Adobe Proto is aimed at designers who want to rough out a sketch of their website or mobile app on the go before heading into Dreamweaver or other desktop tools. The resulting wireframe prototypes can be synced to Creative Cloud, either with a free 2GB account or as part of the 20GB included with the $49.99 per month service.
The iPad-only app liberates designers from having to sit at a computer all day. Using a finger, users can insert a wide variety of interactive components, including accordions, menus, and tabs onto a CSS grid. Adobe Proto can be used in either vertical or horizontal mode; select a tool from the menu at left, and then tap anywhere to drop it into your project. A tap on the object calls up handles for adjusting to whatever size or shape you’d like.
Tapping the Preview icon displays an interactive version of the work in progress. The app can be quite useful, but you’ll need to have a clear vision of the end product – text can be edited, but Proto doesn't allow importing images or video. Project files synced to Creative Cloud can be accessed from any web browser and downloaded to the desktop – but that’s where things get a little tricky, as Adobe is still working on an extension to load these files directly into Dreamweaver.
In the meantime, Proto projects can be opened with a ZIP archive utility to extract XML and images, but it’s a cumbersome workaround that ultimately defeats the convenience of using a tablet in the first place. The app also lacks the ability to share projects with others, aside from awkwardly making a static screen capture to send via email. Although Adobe initially promised tablet apps would be included with Creative Cloud, the company ultimately chose to release them as paid apps. However, members who purchase any three apps will get a free month of membership.
The bottom line. Adobe Proto mostly works as expected, until it comes time to actually share or use the project file elsewhere. This unfortunate situation mars an otherwise worthwhile app held hostage by limitations with Adobe Creative Cloud. While it’s ultimately worth $10, for now designers may want to view it as a digital idea book rather than the comprehensive tool it may one day become.
of 5
iPad running iOS 4.2 or later
Fast and intuitive way to rough out a website or mobile app. Comprehensive set of tools included. Project files sync with free or paid Adobe Creative Cloud accounts.
Currently no way to directly open projects with Adobe Dreamweaver, requiring clunky workaround. App requires separate purchase from Creative Cloud subscription. No other method for quickly sharing projects.
