Are you looking for a design tool but can’t decide if Figma is the one for you? Or perhaps you’re a fan of Figma but just want to check out what else is in the market.
You’re in luck because you will find something you are looking for, something with a different feature set, a more budget-friendly plan, or a better fit for your workflow.
Let’s dive into the top 15 Figma alternatives so you can find the right tool to bring your creative ideas to life
Things one should know about Figma
What Makes Figma Alternatives a Better Fit?
While Figma is an amazing tool, it isn’t the only fish in the sea, and depending on what you need, some other tools might be a better fit. For one thing, different tools have different priorities.
You might want something with advanced animation features, better offline capabilities, or a simpler interface. You might need something that fits within your budget or integrates more cleanly with the software your team already uses.
Some Figma alternatives also offer unique perks like enhanced version control, built-in asset libraries, or specialized features for specific industries. Plus, if you’re working solo or in a smaller team, some tools prioritize ease of use over complex collaboration features.
So, whether you’re after flexibility, specific functionalities, or just want to try something new, exploring alternatives to Figma could open up a world of design possibilities tailored to your style and workflow.
Figma is a super handy tool used primarily for designing user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX). It’s great for making anything from mockups of an app or website to a very detailed prototype.
One of the best features is that it’s cloud-based, which means you can collaborate in real time with your team. Think of working on the same design with your teammates, regardless of where each of you is—pretty cool, huh?
If you are wondering about coding—good news! Figma doesn’t require any coding skills. It’s all about design, and you can even create interactive prototypes without writing a single line of code.
However, for developers, Figma’s Dev Mode comes in handy. It bridges the gap between design and programming, making it easier to inspect designs, grab code snippets, and ensure everything’s ready for development.
How to Evaluate Benefits of Figma Alternatives?
When you are looking for alternatives to Figma, there are a few key benefits to look out for. Here is a quick checklist to help you find the perfect fit:
- Ease of Use: Some tools have a simpler interface, making it quicker to learn and easier to use, especially if you are new to design.
- Offline Access: Since Figma is cloud-based, some alternatives allow working offline. Great if you want to design without the internet.
- Advanced Features: Look for tools that offer unique perks such as complex animations, advanced prototyping, or robust asset management.
- Pricing: Depending on your budget, you might find more affordable options or even free ones that meet your design needs.
- Integrate with Other Tools: Some options integrate seamlessly with other tools such as development environments, project management tools, or marketing platforms.
- Customization: If you love tailoring your workspace, ensure that you pick tools offering flexible layouts or customized workflows.
- Collaboration: Figma is awesome in terms of team collaboration; however, some of its alternatives can offer features, such as better version control or granular permissions.
- Performance and Speed: If you are dealing with large files or complex projects, you want a tool that can handle them without slowing down.
- Customer Support and Community: A strong support team or an active user community can make a huge difference when you run into issues or need tips.
List of top 15 Figma Alternatives
1. Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a powerful competitor to Figma for use on Windows and Mac OS, especially in UI/UX design.
The free Starter plan by XD provides basic features such as layout, design, prototype, and animation but holds some limitations: only co-editing with two designers on board and limiting file export to, for example, maximum PDFs at two.
It also offers 2 GB of cloud storage and access to Creative Cloud libraries, though access to the font library is limited. The free plan for Mac OS allows two video file exports.
The most significant features are vector-based design for scalability, mobile preview for Android and iOS, animated prototypes, wireframing tools, and seamless integration with other Adobe apps such as Illustrator and Photoshop.
Using voice command execution and responsive designs, Adobe XD is an efficient, cost-effective solution for the design professional.
Website: https://helpx.adobe.com/support/xd.html
Pricing: Adobe XD’s premium plans begin at $9.99/month for a single app, making it more affordable than Figma.
Services offered:
- UI/UX Design
- Prototyping
- Animation Creation
- Wireframing
- Mobile Preview (Android & iOS)
- Vector-Based Design
- Cloud Storage
- Creative Cloud Libraries
- Integration with Adobe Apps (Illustrator, Photoshop)
- Voice Command Execution
- Responsive Design
- File Export Options (PNG, JPEG, SVG, PDF)
2. InVision
InVision is a versatile prototyping tool designed for both UI/UX design and development. It provides efficient collaboration for members and non-members on projects.
Designers can easily add and view comments, while developers can share specifications without a hitch. Users appreciate the user-friendly interface and the customization options of InVision.
The platform provides a free plan for up to 10 active users and three documents, where an active user is a member or guest who participates in up to two documents
Website: https://www.invisionapp.com/company
Pricing: InVision’s paid plans are reasonably priced, with the first tier at $7.95 per user/month (billed annually) or $9.95 (per month), and the Enterprise Plan is custom-made for organizations with more complex needs.
Services offered:
- UI/UX Design
- Prototyping
- Collaboration & Commenting
- Design & Development Communication
- Customization Options
- File Sharing & Document Management
- Active User Management
- Cloud Storage
- Integration with Other Tools
- Enterprise Solutions (Custom Plans)
3. Balsamiq Mockups
Balsamiq is an excellent alternative to Figma, especially for wireframing. It can be accessed from the cloud, as a desktop application on Windows and Mac OS, and as integrations with Google Drive, Confluence, and Jira, making it one of the top alternatives to Figma.
Therefore, it can adapt to various workflows. It’s best suited for websites, mobile apps, web applications, desktop software, and user interfaces.
One of the highlights of Balsamiq is the dedicated “academy” for learning to wireframe, consisting of articles, videos, courses, and other learning resources for beginners.
Website: https://balsamiq.com/
Pricing: While it doesn’t have a free plan, Balsamiq has flexible pricing that offers a 30-day free trial. The cloud version comes in three plans according to the number of projects, starting at $9/month for 2 projects and up to $199/month for 200 projects. The desktop version charges based on the number of users, starting at $89 for up to four users. For Google Drive, it costs $5 per editor per month, with Confluence/Jira having customized pricing based on the number of editors and type of user.
Services offered:
- Wireframing
- UI/UX Design
- Cloud Version
- Desktop App (Windows & Mac OS)
- Google Drive Integration
- Confluence/Jira Integration
- Educational Resources (Academy)
- Collaboration & Sharing
- Unlimited Wireframes & Users (Cloud Version)
- Flexible Pricing Plans
- Free Trial Option
4. Pencil Project
Pencil Project is a completely free, open-source project for designing graphical user interfaces for desktop and mobile systems. Its strength lies in its flexibility; it comes pre-loaded with shapes across a variety of design categories, which facilitates getting started quickly.
Furthermore, Pencil Project offers a commercial license, allowing users or organizations to modify and integrate the source code into their commercial projects.
The other important difference between Figma and Pencil Project is that it is not vector-based; instead, the export options are PNG, SVG, PDF, or even a web page.
For developers and users seeking an open-source solution for prototyping-a custom, free solution, that is-it’s quite an interesting tool because of its GPL2 license.
Website: https://pencil.evolus.vn/
Pricing: free
Services offered:
- GUI Design for Desktop & Mobile
- Open-Source Licensing (GPL2)
- Commercial License Option
- Pre-Built Shapes for Design
- Export Options (PNG, SVG, PDF, Web Pages)
- Source Code Access and Customization
5. Sketch
Sketch is a powerful Figma alternative, especially for UI/UX design of websites and mobile apps, because it works with vector-based graphics as well as has very advanced prototyping features.
This tool is only available on Mac OS. Sketch offers great collaboration and brainstorming in design, much like Figma, and also supports popular programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. PNG, JPG, PDF, WEBP, and SVG, among others, are some file formats that Sketch supports.
Website: https://www.sketch.com/
Pricing: The cost begins at $9 per editor per month or $99 per editor per year. In the paid versions, you can include an unlimited number of viewers at no charge. Sketch has a 30-day free trial so you get to test the product first before signing up.
Services offered:
- UI/UX Design for Websites & Mobile Apps
- Prototyping
- Design Collaboration & Brainstorming
- Compatibility with Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
- File Format Support (PNG, JPG, PDF, WEBP, SVG, etc.)
- Unlimited Viewers with Paid Plans
- 30-Day Free Trial
- Vector-Based Graphics Design
6. Lunacy
Lunacy is a free, offline-capable, and powerful Windows design tool. It provides an excellent alternative to Figma and is one of the best alternatives to Figma, offering unique vector-based graphic design features.
Lunacy includes its own icons and vector illustrations as its built-in design resources and can be fully compatible with Sketch. Among the features that make Lunacy stand out is that it is AI-based and multilingual (16 languages) and lightweight easy to use and fast.
Lunacy enables users to share files on the cloud and doesn’t have in-app ads, even though it is free. It has great community support through forums along with tutorials, documentation, and feature requests.
Therefore, this tool is more desirable for those who seek no-cost efficiency in design tools, and offline functionality.
Website: https://icons8.com/lunacy
Pricing: free
Services offered:
- Vector-Based Graphic Design
- Offline Functionality
- Built-in Design Resources (Icons, Vector Illustrations)
- Sketch Compatibility
- AI-Based Features
- Cloud File Sharing
- Multilingual Support (16 Languages)
- No In-App Ads
- Community Support (Forum)
- Tutorials, Documentation, and Feature Requests
- Lightweight Design Tool
7. Webflow
Webflow is a good alternative to Figma because it offers the unique advantage of combining UI design with actual website building.
It’s a SaaS platform that allows you to design and build responsive websites without any coding. Webflow, unlike Figma, allows you to turn your designs into fully functional websites.
It also supports teamwork, allowing several designers to collaborate on the same project, as in Figma.
Website: https://webflow.com/
Pricing: The free plan is available on Webflow, and one can upgrade starting at $12 per month when paid yearly or $15 per month if paid monthly, which helps both designers and developers use it for streamlining their workflow.
Services offered:
- UI Design
- Website Building (No-Code)
- Responsive Website Design
- Collaboration Features
- Prototyping
- SaaS Platform
- Cloud-Based Hosting
- Custom Domain Integration
- E-commerce Functionality
- SEO Tools and Optimization
- Content Management System (CMS)
8. Axure
Axure is quite a strong alternative to Figma, especially for UX prototyping and wireframing, making it one of the best alternatives to Figma.
Like Figma, it works on Windows as well as Mac OS, featuring a drag-and-drop/WYSIWYG interface making it very easy to use, and Axure has some realistic UX prototypes that are very sensitive and adapt well from smartphones to tablets to PCs without any glitches.
Axure RP excels at prototyping, generating HTML-based website previews, and creating detailed Word documents for website and app development.
Website: https://www.axure.com/
Pricing: its pricing starts at $25 per user per month when billed annually or $29 per month. Its higher pricing tiers include more advanced features, with the $42 per month plan offering additional capabilities. Axure offers unlimited capabilities to create prototypes and allow reviewers, and the tool is free to try for 30 days on the first two tiers of pricing.
Services offered:
- UX Prototyping
- Wireframing
- Responsive UI Design
- Drag-and-Drop/WYSIWYG Interface
- HTML-Based Website Previews
- Word Document Creation for Development
- Collaboration Features
- Unlimited Prototypes and Reviewers
- Cross-Device Compatibility (Phone, Tablet, PC)
- Cloud-Based Hosting
- 30-Day Free Trial for Pricing Plans
9. Moqups
Moqups is a powerful alternative to Figma, with features for prototyping and wireframing as well as real-time collaboration. The product is cloud-based, similar to Figma, and it operates on a freemium model, which gives valuable functionality at the free tier.
The user appreciates the ease of use and the flexibility of collaborative tools in Moqups. It’s also a good choice for budget-conscious individuals because its pricing plans are based on monthly and yearly cycles rather than per-user rates.
All plans include unlimited projects, objects, real-time collaboration, and prototype interactions, making it a comprehensive and cost-effective tool for design teams.
Website: https://moqups.com/
Pricing: The plans start at $16 per month, billed annually, or $23 per month on a monthly cycle, while the higher tier is priced at $49 per month, billed annually, or $69 per month.
Services offered:
- Prototyping
- Wireframing
- Real-Time Collaboration
- Cloud-Based Platform
- Unlimited Projects and Objects
- Prototype Interactions
- Freemium Licensing
- Multi-Platform Support (Web-Based)
- Team Collaboration Tools
- Easy-to-Use Interface
10. Fluid UI
Fluid UI is a multi-purpose prototyping and wireframing tool that is also a web app and browser-based platform. It’s an alternative to Figma that stands out due to its speed, which is improved by the use of pre-built UI kits that load fast.
Like Figma, Fluid UI supports real-time collaboration, allowing remote team members to view and comment on projects instantly.
One of the standout features of Fluid UI is the possibility of testing prototypes on mobile devices, such as phones or tablets, through free player apps. Fluid UI allows several prototypes to interact with each other
Website: https://www.fluidui.com/
Pricing: Fluid UI offers a per-month or per-year billing system with a starting price of $8.25 per month or $99 per year. Fluid UI is thus a more affordable option than Figma. The second tier plan is $19.08 per month or $229 per year, whereas the top plan is $41.58 per month or $499 per year.
Services offered:
- Prototyping
- Wireframing
- Real-Time Collaboration
- Mobile Device Testing (Free Player Apps)
- Prototype Interaction
- Web-Based Platform
- Pre-Built UI Kits
- Multi-Device Support
- Cost-Effective Pricing Plans
11. JustInMind
JustInMind is one of the most notable Figma alternatives, mainly because it can produce realistic, responsive UI/UX mockups that adapt to any device screen.
This makes it stand out in terms of creating high-fidelity prototypes. Apart from its realistic outputs, JustInMind offers robust features for document interaction, team collaboration, and design project management.
The platform is available free of charge as a Windows and Mac OS desktop app. Despite being priced higher than Figma, JustInMind’s advanced features and local app availability make it a strong contender for design teams.
Website: https://www.justinmind.com/
Pricing: Paid plans are subscription or perpetual licensing-based; the subscription plans start at $19 per user per month if billed annually or $29 if billed monthly, and the higher tiers are $39 per user per month. Perpetual licenses are also available, priced from $455 to $795 per user, depending on the plan, or custom pricing upon request.
Services offered:
- Prototyping
- Wireframing
- Realistic UI/UX Mockups
- Responsive Design
- Document Interaction
- Team Collaboration
- Design Project Management
- Local Desktop App (Windows & Mac OS)
- Subscription and Perpetual Licensing
- Cross-Device Compatibility
12. Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer would be a good alternative, especially for vector graphics in comparison to Figma. It comes in three variants: Windows OS, Mac OS, and iPad OS.
This software has the outstanding feature of easily switching between vector-based workspaces and raster-based workspaces, thus offering flexibility toward different types of design projects, and the file formats are uniformly maintained across all the supported platforms.
Website: https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/
Pricing: Affinity Designer is offered under three plans for perpetual licensing: the Mac and Windows version costs $60.54, while the iPad version goes for $24.21, meaning that it is reasonably priced and is a one-time purchase by designers.
Services offered:
- Vector Graphics Design
- Raster-Based Design
- Cross-Platform Compatibility (Windows, Mac OS, iPad OS)
- Seamless Workspace Switching
- Perpetual Licensing Plans
13. Wondershare Mockitt
Wondershare Mockitt is an online UI/UX prototyping and design collaboration tool that comes with an all-in-one design workspace. It supports creating interactive prototypes, flowcharts, and mind maps, making it a handy tool for different design projects.
With its intuitive interface, Mockitt makes mapping user flows, wireframing, and developing functional prototypes easy, even for people with little coding knowledge.
Some of its most interesting features are real-time collaboration with team members being able to leave comments directly on prototypes and graphical elements, thus facilitating communication and streamlining feedback.
The cloud storage, coupled with support for integration with other design tools, makes work accessible and shareable within teams. Wondershare Mockitt offers a flexible pricing structure with a limited free trial, allowing users to test the platform before committing.
Website: https://mockitt.wondershare.com/pricing.html
Pricing: The paid plans are priced at $79 per year and $99 per year, providing additional features and storage.
Services offered:
- UI/UX Prototyping
- Design Collaboration
- Flowchart Creation
- Mind Mapping
- Real-Time Comments
- All-in-One Design Workspace
- Online Platform
- Multiple Pricing Plans
14. Vectr
Vectr is a good alternative to Figma, especially for anyone interested in working on more vector graphics editing. To this date, it is still free and is expected to have a pro version soon.
Vectr offers both a downloadable app and an online option in which users can work with projects. One of the stand-out features is its easy collaboration process, where users can share projects with teammates via a simple URL, which makes work easy to do in real time.
With its user-friendly interface and essential vector editing tools, Vectr happens to be an excellent option for designers looking for a free, accessible design tool.
Website: https://vectr.com/
Pricing: free
Services offered:
- Vector Graphics Editing
- Online and Offline Access
- Real-Time Collaboration
- Project Sharing via URL
- User-Friendly Interface
15. Penpot
Penpot is another popular open-source design tool that provides an awesome alternative to Figma: a strong platform for designers and developers alike.
It includes features like Code Inspect and Flex Layout, where teams can easily work together on prototypes and design projects. Penpot allows for real-time collaboration, so everyone can contribute effectively irrespective of their roles.
It also supports UX design, making it ideal for creating intuitive user experiences. The tool is ad-free, providing an uninterrupted workspace, and offers cloud sync for easy access to your work from anywhere.
Additionally, Penpot includes a color picker, dark mode, and various other customization options, enhancing the user experience and making it a strong contender in the design tool space.
Website: https://penpot.app/
Pricing: free
Services offered:
- Real-Time Collaboration
- UX Design
- Code Inspect
- Flex Layout
- Ad-Free
- Cloud Sync
- Dark Mode
- Color Picker
How to Choose the Right Figma Alternatives?
Choose the right Figma alternative according to your needs and workflow. Here is a quick guide that will help you make the best decision:
- Assess Your Needs: Think about what you are missing in Figma or what you wish worked differently. Do you need better offline access, advanced animation features, or a more budget-friendly plan? Knowing what you need will narrow down your options.
- Consider Your Team’s Workflow: If you’re working with a team, make sure the tool supports real-time collaboration and integrates well with the other tools your team uses. If you’re flying solo, simplicity and ease of use might be your top priorities.
- Set a Budget: Figma can be free, but some alternatives might have more affordable options or even better features for the price. Consider your budget and whether you’re willing to pay for additional features.
- Look for a User-Friendly Interface: A tool that’s easy to pick up and intuitive can save you time and frustration. Read reviews or try free trials to see if the interface feels comfortable for you.
- Test Performance with Large Projects: If you are working with really big files or complex designs, test how well the alternative handles performance. Check for efficiency and reliability in working through heavy assets.
- Check for Advanced Features: Some alternatives offer unique features that could better help you create more sophisticated designs. It could be by way of much better animation tools, some version control that is significantly better, or a big library of assets. In any case, ensure your tool has the functionality.
- Read Reviews & Recommendations: See what other designers have to say. Online reviews and recommendations from peers can give you insights into how the tool performs in real-world use.
- Evaluate Support & Resources: A strong customer support team and an active user community can be a game-changer, especially when you run into technical issues or need to learn new features.
Conclusion
And that’s our list of the top 15 Figma alternatives. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to design tools, so the key is finding the one that best aligns with your needs, whether it’s advanced features, ease of use, or a more affordable price tag.
Don’t be afraid to try a few out, though-the right tool can make all the difference in how smoothly your design process flows. So go ahead, explore, and find the perfect fit for your creative projects.
FAQs
What are the differences between Figma and its alternatives?
Figma is unique for its ability to collaborate through a cloud, and it has an easy interface. Alternatives can be different because they may provide some features like offline access, tools that are dedicated to animation, or a better integration with other software. Every tool is good at something depending on your needs.
Can I use Figma alternatives for UI/UX design and prototyping?
Absolutely! Most alternatives to Figma, such as Adobe XD, Sketch, and Marvel, are also ideal for UI/UX design as well as prototyping. They usually provide interactive functionalities in order to simulate user flow or test designs.
How do I choose the best alternative for me?
Consider factors like ease of use, budget, specific features you need (e.g., animation, offline access, integration with other tools), and whether you’re working solo or with a team. It’s always a good idea to test a few alternatives through free trials before making a decision.
Can I import my Figma designs into other tools?
Some tools will enable importing Figma designs, but you might lose some interactivity or certain features in the transfer. You will be able to read the compatibility documentation for each alternative to see the state of affairs.
Are there alternatives to Figma for mobile design?
Yes! Marvel, Proto.io, and Framer specialize in mobile app design and prototyping. They have features tailored for creating responsive designs for mobile interfaces, so you can make seamless designs for both desktop and mobile platforms.
