-- Axure vs Mockplus vs Balsamiq vs Invision
When it comes to building a prototype for your new App project, there is nothing more frustrating than picking up a proper tool among the overwhelmed modern prototyping tools. Especially when you are a newcomer to do this. Of course, you can make a reference from the Internet to help on deciding which one to use in your next prototype. For convenience, it’s a good and quick method to help on this and no more headaches. Nevertheless, there are still lots of great new tools available to explore.
Axure plugin for Sketch Quickly import design assets from Sketch Our plugin allows you to easily copy artboards out of Sketch and bring layers into Axure RP as individual widgets. Once in Axure, all of your Sketch assets will be editable and ready for building interactions. Axure is a robust tool for teams who seek a reliable, proven, and powerful prototyping tool (and have the budget for it!). Because it has been around for a longer time than some similar products, it includes a ton of features to make incredibly realistic and interactive prototypes. Axure plugin for Sketch Quickly import design assets from Sketch Our plugin allows you to easily copy artboards out of Sketch and bring layers into Axure RP as individual widgets. Once in Axure, all of your Sketch assets will be editable and ready for building interactions. With Zeplin, you can publish finalized designs from Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD and Photoshop. Developers get a 'locked' design to build from, while designers can iterate on the next great release. Zeplin is the source of truth for finalized designs, if it’s not in Zeplin it won’t be in the shipped product. Alan Chappell, Head of UX. With Zeplin, you can publish finalized designs from Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD and Photoshop. Developers get a 'locked' design to build from, while designers can iterate on the next great release. Zeplin is the source of truth for finalized designs, if it’s not in Zeplin it won’t be.
Apparently, this article is a comparison of mockup and wireframing/prototyping tools. Hope this resource will help you UI/UX designers find a prototyping tool that fits your needs.
1.Axure RP
Been regarded as the golden standard in the wireframing/prototyping field, Axure is the first choice for UX designers to create prototyping for web apps or desktop software.
Pricing:
Standard edition: $289 per license
Professional edition: $589 per license
PROS
1). Great prototyping interactions.
2). Complete product information service, good training course and supporting document.
3). The feature of drag-and-drop allows quickly design.
4). All-in-one tool which supports to prototype for multiple platforms.
5). Use masters to create reusable design elements, unlimited masters on a page and nesting is supported.
CONS
1). Too complicated for new users to deal with some of the functions in the dynamic panels.
2). Costly for individual users, the standard edition costs $289 and the professional edition $589.
3). Limited functions for the standard edition users such as documentation and team works.
4). Prototypes’ preview experience on mobile devices needed to be improved.
2. Mockplus
As a representative for the new generation tools, Mockplus developed rapidly and kept fast iterate to perfect functions. Backed by Mockplus, you can create interactive prototyping in no time, regardless of your design experience and the level of fidelity you need.
Pricing:
Rate: $20 user/month
Discount: $79 per user for 6 months
$119 per user for one year
PROS
1). An all-in-one tool supports prototyping for multiple platforms, such as mobile apps, website or desktop apps.
2). Various drag-and-drop interactive functions are available, and easily to set different interaction states.
3). Great amounts of off-the-shelf components (200) & icons (3,000 icons).
4). Multiple export options such as HTML(2.1 Version), demo package, or page printing.
5). Convenient and effective previews (Mockplus app) and cloud synchronization.
6). Considered backups in case you delete programs carelessly.
CONS
1). Team collaboration needs to be further enhanced.
2). Lack of responsive design features.
3.Balsamiq
“Life’s too short for bad software!”
A short but powerful slogan of Balsamiq. With the help of it, anyone can design great websites.
Pricing:
Single user: $79/year
Hosted: $12/mo for 3 Active Projects
$24/month for 10 Active Projects
$49/month for 20 Active Projects
$99/month for 50 Active Projects
$249/month for 100 Active Projects
PROS
1). Master at the art of speedy, sketchy mockups.
2). Impressive out to nontechnical users.
3). Modifications and rapid changes can be done easily.
4). Support to share your ideas to colleagues and clients.
CONS
1). Limited canvas size which is really suitable for most large, client-facing presentations.
2). Not support on interactive prototyping, an article said: “it is primarily an application for describing interactive behaviors with static pictures”.
3). Limited sharing/collaborative options.
4). It’s not support to make annotations on the interface.
5). Limited quantity of element, page & project is available on one license, only if you pay for that.
4. Invison
'Design Better. Faster. Together”.
What makes Invision proud is prototyping accessible for everyone.
Pricing:
Starter: $ 15/month 3 prototypes
$ 25/month unlimited prototypes
$ 99/month unlimited prototypes, up to 5 team members
PROS
1). Good support system on collecting feedback.
2). Clean interface for real-time sharing and commenting on prototypes
3). Intuitive web display of prototypes.
4). Version history available.
5). Easily to mark screens.
CONS
1). Limited customer support services.
2). No responsive features.
3). Nonsupport for wireframe creation or elements modification, only suitable for ready-made designs.
Conclusion:
Plagued prototyping tools are emerging in recent years as the bright prospects, each has its merits. So, in this term, what needs to be done for UX/UI designers is making a rational analysis of these tools by their experience and the specific functions they wanted.
If you need simple & easy interactions, Mockplus is perfect;
If you want to follow the classic, Axure always the right choice;
If you prefer good team collaboration, Invision is the one you wanted.
Axure Zeplin Pro
Anyway, there always a will for you!