Frames and layouts in software development play a crucial role in determining the structure and organization of the user interface. Frames act as containers to hold and group various components together, providing a clear visual hierarchy. These frames help in organizing the content within an application window, allowing developers to arrange elements efficiently. On the other hand, layouts define how these components are positioned within the frame, specifying rules for their alignment and sizing. By carefully designing frames and layouts, developers can create user interfaces that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and responsive across different devices and screen sizes. Understanding the principles of frames and layouts is essential for building intuitive and functional software applications.