Axure (http://axure.com)
Things we love:
- Allows you to build rich functional prototypes – fantastic for when we need to test out complex page interactions and menus
- Multiple modes for creating full-color mockups, precise-line diagrams/process flows, as well as hand-sketched style layouts
- Comes with a library of tools that allow you to create practically anything you need, such as shapes, buttons, drop down menus, forms, and checkbox lists.
Mockingbird (http://gomockingbird.com)
Mockingbird is a bit of a departure from many of these other tools, in that it’s entirely browser-based.
Things we love:
- Browser-based, so there’s zero setup, and you can access your wireframes anywhere
- Smart text sizing inside labelled elements helps you save time when making adjustments
- Affordable pricing tiers, with a good amount of project storage
Ideal for: Freelancers looking for a simple, inexpensive tool for pitching concepts into their clients
Adobe Illustrator (http://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html)
Surprised to see this one in here? Don’t be – Adobe’s industry-standard vector graphics software allows for unlimited possibilities in wireframing and can be a great fit for any one’s typical workflow.
Things we love:
- Non-destructive editing and symbols system allows you to easily make changes based on feedback, and apply those changes across multiple elements and pages
- Integrates perfectly with a typical workflow. You can start designing right on top of the wireframes as soon as it’s approved – there’s no duplication of effort, or exporting/importing between applications when transitioning from planning and prototyping to design.
- The vector graphics nature of Illustrator means we can output wireframes at any size – perfect for large-format presentations
- Internal organization of layers and grouped vector elements allow for easy access to the elements you need. Furthermore, you can utilize multiple art boards to easily jump between different wireframes on a project.
Omnigraffle (http://www.omnigroup.com/products/omnigraffle)
A powerful diagram and process chart creator that also has added functionality for creating simple wireframes for web projects and applications.
Things we love:
- Easy to use diagram and process chart tools that allow for various levels of complexity and interaction for your diagrams and flow charts
- An active community that produces endless plugin resources (such as stencils) for all of your basic wireframing needs
- Useful interactition tools, such as toggling visibility of elements, that can optimize map and/or prototype presentations for clients
Ideal for: Diagrams and process charts of all shapes, sizes, and complexities.
Do you have a favorite wireframing tool that’s missing from this list? Let us know about it in the comments!
Michael
Thanks great ressource, you site is very often useful to me .
Johnny
Great job. Thank you for sharing!
Catriona
Great list! I love that you have written about the best cases to use the tools. My company provides a collaborative wireframing tool that’s great for larger team projects. You can check it out at http://www.pidoco.com Keep up the good work!
Emil
Have you seen Moqups yet? It’s a nifty HTML5 app and it’s free! Give it a spin and let us know what you think!
Jay
What’s missing here is at least one free option.
Jason Amunwa
Hey Jay
Actually, Mockingbird offers a free plan, and both Omnigraffle and Axure offer limited-time free trials.
Jay
Going this route you could also say that illustrator is available as trial as well. Come on Jason, i believe you have full understanding that’s not what I meant
You don’t expect professional to use different trial for each new project.
I just found that mbird has a free option. But again it is so limited that it’s useless for any professional use.
Theo
Mockflow by far