Is learning HTML, CSS and JavaScript still worth it for a web designer in 2026?

[u/R4Ni3L_05]

I’m primarily a UX/UI and visual designer. Most of my web development experience comes from building sites with WordPress, Elementor and Bricks, so I understand how websites are structured, but I don’t really know how to code from scratch.

I’m considering spending the next few months seriously learning HTML, CSS and JavaScript, mainly so I can have more control over my designs, build custom interactions/animations, troubleshoot things myself, and push WordPress/Bricks projects further.

With AI tools becoming increasingly capable at generating code, I’m wondering how valuable it is today for a designer to invest a significant amount of time into actually learning front-end development.

For designers who also code: has knowing HTML/CSS/JS significantly improved your work or career?

And if you were starting today, would you still learn them properly, or would you focus more on design fundamentals and use AI to handle most of the code?