15 Figma Alternatives: The Best Tools for Your Design Needs

    figma alternatives

    Figma is a favorite among UI/UX designers due to its collaborative tools and cloud-based setup. However, it’s not the only choice. If you’re seeking different features, pricing, or interfaces, many Figma alternatives are available.

    What is Figma?

    Figma is a well-liked design tool that UI/UX designers use to create and collaborate on web and mobile interface designs. It is a cloud-based platform that enables several users to work on the same project in real-time, making it perfect for team collaboration.

    Figma’s capabilities include vector editing, prototyping, and design systems, allowing designers to develop, share, and refine their work smoothly. Its accessibility via the browser and dedicated desktop apps makes it versatile for various design workflows.

    What are the alternatives to Figma?

    Here are 15 tools similar to Figma, each offering unique features that might be a better fit for your design needs.

    1. Adobe XD

    Adobe XD is a highly advanced design tool that facilitates wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. As one of the Figma alternatives you can use today, it’s part of Adobe Creative Cloud, making it an excellent choice for those already using Adobe products.

    Key Features:

    • Integration with Adobe Suite: Seamlessly work with Photoshop and Illustrator files.
    • Voice Prototyping: Create voice-enabled prototypes for smart devices.
    • Auto-Animate: Easily add animations between artboards.

    If you’re already using Adobe products, Adobe XD offers a familiar interface and robust features that can enhance your design workflow.

    2. Sketch

    Sketch is a vector-based drawing tool largely used for online and mobile app development. It is particularly popular with macOS users.

    Key Features:

    • Symbols and Shared Styles: Create reusable components to maintain design consistency.
    • Plugins: Access a huge collection of plugins to expand functionality.
    • Artboard Management: Organize designs efficiently with multiple artboards.

    Sketch is ideal for designers who prefer a desktop application and need strong vector editing capabilities.

    3. InVision

    InVision is a prototyping tool that focuses on creating interactive mockups, making collaboration and feedback easy.

    Key Features:

    • Live Share: Team members may work together in real-time.
    • Feedback Tools: Collect feedback and recommendations directly on your creations.
    • Design Handoff: You may quickly share specifications with developers.

    If collaboration and feedback are crucial to your design process, InVision’s features make it a strong competitor as an alternative to Figma.

    4. Axure RP

    Axure RP is making the list of Figma competitors. It is a comprehensive tool for wireframing and prototyping, offering advanced features for creating interactive prototypes.

    Key Features:

    • Dynamic Content: Create prototypes that respond to user interactions.
    • Conditional Logic: Add logic for more complex interactions.
    • Documentation: Generate detailed specifications for developers.

    Axure RP is perfect for designers creating complex, interactive prototypes with detailed documentation.

    5. Canva

    Canva is an easy-to-use visual design application for creating social media graphics, presentations, and marketing materials.

    Key Features:

    • Templates: Access an extensive library of templates for various design requirements.
    • Drag-and-Drop Interface: It is simple to use and suitable for beginners.
    • Collaboration: Share your designs with team members for comments.

    If your design needs extend beyond UI/UX to include marketing materials, Canva offers a versatile and easy-to-use platform.

    6. Gravit Designer

    Gravit Designer is a free vector design application that runs in the browser and offers various design tools, similar to Figma.

    Key Features:

    • Cross-Platform: Available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
    • Vector Editing: Powerful vector editing tools for detailed designs.
    • Cloud Sync: Save work in the cloud for easy access.

    Gravit Designer is an excellent choice for those looking for a free, cross-platform design tool with solid vector capabilities.

    7. Affinity Designer

    Affinity Designer is a professional graphic design software with sophisticated vector and raster tools.

    Key Features:

    • Dual Environment: Switch seamlessly between vector and raster workspaces.
    • One-Time Purchase: No subscription fees, making it budget-friendly.
    • Performance: Optimized for speed and efficiency.

    If you prefer a one-time purchase over subscriptions, Affinity Designer provides professional-grade capabilities with no ongoing fees.

    8. Marvel App

    Marvel App is a design and prototyping tool that prioritizes simplicity and ease of use.

    Key Features:

    • User Testing: Conduct user testing directly within the app.
    • Design Handoff: You can quickly share designs with developers.
    • Integration: Works well with any number of design tools.

    Marvel App is perfect for designers who want a straightforward tool for creating prototypes and gathering user feedback. It is an excellent alternative to Figma.

    9. Proto.io

    Proto.io is a prototyping tool that lets you create interactive prototypes without coding.

    Key Features:

    • Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simple to use, even by non-designers.
    • Pre-Built Components: Access a library of UI components to speed up the design process.
    • User Testing: Gather feedback on your prototypes.

    If you want to create prototypes quickly and easily, Proto.io is a user-friendly tool like Figma that doesn’t require coding skills.

    10. Lunacy

    Lunacy is a free design tool that works offline and is compatible with Sketch files.

    Key Features:

    • Windows Compatibility: Great for Windows users who want to work with Sketch files.
    • Built-In Assets: Access a library of icons, photos, and illustrations.
    • Collaboration: Share your designs with team members for comments.

    If you’re a Windows user looking for a free tool that can handle Sketch files, Lunacy is a fantastic choice.

    11. Balsamiq

    Balsamiq is a wireframing tool that focuses on low-fidelity designs and rapid prototyping.

    Key Features:

    • Sketchy Style: Create wireframes that look hand-drawn, encouraging feedback.
    • Collaboration: Share wireframes with team members for input.
    • Templates: Employ pre-made templates to expedite the design process.

    If you want to focus on wireframing and early-stage design, Balsamiq’s simplicity and unique style make it an excellent alternative.

    12. Webflow

    Webflow is a design tool that allows you to create visually responsive websites with the ability to export clean HTML and CSS.

    Key Features:

    • Visual Development: Design websites without writing code.
    • CMS Functionality: Build dynamic, content-driven websites.
    • Responsive Design: Easily create responsive layouts.

    Suppose you want to design and create websites on a single platform. In that case, Webflow is a powerful solution that bridges the gap between design and development, making it one of the best Figma alternatives.

    13. Zeplin

    Zeplin is a collaborative tool that enables designers and developers to collaborate more efficiently.

    Key Features:

    • Design Handoff: Automatically generate style guides and specs from your designs.
    • Integration: Works with Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma.
    • Collaboration: Facilitate communication between designers and developers.

    If you want to improve the handoff process between design and development, Zeplin is an invaluable tool that streamlines collaboration.

    14. Framer

    Framer is a design tool for developing interactive prototypes and animations.

    Key Features:

    • Code Components: Use React components for advanced interactions.
    • Design and Code: Combine design and code in one platform.
    • Real-Time Collaboration: Work with team members in real-time.

    If you’re looking for a tool that allows for both design and coding, Framer offers a unique approach to interactive prototyping.

    15. Origami Studio

    Facebook created Origami Studio, a design tool for developing high-fidelity prototypes with sophisticated interactions.

    Key Features:

    • Advanced Prototyping: Create complex interactions and animations.
    • Integration with Sketch: Import designs directly from Sketch.
    • Real-Time Collaboration: Communicate with team members in real-time.

    Origami Studio is perfect for designers who need high-fidelity prototypes with advanced interactions.

    Express Your Web Creativity With Figma Alternatives

    While Figma is a top design tool, many alternatives cater to different needs and preferences. From Adobe XD’s integration with the Adobe suite to Canvas’s user-friendly interface, each tool has unique features that might better suit your workflow. Whether you’re a freelancer, part of a small team, or work for a considerable corporation, researching these Figma competitors might help you identify the best fit for your creative needs.

    Consider your specific requirements, budget, and team dynamics when selecting a design tool. The right alternative can enhance your design process and help you create stunning visuals that resonate with your audience. Happy designing!