The vast majority of web designers and web developers have a few choice solutions that they prefer to work with when they wireframe, prototype, build, share, and publish mobile or web apps. Since new tools continuously invade the markets, common sense dictates that we try and see if either of them are head and shoulders above their competition. With this purpose in mind, I went out of my way to find today’s most advanced resources, and present them to you in this article.
Apper
I am going to begin my list with a state-of-the-art app builder, Apper, which has been created by IGenApps Inc., and given a meaningful name. The word ‘Apper’ denotes creative professionals such as web designers who prefer to build high-profile apps for their clients without meddling with code. Therefore, Apper is a brilliant do-it-yourself platform that provides a great environment to create, distribute, and publish your apps. It has even been rumored that all mobile web apps shaped here look very much like native apps.
It was very interesting for me to learn that Apper also includes an intelligent URL feature, which modifies your UI and improves UX in various conditions, so that your app behaves flawlessly on any type of modern devices, such as iOS, Windows Phone, Amazon Fire, and Android. What’s more, Apper’s solely established charging fee is just $4.99/month, and by paying that small amount, you make sure your app maintains cross-device compatibility, and stays hosted.
Siberian CMS
Siberian CMS is, without a doubt, a cutting edge solution in terms of software for building apps. As far as I can tell, this tool stands above other app builders that I’ve seen. I was quite elated to discover that this tool replicates the experience of working with WordPress. Furthermore, it allows users to swiftly organize modules without any coding involved, and easily customize every single aspect of their desired apps.
There are several more reasons why anyone would be very happy working with Siberian CMS. First of all, let’s make it clear that this is not an online app creation tool like all the rest, but an open-source solution that users get to install on their own personal servers. The highest perk of all is that Siberian CMS has two outstanding commercial versions that are perfect to use in launching your app business.
InVision
If you’re intent on prototyping efficiently from a design standpoint, then choose InVision. This is an immensely popular tool, but just in case you haven’t heard anything about it yet, let me start by saying that it receives hundreds of new members, with each passing day. Right now, InVision has over 400K users, and is also used by Adobe, LinkedIn, and Evernote.
What turns InVision into such a magnetic force for professional creatives like us? I could start with the exemption from coding and payment that it brings, but that doesn’t even begin to express its potential. Let me try again: InVision is a free, code-less prototyping resource that gives a lot of credit to design elements and includes integration with programs like Photoshop and Sketch. Once you’ve tested your prototype for UX liabilities, you can share it with clients.
AppMachine
Another flawless app forging platform that I really need to include among my topmost references is the notorious AppMachine. This tool is amazing, and it doesn’t charge users any money while they are absorbed in the process of making apps. You only pay upon publishing your creation to stores. Import your own data, connect to web services, and use CustomJS to add your features and code. AppMachine is quintessentially fast, so you won’t waste time, and you can use any of the 35 pre-coded building blocks to put a rush on your app.
HotGloo
HotGloo is an overly satisfying wireframe UX prototyping solution, all the same if you are wireframing for desktop, tablet, or mobile. It comes with crystal clear documentation, so you won’t take more than a few minutes to learn all there is to know and use the editor to your advantage. HotGloo even discloses a huge wireframe widget library, for you (and your team mates) to peruse and build responsive prototypes that you can save in different versions, then send to your clients for preview.
Proto.io
As my list of spectacular prototyping and app building tools continues to unfold, we encounter Proto.io. This platform is an excellent way to prototype for mobile apps, as you will be able to strike up fully interactive prototypes really fast. Proto.io has a sizable collection of awesome animations, not to mention that it altogether side-steps coding for you, and sports a friendly drag-and-drop interface. Test your prototypes in every conceivable way, then share them with short URLs, or in the player app of iOS and Android.
AppsGeyser
Ever worked with AppsGeyser? If not, I suggest you give it half a chance to prove its utility. I simply love how this cloud-based platform manages to facilitate a two-step conversion of any sort of web content into apps for Android devices, and I’m certain you’ll like the overall experience of building apps here.
Appery.io
Appery.io is another cutting-edge mobile platform for crafting apps. To describe it in a few words, this is a cloud-based and accelerated solution that includes backend services, along with a rich selection of API plug-ins that serves to facilitate integration with cloud services and enterprise systems. Go ahead, give Appery.io a try.
Apps Volcano
If you’re always looking for proficient tools to prototype and create apps, then it doesn’t take long to recognize the value of AppsVolcano. This resource is an ideal choice if you need to create mobile apps for iPhone, Android, iPad and Kindle. With over 140 features and countless templates, AppsVolcano offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a best deal guarantee.
PowerMockup
PowerMockup is truly one-of-a-kind when it comes to delivering stately presentations of your wireframe. The price of one user license is $59.95, and it’s totally worth it. What distinguishes PowerMockup from all the rest is its status: this is not a standalone wireframing tool, but an add-on for Microsoft PowerPoint 2007, 2010, and 2013. It will help you create marvelous slideshows by taking wireframe stencils and icons from a fantastic library. Lastly, it’s also possible to form new stencils with average PowerPoint shapes, and add them to your library for keeping.
Mobile Roadie
I was astonished to stumble across a magical little app builder that has a history of working with famous brands such as Cirque Du Soleil, Harley Davidson, and TEDx. I am referring to Mobile Roadie, which instated a 14-day trial period that anyone can tap into. Frankly, I strongly advise you to.
Appsme
Mippin has a prodigy child that exceeds expectations: Appsme. What I really liked about this tool was its flat out promise to help users make fabulous mobile apps for any kind of device, in less than 10 minutes. Even further, you can publish your app for free, but doing so on app stores means a subscription of at least $40/month.
TheAppBuilder
TheAppBuilder drives an aggressive marketing strategy that makes it seem like the world’s biggest development platform for mobile applications. Curiously, every review and opinion that I’ve consulted was indeed positive, and I came to know that no less than 340K apps have been made here. TheAppBuilder also includes TheAppLibrary, which tops up your app publishing capabilities.
DRONA Mobile
DRONA Mobile is one more app building tool that is definitely worth considering. Its broad accessibility that stretches to embrace even the most un-knowledgeable user – speaks in this platform’s honor. All you have to do in order to have a wonderful app ready is choose a layout, import data, and publish.
Antetype
In my own humble opinion, it wouldn’t be okay to close this list of superb prototyping and app creation tools, without giving Antetype its due credit. This platform is special because it can help you make and endlessly re-utilize your own widgets, apart from offering more than 400 pre-designed widgets to begin with.
What is your opinion on these resources for professional web designers and web developers? Have you gotten around to using any of them until now? If your answer is yes, then I believe that I’m speaking for everyone when I’m asking you to share your views on the subject with the rest of the world. Please comment here.
