Wireframing Tools

What is a Wireframe?

A wireframe is a visual layout diagramming a website's navigable components without graphics or style elements so that a clear structural and functional overview of the design is presented. Often UX designers use wireframes to evaluate the flow and usability of the site before tackling the aesthetic appeal of the planned website.

The simplicity of wireframes allows designers to strip the website or mobile app down and focus on the functions and usability rather than the visual aesthetic. The wireframe differs from the prototype in that it is purposely low-fidelity and does not necessarily resemble the final product like a working prototype or mockup would, except in how the user's interaction with the website is guided.

What are Wireframing Tools?

Wireframing tools allow users to diagram their work and share with collaborators, or facilitate an approval workflow. Wireframing workspaces and tools prefer a sketchpad, grid-based or bare bones visual style with drag-and-drop editor for functional, no-distraction representation of the website. More complex tools allow users to add in interactive features such as mobile gestures, transitions, buttons, checkboxes, drop-down menus, hover status, etc., without requiring users to write code. Enterprise level tools brand themselves as collaborative design platforms and allow teams to build workflows and collaborate, with features such as commenting, threading, version control, etc.

Wireframing Features & Capabilities

Wireframing tools may include some of the following functionalities:

• Grid based design layout
• A UI component library containing commonly used elements
• Drag-and-drop design tool
• Wireframe templates
• Diagramming and flow charts
• Sharing features
• Collaboration features such as commenting and threading
• Version control
• User testing
• Integration with commonly used collaboration tools

Pricing Information

Many vendors offer free or low cost plans with no collaboration features to support a single creator managing a single project. Paid versions of wireframing software support collaborations and file sharing across multiple users and large teams allowing them to interact, share feedback, or work on projects together in real time, with integrations with third-party software like cloud storage or creative suites, version and license management, and on-premise installation and customer support for enterprise level customers.