What is the primary function of the wireframe tool in web design?

The primary function of a wireframe tool in web design is to outline the basic structure and layout of a website. Wireframes serve as a visual blueprint, providing a skeletal representation of the website's pages. They help designers quickly arrange elements such as headers, footers, menus, content areas, and navigation without getting caught up in detailed visual design aspects like colors and typography. This allows for early-stage feedback and collaborative discussions among team members and stakeholders about the site’s structure before moving on to more detailed designs or development.

Using wireframes enables designers to focus on user experience and functionality, ensuring that the website’s layout meets user needs and supports the intended content flow. This foundational step is crucial in the web development process as it sets the stage for more refined design and coding phases.