Alright everyone, place your bets because the Free Wireframe App Tournament 2010 is about to begin!
Wireframe Madness: The FREE Wireframe App Tourney — 2010!
This is the first installment of our multi-part bracket series pitting 8 wireframe apps against each other in a winner takes all battle for wireframe supremacy. It’s gonna get bloody.
I work on wireframes on a daily basis, and there is an art to it. I usually take a more detailed route when knocking out a set of wireframes, but FREE wireframe apps do come in handy for tight turn around projects. We recently ran across a list of the best wireframe software apps on Tripwire Magazine and decided to put some to the test. Eight of them will be included in our “Free Wireframe App Tournament Bracket.” 8 contenders, 1 winner — I decide, of course.
Each app will be scrutinized and ranked on “free-ness” (what — it’s a word!), interface design, tool set, and other miscellaneous pros and cons. Iʼll start by giving a run down, two apps at a time. To kick things off iPlotz and Mockingbird are on the court.
Let the games begin…
iPlotz
The iPlotz Rundown:
Free Templates: 5
Design: Dark, cluttered Interface 6/10
Tools/Components: 7/10
Sharing: Password Protected URL, Export – JPG/PNG/PDF
Pros:
- Can try the software before signing up
- Auto save and version control feature
- Produces password protected URLs
- Can manage projects and set deadlines
- Can add personalized images
- View changes from sleek to hand drawn with one click
- Exports html for prototyping
Cons:
- Comic Sans is used as the default font
- Interface is dated and cluttered
- Zoom in/out feature shifts copy blocks
- Tool icons too small and not as intuitive as they could be.
- Only 5 free templates
Mockingbird
The Mockingbird Rundown:
Free Templates: As many as you want
Design: Light, clean Interface 8/10
Tools/Components: 8/10
Sharing: URL, Export – PDF/PNG
Pros:
- Can try the software before signing up
- Clean, simple interface
- Exports as PDF/PNG
- Grab and resize template tool
- Intuitive break down of the tools into labelled groups, large icons
- Social icon tools
- Itʼs totally Free
Cons:
- Canʼt password protected shared URLs
- Canʼt change font
IPlotz vs Mockingbird — Final Score.
iPlotz has more project management features, protected URLs, and allows prototyping, and these are some strong pluses. However, the Tools and interface in Mockingbird are much more intuitive and easy to use. Mockingbird also allows pdf & png export so once youʼve completed your wireframes you can export and post to Basecamp. Plus, Mockingbird allows unlimited use for FREE! Always a major plus, given the insane amount of wireframe work we do around here…
So, the game one was close, but in this challenge, Mockingbird comes out on top. Tune in next time when I compare Cacoo and Mockflow!
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