9 Best UI Design Tools for 2019

In this article, we will examine a wide array of digital design tools on the market, most of which are capable of assisting in the day to day tasks of the individual UI/UX designer. Sketch has become so popular that it took the crown from Photoshop as the go-to interface prototyping tool, Apart from these two, we have other significant players on the market, that also make designers' lives much easier.

1. Sketch

Developed by the Dutch company Bohemian Coding in 2010, Sketch is a professional design tool for Mac that utilizes a fully vector-based workflow. The workspace is sleek and clean, making it easier for a new user to adapt to the tool. The main features include Symbols, Smart Guides, Artboard Presets, Pixel Perfection, Exporting, Plug-ins, Grids & Guides, and more. Compatibility: OS X Price: $99/year, free 30-day trial

2. Figma

Collaborating, prototyping, designing - these are the three words that describe Figma the best. Released in 2016, Figma is a UI/UX design tool that you can use to design apps, vector illustrations, and screens. Getting started with Figma is effortless - just register an account on Figma.com, and start creating your projects. Figma is browser-based, but there are also desktop versions for both Windows and macOS. Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux, Web Price: Starter ($0 for 2 editors and 3 projects), Professional ($12 per editor/monthly), Organization ($45 per editor/monthly)

3. InVision Studio

Released at the beginning of this year, InVision is a powerful screen design tool that is a part of the InVision suite of tools, along with InVision Cloud and InVision DSM. This cutting-edge software offers a myriad of tools for screen designing, along with the ability to add transitions and animations. The icons are sleek and modern, and the interface of this tool is easy to learn and use. Compatibility: macOS Price: Free

4. Adobe XD

Adobe XD, the part of Adobe Creative Cloud platform, is the UI design tool that can be used to create mockups, wireframes, as well as prototypes that can be displayed in live previews. In May 2018, Adobe unveiled a free starter plan for its XD app, which allows users to design, prototype, and share their experiences. One of the most prominent features of Adobe Xd that allow you to repeat elements quickly and explore various designs. Compatibility: macOS, Windows Price: XD CC Starter plan $0, Single App $9.99 (per month), Creative Cloud All Apps $52.99 (per month)

5. Framer X

Founded by Koen Bok and Jorn van Dijk, Framer X is a revamped version of Framer. The majority of prototyping tools do not require coding skills, but this is not the case with Framer X, since it uses the open-source JavaScript library called React. This implies that the learning curve will be steep for non-coders. However, if you are a React fan, Framer X will enable you to create prototypes that can be almost identical to the final product. Another great this about this tool is its community of designers, which offers UI assets and kits. Compatibility: macOS only Price: Free, Starter $15, Pro $25, Enterprise Custom

6. UXPin

UXPin is a collaborative design and prototyping tool that covers the whole product creation process - from prototyping and collaboration to handoff. Noteworthy features include an extensive library of UI elements and UX patterns, Photoshop and Sketch imports, responsive previews, live screen sharing, allows for multiple events on a single element, and user-friendly interface. Pricing: Basic $19, Advanced $29, Professional $69, Enterprise Custom Compatibility: Windows, macOS, online

7. Adobe Illustrator

Part of Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics tool ideal for sketches, logos, icons, and complex illustrations. The learning curve is simple, which makes it a great choice for the ones just entering the world of vector graphic art. Price: $19.99 per month with a one-year contract, $29.99 per month with no commitment, $49.99 per month for Creative Cloud suite

8. Marvel

Marvel is integrated with Sketch, Jira, Confluence, Microsoft, YouTube, Smartmockups, and other valuable software. Compatibility: Price: Free (1 user, 1 project), Pro ($12/monthly), Team ($42/monthly), Team Plus ($84/monthly), Enterprise (custom)

9. Origami Studio

Initially created by Facebook in 2016, Origami Studio is a free design tool that allows designers to rapidly build and share interactive interfaces. To build prototypes in Origami Studio, you can use the Patch Editor to build the logic behind your app. There is an extensive library of patches that you can use, such as boolean operators, animations, switches, etc. You can simply copy your designs from Sketch and just paste them into Origami Studio. Compatibility: OS X Price: Free

How to select the right tool for your project?

UI design tools have evolved immensely in the last few years. Sketch and Figma definitely stand out, but at the end of the day, it's up to you which tool will you choose. As you have probably noticed, each of the above nine design tools has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. We hope that this short guide has assisted you to narrow the choice. If you want to make 2019 the time when your designs shine, it might be worth trying something new.