If you're already familiar with UX design vocabulary, you probably know what a wireframe and its purpose. Wireframing tools let you create the layout of your website design. This process is extremely useful for building the skeleton of your future site and giving valuable guidance to the web designer who will be in charge of it.
To develop these mockups and clearly define each area of your pages, there are several wireframing tools with different features to help you. Here are 17 to use freely to create your mockups and streamline communication with your contractor.
Tools to create wireframes online
Mockflow
The tool Mockflow helps you create professional wireframes for your website, as well as for your social media profiles or any other project. Your designer will know exactly which direction to take.
UXpin
Built by UX designers for UX designers, UXpin is very easy to use and lets you create your mockup in a few clicks.
Framebox
The tool Framebox allows you to create your wireframe as soon as you arrive on the site. The interface is ultra-clean and you don't need to create an account. Handy!
Wireframe.cc
In a simplified interface, Wireframe.cc allows you to draw your mockup without delay. It includes various formats to help you visualize how your site will look on tablet and smartphone.
iPlotz
The free version ofiPlotz allows you to create up to 5 wireframes. You can also add members to your projects to collaborate on the same mockup.
Gliffy
Gliffy is an online tool that helps you create various diagrams. You can also use it to draw mockups of your web project.
Pidoco
Used in 50 countries, Pidoco offers you a way to lay out your structure. If needed, you can create a collaborative project so everyone can contribute to the wireframe.
Moqups
The online tool Moqups is based on drag-and-drop. In addition, it includes a color system to help you better distinguish the areas of your site. Its very simple interface is also easy to use.
Wirefy
To use Wirefy, it is necessary to master HTML and CSS. Indeed, this tool allows you to code your site directly, making it more of a prototype than a mockup.
Whimsical
Whimsical is a collaboration tool online that includes a wireframe creation feature. With its modern interface and numerous templates, this site lets you create your wireframes easily and quickly to share with collaborators and work together in real time.
Wireframe software
Pencil
Pencil is a cross-platform open-source software and therefore free. Essential for creating wireframes on a limited budget!
Balsamiq
Balsamiq is downloadable software that allows collaboration on a mockup. It is therefore the ideal tool for entrepreneurs launching their project with partners. It is comprehensive and easy to use.
Axure RP9
Axure RP9 is Windows- and Mac-compatible software that allows you to build advanced mockups for various projects: website, brochure, mobile app… There is a collaborative version ideal for small businesses or for people hiring independent contractors.
Adobe XD
Adobe XD is the designers' tool. This collaborative software allows you to create designs for websites, applications, games, etc., to maximize the user experience.
Photoshop
If you don't have the full Adobe suite or would rather look for a dedicated tool, you can very well use Photoshop. If you're looking for resources to create your wireframes in Photoshop, Wireframe kit and a superb resource list will help you get started.
Sketch
A true blend of Photoshop and Illustrator, Sketch is an ideal tool for web design. It lets you create realistic wireframes. To help you, you can consult our article listing Sketch resources or the site Sketch App Sources.
Fireworks
Fireworks can also be used to build realistic wireframes. If you don't know how to do it, follow the guide !
The keys to a successful website wireframe
Now that you've found the wireframing tool suited to your needs, the next question is how to proceed to create a successful wireframe. And that's precisely the purpose of this section!
We won't keep you in suspense: here are 8 keys to successfully wireframe your website.
1. Limit the use of colors
The purpose of a wireframe is to show the different elements of the website. So, before adding colors, ask yourself whether they help you achieve that goal.
In some cases it’s possible. But generally, adding colors risks distracting your client or your team. They may take the colored wireframe for the final site design and focus on that, which isn’t the objective!
The ideal is to use specific shades to highlight important components, such as call-to-action, notifications, error messages, notes, etc. The style guide will be integrated later, once the overall design is approved.
2. Use real content
Web designers regularly use the famous « lorem ipsum » to fill wireframes.
Yet content has an impact on design. By using “dummy” text, you may need to make adjustments to the user interface. Conversely, including the site’s real content helps guide your decisions. Not to mention that it adds value to your work. That’s all the more important if you have to show the wireframe to a client…
3. Opt for a grid layout
Layout elements should be adjustable, interchangeable, and easily modular. Using a grid is an ideal way to quickly create a consistent structure and smoothly adapt it to the wireframe.
It can help you arrange the different elements in a very visual way, which will make it easier for your team to understand (and implement)!
4. Make buttons stand out
Users are used to clicking buttons while browsing a website, particularly to perform important actions like downloading content, sending a message, placing an order, or confirming a payment.
These buttons play a major role in converting visitors. You can be sure that your client, or your manager, will pay attention to the calls to action. Consider representing them very visibly, for example by using color (as seen in point 1).
Also, ensure consistency across all calls to action: they should share the same design, size, and color.
5. Use annotations
Sometimes certain elements cannot be illustrated visually, such as the logic behind some tabs or panels. That can lead to questions from developers or clients.
In that case, add on-screen annotations to explain the complex elements of your wireframe. That way your team will understand your solutions and you won’t need to spend too much time explaining everything. These notes will also reduce potential errors when producing the website.
6. Map user flows
The user flow refers to the path visitors take during a session. This path includes the entry point to your site, all interaction points (such as pages visited and buttons clicked up to the final transaction), and where they left the website.
It must be mapped, so as not to miss important elements, at the risk of creating friction points and causing a drop in conversions.
Determine users’ needs by asking yourself the following questions:
- What is the goal of website visitors?
- What features are they looking for?
- What initial questions might they have?
- What information might they need to navigate?
7. Turn the wireframe into a prototype
Some sites have simple, common interactions, while others offer quite advanced interfaces.
Sometimes wireframes are not enough to illustrate complex or uncommon designs. So, instead of writing long notes and spending hours on explanations, you can turn your wireframes into interactive prototypes. Which brings us to the final point…
8. Use a wireframe creation tool
Pencil, Whimsical, Mockflow, Gliffy, Balsamiq… As you saw above, there’s no shortage of solutions for creating successful wireframes!
The advantage is being able to create designs faithful to reality, easy to read and understand. Some offer more advanced features that allow you to collaborate easily or animate your wireframes for a more professional result.
Conclusion
Before launching production of your website, a mockup is essential to build the conversion funnel for visitors. Check the usability and be sure you don’t forget any important area.
These tools will let you create wireframes to visualize the final result and guide the web designer you will have selected on Codeur.com.
Now you have all the main elements to create a successful website wireframe and convey the right information to your team!
