Best Wireframe Tools for UX/UI Designers

Using the right wireframe tools maximizes your mobile, software, or web designs’ user experience design (UX) and user interface design (UI). They determine what you get in the completed designs, say the professionals that know best, i.e., UX/UI designers.

Wireframe tools come in all varieties, so we’ve taken the time to bring you the best.

1. UXPin

For a simple wireframe that is compatible with all platforms, including both Mac and PC, you’ll want to use UXPin. The service is trusted by some big names like HBO, PayPal, Microsoft, and SONY, so you know something special is happening here.

With interactive elements, your designs won’t fall into chaos, and you can be confident that the easy-to-use interface won’t become confusing or cause you to trip up at crucial design points. You can join UXPin for free, granting you access to essential prototyping tools. You’ll likely want to pay for the Basic or Advanced packages if you’re more advanced. For larger design teams, enterprise options are available on a custom pricing scale.

2. Axure RP

Axure has long been one of the best wireframe and design tools available for designers everywhere. The clean, intuitive interface makes both UX and UI design simple and effective while providing cloud storage, so you never have to lose another project to forgetting to hit the “save” button.

The cloud allows your entire team to access the project from a single point, so the days of sharing files via email are long gone. Axure RP is focused on streamlining the design process for everyone involved, making it one of the most advanced and trusted design tools.

Wireframe tools must be both easy to use and cost-effective, and Axure RP is both. The Pro version is missing that all-important cloud storage, so for the best possible Axure experience, you’ll want to pay for Axure Team, complete with cloud storage, revision history, and more!

3. Canva

The visual aspects of your design are essential to both UI and UX. For stunning designs and an easy to use design tool, you’ll want to give Canva a trial run. This free service allows you to easily create graphics and visuals online, making the tool compatible with any platform.

Easy drag and drop tools make this platform easy to use and accessible to experienced and beginner designers. The best part is that Canva is free to individual users but comes with limited storage and design options. If you’re looking for more storage and features, you can sign up for the Canva Work Plan.

4. Mock Flow

Mock Flow is one option for creating and testing your UI ideas quickly and effectively, as it is an intuitive and powerful online tool that can help shape the way you design your UI and bring your concepts to life quickly.

Mock Flow takes a more straightforward approach to the design without all the complexity of some other wireframe tools. You’ll appreciate this feature when you need to sketch out an idea within a time limit and don’t have the time to learn complex processes or software. Mock Flow keeps things streamlined for maximum productivity.

The Basic package is free for one user but comes with several limitations. To maximize your experience with this great software, you’ll want to use either the Premium Package or the TeamPack. The Business package is the tool’s best value, at $89/month, complete with all TeamPack features plus dedicated 24/7 support and other great features that will help your design process flow better.

5. Sketch

Sketch is a Mac-based design tool that started back in 2010. Since then, the tool has made waves and become a trusted tool for its dedicated user base; streamlining design and making intuitive interfaces the standard for wireframe tools.

More lightweight than its competitor, Adobe Illustrator, this is an excellent option for those who don’t care for Adobe Software in terms of usability or cost. Sketch continues to provide a simple tool for creating attractive and functional designs and is quite affordable for those looking for something cheaper than Adobe.

After your subscription year is complete, you’ll still be able to utilize the software for your designs, but you’ll no longer receive updates. You’ll also get Sketch Cloud access, so all your designs will be stored in a secure and easily accessible place.

6. Adobe Illustrator

This software is Adobe’s heavyweight champion in design. Creating simple low-fidelity mockups and wireframes is this software’s forte, making the design process simple and streamlined. With Creative Cloud, you can easily save and share your designs with your team, making sure that your information is stored in a secure place.

With plenty of vector design features, a low price tag, and easy collaboration tools, Adobe Illustrator easily made the list of the best wireframe tools.