5 UI/UX Essential Tools for Beginners

If you are going to pave your way into the design world and aim to become a skilful UI/UX specialist then you definitely need to read this article. We are going to share with you 5 most useful tools for UI/UX designers. Let's go ahead and get acquainted with each of them.

 

• Sketch

 

Sketch is a digital design application that each UI specialist needs. It is a vector-based tool,  which provides you with the flexibility, speed and power to create astounding designs with ease. Sketch can be used to resize anything that you draw without losing sharpness. In fact, Sketch is much more than just a drawing tool - it suits best even for wireframing and prototyping. Among the multiple tool sets that Sketch offers are cloud libraries, smart layouts, variable fonts and many more. You can have a closer look at them and get a complete guide for getting started here. 

The biggest disadvantage of Sketch is that it is available for Mac only. But wait, do not hurry to switch to the other tools: you have to pay for the app only once and use it for as long as you need it. 

One last note: do not forget to renew your license each year in order to get updates. 

 

• InVision Studio

 

InVision Studio is a web-based prototyping tool. It is a famous tool used both by UI and UX designers. “Design Better. Faster. Together” is InVision's slogan which is backed up by its ultimate functionality. The greatest advantage of the platform is that by just uploading static design files you can turn them into interactive and high-fidelity prototypes. Even more, the platform provides the opportunity for collaboration, as you can seamlessly communicate with your teammates, gather feedback and push any project forward in big steps. Further, you can collect and present inspirations and designs on the platform. 

A major disadvantage of InVision is that prototypes can work slow on mobile devices. If you want to completely investigate the working opportunities provided by the InVision Studio do not hesitate to follow the link.

 

• Adobe XD

 

Adobe XD is a vector-based tool for designing as well as prototyping user experiences for mobile, web and even voice. In fact, Adobe XD is quite a multifunctional tool as it offers a number of flexible and resourceful features for designing, prototyping, sharing, collaborating and creating a full design system. The biggest advantage of Adobe XD is that it is available both for Windows 10 and macOS, as well as in the form of a mobile app for Android and iOS.

You can have a closer look at the tool and experience its functionality by following the link. 

 

• Figma

 

In relation to the tools mentioned above, Figma is the only one providing an in-browser interface. Figma is full of useful features and editing tools that would ease your job. One of the most amazing features of the platform is that UI designers can use constraint features to adapt designs when the screen size changes. Another feature that designers would really love is called components feature. It allows you to reuse elements across designs. 

In case you want to experience Figma by yourself, follow the link. And do not forget to read the blog for detailed instructions on the features.

 

• Framer X

 

Framer X is a code based design and prototyping tool. It is the latest and greatest version of Framer studio. Framer X introduces the in-built use of React components very successfully. React components are independent and reusable bits of code. This feature allows you to create and adapt high-fidelity prototyping. Moreover, Framer X provides all the required static design features that you need to draw any form. By the way, you can even modify your designs using the advanced path editor, export forms from your canvas, etc.

Do you think you want to explore this tool? In that case, go follow the link.
 

This is just a list of the most useful tools that would help you as a beginner UX/UI designer. But, in order to choose which tools to use you first need to consider what kind of project you are going to focus on or what tools are suitable for designing websites or mobile apps. Know that although all these tools seem to have fairly same features, each of them possesses a diversified pack of tools full of numerous opportunities.