Designing wireframes should feel creative, not chaotic. But when multiple people are working on the same mockup, things can get messy fast. Questions pop up. Feedback gets lost. Details are misunderstood. That’s where comments in Balsamiq Wireframes come in handy. They keep communication clear and connected directly to your design.
TLDR: Yes, you can add comments in Balsamiq Wireframes, and it’s easy. Comments help teams give feedback, ask questions, and keep everything organized in one place. You can add them directly to wireframes, reply to others, and even resolve them. In this guide, you’ll learn how to do it step by step and discover five simple tips to collaborate better.
Why Comments Matter in Wireframing
Wireframes are blueprints. They show layout, structure, and flow. But they don’t always tell the full story.
That’s why teams need a quick way to explain ideas. A way to flag issues. A way to suggest improvements without rewriting long emails.
Comments do exactly that.
- They attach feedback directly to the design.
- They reduce confusion.
- They save time.
- They keep discussions organized.
Instead of juggling chat messages and screenshots, everything lives in one place.
Can You Really Add Comments in Balsamiq?
Yes, you can. But there’s something important to know.
Comments are available in Balsamiq Cloud and certain collaborative environments. If you’re using a desktop-only version without shared access, commenting works differently or may be limited.
If you are working in a shared project, you’re good to go.
Now let’s walk through it step by step.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Comments in Balsamiq Wireframes
Step 1: Open Your Project
Log in to your Balsamiq Cloud workspace. Open the wireframe you want to review.
Make sure the project is shared with your team. If it’s not, invite collaborators first.
Step 2: Enter Comment Mode
Look for the comment icon in the interface. It usually appears in the toolbar.
Click it.
You are now in comment mode.
This allows you to click anywhere on the wireframe and leave feedback.
Step 3: Click Where You Want to Comment
Now click on the specific part of the wireframe.
For example:
- A button that needs new text
- A navigation menu that feels crowded
- An image placeholder that needs resizing
A comment box will appear.
Step 4: Write Your Comment
Type your message in the box.
Keep it clear and simple.
Instead of:
“This doesn’t look right.”
Try:
“Can we increase padding on this button to improve readability?”
Specific feedback is always better.
Once done, click Post.
Step 5: Reply to Comments
Collaboration is a conversation.
Team members can reply directly under your comment. This keeps discussions threaded and easy to follow.
No more scattered feedback.
Step 6: Resolve Comments
When an issue is fixed, mark the comment as resolved.
This keeps your workspace clean.
It also shows progress.
Unresolved comments mean action is still needed. Resolved ones mean “done.”
How Comments Appear in the Wireframe
Each comment is usually marked with a small icon or numbered bubble.
This indicator sits exactly where the comment was added.
When you click it, the full conversation opens.
This visual connection is powerful. You instantly understand what part of the design the feedback refers to.
No guessing required.
Who Can Add Comments?
It depends on user roles and permissions.
In most shared Balsamiq Cloud projects:
- Editors can add and reply to comments.
- Viewers can often comment but not edit wireframes.
- Project owners manage permissions.
If someone can’t comment, check their access level.
Common Use Cases for Comments
Comments are flexible. Here’s how teams use them most often:
1. Design Feedback
“Move this form higher on the page.”
2. Content Suggestions
“Change headline to something more action-driven.”
3. Technical Notes
“This section will connect to API v2.”
4. Questions
“Should this button open a modal or a new page?”
5. Approval
“Looks good to me.”
Simple. Direct. Helpful.
5 Collaboration Tips to Make Commenting Even Better
Adding comments is easy. Using them well takes practice.
Here are five tips that make a big difference.
1. Be Clear and Specific
Vague comments slow things down.
Avoid one-word reactions like:
- “No.”
- “Wrong.”
- “Bad layout.”
Instead, explain why.
Clear feedback leads to faster fixes.
2. Keep It Constructive
Feedback should improve the design, not attack the designer.
Try this format:
- Observation: “This section feels busy.”
- Suggestion: “Maybe reduce the number of icons.”
It sounds supportive. Because it is.
3. Use Comments Early
Don’t wait until the design is “perfect.”
Wireframes are meant to be rough.
Early comments help avoid bigger problems later.
Fixing structure early is easier than redesigning a full prototype.
4. Resolve as You Go
A long list of outdated comments becomes overwhelming.
Make it a habit:
- Fix the issue.
- Reply if needed.
- Mark as resolved.
This keeps the project tidy and focused.
5. Set Commenting Guidelines
Teams work better with simple rules.
For example:
- Use comments only for design feedback.
- Use chat for quick questions.
- Mention names when feedback is directed at someone.
Small rules prevent big confusion.
What If You Can’t See the Comment Option?
If you don’t see the comment feature, check these things:
- Are you using Balsamiq Cloud?
- Do you have the right permissions?
- Is the project shared?
Sometimes the issue is simply access level.
Ask the project owner to review your role.
Comments vs. Annotations: What’s the Difference?
Good question.
Comments are for collaboration. They are conversations.
Annotations are part of the design itself. They explain how something should work.
Annotations stay in the wireframe.
Comments can be resolved and hidden.
Use annotations for instructions to developers.
Use comments for team discussions.
Best Practices for Remote Teams
If your team works remotely, comments become even more important.
Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Review wireframes together on video calls.
- Add live comments during the meeting.
- Assign action items clearly.
- Follow up on unresolved threads.
This turns passive viewing into active collaboration.
Final Thoughts
So, can you add comments in Balsamiq Wireframes?
Absolutely.
And you should.
Comments transform wireframes from static drawings into living discussions. They make feedback easier. They reduce mistakes. They bring designers, developers, and stakeholders onto the same page.
The process is simple:
- Open your project.
- Enter comment mode.
- Click and write feedback.
- Reply and resolve.
That’s it.
Keep comments clear. Keep them constructive. Resolve them regularly.
When used well, they become one of the most powerful collaboration tools in your design workflow.
Now open your wireframe and try it.
Your future self—and your team—will thank you.