12 Best UI UX Designer Tools: Choosing the Right Software for Your Projects

Did you know? Figma’s founders, Dylan Field and Evan Wallace, shifted focus from other products to design collaboration after realizing the limitations of tools like Sketch and Photoshop. 

Their breakthrough? A browser-based design tool that allows real-time collaboration, a feature that’s now essential for UI/UX designers working across teams.

UI UX designer tools are essential for creating smooth, intuitive user experiences. Tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch help you design, prototype, and collaborate effortlessly. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? 

In this article, you’ll explore the top UI UX designer tools and guide you through selecting the best ones for your projects.

Top 12 UI UX Designer Tools: Key Features and Use Cases

The global UI/UX design software market was valued at $1.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $6.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a strong CAGR of 15.3% during the forecast period. This rapid expansion reflects the increasing demand for seamless user experiences across digital platforms.

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Understanding each tool’s features will help you choose the right one for your project, from wireframing to user testing. Whether you're crafting interactive prototypes or conducting usability testing, there's a tool here to match your requirements.

1. Figma

Source: figma.com/community

Figma is a cloud-based design tool that allows for real-time collaboration, making it ideal for teams working remotely or on shared projects. Its simplicity and versatility have made it a favorite for both novice and experienced designers.

Price: Free for individual use; Paid plans start at INR 1,800/month per editor.

Features and Integrations

• Cloud-based collaboration
• Real-time editing and commenting
• Design systems and libraries
• Plugin support for additional features
• Integrates with tools like Slack, JIRA, and GitHub

Pros:

• Easy to use with a clean interface
• Ideal for collaborative projects
• Accessible from any device with an internet connection 

Cons:

• Limited offline functionality
• Performance issues with large files

Use Cases

• Ideal for collaborative design teams
• Perfect for UI design, prototyping, and wireframing
• Frequently used by startups and agencies

2. Adobe XD

Source: adobexdelements.com/

Adobe XD is a powerful design and prototyping tool from Adobe, offering seamless integration with other Creative Cloud applications. It’s designed to help UI/UX designers create high-fidelity wireframes, prototypes, and user interfaces.

Price: Free plan available; Paid plans start at INR 1,590/month.

Features and Integrations

• Vector-based design tools
• Interactive prototyping and animations
• Voice prototyping
• Integration with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator
• Cross-platform compatibility 

Pros:

• Deep integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
• High-quality, interactive prototypes
• Great for responsive design 

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Can be resource-heavy on some devices

Use Cases

• UI design and interactive prototypes for web and mobile apps
• Ideal for designers already using Adobe tools
• Perfect for creating dynamic user experiences

3. Sketch

Source: sketchappsources.com/free-source/

Sketch is a vector-based design tool for macOS that’s especially popular for creating user interfaces and web design layouts. It’s a staple in the design community, known for its simplicity and functionality.

Price   

One-time purchase: INR 11,800.

Features and Integrations

• Symbol-based design system
• Powerful plugins for additional features
• Collaborative features with Sketch Cloud
• Integration with tools like InVision and Zeplin
• Sketch for web-based collaboration 

Pros:

• Ideal for vector-based UI design
• Extensive plugin library for customization
• Intuitive interface for experienced users 

Cons:

• Available only for macOS
• Lacks advanced prototyping features

Use Cases

• UI design for websites and mobile apps
• Popular in design agencies and by freelance designers
• Ideal for projects that require fast iteration and prototyping

4. InVision

Source: invisioncommunity.com/news/

is a powerful prototyping and collaboration tool that focuses on high-fidelity design and usability testing. It’s often used for creating interactive prototypes with rich animations and transitions.

Price: Free plan available; Paid plans start at INR 1,500/month.

Features and Integrations

• High-fidelity interactive prototypes
• Collaboration and feedback tools
• Design handoff for developers
• Integrates with Slack, Jira, and Sketch
• Usability testing features

Pros:

• Advanced prototyping with animations
• Real-time collaboration and feedback
• Great for testing and user validation 

Cons:

• Limited design tools compared to competitors
• Can be difficult to use for beginners

Use Cases

• High-fidelity prototypes for user testing
• Collaborative design projects with multiple stakeholders
• Ideal for teams that need to gather real-time feedback

5. Balsamiq

Source: balsamiq.com

Balsamiq is a low-fidelity wireframing tool that creates quick, hand-drawn mockups. It's perfect for sketching out ideas early in the design process and for those who want to keep things simple and focused.

Price: One-time purchase: INR 7,000.

Features and Integrations

• Drag-and-drop interface for quick wireframing
• Extensive component library for wireframing
• Cloud-based version available
• Integration with Google Drive for easy collaboration 

Pros:

• Easy and fast to use
• Low-fidelity style encourages brainstorming and quick iteration
• Affordable pricing 

Cons:

• Limited design customization
• Lacks prototyping and interaction features

Use Cases

• Ideal for quick brainstorming sessions
• Used for early-stage wireframing
• Great for teams looking for a simple, no-fuss tool

6. Axure RP

Source: forum.axure.com/

Axure RP is a powerful tool for advanced wireframing and prototyping, allowing users to create highly interactive and dynamic designs. It is often used for complex projects that require more functionality and fine-tuned control over interactions.

Price: Subscription-based pricing starting at INR 8,000/month.

Features and Integrations

• Advanced interactions and conditional logic
• Dynamic content with real-time data
• Collaborative features for team editing
• Integration with tools like Slack and Jira
• Supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript exports

Pros:

• Ideal for complex and dynamic prototypes
• Offers rich interactivity and detailed design features
• Great for user testing and usability studies

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Expensive compared to other tools
• Can be overwhelming for simpler projects

Use Cases

• High-fidelity prototypes for web and mobile apps
• Ideal for user testing with advanced interactions
• Suitable for teams working on large, complex projects

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Mobile App Developer in 2025

7. Marvel 

Source: /lettstartdesign.com/theme/

Marvel is a simple, intuitive design tool focused on quick prototyping and collaboration. It’s perfect for designers looking to create interactive prototypes without a steep learning curve.

Price: Free plan available; Paid plans start at INR 1,200/month.

Features and Integrations

• Simple drag-and-drop interface
• Interactive prototyping with no code required
• Real-time collaboration and feedback
• Integration with Sketch, Photoshop, and Slack
• User testing features available

Pros:

• Easy to use with a user-friendly interface
• Ideal for rapid prototyping
• Excellent for collaboration and feedback loops

Cons:

• Lacks advanced design tools for UI work
• Limited customization for high-fidelity designs

Use Cases

• Quick and simple prototyping for small projects
• Collaborative design sessions with clients and teams
• Ideal for designers who need to quickly create and iterate on concepts

Also Read: How to Become a Successful Web Designer: Key Skills, Expert Tips, and Career Insights

8. Proto.io

Source: blog.proto.io/new-dashboard/

Proto.io is an all-in-one design tool that allows users to create interactive prototypes with ease. It's known for its drag-and-drop interface and wide variety of design options for building complex prototypes.

Price: Paid plans start at INR 3,200/month.

Features and Integrations

• Drag-and-drop UI for fast prototyping
• Mobile-first design tools
• Interactive animations and transitions
• User testing with integrated feedback features
• Integration with tools like Slack and Dropbox

Pros:

• No coding required for building complex interactions
• Mobile-first approach for designing responsive prototypes
• Collaborative features for teams to work together in real-time

Cons:

• Limited advanced design tools compared to other software
• Can become expensive for small teams or freelancers

Use Cases

• Mobile app and website prototypes
• Interactive design for product testing and feedback
• Ideal for teams that need to collaborate on prototypes remotely

Also Read: Applications of Prototypes: From Concept to Creation

9. Framer

Source: framer.community/

Framer is a powerful design tool that creates high-quality, interactive prototypes with animation and transitions. It allows designers to push the boundaries of design by incorporating advanced interaction features.

Price: Paid plans start at INR 4,800/month.

Features and Integrations

• Advanced interactions and animations
• Real-time collaboration with team members
• Responsive design features for web and mobile
• Integration with tools like Figma and Sketch
• Code editor for custom design features

Pros:

• Best for creating dynamic and high-fidelity prototypes
• Extensive customization options for animations and interactions
• Real-time collaboration features for team projects

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other prototyping tools
• Steep learning curve for those new to advanced interactions

Use Cases

• High-fidelity interactive prototypes for mobile and web apps
• Ideal for designers working on complex animations and transitions
• Great for teams building interactive experiences that require precise control over interactions

10. Zeplin

Source: zeplin.io/

Zeplin is a design collaboration tool that bridges the gap between designers and developers. It allows designers to create style guides and generate code snippets for developers, streamlining the handoff process.

Price: Free plan available; Paid plans start at INR 3,200/month.

Features and Integrations

• Generates code snippets for developers
• Design-to-development handoff with automatic measurements and specs
• Integration with Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and more
• Collaborative workspace for teams
• Supports design systems and component libraries

Pros:

• Simplifies the design handoff to developers
• Supports various design tools for seamless integration
• Streamlined workflow between design and development

Cons: 

• Limited design features (not suitable for full UI design)
• Some integration limitations with non-standard design tools

Use Cases

• Ideal for design teams working closely with developers
• Perfect for creating a clear handoff for development with code generation
• Used for maintaining design systems and standards across teams

11. Lunacy 

Source: docs.icons8.com/interface/

Lunacy is a free, feature-rich design tool for Windows that closely mimics Sketch but adds additional compatibility for both macOS and Windows users. It's ideal for teams needing a free, robust design solution.

Price: Free.

Features and Integrations

• Full compatibility with Sketch files
• Vector-based UI design tools
• Cloud syncing for team collaboration
• Built-in assets library for rapid prototyping
• No installation required with the portable version

Pros:

• Free to use with a wide range of design tools
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows and macOS)
• Easy import and export with Sketch files

Cons:

• Lacks advanced prototyping tools
• Limited third-party integrations compared to other tools

Use Cases

• Ideal for Windows users looking for a Sketch alternative
• Suitable for individual designers or small teams on a budget
• Great for vector-based UI design without the cost of premium tools

12. Overflow

Source: overflow.io/how-it-works/

Overflow is a unique tool designed specifically for user flow design. It allows UI/UX designers to visually map out user journeys and create interactive user flow diagrams, making it easier to communicate complex processes to stakeholders.

Price: Paid plans start at  INR 4,000/month.

Features and Integrations

• Create interactive user flow diagrams
• Visual storytelling tools for user journeys
• Integration with Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD
• Ability to add annotations and comments for better collaboration
• Drag-and-drop interface for easy design

Pros:

• Ideal for mapping complex user journeys and flows
• Easy to use with a simple interface
• Supports collaboration and feedback from stakeholders

Cons:

• Limited to user flow and journey mapping (not for full UI design)
• Lacks advanced design tools for visual interfaces

Use Cases

• Designing and communicating user flows for web and mobile apps
• Ideal for teams working on large projects with complex user journeys
• Perfect for presenting user journey maps during client meetings or design reviews

Experiment with free trials or demo versions to get a feel for the features and interface. Once you’ve chosen the right tools, integrate them into your design process, collaborate with your team, and begin creating seamless, user-friendly designs that stand out.

Also Read: 28+ Top Generative AI Tools in 2025

With a clear understanding of the top UI/UX designer tools, the next step is to evaluate what truly matters when choosing the right one for your project.

Choosing the Right UI/UX Design Tool: Key Factors

Choosing the right UI/UX design tool isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. With so many options available, considering the right factors is crucial to ensure you select the tool that aligns with your project goals, team dynamics, and budget.

Let’s review key aspects to consider when choosing the ideal tool for your needs. 

1. Learning Curve and User-Friendliness 

It’s important to choose a tool that suits your level of expertise. If you’re just starting, look for tools with an intuitive interface and plenty of resources for beginners, like tutorials and support communities. 

For example, Figma offers easy-to-follow tutorials and a user-friendly design interface, making it accessible for new designers. On the other hand, tools like Axure RP, while powerful, have a steeper learning curve and may be overwhelming if you're new to design.

2. Collaboration Features 

Collaboration is key in UI/UX design, especially when working with remote teams. Tools that allow real-time editing, commenting, and feedback are essential. Figma excels in this area with its cloud-based platform that allows multiple users to edit and comment simultaneously. 

If you're working with a team, consider tools like Adobe XD or InVision, which also provide strong collaborative features for seamless communication throughout the design process.

3. Customization and Flexibility 

Depending on your specific needs, you may want a tool that allows for high customization. Look for software that lets you adapt templates, design systems, and components to your workflow. 

Sketch, for instance, is highly customizable with a vast library of plugins, allowing you to tailor the tool to your needs. If you're focused on creating unique user experiences, customization can give you that edge.

4. Integration with Other Tools 

Your UI/UX design tool needs to work well with the other tools you use. Whether it’s project management, design handoff, or version control, integration is crucial for a smooth workflow. 

For instance, Zeplin integrates perfectly with Figma and Sketch, streamlining the design-to-development handoff by generating code snippets and style guides for developers. Check the integration options to ensure your design tool fits into your existing ecosystem.

5. Mobile Design Capabilities 

With the increasing demand for mobile-first design, choose a tool that allows you to create mobile-responsive prototypes and interfaces. Tools like Proto.io are perfect for mobile design as they focus on creating mobile-first prototypes with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. 

If you’re designing apps or mobile websites, prioritize tools that offer easy mobile testing and adaptability.

6. Scalability for Larger Projects 

Consider whether the tool can scale as your projects grow. For larger teams or complex projects, you’ll need a tool that can handle multiple designers, client feedback, and project iterations. Figma and Adobe XD provide scalable solutions that support large teams, allowing you to manage multiple users and design components efficiently. 

If you’re working on enterprise-level projects, opt for tools that offer robust project management and version control features.

7. Cost vs. Value 

Always weigh the tool’s cost against the value it provides. Some tools like Balsamiq offer excellent low-cost options for quick wireframing, while more advanced tools like Axure RP can be expensive but offer deeper functionalities for complex projects. 

Determine your project needs and choose a tool that balances affordability with the features you actually need. A high-cost tool may be worth the investment if it significantly enhances your design process.

8. Prototyping and Interactivity 

If your projects involve intricate user flows or dynamic interactions, choose a tool that offers robust prototyping capabilities. Tools like Framer and InVision allow you to build highly interactive prototypes with advanced animations, helping you simulate real user experiences. 

This is especially useful for usability testing and presenting ideas to clients who need to visualize how the final product will function.

9. Design Handoff to Developers 

An often overlooked factor is how easy it is to hand off your designs to developers. A tool that generates accurate design specs, code snippets, and assets can save significant time in the development phase. 

Zeplin, for example, simplifies design handoff by generating automatic style guides and code snippets, ensuring that developers implement your designs exactly as intended.

10. Support and Community 

A tool’s support system is critical, especially when you encounter roadblocks or have questions. A strong user community, ample tutorials, and responsive customer support can make your experience with a tool much smoother. 

Figma and Sketch both have active user communities and extensive resources, including forums, video tutorials, and direct support, making it easier for you to troubleshoot and learn new techniques.

Once you've selected the perfect UI/UX design tool, start by familiarizing yourself with its features and how it fits into your workflow. Begin creating your first design or prototype to get comfortable with the tool’s interface. As you use it more, you’ll discover its full potential and refine your process to match your project needs.

Take the First Step in UI/UX Design with upGrad!

Now you know that learning skills like wireframing, prototyping, and user research can set you on the path to success in UI/UX design. upGrad offers industry-recognized courses that focus on these essential skills to help you grow in this field. 

With over 10 million learners globally, upGrad equips you with the practical knowledge needed to stand out in the competitive UI/UX design market and land your dream job.

Here are some top courses that can help you stand out.

• Master of Design in User Experience
• Introduction to Design Thinking
• Object-Oriented Analysis and Design for Beginners

Not sure where to go next with your UI/UX journey? upGrad’s personalized career guidance can help you explore the right learning path based on your goals. You can also visit your nearest upGrad center and start hands-on training today!

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