Like breathing is a major component of life, so also is wireframing the blueprint for every UX UI product design. It is a mere fallacy to talk about making a wonderful design without wireframe tools.
This even though as a designer, you can’t do without a wireframe tool
You might have encountered many wireframing tools that might not have given you all you need to make an excellent design. If you’re in search of the best tools that you won’t have to pay through your nose, we’re here to help!
This article has compiled a list of the best free wireframe tools with unique features. The table of contents below will guide you.
Table of contents
Best Free Wireframe Tools
Here are the best wireframe tools you can use for free. Note that they are free doesn’t mean you won’t pay for a subscription. It simply means that they have free trials, and some have free basic plans, which you can start with.
- UXPin
- Adobe XD
- Axure RP
- Paper Prototyping
- Balsamiq Mockups
- Photoshop
- Sketch
- Wireframe.cc
- Mockplus
- Fluid UI
#1. UXPin
Price: From $19 per editor per month
UXPin is one of the best wireframe tools. This wireframing tool gives you a good intuitive GUI, simple icons, and a solid library of Ui components.
Also, with this tool, you can import and export files to Sketch and Photoshop, allowing you to turn your wireframes into complete prototypes further down the line.
Some excellent collaboration features include an intuitive interface, reading sketch and P5 files, and top presentation tools. The only drawback is that there is no free version of this tool.
Read Also: 15 Productive Tools for Remote Workers in 2023
#2. Adobe XD
Price: From £9.98 per month (single app) or £49.94 per month as part of Creative Cloud
Adobe XD is another top wireframing tool we recommend, especially if you’re into design. This tool is a vector-based design tool available for Mac, Android, IOS, and Windows.
With it, you can sketch a wireframe and create site maps, flowcharts, and storyboards. In addition to these features, the tool also has cross-platform, creative cloud integration and other advanced features.
One exciting thing about Adobe XD is that it’s compatible with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, Adobe Fonts, and Adobe Stock.
The major drawback is that the full version needs a subscription, which means there is no free version except if you have a creative cloud subscription.
#3. Axure RP
Price: From $25 (pro) per user per month
If you are into UX Pro design, this Axure RP is best for you. It is one of the best free wireframe tools for designs. With this tool, you won’t only create low-fi wireframes, but you can add more functionality and build high-fidelity ones.
It allows you to create interactive HTML mockups for both websites and applications, and you can view your app design on your phone using the built-in sharing feature.
Another interesting feature of this tool is that it has a learning curve that is rarely found in other free wireframe tools.
This is an excellent option for seasoned UX professionals who want to pass on their designs to developers. Note it is available only in macOS and Windows.
#4. Paper prototyping
Price: Free
Pen and paper are the ultimate free wireframing/prototyping tools regarding time and capital cost, accessibility, learnability, and practicability.
Compared to other free wireframe tools, the most significant difference is that pen and paper are free and easy to obtain. You can quickly build a wireframe with a few lines, no matter where you are.
The major challenge with this tool is that it’s not suitable for big projects but only the small ones. The large program may cost you a lot of energy to save widgets and present the whole project.
Also, it is only for android.
Read Also: 15 Free Team Collaboration Tools in 2023 | Realtime Access
#5. Balsamiq Mockups
Price: From $89 for one user for a desktop; from $9/month for a web version
Next on our list is Balsamiq Mockups. Even if you have no prior experience, Balsamiq Mockups makes it very simple to pick up and start making wireframes. This tool is perfect for creating a simple, low-fi wireframe rather than a polished prototype.
It is quick to use and has a small learning curve. The only pitfall is that it is only low-fi wireframes which are not always good for designs.
Notwithstanding, considering the well-integrated collaboration tools and user testing, this is an excellent option for non-techies and lean UX teams.
Note Balsamiq is available in Mac, Windows, Linux, and web browsers.
The major challenge is that Balsamiq Wireframes is not the best for building larger prototypes and lacks animations or interactive features. So, if you want to simulate the UX of your software, then you must be able to program interactions and export them as an interactive PDF.
#6. Photoshop
Price: From $19.99 per month as part of Adobe Creative Cloud
Need a tool with rich features with industry standards? Photoshop got all you covered. When it comes to design applications in general, Photoshop is the industry standard. There are no special wireframing features; it does not, for example, include libraries of interface elements.
However, there is no reason why you can’t use it for wireframing. Indeed, since it is so well integrated with other Adobe tools and services, such as Adobe Fonts and Adobe Stock, Photoshop could be the best.
#7. Sketch
Price: $99
Sketch is another free wireframe tool. It is an excellent tool for creating simple wireframes, and its Symbol function allows you to repeat elements through your layout automatically. You will find many third-party UI kits to download if you want to create a complete prototype.
Moreover, unlike Adobe apps, it is available for a one-time fee with no subscription required.
This tool has a strong UI focus and a lightweight and intuitive interface. The only challenge is that it is only available on Mac.
#8. Wireframe.cc
Price: Single user — $120/year, enterprise — $990/year
Wireframe.cc is a static wireframe design tool available online. This tool should be your dish if you are a fanatical minimalist designer. Even without registering, you can quickly get started on the website.
The interface is excellent and concise; designers will not be distracted by the lengthy website introduction or the tedious popping box, and full focus will enable you to perfect your design.
The drawback of this free wireframe tool is that it has no animation or interaction options provided and it also lacks mockup creation, presentation tools, prototyping, screen capture, and feedback management.
#9. Mockplus
Price: Basic-free; Pro-$29 per month
Mockplus is another tool in our list of free wireframe tools. It is a fast wireframe tool allowing you to do perfect interactive wireframe work as fast as possible.
Similarly, Mockplus provides massive resources accessible at your hand. Besides, it supports exporting MP files from Sketch directly, so prototyping with Sketch is easy.
Additionally, Mockplus provides eight methods for sharing and testing wireframes or prototypes, which cover platform and network barriers. You have a wide range of options, whether you are using a mobile device, a browser, or a desktop computer.
Furthermore, with mockplus, you can complete any project’s page structure with just one click because the tool has Mindmap Design Mode.
The only challenge with this tool is that you cannot create high-fidelity designs because it has low and medium-fidelity wireframes.
Read Also: 15 Free Mobile App Development Tools For Beginners in 2023
#10. Fluid UI
Price: Individual-&8.25 per month; Pro-$19.08 per month; Team-$41.58 per month
Last but not least on our list of Free Wireframe Tools is Fluid UI. Fluid UI is a unique free tool for wireframing designs. It helps in gestures and animations. And also it has a high-fidelity wireframe design. This tool has more than 2500 widgets and icons customized for designing a wireframe,
Moreso, it allows its users to export the full view and use it as a flow document. Another interesting feature is that Fluid UI lets you get real-time collaboration for teams.
Note the only challenge is that you cannot upload multiple images simultaneously.
Conclusion
You now have the list of our best free wireframing tools. It is also expedient to take note of the different features because each tool has its unique features to help you produce professional-looking wires quickly and efficiently.
And while they all have their downsides, finding the right wireframe tool will depend on your or your team’s needs.
References
- https://www.mockplus.com/blog/post/free-quick-wireframe-tools
- https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/free-wireframing-tools/
- https://www.creativebloq.com/wireframes/top-wireframing-tools-11121302
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