5 Best Prototyping Tools (2021 Edition) To Rely On For Your Next Design Project

One of the vital steps in the UI/UX design method is how well your prototype flows. It is like revealing the best of your design efforts through stunning visuals that run equally well. 

Though, we do realize that there is a bunch of prototyping software and that it gets tricky to choose which ones to go for. Sit back and relax, because we have got your backs on this one!

In this blog, you will find the list of five best prototyping tools to rely on in 2021 for all your design outlines. The prototyping tools which are mentioned below are top-notch and give an edge to your final creative upshots.

But before we give away the power tools you can use to take your prototyping skills up a level, let’s first understand a few basic distinctions.

The terms wireframes, mockups, and prototypes are entirely different terms that are confused to be identical to each other. Here is a quick context for you to understand the differences. 

1. Wireframe (Low-Fidelity Outline)

 

It is an unpolished representation of the design you are intended to create. It need not look like the exact product but the outline should have all the necessary elements so that you cannot miss out on your final design. 

Wireframes can be tweaked throughout the project and only works as a structure to the final design to give better visual clarity. It can be either hand-drawn or through systematic prototyping software. 

2. Mockup (High-Fidelity Outline)

A refined version of your wireframe can be called a mockup. Even though mockups are non-clickable and not interactive, it is a replica of how the final product would look when it’s finalized and fully functional. 

3. Prototype (The Final Stage)

A prototype is close to a finished product that goes out for testing where for the first time, the users use the app. It is done to ensure that the user can work with the app conveniently or not without facing any complex issues. 

Prototyping works as a feedback mechanism for the developers and designers to refine the product and make it great for the best. 

Now that we know the crux of what these terms mean, let’s dive in and find out the best tools that combine all of these elements of the design process to help you ace your design project.

Adobe XD

As every faithful designer, we at Quokka Labs are also big-time fans of Adobe XD which we deem as an extremely powerful prototyping software. The premium features and elements the Adobe family stock us with makes us a loyal member of the troop. 

This vector-based prototyping tool assures the best user experience (for both mobile and web interfaces) when it comes to building effective wireframes, turning them into visually appealing mockups, and expecting efficient prototyping.

Key Features

• Comfortably Import Designs From Sketch, Illustrator & Photoshop
• Unites 3D Elements Within Your Prototypes
• Edit Once, Use The Components Multiple Times
• Voice Prototyping For Voice-Enabled Features
• Comes With Cross-Platform Ability
• Co-editing Feature To Interact In Real-Time
  

Figma

One of the most interactive prototyping tools in 2021 that has badged a lot of popularity in the market lately, Figma is undoubtedly a deserving tool in the list which we had to incorporate. It allows you to preview significant interactions and assists you in stimulating and learn the user flow in an uncomplicated style. 

Figma also combines the capacity for iterating and editing ideas with your clients, designers, and developers in real-time through the in-built collaboration functionalities the prototyping software entails.

Key Features

• Easy Drag & Drop Functionality
• Figma Plugins To Make Your Life Easier
• Availability Of Arc Tool & Vector Networks
• Ability To Play The Prototypes In Presentation Mode
• Compatible With Both- Mac and Windows (with respective mobile apps)

Sketch

The Mac owners already have their heart and soul for this one. Well, the Sketch tool is exclusively for Mac proprietors and cannot be operated on a Windows Laptop or Desktop. Nevertheless, if you own a Mac device, you won’t be disappointed with what Sketch has got in its cradle.

Used by over a million users worldwide, it works a lot like Figma, however can also be used in an offline mode, unlike Figma. The Sketch tool is often reflected as a refined and polished version of Figma but it depends on your personal user experience. 

Getting high-quality designs is no big deal when you are using Sketch, with its striking GUI elements, it makes it one of the best prototyping software to rely on.

Key Features

• Vector Inspired Graphic Tool
• Shareable Link For The Non-Mac Users To Collaborate
• Code Sharing & Exporting Quality
  
• Supported On iPhones and iPads

Marvel

The last and the most prominent in the list we have is Marvel, which indeed does a marvelous job with its up-to-date prototyping traits for both web and mobile applications. Starting from stunning concepts to rich in-built templates, marvel has got it all. 

The tool demands absolutely no coding expertise to get started with and makes your design process a smooth sail. The unique handoff facility also allows the designers the ability to present their prototypes to developers because of its automated feature.

Key Features

• Centralised Feedback Mechanism
• Easy and Fast Prototyping
• User Testing Through Efficient Rapid Prototyping
• Ready To Use Wireframes Available

InVision

If you are looking to streamline your design projects while also paying close attention to the architecture of your UI/UX frameworks, InVision does a pretty decent job for you. It is yet another amazing vector-based prototyping tool that individual designers, as well as top companies, prefer to use. It has all the essential components, elements, and responsive layouts to try out from its design library. 

You can readily export your Sketch and Figma designs into the InVision application without any hassle while it’s a tiresome process to do when exporting from Adobe XD, however, is possible. 

Key Features

• Free Animations To Use From The InVision Library
• Comes With A Cloud Flexibility
• Practical Collaboration Features 
• Real-Time Design Tweaks
• Great UI Elements 

Any More Tools You Would Like To Add To The List?

For us, these tools stand out every time you are looking for an effective prototyping experience.

It works well for getting started with drafting astonishing wireframes, well suited for both mobile apps and websites, fits for enterprise business and serves as a medium for a great collaboration. We would love to hear what tools work the best for you out of these or otherwise.

And if you want us to take care of all your website and mobile app development requirements, we would be more than happy to take ownership and responsibility on your behalf.


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