Creating an exceptional user interface (UI) hinges on an engaging visual experience that seamlessly guides users through a digital product. UI design encompasses all visual elements, including colors, typography, imagery, and navigational components like buttons, scrollbars, and swipe actions. Effective UI design is fundamental to delivering a delightful user experience, making it essential for digital designers to equip themselves with reliable and versatile UI design tools.
So, what are the most valuable UI design software options to consider in 2026?
In this guide, we have curated a selection of the industry’s leading tools, highlighting their core features, pricing models, and how they can enhance your design workflow. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, these tools can help you craft intuitive, modern interfaces. For a comprehensive understanding of the design process, including the seven stages involved in designing a website, visit what are the seven stages involved in designing a website. Additionally, to determine the most effective software for website text and layout, explore what is the most effective software for website text and layout. For insights into top digital agencies specializing in web design, see which are the leading digital agencies specializing in web design.
1. Sketch
Sketch is a vector graphics editor widely used for drawing, wireframing, prototyping, and design handoff—covering all stages needed to bring your concepts to fruition. It remains a robust and adaptable platform tailored for collaborative workflows, long considered an industry standard for UI design. While Sketch is primarily compatible with macOS for editing, recent web-based features facilitate cross-platform collaboration.
Key features include:
- Intuitive vector editing tools and editable boolean operations that support flexible, iterative design processes.
- The Stacks layout system (an evolution of Smart Layout) for creating responsive, auto-adjusting designs similar to Figma’s Auto Layout.
- An infinite design canvas with customizable Artboards, design presets, grids, and resizing tools, enabling scalable design projects.
- Modern effects such as glass and blur options for OS-style UI aesthetics.
- Extensive font control through Variable and OpenType fonts.
- Enhanced component and library management, including efficient library replacement and linked component updates.
- Real-time collaboration via Sketch’s web app, allowing stakeholders to view, comment, inspect, and hand off designs without needing the desktop app.
- Version history and cloud storage through Sketch Workspace, supporting team collaboration.
Pricing:
A 30-day free trial is available for Sketch. The standard subscription costs $12 per editor per month or $120 annually (equivalent to $10/month billed yearly), granting access to the Mac app, web app, cloud documents, and collaboration features. Alternatively, a perpetual Mac-only license is available for $120 per seat, including one year of updates, with indefinite use afterward (without further updates). Note that only the subscription plan offers real-time collaboration and full web-based workspace access. More details on pricing can be found here.
2. Proto.io
Proto.io is a web-based, no-code prototyping platform enabling the rapid creation of high-fidelity, interactive prototypes. Its promise of “prototyping for all” appeals to designers, product managers, and marketers alike, thanks to its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, extensive library of components, templates, and assets, as well as advanced features like AI-assisted asset generation and integrations.
Key features include:
- Drag-and-drop interface for effortless prototype creation.
- Over 250 UI components compatible with iOS, Android, and web platforms.
- More than 1,000 customizable templates for various use cases including onboarding, e-commerce, and sign-in flows.
- A library of over 6,000 digital assets such as icons, images, and sound effects.
- Advanced animation and interaction capabilities, including screen transitions, timeline animations, and effects.
- Seamless integration with design tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and Photoshop.
- Real-time preview and testing features.
- Multiple export options, including PDF, HTML, and video formats.
- AI-powered asset generation wizard to accelerate visual design processes.
Pricing:
Proto.io offers a free 15-day trial. Paid plans start at $24/month for Freelancer, $40/month for Startup, $80/month for Agency, and $160/month for Corporate. More information on pricing plans is available here.
3. Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a vector-based UI/UX design tool that has been a staple for transforming wireframes into high-fidelity prototypes within a unified workspace. Part of Adobe Creative Cloud, XD is appreciated for its clean interface, cross-platform compatibility (Windows and macOS), and comprehensive workflow features.
Recently, Adobe has shifted focus toward AI-powered and cloud-based design enhancements, notably through Adobe Firefly, its generative AI engine. Although XD is now in maintenance mode with no major updates planned, it remains a core industry tool, especially for existing users.
Key features include:
- Vector-based drag-and-drop editor supporting unlimited artboards and smart guides for precise alignment.
- UI kits for platforms such as Apple Design, Google Material Design, and Amazon Alexa.
- 3D Transforms to simulate depth and perspective.
- Components and states for scalable, iterative design updates.
- Robust animation options, including video, micro-animations, and motion effects.
- Voice prototyping capabilities for creating voice commands and speech interactions.
- Design Specs for streamlined developer handoff, sharing prototypes, CSS snippets, and assets via a single link.
What’s new?
While XD itself is not receiving major updates, Adobe’s investment in AI through Firefly is shaping future workflows. Firefly’s features, like AI image creation and text effects, are being integrated into other Adobe applications, hinting at a more AI-augmented design ecosystem.
Pricing:
Adobe XD is now only available via the Creative Cloud All Apps / Pro plan, starting at approximately $59.99/month, which includes access to over 20 Adobe applications and Firefly credits. Existing standalone licenses will continue to receive support and updates.
4. UXPin
UXPin is a comprehensive UX/UI design platform favored by both newcomers and seasoned professionals. It supports end-to-end design processes, including creating interactive prototypes without coding. Its familiar interface for users of Sketch or Photoshop makes it accessible, and it offers thousands of design components and robust design system management.
Available on both Mac and Windows, as well as in-browser, UXPin incorporates AI features to streamline workflows.
Key features include:
- Libraries for iOS, Google Material Design, Bootstrap, and user flows, filled with ready-to-use elements.
- Drag-and-drop interactive components for high-fidelity prototypes.
- User flow visualization tools.
- Accessibility tools like contrast checkers and color blindness simulators.
- Developer handoff with downloadable design specifications.
- AI-powered component generator (Merge AI) for rapid prototyping.
- Role-based permissions, version control, and project archiving for collaboration.
Pricing:
The basic version is free for up to 2 prototypes. Paid plans start at $6/month for Essentials, $29/month for Advanced, $39/month for Merge AI, and $119/month for the Company plan. Details are available here.
5. Marvel
Marvel offers essential tools for designing, prototyping, and generating design specifications, making it ideal for beginners and teams requiring rapid iteration. Its web-based platform requires no downloads, supporting quick and straightforward workflows.
Key features include:
- Drag-and-drop wireframing templates.
- Extensive library of assets, images, and icons.
- Import capabilities from other tools like Sketch.
- Interactive prototypes with hotspots and transitions.
- Built-in user testing for feedback collection.
- Design handoff features for exporting code and assets.
- Integrations with Jira, Maze, Confluence, Lookback, and others.
- Offline viewing and demo options.
Pricing:
The free plan allows for one project. Paid plans are €9/month for the Pro plan (1 user) and €27/month for the Team plan (3+ users). More details are available here.
6. Figma
Figma is arguably the most prominent browser-based design tool, enabling fast, collaborative UI/UX design and prototyping. Its vector editing capabilities, combined with real-time collaboration, make it a favorite for teams working remotely or across disciplines.
In addition to Figma, users should explore FigJam, Figma’s online whiteboard for brainstorming sessions and workshops.
Key features include:
- Advanced vector tools, including Figma Draw for expressive brushes and textures.
- Auto Layout with AI-assisted suggestions for responsive design.
- Style management with AI-driven recommendations for consistency.
- Extensive libraries of assets that can be easily dragged into projects.
- Developer handoff with code snippets for CSS, iOS, and Android, enhanced by Code Connect.
- AI plugins for rapid prototyping and design automation.
- Interactive prototypes with transitions, overlays, and animated GIFs, plus Figma Make for generating functional prototypes.
- Embedded commenting for collaborative feedback.
- AI features like auto-generating boards, diagrams, and interacting with Jambot.
- Figma Sites for building and publishing responsive websites directly from designs.
- Figma Buzz for collaborative marketing content creation.
Pricing:
A free Starter plan supports up to three files, with limited AI credits. Paid plans start at around €16/month for the Professional plan, with options for larger teams and enterprise features. Details are available here.
7. Visily
Visily is an AI-powered, web-based UI/UX design and prototyping tool tailored for users seeking rapid results without extensive design experience. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and AI features allow users to convert text prompts, sketches, or screenshots into high-fidelity prototypes efficiently.
Key features include:
- Drag-and-drop editor for building and customizing layouts.
- Text-to-UI generation, transforming descriptions into editable wireframes.
- Screenshot-to-UI conversion for quick prototyping.
- One-click restyling of colors, fonts, and themes.
- AI-driven flow mapping to visualize user journeys.
- Natural language commands for adding sections or components.
- Library of over 1,500 templates for various applications.
- Export options for screens, components, and CSS snippets.
Pricing:
A free Starter plan provides basic access. Paid plans include $11/month for the Pro plan and $29/month for Business, with custom enterprise options available. More info is available here.
8. Zeplin
Zeplin facilitates seamless collaboration between UX/UI designers and developers by providing an organized workspace to publish designs, generate specifications, assets, and code snippets. It ensures developers receive precise technical details necessary for accurate implementation.
Key features:
- User flow mapping.
- Centralized style guides for colors, typography, and components.
- Integration with Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Photoshop, Slack, and more.
- Extensions supporting HTML, CSS, React Native, Swift, XML, etc.
- AI Organize (Beta) for automatic screen grouping.
- AI Design Review (Beta) to detect inconsistencies.
- Connect AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot.
- Export in modern formats like AVIF, with production-ready code snippets.
Pricing:
Zeplin offers a free trial per project. Paid options include starting at $13.75/month per project or $12 per seat/month for the Advanced plan, which supports up to 50 projects. More details are available here.
9. Origami Studio
Origami Studio, developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), is a free, advanced prototyping tool for macOS. It allows designers to create highly interactive, life-like prototypes with a steep learning curve, making it suitable for experienced designers aiming for detailed interactions.
Key features:
- Import designs from Figma and Sketch.
- Flexible canvas for designing and editing shapes, text, and images.
- Patch Editor: Visual logic blocks for dynamic interactions and animations.
- Preview and record prototypes via Origami Live (iOS app).
- Extensive library of built-in patches.
- Live syncing with Figma and export options for developers.
Price:
Origami Studio is entirely free to download and use.
10. Uizard
Uizard is an AI-driven UI design platform tailored for non-designers, such as startup founders, marketers, and product managers. Its low learning curve allows users familiar with Google Slides or PowerPoint to create prototypes quickly, leveraging AI features like transforming sketches or prompts into polished screens.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop components and templates.
- AutoDesigner 2.0: Converts sketches, wireframes, or text prompts into fully designed screens with suggested layouts.
- Wireframe mode for low-fidelity prototyping.
- Import hand-drawn wireframes or existing digital wireframes.
- AI-powered Design Assistant for generating multi-screen designs from prompts.
- Screenshot Scanner for converting images into editable mockups.
- Wireframe Scanner for digitizing hand-drawn wireframes.
Pricing:
The free plan allows two projects and limited AI generations monthly. Paid plans start at $12/month for the Pro plan (up to 100 projects and 500 AI generations) and $39/month per creator for the Business plan. More details are available here.
11. Google Stitch (Currently in Beta)
Google Stitch is an experimental AI-powered UI design tool in beta, developed by Google Labs. It enables users to generate complete user interfaces from simple text descriptions or visual inputs like sketches and screenshots, along with front-end code snippets. Stitch aims to streamline the transition from design to development by leveraging Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro models.
Key features:
- Text-to-UI generation from descriptive prompts.
- Web-based platform requiring no installation.
- Upload and convert sketches or screenshots into editable designs.
- Customize themes, colors, fonts, and layouts within the platform.
- Generate multiple design variants for exploration.
- Copy designs directly into Figma for collaboration.
- Export clean HTML/CSS code snippets for development.
Price:
Currently free to use with a Google account. As it remains in beta, pricing and features may evolve.
Beyond UI Design Tools
While this list highlights some of the best UI design tools available today, UI design is just one facet of the broader product development process. Many tools focus on specific stages, such as user research, wireframing, or testing. With the rise of AI, new tools continually emerge to automate and optimize various design tasks. To stay ahead, consider exploring resources like Will AI replace UX designers?, The top AI tools for UX design, and 5 AI-powered tools for user research. For a comprehensive education, the Professional Certificate in UI Design offers a structured, three-month program covering the entire UI design process and key industry tools.
