How to Assess Alternatives to Figma?
It’s helpful to have a rubric to evaluate potential substitutes if the recent news of the Figma acquisition has you looking for an alternative option or if you’re just curious to learn more about other products available.
We will compare 10 alternatives based on Figma’s community, easy-to-understand user interface, and abundance of resources because it is well-known for these features.
1. InVision
InVision is focused on collaboration, much like Figma. The platform takes pleasure in offering a real-time workplace that enables users to easily coordinate with their coworkers. On this platform, multiple users can collaborate at once, and the solution optimizes your workflow so that you only need to go back to one location for the duration of the project. Due to its capability for wireframing and prototyping, InVision is an effective substitute for Figma. Additionally, InVision has a user-friendly interface that can be learned in a matter of hours along with a wealth of information. Additionally, the platform’s website offers chances for interaction with InVision users and ambassadors.
2. UXPin
UXPin claims that lowering communication barriers and lessening the silo effect, it makes teams operate more productively. With the same building blocks, UI designers and developers can build consistent interfaces, and the platform also allows for the creation of prototypes that feel and look like finished products. Integrations with Storybrook, Git, and NPM packages are available with UXPin. Additionally, you can employ code elements directly from your platform-based app, website, or design system. No coding knowledge is necessary for designers to work with the same UI code components that developers will use to build the product. This platform also provides a wealth of materials so you can discover more about how to take advantage of it to the fullest. It’s also simple to understand, according to users. Additionally, UXPin offers a forum where you may interact with other users and post your findings.
3. Drawing
Another platform that promotes collaborative design is Sketch, which gives you the resources you need to speed up the procedure. The platform aids users in producing interactive prototypes that simplify developer handoff. Sketch provides a variety of tools for designing user interfaces, streamlines the prototyping process, and permits team collaboration in real-time. There is a community and possibilities to learn from other users thanks to the events and meetups that Sketch offers. You can explore a wealth of resources that are available on the website. Additionally, Sketch has features that Figma lacks, such as full offline workflow, open file format, native Mac program, no document size limit, and user control over who can view their work. It’s also regarded as being a simple platform to learn on.
4. Mockplus
A complete platform for product design collaboration, design systems, and prototyping is offered by Mockplus. You may easily collaborate with product managers, designers, and engineers with the aid of Mockplus. For team cohesion, the platform, which is comparable to InVision, also offers dynamic and reusable design methods. These systems are easy to share, manage, modify, and maintain. In addition to interactive prototyping, Mockplus offers over 2 million users and 200,000 teams on its platform. If you wish to access expertise outside of your immediate organization, join the platform’s community. Additionally, the program has a good reputation for being simple to use.
5. Adobe XD
You’ve undoubtedly heard Adobe XD and Figma compared a lot. Since Adobe just acquired Figma, it’s unknown exactly what will happen to Figma and Adobe XD going forward, but for the time being, this is another option to take into account. For prototyping, you can utilize Adobe XD as well as Figma. Additionally, Adobe offers a large and lively community where XD users can interact, and there are a ton of tools accessible. Adobe XD is a really simple program to learn. There are several elements in XD that are similar to Figma’s. With both, you can test interactions and procedures. The Creative Cloud apps can be integrated with Figma as well. The ‘coediting’ feature of XD makes it easy to collaborate with other team members as well.
6. Pen pot
Given that it is a free, open-source platform, PenPot is a well-liked choice. It is independent of operating platforms and works well for cross-domain collaborations. It is compatible with open web standards as a result. It supports cloud synchronization, multi-user collaboration, and ongoing development. Penpot uses SVG, therefore the files work with the majority of vectorial programs. This platform is simple to use and has a large community that can aid in its development. Additionally, the website has a ton of materials you may look through to learn more about the tool. Did we also mention the collection of starter templates you can use?
7. Proto.io
Proto.io makes it feasible to realize your vision. It’s perfect for product managers, marketers, UX designers, and more. There is no requirement for coding expertise because the product is purely web-based. As a result, learning to use the drag-and-drop builder is simple. Additionally, the software provides access to a vast array of materials, including webinars, manuals, sample projects, guides, and video lessons. However, unlike many of the other Figma options described, it lacks a forum community.
8. Moqups
Look no further than Moqups if you need to produce UI prototypes, wireframes, and sketches for your project in SVG. This platform is renowned for its simple admin setup process. You may use this adaptable platform to quickly create a frame or go deeper with a thorough prototype. It can be as simple or sophisticated as you like. It’s simple to master the platform and get the entire team up to speed because of the intuitive UI. Additionally, you and your teammates can work together in real time. Additionally, this platform includes scalable page management, a variety of fonts, thousands of icons, the ability to import images from apps or your desktop, and popular drag-and-drop elements. Additionally, Chrome and Firefox extensions are readily available. Although there are numerous materials on the site and this resource is simple to use, it lacks a forum, unlike some of the other resources on our list.
9. Affinity Designer
Mockup designs, logo designs, brand assets, and UI designs can all be streamlined with the aid of Affinity Design. Additionally, the platform is renowned for its superb illustration talents. It has vector and raster design tools and aids in making the handoff from designer to developer seamless. This platform is great for beginners as well. You can use this vector design tool for UI, UX, and responsive web design in addition to UI. However, it is missing the Figma-exclusive collaborative tools. However, there is a sense of community because you can participate in the forum and find information on the website.
10. WireFlow
Wireflow aims to speed up the brainstorming and planning phases of projects in particular. There is a built-in live chat feature that lets you communicate with your team members, project permissions can be chosen, many users may collaborate in real-time, and the interface is incredibly user-friendly. Team members don’t need to be graphic designers to create user flows thanks to this open-source program. Additionally, it has a community where users can collaborate on solutions. However, unlike Figma or other solutions on our list, this platform does not currently offer a comprehensive directory of resources.
Conclusion
Figma is easy to use when you first start, but it takes a lot of learning to utilize it well. You may immediately start creating a website, designing a mobile application, and much more with the fundamentals of shapes, photos, and text.