Axure RP is the standard in interactive Mac wireframe software and empowers you to quickly and easily deliver much more than typical wireframing tools. This wireframing program covers sitemaps and various UI elements. Interactive HTML mockups would be designed for both websites and apps. Adobe XD: Mac, Windows, and mobile-viewing support. When it comes to which wireframing tool is best, it all boils down to personal preferences. Fortunately, since we have broken down.
Omnigraffle vs. Balsamiq
OmniGraffle and Balsamiq do about the same thing. They are desktop apps for quickly making wireframes, mockups, page layouts, etc. Here are some of the differences:
1. Omnigraffle
- Desktop app: $149.99-$249.99
- Web app: n/a
- High fidelity: high level of detail, therefore take longer to create but look more like the actual page
- Slightly higher learning curve than Balsamiq (in my opinion). But I prefer Omnigraffle overall for my style of developing wireframes.
OmniGraffle Examples:
2. Balsamiq
- Balsamiq pricing starts at $9/month
- Low fidelity: meaning the wireframes have less detail. Often times Balsamiq wireframes will resemble a rough sketch.
- Pro: Because they are low-fidelity, you can often draw up Balsamiq wireframes very quickly
- Cons: Sometimes they don’t look as professional as using OmniGraffle
Should you choose Balsamiq of OmniGraffle?
Balsamiq is better for sketching, OmniGraffle is best when you have to show clients something more sophisticated. Both Balsamiq and Omnigraffle have free trials. So why not give them a try and see what you think.
Best Tool For Wireframing On A Macbook Air
Balsamiq examples:
Here are a few of my favorite alternatives to Balsqmiq and OmniGraffle.
3. Keynote
Honestly, Keynote is probably the best wireframing tool out there. It’s easy to learn. It’s cheap. Everyone with a Mac has Keynote so it’s compatible and others can easily open it up on their laptop. Plus the final result looks pretty dang good!
- Pro: Free with an Apple MacBook, easy to use.
- Con: Not as full-featured as the other options on this list
- Pro tip: Look into Keynotopia for the template to use with Keynote
4. Wireframe.cc
- Pro: An easy way to just… start. Great for something quick, and low fidelity
- Con: You can “save” to a URL, but can’t export to a file
The following are the questions my students asked me after UX class and my honest opinions:
5. What are some other popular wireframing tools?
Here’s a list of three more wireframing tools that are very popular:
- Fluid UI – http://www.fluidui.com/
- Axure – http://www.axure.com/
- Sketch — https://www.sketch.com/
FAQ:
a. Can you use Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop for wireframes?
You can. But they aren’t as optimized for wireframes. I find that it takes me more time using those programs.
b. Can you use Adobe InDesign for wireframes?
I’ve never tried it personally. But here’s a tutorial with some thoughts on InDesign and wireframes.
Omnigraffle vs. Balsamiq
OmniGraffle and Balsamiq do about the same thing. They are desktop apps for quickly making wireframes, mockups, page layouts, etc. Here are some of the differences:
1. Omnigraffle
- Desktop app: $149.99-$249.99
- Web app: n/a
- High fidelity: high level of detail, therefore take longer to create but look more like the actual page
- Slightly higher learning curve than Balsamiq (in my opinion). But I prefer Omnigraffle overall for my style of developing wireframes.
OmniGraffle Examples:
2. Balsamiq
- Balsamiq pricing starts at $9/month
- Low fidelity: meaning the wireframes have less detail. Often times Balsamiq wireframes will resemble a rough sketch.
- Pro: Because they are low-fidelity, you can often draw up Balsamiq wireframes very quickly
- Cons: Sometimes they don’t look as professional as using OmniGraffle
Should you choose Balsamiq of OmniGraffle?
Balsamiq is better for sketching, OmniGraffle is best when you have to show clients something more sophisticated. Both Balsamiq and Omnigraffle have free trials. So why not give them a try and see what you think.
Balsamiq examples:
Here are a few of my favorite alternatives to Balsqmiq and OmniGraffle.
Best Tool For Wireframing On A Macbook
3. Keynote
Honestly, Keynote is probably the best wireframing tool out there. It’s easy to learn. It’s cheap. Everyone with a Mac has Keynote so it’s compatible and others can easily open it up on their laptop. Plus the final result looks pretty dang good!
- Pro: Free with an Apple MacBook, easy to use.
- Con: Not as full-featured as the other options on this list
- Pro tip: Look into Keynotopia for the template to use with Keynote
4. Wireframe.cc
- Pro: An easy way to just… start. Great for something quick, and low fidelity
- Con: You can “save” to a URL, but can’t export to a file
The following are the questions my students asked me after UX class and my honest opinions:
5. What are some other popular wireframing tools?
Here’s a list of three more wireframing tools that are very popular:
- Fluid UI – http://www.fluidui.com/
- Axure – http://www.axure.com/
- Sketch — https://www.sketch.com/
FAQ:
a. Can you use Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop for wireframes?
You can. But they aren’t as optimized for wireframes. I find that it takes me more time using those programs.
b. Can you use Adobe InDesign for wireframes?
Best Tool For Wireframing On A Mac Os
I’ve never tried it personally. But here’s a tutorial with some thoughts on InDesign and wireframes.