The web boasts thousands of digital tools for designing user interfaces, of which we have chosen seven. These seven digital tools will help any designer on a Mac computer to design seamless UI and develop sustainable and profitable software, websites, or apps.
1. Sketch
From the earliest stages through to the final design, Sketch is an excellent tool for designing your UI.
Sketch is a Mac-based design tool that is a lightweight, photo manipulation and design program that allows for the creation of custom graphics in an easy to use interface. The website includes many guides for new users and veterans alike.
Sketch is Adobe’s competitor for Mac users but is every bit as powerful and customizable as the PC counterpart.
With a high usability aspect and excellent customer ratings, Sketch is definitely one of the best design tools out there for Mac users.
2. Axure RP
Axure is an all-in-one design tool that allows you to create wireframes, mockups, idea boards, user journeys, flowcharts, and much more. If you’re looking to use a dynamic wireframe tool in your development project, look no further.
Axure is lightweight and even allows the user to code within the program itself, allowing for maximum customization. The program provides all of the tools developers need to design their projects all the way to the end result.
No more skipping between programs or files; everything is completed within Axure’s interface for a more seamless and stress-free design process.
3. Invision
Invision is a design tool which lets you upload preliminary designs and add such elements as animations and transitions to turn static prototypes into interactive ones.
With a built-in communication and sharing platform, you can easily share and collaborate on projects without the need for an outside program or cloud storage application.
InVision also includes boards to post new ideas to and offer feedback on your team’s suggestions. Overall, InVision is one of the best sites for seamless app design and team collaboration.
4. Trunk
Trunk is a collaboration tool that allows team members to upload and make changes to files. When a change is made, Trunk logs who made the changes and when. This can make tracking edits and inputs infinitely more simple, eliminating the need to search for who contributed what elements to the design.
Team collaboration is one of the most important elements of the design process, and simplifying it can save time and eventually even money. Keep track of edits and team members with Trunk and you’ll find that your development process is smoother and more goal-oriented than ever.
5. Figma
Figma’s interface boasts something unique among the development tools for UI, it allows multi-user edits to occur in real time. This means that multiple team members can collaborate on a design simultaneously, eliminating the need for file sharing and downloads.
Utilized by big names such as Uber and Zoom, Figma is arguably the best collaborative design tool on the market. No other tools are able to combine a seamless design interface and maximum customization and multi-user collaboration in real time.
The tool has adaptive features such as a responsive interface that changes with the screen size. Additionally, Figma allows for easy transition between design and prototypes without syncing or exporting files.
6. Framer X
Framer X is an interactive and responsive design tool that helps create seamless UI in minutes. You can create your own elements or use the expansive library of elements that Framer X has to offer.
The library is community-powered and therefore free for users to utilize in their designs. With a user base in some of the top tech names in the industry, including Microsoft, Pinterest, and Netflix, Framer has solidified its place as one of the top design tools on the market.
The site’s “team store” allows for easy sharing and collaboration of production tools and ideas. With a centralized hub, you can receive real-time updates and share and collaborate with team members or community members from anywhere in the world.
7. Webflow
Webflow is a unique website UI design tool that allows the user to move from design to a live website, so you can see exactly how the changes you’ve made apply in the final product.
Whether you’re designing a blog, e-commerce store, or brand website, Webflow’s tools allow for a smooth and rewarding design process. You can edit and update site content right on the site’s page, in real-time, making UI design more custom and responsive than ever.
In addition to excellent design tools, the site offers digital website hosting starting at only twelve dollars per month. You can host, edit, and publish your site all within the same platform.
Webflow is utilized by freelancers and business throughout the world and has an excellent reputation and customer service rating to back up its unique interface.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a freelance designer or part of a larger corporate design team, these seven tools can make designing an effective UI/UX on Mac more seamless and efficient. Choosing the right tool for the job, of course, depends on the needs of your team.
Many of the design tools available have a steep learning curve, which can make introducing them to your team a bit difficult in the beginning. Modern tools are becoming much less code based and more interactive, making design quicker and more efficient.
With effective design tools, you can put yourself ahead of the competition and create a reputation of excellence in your field.
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