Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Balsamiq in 2025
Wireframing and prototyping are crucial steps in UI/UX design, and while Balsamiq continues to be a popular choice, 2025 presents a variety of open-source alternatives that are equally impressive. Each of these tools offers unique features that cater to specific needs, making them invaluable for designers. This article explores the top 10 open-source alternatives to Balsamiq, comparing them on key data points such as platform, collaboration capabilities, prototyping features, and ease of use.
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1. Penpot
- Platform: Web-based
- Collaboration: Real-time, multi-user editing
- Prototyping: Interactive prototypes
- Ease of Use: Interface familiar to designers Why Choose It?: Excels in collaboration between designers and developers. Learn more about Penpot
2. Pencil Project
- Platform: Desktop application (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Collaboration: Limited, primarily for individual use
- Prototyping: Low fidelity
- Ease of Use: Intuitive and beginner-friendly for basic wireframes Why Choose It?: Ideal for offline use with a wide array of stencils and templates. Explore Pencil Project
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3. Draw.io (Diagrams.net)
- Platform: Web-based, Desktop App
- Collaboration: Real-time collaboration available
- Prototyping: Basic wireframing capabilities
- Ease of Use: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface Why Choose It?: Versatile tool not just for wireframes, but for various diagram types. Discover Draw.io
4. Wireframe.cc
- Platform: Web-based
- Collaboration: Limited collaboration
- Prototyping: Very basic, low-fidelity
- Ease of Use: Simple, minimalist interface Why Choose It?: Perfect for quick, low-fidelity wireframing with a minimalist approach. Check out Wireframe.cc
5. Mydraft.cc
- Platform: Web-based
- Collaboration: Limited, URL sharing
- Prototyping: Low fidelity
- Ease of Use: Very easy to get started Why Choose It?: Quick and easy wireframing with no account required. Learn more about Mydraft.cc
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6. Wirefy
- Platform: Desktop Application
- Collaboration: Limited
- Prototyping: Low-medium fidelity
- Ease of Use: Straightforward Why Choose It?: Designed specifically for functional wireframing in an offline environment. (Note: This tool can be found by searching on GitHub.)
7. MockFlow
- Platform: Web-based
- Collaboration: Real-time, multi-user editing.
- Prototyping: Low-medium fidelity wireframes.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive with many UI elements. Why Choose It?: Offers real-time collaboration and a rich library of UI elements. Learn more about MockFlow
8. Jumpchart
- Platform: Web-based
- Collaboration: Real-time, multi-user editing.
- Prototyping: Low-fidelity
- Ease of Use: Focused on site planning Why Choose It?: Specifically designed for planning and collaborating on web projects. (Note: This tool can be found by searching on alternatives to Balsamiq.)
9. FigJam
- Platform: Web-based
- Collaboration: Real-time
- Prototyping: Low-medium fidelity
- Ease of Use: Whiteboard style interface Why Choose It?: Combines whiteboard functionality with the power of Figma’s design ecosystem. Explore FigJam
10. Whimsical
- Platform: Web-based
- Collaboration: Real-time, shared boards
- Prototyping: Basic interactive features
- Ease of Use: Clean, intuitive interface Why Choose It?: Provides a collaborative workspace for wireframes, flowcharts, and more with built-in components. Discover Whimsical
These open-source alternatives to Balsamiq offer a wide range of features tailored to various aspects of design and collaboration. Consider exploring these tools to find the perfect fit for your wireframing and prototyping needs in 2025.
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FAQ
1. What is Penpot and how can it help in design and prototyping?
Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform that emphasizes collaboration between designers and developers. It supports UI design, prototyping, and design handoff with real-time multi-user collaboration. Learn more about Penpot
2. Can I use Pencil Project offline?
Yes, Pencil Project is a free, open-source GUI prototyping tool available as a desktop application for Windows, Mac, and Linux, allowing offline use. Discover Pencil Project
3. What features does Draw.io (Diagrams.net) offer for wireframing?
Draw.io is a versatile open-source diagramming application that supports wireframing and various other diagram types. It's web-based and available as a desktop application with real-time collaboration. Explore Draw.io
4. How simple is Wireframe.cc for creating wireframes?
Wireframe.cc is a minimalist, browser-based tool focused on quick, low-fidelity wireframing. It supports keyboard shortcuts and requires no account, allowing users to start drawing immediately. Visit Wireframe.cc
5. Does Mydraft.cc require an account to use?
No, Mydraft.cc is an open-source, browser-based wireframing tool that does not require an account. You can start wireframing instantly and access files online with unique project URLs. Check out Mydraft.cc
6. What is Wirefy and what features does it offer?
Wirefy is a desktop application designed for functional wireframing, and it is lightweight and efficient. It is specifically focused on wireframing and can be used offline.
7. How does MockFlow facilitate collaboration in wireframing?
MockFlow is a web-based wireframing and UI design tool that allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. It includes a rich library of UI elements and supports user flows and AI-assisted design features. Discover MockFlow
8. What specific focus does Jumpchart have as a wireframing tool?
Jumpchart is a web-based tool designed specifically for planning websites. It offers collaborative features and allows management of design documents.
9. How does FigJam integrate with other tools for wireframing?
FigJam, from Figma, is an online whiteboard tool that integrates with Figma design files. It supports real-time multi-user collaboration and includes templates for wireframing. Explore FigJam
10. What are Whimsical's main features for wireframing?
Whimsical is a browser-based collaborative workspace for creating wireframes, flowcharts, and mind maps. It offers real-time collaboration, built-in UI components, and AI-enabled brainstorming. Learn more about Whimsical
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
