The Best WireframePro Alternatives for Seamless UI/UX Design
WireframePro, a powerful tool for drawing and collaborating on user-interface mockups, has been a go-to for many designers due to its comprehensive features like a drag-and-drop editor, numerous components (Web, Bootstrap, iPhone, Android, etc.), export options (Images, MS Word, PDF, PowerPoint), a template store ('MockStore'), and robust collaboration tools including real-time editing and annotated comments. However, specific project needs, budget constraints, or a desire for different functionalities often lead designers to seek a suitable WireframePro alternative. This guide explores some of the top contenders that can meet your wireframing and diagramming needs.
Top WireframePro Alternatives
Looking for a different approach to your UI/UX mockups, or perhaps a more generalized diagramming tool? Here are some excellent alternatives to WireframePro, each offering unique strengths and features to enhance your design workflow.
diagrams.net
diagrams.net (previously draw.io) is a free, open-source, and web-based diagram drawing application. It's a fantastic WireframePro alternative for those seeking a versatile tool with no login or registration required. It supports workflow, BPM, org charts, UML, ER, and network diagrams, and includes features like export to PDF, SVG export, Visio stencils, Google Drive and Dropbox sync, website wireframing, and an extensive library of shapes, making it highly flexible for various design tasks.
yEd Graph Editor
yEd Graph Editor is a powerful and free diagram editor available for Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, and BSD. While not exclusively a wireframing tool, its ability to quickly create diagrams manually or import external data and auto-arrange large datasets makes it a strong contender for various visual planning. It features auto-layout, BPMN diagrams, class diagrams, ER diagrams, export to SVG, and flow chart capabilities, offering a robust solution for structured visual representations.
LibreOffice - Draw
LibreOffice - Draw is a free and open-source vector graphics editor part of the LibreOffice suite, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, and as a PortableApp. This WireframePro alternative provides powerful tools for creating charts, diagrams, brochures, and more. Key features include sequence diagrams, general drawing capabilities, portability, and export to PDF, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of graphic design needs beyond just wireframing.
Dia
Dia is a free and open-source GTK+ based diagram creation program for Linux, Unix, Mac OS X, Windows, and various BSD derivatives. Roughly inspired by Microsoft Visio, Dia is an excellent WireframePro alternative for those seeking a lightweight and extensible solution. It supports diagrams, flow charts, and workflow creation, and can be extended with plugins, offering a flexible environment for various diagramming tasks.
Microsoft Office Visio
Microsoft Office Visio is a commercial diagramming and flowchart-making software that is part of the Microsoft Office Suite, available for Windows. As a robust WireframePro alternative, Visio excels in creating professional diagrams, flow charts, network maps, and workflows. It's ideal for users already integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and who need industry-standard diagramming capabilities.
Apache OpenOffice Draw
Apache OpenOffice Draw, a free and open-source component of the Apache OpenOffice suite, is a graphics editor available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. This WireframePro alternative provides tools for communicating with visuals and diagrams, focusing on desktop publishing and vector drawing. It's a solid choice for users seeking a comprehensive, free drawing application within an office suite.
Grafio
Grafio is a freemium diagramming app specifically for iPhone and iPad, making it a portable WireframePro alternative for mobile designers. It allows users to create Venn diagrams, mind maps, notes, sketches, and other custom and modifiable diagrams. Features include brainstorming, charts, drawing, flow charts, notetaking, sketching, and even voice notes, offering a versatile mobile design experience.
SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a commercial diagramming solution available for Mac, Windows, and Web. Unlike many tools that start with a blank screen, SmartDraw provides specific templates, simplifying the diagram creation process. As a WireframePro alternative, it focuses on ease of use, allowing users to add information with simple commands while the software handles the rest. Its primary features include flow charts and workflow diagrams, making it efficient for rapid visual documentation.
Diagram Designer
Diagram Designer is a simple, free vector graphics editor for Windows. It serves as a straightforward WireframePro alternative for creating flowcharts, UML class diagrams, illustrations, and slide shows. Its lightweight nature makes it an accessible option for basic diagramming needs without extensive features or a steep learning curve.
Shapes
Shapes is a commercial diagramming app for OS X. This WireframePro alternative focuses on simplicity and elegance, providing essential diagramming features without unnecessary complexity. While its feature set is more streamlined, its effectiveness for creating charts makes it a suitable choice for Mac users seeking a focused and clean diagramming experience.
Choosing the right WireframePro alternative depends heavily on your specific workflow, budget, and the types of diagrams or wireframes you need to create. Whether you prioritize open-source flexibility, robust collaboration features, platform compatibility, or specialized diagramming tools, there's an option out there to fit your design process. Explore these alternatives to find the perfect fit for your next project!