WireframeSketcher vs. Competitors: Which Tool Wins for Rapid Design?

How to Build Clickable Mockups with WireframeSketcher: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating clickable mockups helps turn static designs into interactive prototypes you can test and share. This guide walks through building a clickable mockup in WireframeSketcher, from setup to sharing a testable prototype.

What you’ll need

• WireframeSketcher installed (desktop app or Eclipse plugin).
• Basic UI assets or screenshots (optional).
• A simple flow to prototype (e.g., login → dashboard → settings).

1. Plan the user flow

1. Define screens: List the screens your prototype needs (e.g., Home, Details, Settings).
2. Map interactions: For each screen, note which elements should be clickable and where they lead.
3. Set scope: Limit to core flows to keep the prototype focused and fast to build.

2. Create a new project and pages

1. Open WireframeSketcher and create a New Project.
2. Add a page for each screen using File → New → Wireframe (name them clearly, e.g., Home.wfp, Login.wfp).

3. Build each screen layout

1. Use the built-in widgets palette to drag common controls (buttons, lists, text fields, tabs) onto the canvas.
2. Arrange elements using the alignment tools and grid to maintain consistent spacing.
3. Use components (reusable widgets) for repeating elements like navigation bars or footers:
   • Select elements → Create Component → give it a name → reuse via the Components pane.

4. Configure element properties

1. Select an element and edit its properties (label, placeholder, icon).
2. For images or icons, import assets via the Images panel and drop them onto the canvas.
3. Add realistic content (short labels, sample text) to improve usability testing.

5. Add hotspots to create clickability

1. WireframeSketcher uses link actions to make elements interactive. Select a widget (button, image, list item).
2. In the Properties view, find On Click (or similar action field) and choose Open Page.
3. Select the target page from the project’s page list. Repeat for every interactive element.
4. For more advanced flows, set actions like Open URL (external links) or Open Dialog for modal windows.

6. Simulate dynamic behavior

1. Use alternate states or duplicate pages to simulate changes (e.g., success vs. error states).
2. Link buttons to the appropriate state pages so the prototype feels responsive.
3. For form flows, create a “submitted” page and link the form submit button to it.

7. Preview and test locally

1. Click the Preview (play) button to run your prototype inside WireframeSketcher.
2. Work through each flow, verify links, and adjust spacing or labels as needed.
3. Use the device frame or set canvas dimensions that match your target platform (mobile/tablet/desktop).

8. Share the clickable mockup

1. Export as HTML: Use File → Export → HTML Preview to create a clickable HTML package you can host or zip and send.
2. Export images/PDFs: For simple review, export pages as PNG or PDF, but these won’t be clickable.
3. Generate a shareable preview link if you’re using a hosting option (exported HTML on a server or shared via a cloud drive).

9. Iterate based on feedback

1. Collect feedback from users or stakeholders while they click through the prototype.
2. Note friction points and update layouts, labels, or flows accordingly.
3. Re-export and re-share the updated prototype.

Tips for effective clickable mockups

• Start small: Prototype one key flow thoroughly before expanding.
• Use components: Saves time and keeps UI consistent.
• Label links clearly: Users should understand where a click leads.
• Simulate state changes: Makes testing realistic without needing code.
• Keep pages organized: Use clear naming and group related pages in folders.

Quick checklist before sharing

• All interactive elements linked?
• States and errors covered?
• Device dimensions set correctly?
• Exported prototype tested locally?
• Assets included in export?

Following these steps will get you a functional, clickable mockup in WireframeSketcher that’s ready for usability testing and stakeholder review.