As a UI/UX designer, your ultimate aim is to create products that are intuitive, user-friendly, and enjoyable for your target audience. To achieve this goal, you’re always looking for ways to optimize your workflow and enhance the user experience.
Taking advantage of specialized ui/ux design tools, tools that enable you to create, test, and improve your designs is an essential component of this process. We’ll cover some top tech tools for UI/UX designers in this article. To assist you in producing high-caliber designs, each tool has special features and capabilities.
How Can I Select The Best UI/UX Designing Tool?
Here is a short list of selection criteria which you should keep in mind before selecting the best UI/UX tool:
TEMPLATE LIBRARY: When choosing UI/UX design software, a template and shapes library can be essential because they can help designers save a lot of time and effort. A template and shape library helps speed up the design process, boost productivity, and guarantee design consistency.
INTEGRATION: Because they can significantly increase collaboration and workflow efficiency, software integrations are a crucial factor to take into account when choosing a UI/UX design tool.
PRICING: It’s crucial to take into account the software’s features, usability, and overall quality when determining price, as well as any possible cost savings that may arise from greater productivity and efficiency.
USABILITY: Because it directly affects the effectiveness and efficiency of the design process, usability is a crucial factor to take into account when choosing a UI/UX design software. A software programme with an easy-to-use interface and straightforward navigation can facilitate the production of excellent designs by designers.
Comparing The Best UI/UX Tools
| Name | Available On | Purpose | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucidchart | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux | Prototyping, Designing | $7.95 |
| Invision | Windows, Mac, Linux | Prototyping, UI Designing | $7.95 |
| Balsamiq | Windows, Mac | Prototyping, Wireframing | $7.5 |
| Mockplus | Web | Prototypes and wireframes | $12.95 |
| Figma | Web, Windows, Mac | Designs For Mobile | $12 |
| Adobe XD | Windows, Mac | Prototyping, Designing | $9.99 |
| Proto.io | Web | Prototyping, Animation | $29 |
| ProtoPie | Windows, Mac | Software Prototypes | $9 |
| Sketch | Mac | Prototyping, Design | $79 |
| Webflow | Mac, Windows, Linux | Prototyping | $12 |
| Axure | Mac, Windows, Linux | Prototyping | $25 |
| Framer | Web | Prototyping | $5 |
| Origami Studio | Web, Mac, Windows | Designing, Animation | Free |
| Marvel App | Web | Designing, Wireframing | $12 |
| FlowMap | Web | Sitemaps, User Flows | $15 |
| Wireframe.cc | Web | Create wireframes | $16 |
| Maze | Web | Usability Testing | $25 |
| Flinto | Mac | Interactive Prototypes | $20 |
18 Best UI/UX Design Tools
UI/UX design tools are essential for creating visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. There are many tools available in the market, but here are some of the best UI/UX designing tools:
1. Lucidchart
With its extensive template collection, drag-and-drop capabilities across an endless canvas, real-time collaboration, in-app chat, automatic sync and save, and other features, Lucidchart makes UI and UX design simple. Being a web-based app, it can be used on any device, browser, or operating system and doesn’t require any downloads or installations.
In addition to integrating with Microsoft Office, Atlassian, Salesforce, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Slack, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Jive, GitHub, Bamboo HR, Quip, and many other apps via Zapier, Lucidchart offers free add-ons for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
The two most notable advantages of Lucid chart are its value and usability. It’s one of the simplest wireframing programmes to use because of the inexpensive monthly cost, clever features, and user-friendly UI. Starting at $7.95 per month, Lucidchart also offers a freemium edition.
2. Invision Studio
InVision is an advanced UI/UX design platform for creating software products. Graphic designing tools may experiment, test, and collaborate from a single dashboard. Digital whiteboards, prototype development, planning, wireframing, and feedback management are among the features.
You may edit vectors, animate graphics, and style layers using this programme. You can also use tools like quick playback, timeline editing, and mobile device mirroring. Additionally, version rollback, push/pull changes, and shared design libraries are included in the software.
Popular platforms like Confluence, Microsoft Teams, Trello, and Slack are all integrated with this tool.InVision costs $7.95 per user every month.
3. Balsamiq
A designer can quickly produce complex wireframes with the help of Balsamiq. It combines the more advanced elements that software may provide with the straightforward clarity of paper sketching. Balsamiq has tools for team collaboration that are perfect for generating mockups in the sketch-style. You can resize or rearrange graphic design elements as well as drag and drop them.
Revision history, software prototyping, survey tools, presentation tools, and data linking are among the features. The programme is offered in cloud-based and desktop versions. Major software platforms like Confluence, JIRA, and Google Drive are all integrated with this UI solution.
Balsamiq starts at $7.50 per user per month. There is a 30-day trial that is free.
4. Mockplus
For UX designers who need to quickly produce sketches, wireframes, or high-resolution prototypes, Mockplus provides a complete solution. The drag-and-drop editor in this web-based programme makes it simple to construct even complicated designs. It shines because its collaborative functionality enables your UX design team to collaborate and create things more quickly.
A single connection also makes it simple for designers to receive input from coworkers, clients, stakeholders, and even actual users. Simply sync your design to the cloud for immediate review, comments, and developer handoff to continue working collaboratively with your team.
For up to 10 users, Mockplus is free. Paid subscriptions start at $12.95 per user per month and provide a free trial.
5. Figma
Figma is a well-known platform for UI/UX design that is cloud-based. Content management, team libraries, audio discussions, overlays, and version history are just a few of the capabilities offered by the programme. Figma has a pen tool for creating arc designs and supports AB user testing. FigJam, an online whiteboard created to facilitate collaboration, is another well-liked feature.
Additionally, you can add notes, pin files, track contributors, and collaborate in real-time with other team members. Building interactive prototype designs, specifying interactions, and producing design transitions are all tasks that this tool is well suited for. Major third-party programmes like Maze, Confluence, Zeplin, and Pendo are all integrated with this tool.
Figma starts at $12 per user each month. There is also a free plan with fewer features available.
6. Adobe XD
A potent UI design tool for high-end development work is Adobe XD. You may configure layouts, apply special effects, and create your own designs using the software. The cloud repository where the created assets are saved allows for sharing with other stakeholders.
User flows, music, animations, navigation menus, and custom passwords are additional features. Prototypes can make use of a variety of input methods, including keyboards and game controllers. Both iOS and Android devices allow you to preview designs.
Drawing pathways, curves, and lines is also made simple using Adobe XD. Adobe XD starts at $9.99 per user per month. There is a 7-day free trial available.
7. Proto.io
A prototyping system called Proto.io is meant to produce results quickly. Anyone can create a design quickly and easily using the user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. To speed up design prototyping, Proto.io offers a wide variety of pre-built components.
There are numerous interface libraries and more than 1000 templates among them. Additionally, Proto.io provides more than 6,000 digital assets, such as stock photos, icons, and sound effects. Depending on your project’s objectives, you can add various levels of interaction.
This tool is compatible with business and design programmes including Adobe XD, Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, and Figma. Costs for Proto.io start at $29/user/month. There is a free 15-day trial offered.
8. ProtoPie
You can build functional prototypes of mobile, desktop, web, and IoT apps using ProtoPie. The look and feel of the finished product can be created by incorporating interactions into your designs. Through the Interaction Library, you can also reuse components with this no-code solution. Through shareable links, you can invite an infinite number of people to see prototypes.
Additionally, you can develop interaction specs to lessen misunderstandings when handing off to developers. There are two themes available for the dashboard: light and dark. This design tool for websites and mobile apps connects with systems like Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma. Costs for ProtoPie start at $79/user/month. There is also a free option.
9. Sketch
Sketch is a well known UI/UX tool. This software enables you to create vector graphics, share designs with other team members, and organize all of your designs on a single platform. Gaining user input, automating processes, sharing prototypes, and carrying out user studies are all simple processes. Project management tools, data export capabilities, and thorough reporting are among the features.
To save them for later use, symbols, or layer styles can be kept in a central repository. P3 color profiles are supported, and native font rendering is included in Sketch, which is designed with Mac users in mind.These applications, including Flinto, ProtoPie, Maze, and Abstract, are all compatible with this UI UX design tool. Monthly fees for Sketch users start at $9.
10. Webflow
A web development platform called Webflow enables you to create bespoke websites without writing any code. It offers a fully visible canvas on which you may design with HTML5, CSS#, and JavaScript. Your design will be automatically converted into web-ready code by Webflow.Editing tools that use personalized templates to produce unique designs are among the features.
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) can be used with the design module to modify the styling of already-existing items. Webflow makes it possible to create websites without using cPanel, FTP, or domain setup. Webflow starts at $12 per user per month. There is a risk-free trial period.
11. Axure
UX experts have the ability to create realistic, workable prototypes with Axure RP, which offers an infinite number of event trigger, condition, and action combinations for exploring digital experiences. In addition, you can produce wireframes, diagrams, customer journeys, and other UX documentation alongside your detailed, practical UX prototypes.
Working forms, sortable grids, and dynamic interfaces may all be made with Axure RP widgets. Drag and drop is one technique to quickly add functional text fields, drop lists, and radio buttons. Multi-state dynamic panels can also be used to create pop-up windows and scrollable, swipe-able mobile screens.
Axure RP offers single-page adaptive views for computers, tablets, and mobile devices. It automatically recognizes when to display the proper view. Axure RP is free to use and its Pro version costs $25 per month with additional features.
12. Framer
Framer is a potent design tool that you can use to develop gorgeous interactive designs entirely on the canvas. With pre-made interactive components, polished assets, layout tools, and other features, you can quickly create realistic websites and apps. For example, you may create user interfaces for macOS, Android, and iPhones.
With Framer, you can create the user interface (UI) of a website or app with any kind of interaction, such as to-do lists, forms, galleries, and carousels. You may add genuine interactive elements that operate exactly as you would expect in addition to UI interactions, transitions, and animations that are all adjustable. As a result, without writing any code, you can precisely plan out how interactions and transitions will function in use.
Framer is free for personal use however if you want to access additional features you need to buy the paid version starting from $5 per month.
13. Origami Studio
A free design tool called Origami Studio enables designers to quickly create and share interactive interfaces. It has a Canvas where you may arrange your prototype visually by dragging, dropping, and resizing. Create and edit shape layers, text, graphics, movies, and imported layers from Figma or Sketch.
You can modify layers, groups, masks, and animation. Make a library to share and use pre-made components to speed up your workflow. Layout your components visually in the Canvas and then combine them with effective interactions in the Patch Editor. You can easily construct intricate interfaces that react to their content with Origami’s Layout tool.
It is completely free to use.
14. Marvel App
Marvel is a free online design tool that doesn’t require any special software. To simplify design, it comes with a readily available library of components and templates. All of your Marvel designs can also be saved in the cloud, allowing you to access them from any device.
The platform comes with a sizable library of pre-made elements, pictures, and symbols to assist you in visualizing your concepts and hasten the creation of your initial design. A wireframe can be created in a matter of minutes.
Marvel isn’t only for businesses, though. It offers a free plan for a lone user with a single project, and subscription plans with unlimited projects start at just $12 per month when paid annually.
15. FlowMapp
UX/UI design tools, communication tools, teamwork tools, and content preparation tools are all available through FlowMapp. Focusing on UX tools, FlowMapp’s flowchart tool aids in planning the UI and UX of applications, digital products, and websites and even provides user research features.
The sitemap tool is very simple to use and enables users to work together to generate individual pages and plan the content and specific page objectives for each of them. Due to its effectiveness in keeping teams on the same page, FlowMap is a great choice for small teams and may even enhance user experience.
It offers Pro accounts for $15 a month, with a free basic plan available.
16. Wireframe.cc
A tool with simplicity at its core is Wireframe.cc. UX/UI designers may easily create low-fidelity wireframes using Wireframe.cc without any prior knowledge. Designers can stay focused on utility and iterate without running the risk of being constrained by superfluous details or styles too soon when basic functionality is centered on minimalism.
Wireframe.cc, which has an in-browser demo and a learning resource center, is the best tool for novices. Designers are forced to communicate simply with the consumer at the forefront because of simple designs and a purposefully constrained color palette. The ease of use streamlines the design process and emphasizes the value of simplicity and functionality.
Wireframes can be shared publicly for free, while subscription options start at $16 per user each month.
17. Maze
Maze gives designers the ability to do in-depth user testing with or without prototypes, as well as to test and validate ideas, concepts, or copy. It also offers solutions for participant recruitment, product research, and reporting. Maze provides a variety of integration options, connecting to other wireframing and prototyping software including Figma, Adobe XD, InVision, Marvel, and Sketch. By combining these UI design tools with Maze’s testing capabilities, sound design decisions are consistently supported while bad ones are abandoned at an early stage.
For designers working at every stage of the process, the variety of testing that is accessible is quite helpful. Individual projects using Maze are free, but premium plans start at $25 per user per month.
18. Flinto
Flinto is a Mac programme for interactive prototyping that essentially has everything you need to make your concepts come to life. Create screen transitions and micro-interactions, add video layers by dragging videos or GIFs directly into your designs, add UI sound effects, and the list goes on.
Additionally, you can import your Sketch files. Finally, you can preview your designs using the free iOS viewer. Flinto allows you to make as many prototypes as you want for just $20 per month.
Summary
Each UX/UI design tools contributes something special and beneficial to the development of perfect UI and UX. You can list your needs and your financial constraints before selecting a programme that fits the bill.
In order to develop interactive prototypes, wireframes, and seamless user experiences, start gathering insightful data through your research.
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FAQs
1. What are the advantages of using Figma over traditional design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator?
Figma is a cloud-based design tool that allows designers to collaborate in real-time, making it easier for teams to work together on designs. It also offers features like auto-layout and prototyping, which make it faster and more efficient for designers to create responsive designs. Additionally, Figma’s pricing model is more affordable for smaller teams and individuals.
2. What are the differences between wireframes and mockups in UI/UX design?
Wireframes are low-fidelity, grayscale layouts that show the basic structure and hierarchy of a design, while mockups are high-fidelity, color designs that show the final visual look and feel of a design. Wireframes are used to quickly sketch out and iterate on design ideas, while mockups are used to finalize and refine the visual design.
3. What are the benefits of using design systems in UI/UX designing tools?
Design systems help designers maintain consistency in their designs, streamline the design process, and ensure that their designs are scalable and maintainable over time. By using design systems, designers can create reusable components and guidelines that can be used across different projects, reducing the time and effort required to create new designs.
4. How do prototyping tools help designers in UI/UX design?
Prototyping tools allow designers to create interactive prototypes of their designs, which can be used to test and validate the user experience before development. This helps designers identify and fix any usability issues or flaws in their designs, resulting in a better user experience.
