Although the concepts of UI and UX have different meanings, during the development of design, they are inseparable. So, UI is interface design, and UX is about user experience. 

To improve the result and simplify/accelerate the process of creating UI/UX, designers use modern tools. There are two kinds of them: user interface and user experience. We will tell you about them in the article so that you can implement impactful projects.

Design Tools for UI 

1. Sketch

This is a vector editor with a lot of third-party plugins, which appeared on the market in 2010. With this tool, designers can create vector images and icons and retouch photos. It is also suitable for preparing layouts for websites. You can use the program for 30 days at no charge. 

The developers of Sketch should be appreciated for the minimalistic design and filling of the program. There are no redundant tools and settings. And it is easy to deal with all the tools available. 

Features: 

• Simple tools (inserting shapes, drawing pencil pen); 
• Exporting files; 
• Coloring objects; 
• Mirroring elements; 
• Storage of projects in the cloud. 

2. InVision Studio

If you need a service for creating static and animated projects, InVision Studio is the perfect tool for that. This program is essentially a competitor for Sketch, but it’s still unique in its own way. Sometimes, professionals use both services. 

The first and main difference between InVision Studio and Sketch is the cross-platform nature. InVision’s strength is its useful tools for creating animated prototypes. 

Features: 

• Template catalog; 
• Version control; 
• Collaborative feature; 
• Uploading your own artwork; 
• Vector tools; 
• Zooming; 
• Effects and styles catalog; 
• Digital whiteboard; 
• Real-time updates. 

3. Axure

You can create high-quality prototypes quickly and easily with Axure. Its powerful functionality allows you to create a draft product that can easily be confused with full-fledged software. Axure also allows you to write texts inside elements. 

The only drawback of the program, according to users, is that it is difficult to use because of the many options. In addition, this program can sometimes seem a bit expensive if professionals need stronger features. 

Features: 

• Integrations with design tools; 
• Notes and specifications; 
• Flowcharts; 
• Adaptability; 
• Data-driven interfaces; 
• Dynamic panels with multiple statuses; 
• Operational forms; 
• Conditional logic; 
• Interaction tools. 

4. Craft

Accelerated prototyping is made possible with InVision’s Craft plugin, created specifically to work in Sketch and Photoshop. In addition to synchronization, the plugin offers a collaborative prototyping feature. With the help of this tool, designers can change styles, make edits, and do more than ever. 

A dominant feature of Craft is the accessibility to stock photos from the iStock website to make your layouts more relevant and complete. 

Features: 

• Synchronization with Sketch and Photoshop; 
• Interactive prototypes with your files; 
• DSM; 
• Adding details to designs; 
• High-quality images from stock sites; 
• JSON. 

5. Proto.io

Proto.io is a flexible prototyping tool. It was released in 2011 as a commercial web platform for iPad and iPhone. Today, its structure is more dynamic, and it is actively used by mobile designers, interaction designers, and user interface specialists. You can create your first prototype fairly quickly due to the clear interface and drag-and-drop feature. 

The program has a free version for 15 days. For those who want to get more, there are 4 packages available at Proto.io. 

Features: 

• Design tools import; 
• Support for any device; 
• Content import from the Internet; 
• Google and Adobe fonts (there is also an option to upload your own); 
• Reusable components; 
• Library of elements, templates, icons, and sound effects; 
• Video components; 
• Web viewer elements. 

Design Tools for UX 

1. FlowMapp

It is an excellent online service for designing the structure of the website, which allows several specialists to work on the project at the same time. With the help of the program, you can create a hierarchy of pages and analyze what will be the user’s journey. In general, FlowMapp simplifies the work of specialists at different stages of project development from presales to design. 

Remarkably, according to the rules of FlowMapp, you can work on one project for free. If you have several of them, you need to choose one of the service plans. 

Features: 

• Site map creation; 
• Flowchart creation; 
• Research tools; 
• Customer journey planning; 
• Content management; 
• Collaborative activities; 
• Activity center; 
• Internal integration; 
• Project export; 
• Project transfer; 
• Integration with Slack; 
• Archive. 

2. Balsamiq

Create dormant prototype interfaces for websites, mobile and web apps, and programs with Balsamiq. You only need a few minutes to schematically represent the appearance of the project. The layouts are created in the graphical editor, which is a space where layout elements are dragged and dropped from the toolbar. You can work on the project together with your colleagues (edit, leave comments/notes). 

On the Balsamiq site, specialists are offered to use the trial version, as well as to download the desktop version of the program. 

Features: 

• Creating schematic sketches; 
• Creating templates and icons; 
• Exporting layouts; 
• Collaboration; 
• Hotkeys; 
• Dragging and dropping elements; 
• Integrations; 
• Intuitive navigation; 
• Functional trial version; 
• Easy interface.

3. VisualSitemaps

This program helps speed up the work of the UI UX design studios by automatically creating a visual map of the site. In addition, it is possible to create high-resolution screenshots of any site. Consequently, an audit of the resource (for UI, SEO, promotion) will be made more in-depth. All you have to do is to keep the address of the site, and after a while, you will get a visual architecture. 

Like other options on our list, VisualSitemaps allows you to try its functionality for free (you have 25 free screenshots). The site does not even ask to attach a credit card.

Features: 

• 100% cloud-based automation; 
• Labeling for screenshots; 
• Site map editing; 
• Visual quality control; 
• Password-protected site scanning; 
• Export and import; 
• Simple interface; 
• Free plan; 
• Affordable prices.

4. Treejack

Treejack software helps create the information structure of the site and make sense of the content. With the help of testing, professionals can select relevant topics and place them in a way that’s easy to read. Treejack does more than you can imagine: it offers you to find out how your audience finds what they’re looking for, allows you to get the information you need quickly, and helps generate ideas in seconds. This is particularly handy if you want to enhance global UX & brand engagement with interpreting.

You can test the service right now for free (3 test tasks are available) or evaluate its features in the demo version. 

Features: 

• Testing information architectures; 
• Testing the proposed information hierarchy; 
• Provides test results in a summary or a file; 
• Complex configuration of the tree structure; 
• Free plan. 

5. Wireframe. cc

This is probably the easiest tool for rapid interface prototyping. Both professional performers and beginners will be able to work with it. There are two versions available: free and “Premium”. The free version of Wireframe. cc offers public and single-page wireframes, while the “Premium” package includes a personal account, private, clickable, multi-page frameworks, home pages, exporting, and revisions. 

Features: 

• Minimalistic interface; 
• Templates; 
• Easy way to add elements; 
• Easy to add comments to the interface; 
• Smart elements; convenient prototype saving; 
• Simple color palette; 
• Hotkeys.

6. SelfCAD

SelfCAD is a 3D modeling and UX design tool that enables users to quickly create and iterate on 3D designs. The software is easy to use and offers a wide range of features, making it an ideal tool for both beginners and experienced 3D designers.

SelfCAD also offers a wide range of export options, so users can share their designs with the world. And with its cloud-based collaboration features, multiple users can work on the same design at the same time. With its powerful yet easy-to-use tools, SelfCAD is the perfect 3D modeling and design tool for anyone who wants to create 3D designs.

Features:

• Interactive redesign tool, which allows you to make changes to your model in real-time.
• Built-in slicing tool, which makes it easy to prepare your model for 3D printing.
• Rendering  software available for creating realistic images of your designs.
• Easy to use
• Animation tools available.
• This 3D modeling software has intuitive tools for creating both simple and complex designs.

Conclusion 

Any of these tools for UI/UX design can help you create incredible projects. We have carefully analyzed the market and selected the best services that you can trust. Good luck in creating unique and attractive designs!