In this article, we will talk about some of the best GUI design software tools. We will give a brief synopsis and help the reader decide which one will work best for you. There are hundreds of software out there designed to facilitate the work of an interface engineer. But only those tools and programs remain effective that can connect with the user, interpret the code easily and quickly, streamline and manage the workflow, and reduce the operational and costs. Here we will look at 21 such GUI design software tools. So let us begin.
1. ink knife
The inkknife is easy to use, contains a variety of components and ICONS, and contains all the UI design needs, and whether you are a paying user or not, you can preview your design results in real time, which is more convenient, and the interaction is extremely easy to add. On top of that, Inkknife released its design tool this year, and the Pen Tool and Boolean Computing are so good that they’re the online equivalent of Sketch.
2. Gravit Designer:
In the last, we are including free GUI software. It is free but still loaded with features, and you can pretty much use it on its own without going for any paid GUI software. It offers a great set of features; they let you create illustrations and edit them with a host of options available for editing. Despite being free GUI software, it does not feel short of any features. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS. It will soon have Android and IOS versions too. There is an online version of its available as well, and that surprisingly is also not short on features either.
3. Balsamiq:
It is beneficial for wireframing purposes. It will make your job so much easier as you will make outlines and structural Sketches of a website quickly. The availability of a convenient set of functions like drag and drop, interlinking between pages, and other such features make it an industry favorite. It is available on Cloud, Mac, Windows, and on Google drive too. For teachers and individuals working in the non-profit sector, it is available for free, and for others, the fee is US$5/month.
4. InVision studio:
It is a prototyping and animation tool. It helps create interactive interfaces with tons of features. Thanks to its vast canvas and flexible layers, it is regarded as an outstanding achievement in GUI software development. Through it, you can get a responsive design through a single artboard—no need to use multiple artboards on multiple devices. You can also use it on both Windows and Mac.
5. Craft:
This plugin is a boon for Photoshop and Sketch users. It is a free GUI software where the users can use it to automate complex actions, manage the design workflow, and sync their files with InVision prototypes data. Craft is available for Mac users only, but you can use the Craft sync tool for windows.
6. Proto.io:
Through this GUI design software, you can create animation and custom vector animations quite easily. It will help you in the end-to-end design process. Through it, you can convert your initial idea into a full-blown high-fidelity prototype. It is easily customizable, has drag-and-drop features, and is ready to use when you buy it. The help feature is handy as it guides the users whenever they are in trouble.
7. Axure:
It is another tool used for wireframing where the project is more complex and technical. With dynamic data application into its interface, you can use it to create animations, perform math functions, etc. You can create an interface and see how it performs at the same time. It costs US$29/month, so it is not cheap but worth the price.
8. Marvel:
You can build pages with absolute ease and then view a prototype by simulating the design. It is a very effective tool that will enrich your interface and give you innovative ideas on making it further appealing. You can also put your prototype in the project workflow through it. Probably the best thing about it is that it is free GUI software, and it lets you run your imagination wild and help you create your apps.
9. Figma:
It is especially beneficial when a team has to work on a project simultaneously. Because it allows several people to work on it simultaneously, you can easily and quickly design interfaces using Figma. It is used for a variety of purposes. Some of its essential functions are reframing and rearranging websites, creating user-friendly looks for mobile apps, designing and editing colorful social media entries, etc.
10. UXPin:
It is a top-rated GUI design software. It features a very easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor. You can create interactive prototypes and wireframes through it. You can collaborate with anyone and edit in real-time using this tool. It is best suited for interactive prototyping, documentation, and design systems.
11. Justinmind:
It is a free GUI software designed for web and mobile apps. You can create high-fidelity prototypes using it. For more solid features, you can also opt for a paid version. It is very effective for wireframing UI/UX design. You can share the prototypes created using justinmind through the cloud and simulated through mobile devices as well. It also produces HTML for the entire set of prototypes.
12. Origami studio:
It is a prototyping tool that is owned by Facebook and is used extensively for creating interactive interfaces. It was also used in the mobile mock-ups of Instagram, Messenger, and other applications by Facebook. It offers a wealth of options, including adding rules and options to your interaction. The program also provides a collaborative platform for designers and developers working together.
13. Fluid:
A mobile interface prototyping program enables the UI engineer to create prototypes using the pre-created widgets quickly. All he has to do is use the drag-and-drop editor and arrange the widgets to create the prototypes. It also offers collaboration between the user and the client. It is not a free program but provides a free version and has a free trial. It is simple to use, and you can master it very quickly.
14. Keynote:
It is a free GUI software developed by Apple and pre-installed on all iPhones. Its primary use is making presentations and loading them with colorful graphics and animations. But you can also use it for animating your designs and attractively presenting your ideas.
15. Mockflow:
It is a powerful GUI design software. You can use it for making UI wireframes that ultimately transform into a full-blown prototype for product development. It has many valuable features, including an entirely intuitive editor that brings your vision to life.
16. Adobe Comp:
Here GUI software development takes inspiration from the early days of drawing and conceptualizing anything using a pencil and paper. Except that here you will use a smart pencil and the ‘paper’ is full of options that will help you create what you have in mind.
17. Framer X:
It is the latest iteration of Framer Studio that, in its time, allowed UI designers to create very realistic prototype app designs and high-level interactions. Framer X takes the fame a notch or two higher. You can communicate faster with your teammates and also create complex interactions by using the React code.
18. Flinto:
It is a Mac app but is used by designers and programmers around the world. It is highly effective in creating interactive and animated prototypes. It is pretty simple to use, as there are tap-through prototypes that allow you to create impressive interactions and detailed prototypes.
19. Principle:
Principle ranks among the best GUI design software. You can use it to create an interactive interface having animations and all. It can also let you design and manage the sequence of a multi-screen app and create and design new interactions and animations.
20. Protopie:
It is a powerful, feature-laden prototyping tool available for both Mac and Windows. It is primarily used for mobile apps that enable designers to build highly sophisticated, highly communicative prototypes effectively and quickly. They are easily deployable and highly shareable on any smart device using smart device sensors. It ultimately connects to the IoT.
21. STONE Designer:
STONE provides a basic control program and powerful GUI design software (STONE Designer). You can use it to set various functions on the graphical user interface, such as text, figures, curve, image switching, keyboard, progress bar, the slider, dial-up, clock and touch button, data storage, the USB download, video, and audio. It is very easy for engineers to develop the TFT-LCD color user interface and touch control functions, which can reduce a lot of development time and cost. The software is completely free.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, our list of some of the best GUI design software tools. We have presented this list in a random order, and this is not a ranking of best to worst or vice versa. The list is not definitive or final by any means. You may think that we omitted some essential HMI programming software. Still, we have tried to develop a comprehensive list that is beneficial for many UI engineers and professionals. We hope you will find it to be valuable and informative.