Wireframing and prototyping are essential steps in the UI/UX design process. They allow designers to map out user interfaces and interactions before development begins. Luckily, there are several powerful free tools available for both wireframing and prototyping that can help streamline the design process. Here’s a roundup of the best free tools you can use:
1. Figma (Free Plan)
Best for: Collaborative wireframing and prototyping with a cloud-based design tool.
- Key Features:
- Cloud-based collaboration, allowing multiple designers to work on the same project simultaneously.
- Versatile for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.
- Strong design systems support and vector editing tools.
- Interactive prototypes with transitions and animations.
- Why It’s Great: Figma’s free plan allows for three projects, making it a great choice for small teams or individual designers. It’s ideal for collaboration and prototyping in real-time.
- Limitations: Limited to three projects on the free plan, with limited storage.
- Platform: Web-based (Windows, macOS, Linux via browser)
2. Adobe XD (Free Plan)
Best for: A well-rounded design tool for wireframing, UI design, and prototyping.
- Key Features:
- Powerful prototyping features, including triggers, transitions, and animations.
- Allows for both design and wireframing within the same workspace.
- Integration with other Adobe tools (like Photoshop and Illustrator).
- Ability to create interactive prototypes and share them easily.
- Why It’s Great: Adobe XD offers a lot of flexibility, great design features, and is free for individuals who need basic functionality without requiring a subscription.
- Limitations: Limited to one shared document on the free plan.
- Platform: Windows, macOS
3. Sketch (Free for 30 Days)
Best for: Design-focused wireframing and prototyping for macOS users.
- Key Features:
- Simple, intuitive interface focused on UI design and wireframing.
- Flexible prototyping capabilities, including linking artboards for interactive prototypes.
- Access to a wide variety of plugins and integrations with other tools.
- Strong vector editing tools for detailed wireframes and UI designs.
- Why It’s Great: Sketch is a popular tool among UX/UI designers for creating detailed wireframes and prototypes. While it’s not completely free, the 30-day free trial is perfect for short-term projects or testing out the tool.
- Limitations: Only available for macOS. The free trial is limited to 30 days.
- Platform: macOS
4. InVision (Free Plan)
Best for: Prototyping and collaborative design feedback.
- Key Features:
- Create interactive prototypes from static images or designs.
- Ability to add transitions, gestures, and animations to make prototypes interactive.
- Collaborative feedback features, including real-time commenting and design sharing.
- Works well with other design tools like Sketch, Photoshop, and Figma.
- Why It’s Great: InVision is great for turning static wireframes into interactive prototypes and sharing them with stakeholders for feedback.
- Limitations: Free plan only allows one active prototype at a time.
- Platform: Web-based (Windows, macOS, Linux via browser)
5. Balsamiq (Free Trial)
Best for: Low-fidelity wireframing and sketch-style designs.
- Key Features:
- Focus on low-fidelity, hand-drawn wireframes, ideal for brainstorming and early stages of design.
- Simple drag-and-drop interface, allowing for quick layout and wireframe creation.
- Includes a large collection of pre-made UI elements to simplify the wireframing process.
- Collaboration and sharing features available for team feedback.
- Why It’s Great: Balsamiq’s intuitive interface and low-fidelity design style allow for rapid wireframing, making it great for early design iterations and brainstorming sessions.
- Limitations: Free trial is limited to 30 days, and the interface is not ideal for high-fidelity design or advanced prototyping.
- Platform: Web-based, macOS, Windows
6. Marvel (Free Plan)
Best for: Fast prototyping and collaboration.
- Key Features:
- Simple, easy-to-use interface for creating wireframes, prototypes, and user flows.
- Ability to create interactive prototypes with simple gestures, transitions, and animations.
- Collaboration features for feedback and sharing with team members or stakeholders.
- Integration with other design tools (like Sketch and Figma) for more detailed work.
- Why It’s Great: Marvel is ideal for creating prototypes quickly and easily, without a steep learning curve. Its collaboration tools make it easy for teams to work together.
- Limitations: The free plan only allows for one project at a time.
- Platform: Web-based (Windows, macOS, Linux via browser)
7. Pencil Project
Best for: Open-source wireframing and prototyping tool.
- Key Features:
- Free, open-source tool for creating wireframes, UI mockups, and prototypes.
- Extensive library of pre-made templates and elements for quick wireframe creation.
- Cross-platform, supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Export options for PNG, HTML, or PDF formats.
- Why It’s Great: Pencil Project is a simple and free tool with a no-cost approach to wireframing, perfect for beginners or those working on a tight budget.
- Limitations: Lacks the advanced prototyping features of some other tools and is primarily focused on wireframing.
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
8. Wireframe.cc
Best for: Minimalist, no-fuss wireframing.
- Key Features:
- A clean, minimalistic wireframing tool with an easy-to-use interface.
- Works directly in the browser without the need for installation.
- Allows for the quick creation of low-fidelity wireframes with drag-and-drop elements.
- Simple sharing options for collaboration and feedback.
- Why It’s Great: Wireframe.cc is great for designers who need to sketch quick wireframes without distractions. The simplicity of the tool makes it fast and easy to use.
- Limitations: Limited features and customization options compared to more comprehensive tools.
- Platform: Web-based (Windows, macOS, Linux via browser)
9. Proto.io (Free Plan)
Best for: Creating interactive prototypes without code.
- Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface for building wireframes and prototypes.
- Ability to add interactions, transitions, and animations for realistic prototypes.
- Easy sharing and feedback tools for collaboration with teams and clients.
- Integration with other design tools (like Sketch and Photoshop).
- Why It’s Great: Proto.io allows designers to create realistic, interactive prototypes without writing a single line of code. Its free plan is ideal for small projects or individual use.
- Limitations: Limited to one active project on the free plan.
- Platform: Web-based (Windows, macOS, Linux via browser)
10. Lucidchart (Free Plan)
Best for: Wireframing and flowcharting.
- Key Features:
- Excellent for creating flowcharts, wireframes, and diagrams.
- Collaborative design features allow teams to work on the same document in real time.
- Easy-to-use interface with a large library of templates and shapes.
- Integration with other tools like Google Drive and Slack.
- Why It’s Great: Lucidchart excels at visualizing processes, user flows, and wireframes, making it ideal for planning UI/UX designs and mapping out user journeys.
- Limitations: Free plan has limited shapes, documents, and storage.
- Platform: Web-based (Windows, macOS, Linux via browser)