Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Bootstrap Vue VS Balsamiq

Compare Bootstrap Vue VS Balsamiq and see what are their differences

Bootstrap Vue logo Bootstrap Vue

Quickly integrate Bootstrap v4 components with Vue.js

Balsamiq logo Balsamiq

Balsamiq. Rapid, effective and fun wireframing software.
  • Bootstrap Vue Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-25
  • Balsamiq Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-05-19

Bootstrap Vue features and specs

  • Integration with Bootstrap
    BootstrapVue provides seamless integration with Bootstrap 4, allowing developers to use Vue.js components styled with Bootstrap's CSS framework, which is widely adopted and familiar to many developers.
  • Comprehensive Component Library
    It offers a wide range of pre-built Vue.js components, making UI development faster and more efficient, as developers can leverage a rich set of features and design elements without building them from scratch.
  • Responsive Design
    Utilizing the responsive grid system and components of Bootstrap, BootstrapVue helps developers easily create responsive designs that work well on various device sizes.
  • Active Community and Documentation
    BootstrapVue has a strong community and extensive documentation that provides examples and guidance, making it accessible for developers of all skill levels.
  • Customizable
    It allows for customization and theming, enabling developers to tailor components to fit the specific needs and styles of their projects.

Possible disadvantages of Bootstrap Vue

  • Dependency on Bootstrap
    BootstrapVue is built on top of Bootstrap 4, which means it is dependent on it. Any changes in Bootstrap may require changes in BootstrapVue to stay compatible.
  • Potential Bloat
    Including a complete set of Bootstrap assets along with Vue.js components might increase the package size, which can affect load time and performance if not managed properly.
  • Limited Flexibility
    While customization is possible, developers might find certain aspects of the framework restrictive if their design or functionality needs deviate significantly from what Bootstrap offers.
  • Transition to Bootstrap 5
    As of now, BootstrapVue is primarily based on Bootstrap 4, which may pose challenges or require adjustments for projects looking to migrate to Bootstrap 5.
  • Learning Curve
    For developers unfamiliar with either Vue.js or Bootstrap, there might be a learning curve as they navigate through the conventions and practices of both technologies.

Balsamiq features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Balsamiq offers an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for users of all skill levels to create wireframes quickly.
  • Rapid Prototyping
    The tool is designed for speed, allowing users to iterate and refine designs rapidly, aiding in quick decision-making and revisions.
  • Low-Fidelity Focus
    Balsamiq emphasizes low-fidelity wireframes, making it easier to focus on structure and user flow rather than getting bogged down in details like colors and fonts.
  • Collaboration Features
    It includes collaboration tools such as comments and real-time co-editing, making it easier for teams to work together and share feedback.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Balsamiq is available both as a web application and a desktop app for Windows and macOS, providing flexibility in how teams access the tool.
  • Extensive Library of UI Components
    The software comes with a rich library of pre-built UI components, icons, and templates that simplify the design process.
  • Integration with Other Tools
    Balsamiq integrates seamlessly with popular project management and development tools like Jira, Confluence, and Google Drive.

Possible disadvantages of Balsamiq

  • Limited Customization Options
    Due to its focus on low-fidelity wireframes, Balsamiq offers limited options for detailed customization, which might not be sufficient for high-fidelity design needs.
  • Cost
    Unlike some free wireframing tools, Balsamiq requires a subscription, which could be a barrier for small teams or individual users on a tight budget.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic features are easy to use, mastering more advanced functionalities might require additional learning and practice.
  • No Interactive Prototypes
    Balsamiq is primarily focused on static wireframes and lacks features for creating interactive, clickable prototypes, which can be a downside for more complex projects.
  • Performance Issues with Large Projects
    Users have reported performance slowdowns when working with very large or complex wireframing projects.
  • No Mobile App
    Unlike some competitors, Balsamiq does not offer a mobile app, which can limit accessibility for users who need to work on the go.

Bootstrap Vue videos

No Bootstrap Vue videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Balsamiq videos

UX Review: Balsamiq.com - Watch a Usability Expert Review Our Site!

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Balsamiq Mockups: Beginner Tutorial
  • Review - Balsamiq Wireframes for Desktop Overview (Windows)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Bootstrap Vue and Balsamiq)
Developer Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Prototyping
0 0%
100% 100
Development Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Design Collaboration
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Bootstrap Vue and Balsamiq

Bootstrap Vue Reviews

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Balsamiq Reviews

Figma Alternatives: 12 Prototyping and Design Tools in 2024
Balsamiq is a design tool that has been available since 2008. It’s easy to use and even boasts active customer service if you need help. The software is beginner-friendly, so there is no learning curve if you’re a newbie.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Balsamiq should be more popular than Bootstrap Vue. It has been mentiond 32 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Bootstrap Vue mentions (20)

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Balsamiq mentions (32)

  • Revenge of the Junior Developer
    Usually my own way of working is to use Balsamiq[0] to have a visual prototype to test out flows, Figma|Sketch for the UI specs, then to just code it. Kinda the same when drawing where you just doodle until you have a few workable ideas, iterate of these to judge colors and other things, and then commit to one for the final result. [0]: https://balsamiq.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Three important steps before jumping to the code
    You can still produce something useful even if you’re not a professional designer. For example, you can use a rapid wireframing tool like Balsamiq (my favorite) or Excalidraw. With such tools, you can sketch an idea quickly without spending time on minor visual details. Or, use a whiteboard or good old pencil and paper. Any sketch is better than nothing. - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago
  • Tell HN: My Favorite Tools
    A few apps that are a joy to use: https://ia.net/writer for writing. https://usecontrast.com/ for checking contrast. https://sipapp.io/ for picking colors. https://nova.app/ for editing code. https://cleanshot.com/ for screenshots. https://getpixelsnap.com/ for measuring elements on screen. https://netnewswire.com/ for reading things via RSS. https://panic.com/transmit/ for file transfers. https://usefathom.com/... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Ask HN: Best UI design courses for hackers?
    I think the best practical approach for designing UIs is to download (and buy) Balsamic[0] and use that to design UIs. Cut through the nonsense of colours and pixels in the first instance and just lay things out logically and simply. [0] https://balsamiq.com. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Build Products that don’t SUCK
    Create a low-fidelity mockup or wireframe of your MVP using tools like Balsamiq, Sketch, or Figma. Or use an easier-to-use tool like Uizard, which also has text-to-design capabilities. Source: almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Bootstrap Vue and Balsamiq, you can also consider the following products

Vuetify - Material Component Framework for VueJS 2

Invision - Prototyping and collaboration for design teams

Buefy - Lightweight UI components for Vue.js based on Bulma

Moqups - The most stunning HTML5 app for creating resolution-independent SVG mockups, wireframes & interactive prototypes for your next project

Mint UI - Beautiful, reliable component library for Mint

Zeplin - Collaboration app for UI designers & frontend developers