UI Builder + Mockup tool

Product Introduction

1. UI Builder + Mockup Tool is a Chrome extension that enables users to create sketch-style wireframes and UI mockups directly within their browser, either on live webpages or blank canvases. It provides drag-and-drop functionality for UI elements like buttons, headers, and inputs, coupled with real-time editing, resizing, and screenshot capabilities. The tool operates locally without requiring external design software or cloud dependencies.
2. The core value lies in accelerating design workflows by eliminating context switching between browsers and dedicated design tools. It prioritizes privacy by storing all data locally in Chrome’s storage and avoids network requests, making it suitable for sensitive client projects. Its lightweight architecture ensures minimal impact on browser performance during everyday use.

Main Features

1. Users drag sketch-style UI components such as buttons, text fields, and dividers from a palette onto any webpage or blank canvas, with automatic alignment and snap-to-grid functionality for precision. Elements retain a hand-drawn aesthetic to distinguish mockups from final designs.
2. The tool enables direct text editing and dynamic resizing of elements through inline controls, allowing instant updates to labels, headers, and dimensions without opening secondary panels. Color customization is supported via hex code inputs or preset swatches.
3. Built-in screenshot functionality captures selected regions as PNG files or clipboard-ready images, preserving pixel-perfect quality for sharing in collaboration tools like Slack or Jira. A marquee selection tool ensures accurate export boundaries.
4. Keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl/Cmd+C/V for duplication, Delete for removal, Esc to cancel actions) streamline repetitive tasks, mimicking desktop design software workflows. This reduces reliance on mouse interactions for power users.
5. Data remains entirely local through Chrome’s chrome.storage.local API, with no analytics, tracking, or external server communication. The extension injects code only when activated, minimizing memory usage during inactive periods.

Problems Solved

1. The tool addresses the inefficiency of switching between browsers and design tools like Figma or Sketch during early-stage ideation. It allows real-time mockup creation directly on live websites, enabling clients to visualize changes contextually.
2. It serves designers, product managers, and developers who need rapid prototyping capabilities without software licenses or complex onboarding. Business analysts also benefit from annotating live sites during stakeholder meetings.
3. Typical scenarios include sketching UI adjustments during client video calls, creating annotated specs for development tickets, and teaching web design concepts using real-world page examples. It replaces static wireframing tools when demonstrating responsive layouts on existing site structures.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike browser-based design tools that operate in isolated canvases, UI Builder overlays interactive elements directly on live webpages, providing true WYSIWYG context for client presentations. Competitors like Balsamiq lack this live-site integration.
2. The combination of local data storage and zero network dependencies ensures compliance with GDPR and enterprise security policies, a critical differentiator for handling confidential client projects.
3. Its lightweight injection model contrasts with resource-heavy extensions, ensuring sub-100ms activation times and no background processes. Competitors often require persistent background scripts that degrade browser performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does UI Builder work offline or without internet access? The extension operates entirely locally using Chrome’s storage APIs, requiring no internet connection for core functionality. Screenshot exports and element libraries are cached during installation.
2. Can I collaborate on mockups with team members? While the tool lacks real-time collaboration features, users can export PNGs or copy screenshots to shared platforms like Figma. All element positions and text edits are stored locally per user profile.
3. How does UI Builder handle updates to live websites during mockup sessions? Elements remain anchored to their original placement coordinates even if page content shifts. Users can manually refresh the canvas via the toolbar to realign components.