracking emails.

Track123: Lets customers track their order on your website.

Automating tracking emails reduces “Where’s my order?” emails by 80%.

3.3 Auto-Respond to Support Emails

Zendesk, Gorgias, or Help Scout: These tools automatically send pre-written responses based on keywords in customer emails.

For example, if a customer emails “Can I return this?”—they get an instant reply with return instructions.

4. Automating Marketing & Ads (Spend Less Time Managing Campaigns)

Marketing is where most print-on-demand sellers hit a wall. Running ads, sending emails, and managing retargeting campaigns take too much manual effort—especially when scaling.

The reality is, most successful POD businesses automate 80% of their marketing so they can focus on higher-level strategy instead of tweaking ads all day.

By setting up automated campaigns, you can consistently drive sales, increase conversions, and maximize ad spend without constant monitoring.

4.1 Automate Facebook & TikTok Ads

If you’re manually adjusting ad budgets, turning off low-performing campaigns, or scaling winners yourself, you’re wasting time. Instead, let automated rules handle the heavy lifting.

Facebook Automated Rules (Inside Meta Ads Manager):

Pause ads if ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) drops below 2.0. Prevents money from being wasted on underperforming campaigns.

Increase budget by 20% if ROAS is above 4.0. Ensures high-performing ads get more budget automatically.

Lower bid if CTR (Click-Through Rate) is under 1%. Stops spending on ads that aren’t engaging enough.

TikTok Ads Automation:

Use Madgicx or Revealbot to auto-optimize TikTok ads by adjusting bids, budgets, and audience targeting based on real-time performance.

Set up TikTok Spark Ads Retargeting to automatically re-engage users who interacted with your videos but didn’t purchase.

Instead of constantly adjusting campaigns manually, these rules self-optimize your ads so you spend less time inside Ads Manager.

4.2 Automate Retargeting (So You Don’t Lose Potential Customers)

Retargeting is one of the most profitable marketing strategies, but most POD sellers either forget to set it up or manage it manually when it should be running in the background 24/7.

Google Shopping Ads (Auto-Sync with Shopify)

Google automatically pulls your product catalog from Shopify and creates dynamic retargeting ads for visitors who left without purchasing.

No need to manually create ads—Google Shopping will show the right products to the right users at the right time.

Facebook Retargeting (Dynamic Product Ads)

Automatically displays the exact products a visitor viewed but didn’t buy.

Example: If someone adds a t-shirt to their cart but doesn’t check out, they’ll see an ad for that same shirt on Facebook and Instagram.

These ads have 10x higher conversion rates compared to cold traffic campaigns.

By automating retargeting, you recapture lost visitors and turn them into buyers with zero manual effort.

4.3 Automate Email & SMS Marketing (Turn One-Time Buyers into Repeat Customers)

Email and SMS marketing can drive 30-50% more revenue, but only if you set up automated flows that run in the background.

Best Email & SMS Tools for Automation:

Klaviyo – Best for Shopify & WooCommerce sellers.

Omnisend – Multi-channel automation (email + SMS + push notifications).

Postscript – SMS automation specifically for Shopify.

Essential Automated Email & SMS Flows:

Abandoned Cart Emails & SMS – Recovers lost sales by reminding customers to complete their purchase.

Welcome Series – Nurtures new subscribers with a discount or special offer.

Post-Purchase Upsells – Encourages buyers to purchase additional products.

Review Requests – Automatically asks customers to leave a review after receiving their order.

By setting up these automations once, you’ll consistently generate sales from past visitors and customers without needing to manually send emails or SMS campaigns.

5. Automating Accounting & Reports (So You Don’t Waste Time on Numbers)

Most print-on-demand sellers hate dealing with accounting—and for good reason. It’s time-consuming, confusing, and easy to mess up.

If you’re manually tracking sales, calculating taxes, or preparing financial reports, you’re burning hours every month on tasks that could be fully automated.

The goal is to set up systems that:

Automatically track revenue and expenses

Generate real-time financial reports

Handle sales tax compliance without manual calculations

By automating your accounting, you’ll not only save time but also avoid costly mistakes when tax season rolls around.

5.1 Auto-Sync Revenue & Expenses (No More Manual Bookkeeping)

Instead of manually entering every transaction into a spreadsheet, use an automated tool that syncs all your eCommerce sales into your accounting software.

Best Tools for Syncing Transactions:

A2X – Automatically pulls transactions from Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon and syncs them with QuickBooks or Xero.

Link My Books – Similar to A2X but designed specifically for Amazon, Etsy, and eBay sellers.

Bench.co – A bookkeeping service that automatically categorizes your transactions and provides monthly reports.

How It Works:

A customer places an order on Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon.

The sale, payment processing fee, and any refunds are automatically logged in A2X or Link My Books.

The data is sent to QuickBooks or Xero, where it’s categorized into revenue, expenses, and profit.

This eliminates manual data entry and ensures your books are always up to date.

5.2 Automate Sales Tax Compliance (So You Don’t Get Fined)

Sales tax is one of the biggest headaches for POD sellers, especially if you sell across multiple states or countries.

If you’re still trying to calculate sales tax manually, you’re not only wasting time but also risking compliance issues.

Best Tools for Automating Sales Tax:

TaxJar – Automatically calculates, collects, and files sales tax for Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon sellers.

Avalara – More advanced tax compliance software for sellers dealing with international taxes.

Quaderno – Best for VAT compliance if selling in the EU, UK, or Canada.

How It Works:

When a customer places an order, TaxJar or Avalara calculates the correct tax rate based on their location.

The tax is automatically collected at checkout and logged in your accounting software.

At the end of the tax period, TaxJar can automatically file your sales tax returns—so you don’t have to.

If you’re selling to multiple states in the U.S. or internationally, sales tax automation is a must to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

6. Automating Product Creation (Faster Listings, More Products, Less Work)

The first bottleneck in POD is creating and uploading products. Many sellers spend hours designing, creating mockups, writing descriptions, and listing products manually. If you’re still doing this, it’s slowing you down.

6.1 Auto-Generate Designs Using AI

AI-generated designs can save dozens of hours per month and help you test new product ideas faster.

Midjourney and DALL·E: AI tools that generate unique images from text prompts. You can create completely original designs without needing a graphic designer.

Kittl and Creative Fabrica Spark: These platforms allow you to tweak AI-generated designs and create print-ready artwork.

Flying Upload & Merch Titans Automation: These tools generate variations of your designs with different colors, fonts, and styles, allowing you to create bulk product variations quickly.

Many top POD sellers use AI to create a high volume of designs and then test which ones sell best before investing in more manual designs.

6.2 Automate Product Mockups

Creating mockups is another time-consuming part of the process. Instead of manually placing designs on mockup templates, use automation tools:

Placeit: Instantly generates mockups on different products (t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, etc.).

Printful & Printify Mockup Generators: Automatically create mockups when you upload designs to their platforms.

Bulk Mockup: Creates thousands of product mockups at once, saving time for Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify sellers.

With automated mockup tools, you can upload a design once and generate dozens of mockups in seconds, instead of spending hours in Photoshop.

6.3 Automate Product Uploads to Multiple Platforms

Listing products on Shopify, Etsy, Redbubble, and Amazon can take forever if you’re doing it manually. Instead, use:

LazyMerch: Bulk uploads designs to multiple POD platforms.

Merch Titans Automation: Syncs designs across different stores, so you don’t have to upload them one by one.

Podly: Automates listing creation with optimized titles, tags, and descriptions.

By using these tools, you can cut your listing time by 80%, allowing you to focus on scaling instead of repetitive uploads.

Final Thoughts on Marketing Automation

The print-on-demand business model is built on efficiency and scalability, but if your marketing still requires constant manual effort, you’re limiting your growth.

The reality is, the most successful POD businesses aren’t spending hours adjusting ad campaigns, writing one-off emails, or manually retargeting visitors—they have systems in place that run marketing on autopilot.

When you automate marketing, you free up time and resources to focus on higher-level business strategies. Instead of tweaking bids and managing ads all day, you can:

Test and launch new products faster without worrying about whether your marketing engine will keep up.

Optimize your store and customer experience to increase conversion rates and average order value.

Scale your business without adding to your workload—because your marketing runs automatically, whether you’re working or not.

If you’re still manually adjusting ads, handling retargeting one campaign at a time, or sending emails manually, you’re operating at a disadvantage.

Automation isn’t just a convenience—it’s a competitive advantage.

The businesses that implement automated ad rules, retargeting systems, and email flows are the ones that scale effortlessly while maintaining high profitability.

Set these up now, and your POD store will generate consistent sales, 24/7, without constant hands-on management. The sooner you automate, the faster you’ll grow.

The post How to Automate Your Print-on-Demand Business in 2025 appeared first on Ecommerce Platforms.

Fresh Resources for Web Designers and Developers (February 2024)

Original Source: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/designers-developers-monthly-02-2025/

It’s time for our monthly roundup!

We’ve gathered a bunch of useful resources for our fellow web developers, including several AI-powered tools, libraries, and other cool stuff. We hope you find them as exciting as we do!

Let’s jump in to see the full list.

Qwen Chat

Qwen Chat is an AI-powered conversational app developed by Alibaba Cloud. It uses their Qwen 2.5 series LLM. It’s not just for chatting – it can also interpret and generate images and handle audio inputs. It supports over 29 languages and can manage conversations with up to 128,000 tokens, allowing for detailed and context-rich interactions. It’s also free, even letting you use it without creating an account. A solid alternative to OpenAI’s chat models.

Qwen Chat AI conversational interface powered by Alibaba Cloud

Orate

Orate is a Node.js library that makes it easy to generate realistic speech, transcribe audio, and modify voices through a single, unified API. It integrates with OpenAI, ElevenLabs, and AssemblyAI, so you can switch between services without worrying about API complexities or differences. It supports text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and speech-to-speech, making it a great library for adding advanced speech capabilities to your project.

Orate Node.js library for AI-driven speech processing

Loras

Loras.dev is an open-source AI image generator that allows you to create stylized images in seconds by entering a prompt and choosing a Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA). It is powered by Flux LoRAs through Together AI, and it is completely free to use.

Loras AI image generator interface with LoRA adaptation options

TraeAI

Trae.ai is an AI-powered IDE by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok. One of its distinctive features is the “Builder Mode”, which allows you to generate app prototypes quickly, and the “Chat Mode”, which helps you analyze and improve code.

It is available on macOS and will soon be on Windows. It supports both Chinese and English and includes free access to GPT-4o and Claude-3.5-Sonnet.

TraeAI intelligent IDE with Builder and Chat Mode by ByteDance

GPT Crawler

GPT Crawler is an open-source tool by BuilderIO that helps you gather website content and turn it into a knowledge file for creating a custom GPT. It crawls web pages, extracts key information like titles, URLs, and text, and saves it as a JSON file. You can then upload this file to OpenAI to build a chatbot or assistant with up-to-date information from any website.

GPT Crawler extracting website content into a JSON file for AI training

AiderAI

Aider is an AI-powered command-line tool for pair programming with models like GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Deepseek. It integrates with Git, allowing it to track changes and create commits automatically. It supports multiple languages, provides context-aware suggestions, and includes features like image uploads and voice commands. A well-rounded tool for AI-powered coding assistance!

Aider AI-powered CLI tool for pair programming with Git integration

InvokeAI

InvokeAI is an AI-powered creative engine for generating images through a web-based interface. You can generate images from prompts, fine-tune outputs with negative prompts, and automate tasks through its API. It’s available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

InvokeAI creative engine generating AI-powered images via web interface

CodeCapy

CodeCapy is a GitHub app that generates natural language descriptions of code changes and automatically tests them when you open a pull request. It writes and runs UI tests for you, eliminating the need for manual testing. It removes the mundane tasks of creating and running tests.

CodeCapy GitHub app automating code change documentation and testing

AI Shell

AI Shell is a command-line tool that converts plain English into shell commands. It features a chat mode for interactive help, a silent mode for quick outputs, and customizable settings. If you’re not a bash expert, this tool makes it easier by generating commands with clear explanations.

AI Shell CLI tool converting natural language into shell commands

Oh One Pro

Oh One Pro is a free macOS tool for analyzing documents using ChatGPT’s o1-pro and o3-mini models. It allows you to convert PDFs and code into XML or images and efficiently handles files with simple drag-and-drop functionality. It’s especially useful for developers, researchers, and anyone needing AI-assisted document analysis on macOS.

Oh One Pro macOS tool for AI-assisted document and code analysis

NextChat

NextChat is an open-source, cross-platform AI app that supports multiple models like GPT-4, GPT-3.5, and Gemini-Pro. It provides customizable chatbot experiences with local data storage, Markdown support, and multi-language interfaces. It is compatible with various platforms, supports self-hosted models, and is available as a desktop app, web app, or deployable on Vercel.

NextChat AI chatbot with support for GPT-4, GPT-3.5, and Gemini-Pro

Sonic

Sonic is a platform developed by Tencent and Zhejiang University that generates realistic portrait animations from audio. It produces natural facial expressions, smooth head movements, and stable videos in various styles and resolutions. A great tool for creating animated characters for your projects.

Sonic AI-powered portrait animation tool generating realistic facial expressions

Posting

Posting is a tool that lets you send and test HTTP requests directly from your terminal. It’s like Postman or Insomnia but designed for developers who prefer working in the command line or over SSH. You can import API details using OpenAPI specs and save your requests in easy-to-read YAML files, making it easier to track changes. If you’re into coding and need a fast, no-frills way to work with APIs, this tool is worth checking out!

Posting command-line tool for testing HTTP requests and APIs

Speaches

Speaches is designed to make working with speech technology easier and more efficient. It helps process, analyze, and generate speech content, including transcribing audio, summarizing spoken text, and creating natural-sounding voice outputs. A great tool for anyone working with speech technology, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer.

Speaches AI tool for speech processing, transcription, and voice generation

Toolpad

Toolpad, created by MUI, is an open-source, low-code tool that helps developers quickly build React apps and dashboards. It simplifies the creation of internal tools with a drag-and-drop interface while allowing you to use your own React components. A great tool if you need to build an app quickly.

Toolpad low-code platform for building React apps and dashboards

Dashy

Dashy is a self-hostable, customizable dashboard designed to help you organize and access your self-hosted apps quickly and securely. It offers features like status checks, widgets, themes, and a UI editor, with optional basic authentication for added security. If you’re looking for a simple way to streamline your home lab or app management, Dashy is worth exploring!

Dashy self-hosted customizable dashboard for managing apps

Neko

Neko is a self-hosted virtual browser that runs in a Docker container. It allows you to securely access the internet or collaborate with others in a shared browsing environment. It supports various configurations, including ARM-based systems. While it provides flexibility for advanced users, it also includes zero-knowledge installation options for beginners, making it easy to set up even if you don’t have Docker experience.

Neko self-hosted virtual browser running in a Docker container

StandardSchema

StandardSchema is a tool designed for TypeScript libraries to encourage interoperability among validator tools in JavaScript. By following this standard, tools can work with these rules without needing extra adapters for each different library. This allows developers to set things up once and use them anywhere, saving time and effort.

StandardSchema tool for TypeScript interoperability in JavaScript validation

Dagger

Dagger is a library for creating components in Laravel’s Blade templating engine, inspired by Laravel’s anonymous components but with extra features.

Its standout feature is the compiler, which efficiently inlines your component code, performs optimizations, and introduces powerful capabilities like Attribute Cache, Attribute Forwarding, and Slot Forwarding. If you’re a Laravel developer looking to streamline component creation and boost performance, Dagger is definitely worth checking out!

Dagger Laravel Blade component library for enhanced templating

NginxUI

Nginx UI is a web-based tool that simplifies Nginx server management by offering a clean, user-friendly dashboard with real-time stats. It features server block management, SSL/TLS setup, and reverse proxy configuration. If you’re looking for an efficient way to manage your Nginx server without hassle, Nginx UI is definitely worth exploring!

Nginx UI web-based tool for easy Nginx server management

The post Fresh Resources for Web Designers and Developers (February 2024) appeared first on Hongkiat.

Behind the fine print: Understanding AI apps and privacy

Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/understanding-ai-apps-and-privacy

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the contemporary zeitgeist — yet ethical considerations around the subject remain unresolved. How many users are fully aware of what they’re signing up to?

Here, by honing in on the terms and conditions and privacy policies behind the most popular AI tools and apps, Ecommerce Platforms unpacks what you need to know when using these tools for your day-to-day business needs.

Continue reading Behind the fine print: Understanding AI apps and privacy

The post Behind the fine print: Understanding AI apps and privacy appeared first on Ecommerce Platforms.

WebGPU Fluid Simulations: High Performance & Real-Time Rendering

Original Source: https://tympanus.net/codrops/2025/02/26/webgpu-fluid-simulations-high-performance-real-time-rendering/

A detailed look at the techniques behind high-performance, real-time, and visually stunning fluid simulations with WebGPU.

How to Download TikTok Videos (2025 Version)

Original Source: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/download-tiktok-videos/

Ever found yourself wanting to save that perfect TikTok video but weren’t sure how? Whether you’re looking to build a collection of your favorite dance moves, cooking recipes, or just want to share videos with friends offline, I’ve got you covered.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through several proven methods to download TikTok videos, from the simplest built-in options to powerful batch downloading solutions.

Download Any TikTok Video Directly

TikTok actually makes it super straightforward to save videos right from the app. Here’s what you need to do:

Fire up your TikTok app
Locate that video you’re want to save
Look for the Share icon (it’s that arrow pointing to the right)
Hit “Save video”

TikTok mobile app save video button interface

Tip: You can also just long-press on any video to bring up the sharing menu and tap “Save video” – it’s a neat little shortcut I use all the time.

Once you do this, the video will automatically land in your device’s photo library. Simple, right?

But here’s the catch – sometimes you might notice the download option isn’t there. Don’t worry, you’re not doing anything wrong. This usually happens when creators lock down their content to protect their work. If you run into this situation, keep reading…

Quick heads up: This direct download method only works on the mobile app. If you’re browsing TikTok on your desktop, you’ll need to try one of the other methods I’m about to share.

Check out this guide on how to remove Tiktok watermark.

Batch Download TikTok Videos

If you’re looking to download multiple TikTok videos at once (maybe you’re archiving your favorite creator’s content?), PullTube by MyMixApps is your new best friend. Here’s why I love it and how to use it:

Start by downloading and installing PullTube on your Mac
Copy your TikTok video URLs
Either paste them directly or use the + button to add multiple URLs (you can separate them with spaces or new lines)
Select the videos you want and click “Download video“

PullTube interface showing URL paste options

Tip: Enable the “Convert Encoded videos to MP4” option if you want your downloads in MP4 format – it makes them much more compatible with most devices.

PullTube MP4 conversion settings

PullTube gives you a 7-day free trial, after which it costs $14.99 as a one-time purchase.

The Drag-and-Drop Champion: Downie

While PullTube is great, let me introduce you to my personal favorite: Downie by Charlie Monroe Software. What makes it special? Its incredibly intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

You literally just drag TikTok video URLs into the app, and it starts downloading automatically. No fuss, no complicated settings.

Downie app drag and drop interface demonstration

And yes, it handles batch downloads just as well as PullTube – just drag in multiple URLs, and you’re good to go.

Downie batch download process in action

Downie offers a 14-day trial period, with a one-time cost of $19.99 afterward. While it’s slightly pricier than PullTube, its seamless user experience makes it my go-to choice.

My Final Take

Downloading TikTok videos doesn’t have to be complicated. When the built-in save option works, it’s perfect for quick, one-off downloads. For those times when you need more flexibility or batch downloading capabilities, both PullTube and Downie are excellent options.

Personally, I’ve settled on Downie as my primary tool because of its simplicity and reliability, but I keep PullTube installed as a backup.

Remember to respect creators’ content and only download videos for personal use. Also, check out our guide on how to turn TikTok videos into ringtones.

Happy downloading!

The post How to Download TikTok Videos (2025 Version) appeared first on Hongkiat.

10 Common Web Development Mistakes to Avoid Right Now

Original Source: https://www.sitepoint.com/common-web-development-mistakes/?utm_source=rss

Discover the top 10 common web development mistakes that can hurt your site’s performance, user experience, and SEO.

Continue reading
10 Common Web Development Mistakes to Avoid Right Now
on SitePoint.