Top 10 Wireframe Tools For Designers

Wireframe tools help designers bring their ideas to life before they move on to high-fidelity design or development. A wireframe is a basic visual guide used to suggest the layout and placement of fundamental elements on a webpage or app screen.

Wireframing is a crucial part of the UX/UI design process, allowing designers, developers, and stakeholders to communicate and collaborate better. In this blog, we’ll explore the 10 best wireframe tools available today and help you choose the right one for your workflow.

What to Look for in a Wireframe Tool

Before choosing a wireframe tool, keep these factors in mind:

• Ease of Use: Should be intuitive with a minimal learning curve.
• Collaboration Features: Real-time collaboration, comments, and version history are useful for team projects.
• Exporting Options: Should allow you to export wireframes as images, PDFs, or interactive prototypes.
• Tool Compatibility: Integration with other design or development tools can save time.
• Affordability: Some tools offer free versions or trials, which is great for freelancers or small teams.

Top 10 Wireframe Tools for Designers

1. Figma

Figma is a cloud-based design tool popular for UI/UX design, offering wireframing, prototyping, and real-time collaboration features.

Key Features:

• Browser-based, no installation needed
• Collaborative in real-time
• Interactive components and prototyping
• Commenting and feedback tools
• Plugins and integrations
• Version control

Pros:

• Excellent for remote teams
• Powerful free plan
• Works on any platform

Cons:

• May feel overwhelming for beginners

Best For: Teams needing advanced collaboration and prototyping

2. Adobe XD

Adobe XD is part of Adobe Creative Cloud and provides a robust platform for wireframing and interactive prototyping.

Key Features:

• Vector-based design
• Auto-animate transitions
• Component states
• Voice prototyping
• Adobe Cloud integration

Pros:

• Seamless Adobe ecosystem
• Fast and responsive
• Supports both Mac and Windows

Cons:

• Limited free version
• Lacks some advanced collaboration features

Best For: Designers already using Adobe products

3. Sketch

Sketch is a vector-based design tool available for macOS, known for its simplicity and powerful plugin ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Symbols and reusable components
• Artboards and grids
• Plugin support
• Easy exporting
• Cloud collaboration (via Sketch Cloud)

Pros:

• Lightweight and fast
• Great for UI kits and design systems

Cons:

• Mac-only
• Not as collaborative as Figma

Best For: macOS users looking for a simple and efficient wireframing tool

4. Balsamiq

Balsamiq mimics the look of hand-drawn wireframes, perfect for brainstorming and early-stage design.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop components
• Low-fidelity sketch style
• Quick wireframe creation
• Cloud and desktop versions
• Export as PDF or PNG

Pros:

• Extremely easy to use
• Encourages focus on layout, not visuals

Cons:

• Limited for high-fidelity design
• Not ideal for prototypes

Best For: Beginners and brainstorming sessions

5. UXPin

UXPin bridges the gap between wireframes and functional prototypes with logic, states, and code components.

Key Features:

• Interactive states and logic
• Built-in libraries
• Real-time collaboration
• Design systems integration
• Accessibility tools

Pros:

• Great for interactive, advanced prototypes
• Works well in developer handoff

Cons:

• Higher learning curve
• Premium pricing

Best For: UX teams working on complex projects

6. Moqups

Overview: Moqups is an online wireframing and mockup tool that offers flowcharts, diagrams, and UI design in one place.

Key Features:

• Built-in shapes and components
• Page management
• Drag-and-drop editor
• Cloud-based
• Diagramming tools

Pros:

• Simple interface
• Good for collaboration

Cons:

• Limited features in free version

Best For: Teams who need both wireframing and flowcharting

Also Check: 10 Best A/B Testing Tools For 2025

7. Wireframe.cc

Wireframe.cc offers a clean and distraction-free interface for quick, low-fidelity wireframing in the browser.

Key Features:

• Minimalist UI
• Easy annotations
• Supports web, mobile, and tablet layouts
• One-click sharing
• No sign-up required for basic use

Pros:

• Ideal for fast sketches
• No learning curve

Cons:

• Limited functionality
• Not suitable for large projects

Best For: Quick drafts and client feedback

8. Lucidchart

Lucidchart is a diagramming tool that also supports wireframing, flowcharts, and process mapping.

Key Features:

• Templates and wireframe shapes
• Drag-and-drop builder
• Team sharing and permissions
• Integrates with Google, Slack, Atlassian
• Cloud-based

Pros:

• Excellent for process visualization
• Enterprise-friendly

Cons:

• Limited design customization
• Not focused purely on UI/UX

Best For: Wireframes integrated with workflows and diagrams

9. InVision Freehand

Freehand by InVision is a collaborative whiteboard for sketching wireframes, sitemaps, and notes.

Key Features:

• Infinite canvas
• Pre-built templates
• Commenting and sticky notes
• Integrates with tools like Jira and Slack
• Real-time team collaboration

Pros:

• Great for brainstorming
• Free plan available

Cons:

• Not ideal for detailed design
• Lacks high-fidelity options

Best For: Team ideation and early-stage wireframes

10. Whimsical

Whimsical combines wireframes, flowcharts, mind maps, and sticky notes in a visual collaboration space.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use interface
• UI components and flowchart elements
• Real-time editing
• Simple sharing
• Integrations with Slack and Notion

Pros:

• Lightweight and intuitive
• Versatile for different design tasks

Cons:

• Limited export options
• Free plan has restrictions

Best For: Designers who want an all-in-one visual tool

Comparison Table of the Top Tools

Tool	Platform	Best For	Collaboration	Free Plan Available
Figma	Web/Mac/Windows	Teams and advanced prototyping	Yes	Yes
Adobe XD	Mac/Windows	Adobe users	Limited	Yes (with limits)
Sketch	macOS only	Solo designers on Mac	Basic	No
Balsamiq	Web/Desktop	Beginners	Yes	Trial
UXPin	Web	Advanced UX teams	Yes	Trial
Moqups	Web	Wireframing + diagramming	Yes	Yes (limited)
Wireframe.cc	Web	Quick drafts	No	Yes
Lucidchart	Web	Flowcharts + wireframes	Yes	Yes (limited)
InVision Freehand	Web	Team ideation	Yes	Yes
Whimsical	Web	Multi-purpose visual design	Yes	Yes (limited)

How To Choose the Right Wireframe Tool for Your Needs

Choosing the right wireframe tool depends on a few factors:

• Project Complexity: For simple sketches, go with tools like Wireframe.cc or Balsamiq. For advanced interactivity, consider UXPin or Figma.
• Team Collaboration: If you’re working in a team, look for real-time collaboration options (Figma, InVision Freehand, Whimsical).
• Design to Dev Handoff: Tools like Figma, UXPin, and Adobe XD offer better handoff features.
• Platform Compatibility: Sketch is Mac-only, while others are web-based and cross-platform.
• Budget: Check for free plans or trials if you’re starting out or on a tight budget.

Final Thoughts

Wireframes are the foundation of good UI/UX design. They help visualize ideas, improve team communication, and speed up the development process. Whether you’re just starting or already a pro, the right tool can make a big difference in your workflow.

Explore these tools, try their free versions, and see what fits your style and project needs best.

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between wireframes, mockups, and prototypes? 

Wireframes are basic structural layouts. Mockups are more detailed and include visuals. Prototypes are interactive models that simulate user experience.

Q2: Are there any free wireframe tools available? 

Yes, tools like Figma, Whimsical (limited), InVision Freehand, and Wireframe.cc offer free plans or versions.

Q3: Can I use wireframe tools for mobile app design? 

Absolutely. Most tools support mobile screen sizes and templates for both iOS and Android wireframes.

Q4: Which wireframe tool is best for beginners? 

Balsamiq, Moqups, and Wireframe.cc are beginner-friendly due to their simplicity and minimal learning curves.