What is the main purpose of a wireframe in web design?

The main purpose of a wireframe in web design is to represent the skeletal framework of a website. Wireframes serve as a blueprint for the layout of a webpage, showcasing the arrangement of various elements without delving into the final design aspects, such as typography, colors, and images. This skeletal representation helps designers and stakeholders understand how the site will function, the placement of content, and the flow of user interactions.

By focusing on structure rather than details, wireframes facilitate discussions about the functionality and usability of a website at an early stage. They help ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the project direction before moving on to more detailed design phases. Wireframes can also highlight important navigational elements and user pathways, making it easier to identify potential issues in user experience.

Other options, while related to web design, do not accurately encapsulate the primary function of wireframes. Creating a visual guide for navigation is a component of wireframing, but it does not fully describe its primary purpose. Detailed graphic design elements and coding structures are more advanced stages that come after wireframing has established the basic layout and functionality.