The Prototyping Tools You Need To Use For 2021

A wireframe is a type of flat digital prototype you can use to preview a web design in progress. Here are some of the best tools you can use to make wireframes today.

1. Axure

Axure is a powerful wireframing tool that allows you to do a whole lot without coding. Running on OS X and Windows, Axure lets you prototype for every major OS. Axure provides many useful features like adaptive views and conditional flow statements.

2. Adobe XD

Adobe XD is a full-fledged digital design tool that incorporates wireframing as one of its key features. This software includes a number of fairly intuitive tools for drawing, reusing and modifying vector graphics. Since Adobe is one of the biggest names in visual design software, it’s little wonder that this software has received a lot of love in the design community. With Adobe XD, you can quickly switch between wireframes and full-fledged design projects. Coming from Adobe, XD allows for easy integration with popular design software like Adobe Photoshop and After Effects. You can run Adobe XD on Android, Microsoft Windows and Apple’s major operating systems

3. Origami Studio

Origami is a wireframing tool that has received many accolades from designers for the mobile web. Originally created by Facebook, this tool currently only runs on OS X. Origami prototypes for Android and iOS, the two most dominant mobile operating systems. Compared to the previous tools, Origami is more attuned for freelancers and students of design.

4. InVision

InVision is easily the most popular wireframing tool. This tool prototypes for Android, Apple’s iOS and the web. Because InVision is a web-only application, you may find it runs a bit slower than some of its competitors.

What the Tools Have in Common

Though these tools have differences, they all share certain important qualities. All of these tools have simple interfaces that are easy to learn. This is important for people who have to use a whole host of applications in the course of their professional lives.

Learning the Art of Wireframing

Any one of these prototyping tools should provide you with excellent value and usability. Once you’ve found the right wireframing software, you’ll need to learn how to use it properly. This is one of those skills that you largely develop through practice. Still, you can learn a lot by consulting with other designers.

Plenty of digital design veterans are eager to share their expertise with others. Find at least one UI design forum where you can ask experts for tips that are relevant to your specific needs. Adobe XD Ideas is a new online content hub that is tailored to help UI designers develop their skills. Like other digital disciplines, UI design is a field with boundless opportunity. Learning new design tricks and tools can help one turn a design hobby into a career.

Whatever your experience level, you can likely benefit from improving your prototyping process. Potentially, the right prototyping software can significantly speed up your workflow as a web designer.