Figma vs Framer: Which Is Best For Your Design?

Updated on 10 Nov 2024

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 4.8

(Reviews: 25K)

Est. users: 4M

Price Ranges: Free - $15 - $45 - $75

 4.7

(Reviews: 1.2K)

Est. users: 300K

Figma vs Framer

Figma is a collaborative interface design tool primarily used for UI/UX design, known for its vector graphics editor and prototyping capabilities that facilitate team collaboration in real-time. Framer, on the other hand, focuses on interactive design with a strong emphasis on animation and prototyping, often leveraging code for deeper interaction capabilities. While Figma is celebrated for its accessibility and ease of use in design workflow, Framer is favored by designers who want to create high-fidelity prototypes with intricate animations and interactions.

Figma

  1. Collaborative design tool.
  2. Focuses on UI/UX design.
  3. Works directly in the browser.
  4. Supports vector graphics editing.
  5. Real-time collaboration features.
  6. Strong design library management.
  7. Integration with prototyping tools.

Framer

  1. Interactive design and prototyping.
  2. Focus on animation and interactions.
  3. Code-based design capabilities.
  4. Supports real-time preview.
  5. Integration with React components.
  6. Creative freedom with animations.
  7. Easier transition to production code.

Key Differences

  1. Prototyping Capabilities

    Figma offers strong collaborative prototyping with features that allow team members to work in real-time, making it ideal for interaction and interface design. Framer is known for its advanced prototyping capabilities, offering more sophisticated animations and interactions, allowing for higher-fidelity designs.

    Winner: Framer

  2. Collaboration

    Figma was built with collaboration in mind, allowing multiple users to work on a project simultaneously in real-time, similar to Google Docs. Framer does support collaboration, but it is not as seamless and intuitive as Figma's offering.

    Winner: Figma

  3. Ease of Use

    Figma provides a simpler and more intuitive interface that is easier for beginners to pick up and use effectively. Framer, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve due to its advanced features and design capabilities.

    Winner: Figma

  4. Animation and Interactions

    Framer excels in creating complex animations and interactions with more capabilities and flexibility, thanks to its roots in being a tool for developers. This allows designers to create detailed and sophisticated interactions that go beyond basic transitions.

    Winner: Framer

  5. Design Systems Compatibility

    Figma provides robust support for design systems, allowing designers to create and manage styles, components, and guidelines that are easily shareable across the team. Framer also supports design systems but is typically less straightforward than Figma.

    Winner: Figma

  6. Learning Curve

    Figma is generally considered easier to learn and more approachable, especially for those new to design tools. Framer offers more advanced prototyping features, which can be intimidating for newcomers to the platform.

    Winner: Figma

Distinct Features

FigmaFramer
Vector NetworkCode Components
Component OverridesIntegrated code editor with React support
Styles for Text and ColorSmart Components for frictionless animations
Team Libraries3D Transformations
Plugin EcosystemNo-code Web Development tools
Design SystemsCustomer domains & hosting
Version HistoryCollaborative web-based design development
Commenting within the DesignSeamless handoff to production-ready code
Export Options for Various FormatsSEO Optimization tools
Prototyping with Overlays and Interactions

Pricing Overview

Figma

View Pricing Plans  

  1. Starter Team (Free) - For individuals and small teams
  2. Professional Team ($15) - For professionals and teams looking for enhanced collaboration tools
  3. Organization ($45) - For larger teams and organizations requiring centralized control
  4. Enterprise ($75) - For large enterprises needing extensive customization and security measures

Starter Team

Free /

Basic plan including essential design features

  • Figma editor

  • 3 collaborative design files

  • Unlimited personal drafts

  • Basic file inspection

Professional Team

$15 / /full seat/mo

Comprehensive plan with advanced collaboration and prototyping features

  • Everything in Starter

  • Design Unlimited Figma files

  • Team libraries

  • Advanced prototyping

  • Dev Mode

  • View annotations

  • Advanced inspection

  • VS Code extension

  • Admin

Organization

$45 / /full seat/mo or $25 /mo for Dev Mode only

Tailored for organizational needs with extra management and security features

  • Everything in Professional

  • Design Org-wide libraries

  • Design system analytics

  • Branching and merging

  • Dev Mode

  • Private plugins

  • Admin

  • Centralized file management

  • Unified admin and billing

  • Single sign-on

Enterprise

$75 / /full seat/mo or $35 /mo for Dev Mode only

Top-tier plan with advanced customization and security options

  • Everything in Organization

  • Design Advanced design system theming

  • Sync variables to code via REST API

  • Default libraries by workspace

  • Dev Mode

  • Set default code language

  • Pin and auto-run plugins

  • Admin

  • Dedicated workspaces for teams

  • Guest access controls

  • Seat management via SCIM

  • Idle session timeout

  • Advanced link sharing controls

Indepth Overview

FigmaFramer
Design Tools
Collaboration ★4.8 - Real-time collaboration with multiple users. ★4.4 - Collaborative features but less fluid than Figma.
Design Systems ★4.7 - Extensive tools for reusable components. ★4.0 - Supports components but less extensive than Figma.
Prototyping ★4.5 - Basic prototyping features with smart animate. ★4.9 - Advanced prototyping with code integration capabilities.
Interactivity
Micro-animations ★4.3 - Limited micro-interaction capabilities. ★4.8 - Extensive micro-animation features for interactive designs.
User Flows ★4.6 - Great for user flow visualizations. ★4.4 - Decent tools but less focus on flows vs Figma.
Responsive Design ★4.2 - Basic support for responsive design. ★4.7 - Exceptional responsive design features available.
Integration Capabilities
Plugins ★4.6 - Large library of community-driven plugins. ★4.0 - Fewer plugins available compared to Figma.
APIs ★4.5 - Well-documented APIs for integration. ★4.2 - Decent API support, though less extensive.
Third-party Tools ★4.4 - Integrates well with GitHub, Slack, and more. ★4.5 - Integrates neatly with popular tools like Notion.
Learning Curve
Ease of Use ★4.7 - User-friendly interface, easy for beginners. ★4.0 - A bit complex for beginners due to coding features.
Documentation ★4.6 - Comprehensive and helpful documentation available. ★4.4 - Good documentation, but less than Figma.
Community Support ★4.8 - Strong community with many resources. ★4.2 - Smaller community but active and supportive.
Exporting Features
Export Formats ★4.5 - Supports multiple formats (SVG, PNG, etc.). ★4.2 - Limited to primary formats, not as versatile.
Quality Control ★4.6 - High export quality with different settings. ★4.3 - Good export quality, but fewer options.
Batch Exporting ★4.5 - Easy to batch export multiple assets. ★4.1 - Unable to batch export assets efficiently.
Pricing Models
Free Tier ★4.5 - Generous free tier available. ★3.5 - Limited features available on free tier.
Subscription Models ★4.6 - Diverse plans with flexible pricing. ★4.0 - Competitive pricing but less flexible.
Educational Discounts ★4.8 - Offers significant discounts to students and educators. ★4.2 - Offers educational discounts but fewer compared to Figma.
Unusual Features
Auto Layout ★4.8 - Intelligent resizing for adaptive design.
Design Tokens ★4.5 - Supports design tokens for consistency.
Code Integration ★4.9 - Unique ability to integrate custom code directly.
Live Preview ★4.7 - Allows live previews of designs on devices.

Comparision Reviews

Daisy Thompson

Austin, TX

Figma offers superior collaboration tools, allowing multiple designers to work seamlessly in real-time, which is ideal for larger teams. Framer, meanwhile, excels in creating dynamic, high-fidelity prototypes, making it a great choice for delivering interactive experiences. Figma's pricing is also more accessible for smaller teams and startups, offering better value for money.

Figma 4.5

Framer 4.0

Alex Li

Toronto, Canada

When it comes to usability, Figma's intuitive interface makes it easy for newcomers to pick up, whereas Framer requires a bit of a learning curve but rewards the effort with more advanced animation capabilities. Figma's support community is also larger and more active, providing quicker access to troubleshooting and tips.

Figma 4.6

Framer 3.9

Jordan Akiya

San Francisco, CA

For teams prioritizing mobile and web application design, Figma proves to be more versatile due to its cloud-based nature. Framer, on the other hand, offers a richer set of features for micro-interactions and transitions, crucial for those keen on creating impressive visual storytelling.

Figma 4.4

Framer 4.2

Grace Patel

London, UK

Framer provides excellent prototyping functionalities with smoother animations and code override capabilities that Figma lacks. However, Figma's integration with plugins and third-party applications is unparalleled, simplifying workflows and extending functionality.

Figma 4.3

Framer 4.1

Oliver Meyers

Berlin, Germany

Both tools are fantastic in their own right, but Figma's strength in real-time collaboration and consistency across devices wins for remote teams. Framer's strength lies in creating detailed animations, which makes it a go-to for high-fidelity prototypes.

Figma 4.5

Framer 4.0

Comments

Emily_Rocks
Hey guys, have you ever tried designing with Framer instead of Figma? I hear it's got some cool interactive features.
TechDude42
Yeah, I've played around with Framer. It's pretty neat for animations, but I find Figma much better for collaborative design work.
John_Smith
Figma is the way to go if you're part of a big team. Love the way you can leave comments directly on the design!
Lisa_M
I've heard Framer's learning curve is a bit steep compared to Figma. True or just a myth?
Jessica_Pan
From my experience, Framer can be tricky at first. But once you get the hang of it, the prototyping is more dynamic.
Jessica_Pan
Plus, Framer's code component allows you to do some mad stuff if you know a bit of React.
Emily_Rocks
Can't deny that! But I just wish Framer was as good as Figma for team collaborations.
Lisa_M
Haha, sounds like it's great if you've got super skills! 😄
TechDude42
Honestly, I think they're both great tools but for different uses. Framer for animations and interactivity; Figma for collaboration and simplicity.
John_Smith
Exactly, and considering your project needs should dictate which tool to pick.

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