5 Brilliant Wireframe Tools That You Should Be Using

If you’re not using modern wireframing tools, you’re doing yourself and your design team a disservice. Wireframing tools are intuitive, simple, and powerful; granting you the ability to create magnificent wireframes and prototypes from scratch. Many wireframe tools can help take your design all the way from conception to implementation, so everything is done within one platform. For the ultimate in convenience and design, here are five brilliant wireframe tools that you should be using.

1.Sketch

 To better organize and design the visual elements of your wireframe, you’ll want to use the powerful design tool known as Sketch. Sketch is an affordable, versatile software that is available to MacOs users only. With hundreds of available plugins, non-destructive editing capabilities, code export tools, and much more, Sketch is one of the best tools on the market for creating flawless designs.

Sketch for Teams is in its beta phase, and is essentially a cloud-based sharing platform aimed at increasing the synchronicity among your team while working together on design projects. Everything is stored on the cloud, accessible by everyone in the team, and saved automatically when edits are made.

Sketch is compatible with other tools like Axure RP, so you can easily transfer your designs to programs that will create mockups and prototypes; or, you can simply create a prototype directly within Sketch’s interface.

For just $99/year, you can obtain a personal license to use Sketch. After one calendar year, the updates will not be applied to your software anymore until you resubscribe to the service. This is affordable, easy to use, and powerful wireframe tool should definitely be on your list of “must-haves” for 2019.

2.Axure RP

 When you use wireframe tools, you want them to be simple and efficient. Axure RP pretty much gives you everything you need to take your designs from concept to final prototype and beyond. With wireframe, mockup, and prototyping tools, this all-in-one package is not only a great value, but an excellent addition to your arsenal of design tools, as it is compatible with plenty of other programs as well.

Axure is lightweight and powerful; everything you need to improve your designs and take your business to the next level. With an interface that takes a little getting used to, you can expect a minor learning curve when you’re using the software; but it’s well worth it once you get the hang of it.

Axure is the only tool you’ll need to ensure your designs are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, all without breaking the bank. Axure RP starts out at just $29 per user per month for the Pro package, which includes cloud storage. You can upgrade to the Axure Team package for $49 per user per month, which includes everything in the Pro package, plus co-authoring and team project cloud storage.

3.UXPin

 Simplicity doesn’t necessarily mean ineffectiveness. Sometimes, all you need are the simplest tools to increase your productivity. UXPin is a simple, web-based platform is available across all devices; Mac, Windows, or even just in your browser. You can design, prototype, and collaborate in all in one easy to access place.

Trusted by HBO and Paypal, among others, UXPin is a free service (if you choose the basic package for one user) that can increase the fidelity and interactiveness of your wireframes and prototypes. Static images and designs can only take you so far before you need to feel out how your designs will work; that’s where UXPin comes in.

UXPin has paid packages with extra features for those businesses who need a little more bang for their buck. You can choose between a $12/month and a $20/month plan, or, if you’re looking for even more, there is an enterprise plan that is custom-priced to meet your specific needs.

 4.Proto.io

 With over 500,000 users and even some high-profile clients like Disney and ESPN, Proto.io is one of the best design tools out there for creating effective wireframes. You can design directly within the software, create a prototype, and preview your projects on any device.

Collaboration is simple, as everything is stored within the software and easily accessible by the entire team. You can leave comments or even video feedback on projects for maximum synchronicity. If you’re a Sketch or Photoshop user, you can easily upload and integrate your designs with Proto.

For $24/month, you can subscribe to the Freelancer package, which allows for one user and up to five active projects. If you’re a bigger team or need extra features, you can try the Startup, Agency, and Corporate packages; which are $40, $80, and $160 respectively. The corporate package comes with ten active user profiles and can support up to thirty active projects for larger design teams.

 5.Adobe Creative Cloud

The Adobe Creative Cloud has some of the world’s best design tools available. From Photoshop to Illustrator, to InDesign and Adobe XD, the Adobe Creative Cloud has everything you need to create effective wireframes, graphics, and prototypes. The tools are easy to use and remain some of the most popular design tools available for their versatility and intuitive interfaces.

Each program is available separately for $20.99/month, but you can also gain access to the entire Creative Cloud for just $52.99/month. This is, of course, without the stock images, videos, etc., that Adobe is famous for. If you want them included in your package, you’ll be paying around $82.98 per month.