Using Balsamiq in Your Classroom
Balsamiq Wireframes is the industry-leading rapid wireframing software that combines the comfort and simplicity of paper sketching with the power of a digital tool.
We are proud to offer instructors a long-term, extended trial for Wireframes for Desktop for the duration of your course, free of charge.
If you haven't already, select which version you want to use below, and apply to the Balsamiq Software Donation Program.
Select a version and apply
Both versions use the same wireframing editor. The differences are mostly in how and where project files are stored. Read below for details or learn more about Balsamiq Wireframes.
Wireframes for Desktop
- Native apps for macOS and Windows
- Edit projects locally
- No internet connection required (after registration)
- Perfect for individual student use
Wireframes for Google Drive
- Integrated with Google Drive and other Google Workspace apps
- Create, edit and share wireframes directly from Google Drive within a browser
- Collaborate on wireframes in real time
- Perfect for individual student or team use
- Per our Privacy Policy students must be 16 years or older
Install and share with your students
Once we review your application and you are approved for a free extended trial we will send you a key to share with your students (Desktop) or extend your free trial (Google Drive).
Wireframes for Desktop
- Install Balsamiq Wireframes for Desktop
- Register the app using your license key
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Entering your key on the Desktop app - Distribute the license key to your students and other faculty
- You're ready to wireframe!
Wireframes for Google Drive
- Install and Run Balsamiq Wireframes for Google Drive
- Navigate to your billing page
- Enter the email addresses of your students in the text box
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Adding students as editors in Wireframes for Google Drive - When done, click the Save button
- You're ready to wireframe!
Suggested Lesson Plan
User interface overview
The core of Balsamiq Wireframes is the editor, which is the same in all versions of our products. The editor interface is made up of five primary areas: the toolbar, the UI Library, the canvas, the navigator panel and the properties panel. Each is described below.
Navigator Panel
The navigator panel on the left shows the list of wireframes, assets or Symbols in your project. The currently selected object is highlighted.
Toolbar
The toolbar contains a series of icons for performing actions on other areas of the user interface.
UI Library
Consists of premade UI Controls that can be dragged onto the Canvas to create a user interface.
Canvas
The area where UI Controls are placed and arranged.
Properties Panel
A configuration panel that contains common actions (e.g. alignment, layering) and properties that are specific to each UI Control.
Visit the Editor Overview documentation for more details.
Balsamiq essentials
- Application intro (Desktop | Google Drive)
- The Toolbar
- UI Library + Quick Add
- Working with Controls
- The Inspector
- Images and assets
For advanced use, check out the tutorials and keyboard shorcuts.
Introducing wireframes to your students
In-class activities
| 1. | Create your first wireframe | Instructor guide (PDF | Google Doc) | |
| 2. | Copy an existing UI to learn how it was designed | Instructor guide (PDF | Google Doc) | Balsamiq project file (.bmpr) |
| 3. | Add a feature to an existing app | Instructor guide (PDF | Google Doc) | Balsamiq project file (.bmpr) |