Axure RP is a desktop prototyping tool for creating highly interactive, data-driven prototypes with complex conditional logic and automatic specification generation. It’s popular with UX professionals, business analysts, and product managers who need to prototype complicated workflows (like multi-step forms, dynamic dashboards, or conditional user flows) that go beyond simple screen-to-screen linking. Axure is powerful but has a steep learning curve and feels outdated compared to browser-based tools like Figma.
Key Specs
| Price | $29/user/month (Pro); $49/user/month (Enterprise) |
| Platform | Mac, Windows (desktop app only, no web version) |
| Best for | Complex prototypes, conditional logic, automatic documentation |
| Learning curve | Steep; weeks to months for mastery |
How Designers Use Axure RP
Axure serves UX teams that need prototypes with real interactivity, not just clickable mockups.
For High-Fidelity Interactive Prototypes
UX designers use Axure to build prototypes that feel like real applications. Add text inputs that remember what users type, dropdowns that filter content dynamically, and buttons that change based on user actions. These prototypes are realistic enough for intensive user testing where participants can’t tell the difference from a real app.
For Complex Conditional Workflows
Product managers prototype multi-step processes like checkout flows, loan applications, or configuration wizards where the next screen depends on previous user input. Axure’s conditional logic (if/then statements, variables, and dynamic panels) handles these scenarios better than simpler tools. You can show error states, validation messages, and branching paths without coding.
For Automatic Specification Generation
Business analysts and product managers use Axure to generate developer handoff documents automatically. Annotate your wireframes with notes, and Axure exports a Word document with screenshots, measurements, and interaction specs. This was Axure’s killer feature before Figma introduced Dev Mode.
For Data-Driven Prototypes
Enterprise UX teams prototype dashboards and reporting tools using Axure’s repeater widgets, which generate rows of data from CSV files or tables. You can create realistic-looking tables, lists, and charts without manually designing each row. This is helpful for prototyping admin panels or CRM interfaces.
Axure RP vs. Alternatives
| Feature | Axure RP | Figma | Balsamiq |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $29/month | $12/month (Pro) | $12/month (2 projects) |
| Platform | Desktop only | Browser + Desktop | Browser + Desktop |
| Learning curve | Steep | Moderate | Easy |
| Conditional logic | ✅ Advanced | ⚠️ Basic | ❌ No |
| Real-time collaboration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
| Auto-documentation | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Dev Mode | ❌ No |
| Ease of use | Low (3.8/5 Capterra) | High (4.5/5) | High (4.4/5) |
Choose Axure if: You need to prototype complex interactions with variables, conditions, and dynamic data, or you need automatic specification documents for developer handoff.
Choose Figma if: You want real-time collaboration, an easier learning curve, and a tool that handles both UI design and prototyping in one place.
Choose Balsamiq if: You’re in the early wireframing stage and want to move fast without worrying about pixel-perfect design or complex interactions.
Getting Started with Axure RP
Here’s a quick start to create your first interactive prototype:
Step 1: Create a page and add widgets
Open Axure and create a new file. Drag a Rectangle widget from the left panel to create a button. Add a Text Field widget for user input. Axure’s widget library includes buttons, inputs, dropdowns, and more. Think of widgets as interactive components, not just static shapes.
Step 2: Add interactions with conditions
Select your button, go to the Interactions panel, and add an “OnClick” event. Choose “Show/Hide” to reveal a hidden panel, or “Set Text” to change another element based on user input. Add conditions like “If text field contains ‘@’, then show success message.” This is where Axure’s power shines.
Step 3: Preview and test your prototype
Click Preview (F5) to open your prototype in a browser. Test your interactions: type in the text field, click the button, and see if your conditions work. Axure prototypes run in HTML, so they work on any device with a browser.
Axure RP in Your Design Workflow
Axure typically sits between early wireframing and final UI design, focusing on interaction design and specifications.
- Before Axure: Sketch rough wireframes in Balsamiq or on paper, conduct user research to understand workflows
- During design: Axure for detailed interactive prototypes and user testing, then hand off specs to developers
- After Axure: Move to Figma or Sketch for high-fidelity visual design, or developers build from Axure’s HTML export
Common tool pairings:
- Axure + Jira for linking prototypes to user stories and requirements in agile workflows
- Axure + Sketch/Figma for prototyping interactions in Axure, then creating final UI designs in modern tools
- Axure + usability testing tools for running user tests with realistic, interactive prototypes
- Axure + Word/Confluence for embedding auto-generated specs into product documentation
Common Problems (and How to Fix Them)
These frustrations come up regularly in Axure communities.
“Axure has such a steep learning curve”
Axure is notoriously difficult for beginners. The interface is cluttered, and creating even simple interactions requires understanding variables, conditions, and dynamic panels. Start with Axure’s official training courses (free on their website) and follow step-by-step tutorials. Don’t try to learn everything at once. Focus on one feature (like dynamic panels) until you’re comfortable, then add complexity.
“My team can’t collaborate in real-time”
Axure doesn’t have real-time collaboration like Figma. Teams use Axure Cloud or SVN for version control, but only one person can edit a file at a time. This feels painfully outdated compared to modern tools. If collaboration is critical, use Figma for team design work and reserve Axure for specialists who need its advanced logic.
“The UI feels clunky and old”
Axure’s interface hasn’t changed much in years and feels dated compared to Figma or Sketch. Users complain about the cluttered panels, confusing terminology, and non-intuitive workflows. Unfortunately, there’s no fix for this beyond learning where things are. Customize your workspace (Window > Workspace) to hide panels you don’t use.
“Axure is slow with large, complex prototypes”
Files with many pages, dynamic panels, and interactions can slow Axure down significantly. To improve performance, break large projects into multiple files linked together, simplify interactions where possible, and close other apps while working. Axure is a resource-heavy desktop app, not a lightweight browser tool.
“My prototypes don’t look polished enough for client presentations”
Axure is designed for UX prototyping and documentation, not visual design. Prototypes often look utilitarian and low-fidelity compared to Figma or InVision. If you need polished visuals, design UI in Figma or Sketch first, then recreate interactions in Axure for testing. Alternatively, skip Axure and use Figma’s prototyping features, which are usually good enough.