11 budget designer tools to create interfaces and layouts
Tips Web Services / / December 19, 2019
Prototypes have become an indispensable step in the professional development of web projects and software. Prototypes make life easier for all the people involved in the process of creating a project: the client, managers, designers and developers. Prototype visualize the end product and helps to reveal serious problems in the earliest stages, helping to avoid hemorrhoids in the later stages of development.
Of course, the original sketches made, for example, on paper, and embodying the idea of first designer still has not been canceled. But the rest of his work, in which all members of the working group will be involved, it is best carried out in special software which supports editing, versioning and joint work.
Now we look at 11 services for prototyping, some of which are free, and the other part - with a very low cost price tag for this category of programs.
PowerMockup - plug-in for PowerPoint
PowerMockup - is a plugin that converts Microsoft PowerPoint into a tool for prototyping. It adds a new toolbar in PowerPoint that contains hundreds of items and icons, which you can easily drag on the slide.
PowerMockup works with Office 2007, 2010 and 2013. A single-user license costs $ 59.95 PowerMockup; License costs for the working group is dependent on the number of people in it.
Moqups - an online tool for creating mockups and prototypes
Moqups - an interactive application on HTML5, which allows to develop prototypes vector.
Tools developed 6 enthusiastic programmers from Romania, free of charge and requires no registration.
Most recently, students presented the Premium version, which has been added a few interesting features such as an unlimited number of layout changes and online interaction between members Working Group.
Fluid UI - a means of developing prototypes for iOS-, Android- and Windows-based applications
Fluid UI - Online tool for prototyping mobile applications. It can be used for creating simple layouts, and complicated high-end models and prototypes. Tools contains a library of interface elements for iOS, Android and Windows 8 apps.
Account for one project limited to 10 screens available for free. Paid plans start at $ 29 per month.
Wireframe.cc - minimalistic free online service for prototyping
Wireframe.cc differs from other instruments in an extremely simple interface prototyping without a huge amount of bloat. When you visit a website wireframe.cc service, you can immediately start drawing by dragging the mouse over the elements of the work area. To save the layout, just press the button «Save», after which the service will generate a unique URL, which you can share with others or add it to your bookmarks.
Wireframe.cc currently free, the premium version with additional. features expected in the near future.
Axure RP
Prices of the software starts at $ 289 for a standard license. Of course, this price is very high. However, the feature set of the program justifies the price for some categories of users.
Axure It can be used not only for creating simple layouts, but also for the creation of complex prototypes, as well as regulations.
Of the features worth to mention also the possibility to connect to the client's project, to show him result, monitor feedback, manage the discussion, it is convenient to communicate with the members of team.
Axure - is a desktop software available for Mac OS X and Windows.
Balsamiq Mockups - a tool for rapid prototyping based on Flash
Balsamiq Mockups - perhaps the most well-known tool for prototyping.
Product, released in 2008 by a single programmer, is now used by tens of thousands of customers. service team has grown to 11 full-time employees.
Balsamiq Mockups seeks to convey the experience of layout drawing on paper, so the prototypes do not look so formal, as in other programs.
You can use Balsamiq Mockups directly in the browser (requires Flash) or download as an Adobe AIR application. A single-user license costs $ 79.
Pencil - prototyping tool for open source
Pencil - open source tool for creating layouts GUI-and prototypes. It contains a large number of built-shapes, ranging from general-purpose elements and elements flowcharts to user interface controls (it as a desktop application and a Mobile).
You can also download a custom collection of items from the Download section on the website Pencil. The tool is available as a stand-alone version for Linux, Windows and Mac OS X. It can also be used as an extension to Firefox.
UXToolbox - a tool for prototyping on Windows
Through UXToolbox you can create models and prototypes for interactive mobile applications, websites and desktop software.
What is interesting, the program allows one-click switch between sketch and per-pixel-verified prototype.
After you finish working on a project, you can export the layout to HTML, PNG, XML and Word or print materials for the working group.
UXToolbox works with Windows XP and later versions, and costs £ 159 (about $ 240) per copy.
Mockups.me - tool for creating user interfaces
Mockups.me very similar to Balsamiq Mockups, but has several advantages. In particular there have Mockups.me application for IOS and Android. Furthermore, Mockups.me includes a built-in communication system for feedback collection via annotations, and comments.
The cost of the desktop version of Mockups.me - $ 49 for the tablet version is available for $ 19.99, and the price for the web version starts at $ 99 per year.
Live Wires - application for the creation of prototypes for the iPad
Live Wires It will help you to test and create prototypes directly on your iPad. The application can be used to create interactive prototypes of applications for the iPhone and iPad.
Live Wires includes a large collection of easily customizable items uprvleniya.
Prototypes can be exported via email and then import to another utsroystvo.
Live Wires are now available at a special introductory price of $ 9.99.
HotGloo
My favorite tool for prototyping. he devoted A separate article.
Summary
As you can see from the above list, there is a wide range of tools available to prototype, from which you can choose the one that is right for you.
Have you used any of them? If so, please share your experiences in the comments.