Whether you're considering Figma alternatives because you're interested in trying a new solution or want to evaluate other potential programs, you'll be happy to learn there are plenty of options.
In this post, we've outlined 10 Figma alternatives you can use to boost your web design strategy this year. You'll also learn more about why you should consider Figma alternatives and how to evaluate other options.
- Why consider using Figma alternatives?
- How to Evaluate Figma Alternatives
- 10 Figma Alternatives to Try in 2024
- Explore Figma Alternatives Today
Why consider using Figma alternatives?
In September 2022, Figma, a web design platform known for its collaborative nature and ease of use, was acquired by Adobe. Figma gained significant momentum over the last several years and is widely considered a must-have by UX and UI designers. Now that Adobe owns the platform, however, many users have concerns that change is in the air.
Consequently, some seek Figma alternatives in case the product evolves. Others are concerned that Figma will lose its unique, customer-centric approach. Of course, there are some pros to the acquisition — for instance, there are plans to integrate Adobe's capabilities into the Figma platform.
How to Evaluate Figma Alternatives
If the recent news of the Figma acquisition has you scratching your head for an alternate option, or if you're just curious to learn more about other products available, it's helpful to have a rubric to evaluate potential replacements.
Because Figma is known for its community, digestible user interface, and plethora of resources, we'll evaluate 10 alternatives based on these factors.
10
- InVision
- UXPin
- Sketch
- Mockplus
- Adobe XD
- Penpot
- Proto.io
- Moqups
- Affinity Designer
- WireFlow
1. InVision
Similar to Figma, InVision is collaboration-centric. The platform prides itself on providing a workspace in real-time that allows users to align with their teammates seamlessly. Several users can work together simultaneously on this platform, and the product streamlines your workflow, so there's one central place to return to throughout the entire project.
InVision is a powerful Figma alternative as it supports wireframing and prototyping. InVision also offers numerous resources for users to peruse and an interface you can learn in just a few hours. Plus, the platform provides opportunities to connect with InVision users and ambassadors on its site.
What We Like:
The platform has a host of integrations including Zoom, Slack, Trello, and Loom to help provide meaningful context around programs.
2. UXPin
UXPin shares that it helps teams work more efficiently by removing communication blocks and reducing the silo effect. UI designers and developers have the opportunity to create consistent interfaces with the same building blocks, plus the platform offers the ability to create prototypes that look and feel like a final product.
UXPin features integrations with NPM package, Git repo, and Storybrook. You can also use code components from your app, website, or design system directly in the platform. Designers can work with the same UI code components that developers will build the product with, and no coding skills are required.
This platform also offers a host of resources so you can learn more about how to use it to its full potential. Users also report that it's easy to understand. Plus, UXPin has a forum where you can share findings and questions with the community.
What We Like:
You can test your prototypes in UXPin for accessibility and compliance with WCAG standards thanks to built-in features such as Color Blindness Simulator and Contrast Checker.
3. Sketch
Sketch is another platform that allows collaborative design by providing you with the tools necessary to streamline the process. The platform helps users create playable prototypes that make developer handoff seamless. Sketch offers various user interface design tools, makes prototyping simple, and enables real-time collaboration with teammates.
Sketch also boasts events and meetups, so there's a community and opportunities to learn from other users. There are also plenty of resources available on the site that you can explore. Plus, Sketch checks some boxes Figma doesn't — it allows user control over who sees work, an open file format, fully offline workflow, a native Mac app, no document size limit, and beyond. It's also considered an easy platform to learn.
What We Like:
Sketch offers over 700 extensions. These plugins enhance functionality and allow you to create more accessible designs, animate interactions, and beyond.
4. Mockplus
Mockplus provides a comprehensive product design platform for collaboration, design systems, and prototyping. With the help of Mockplus, you can bring product designers, managers, and developers together seamlessly. The platform, which warrants comparison to InVision, also features dynamic and reusable design systems for consistency across the team. These systems are simple to maintain, share, alter, and manage.
Mockplus also features interactive prototyping, and the platform boasts over 2 million users and 200,000 teams. Join the platform's community if you want to tap into knowledge outside your immediate organization. Plus, the tool has a reputation for being easy to learn.
What We Like:
Mockplus offers a comprehensive glossary and resource set, so you can learn more about essential UI/UX design principles and how they apply to what you're building.
5. Adobe XD
You probably hear Adobe XD compared to Figma frequently. Because Adobe recently acquired Figma, it's unclear exactly what's next for both Figma and Adobe XD, but for now, this is an alternative worth considering.
You can use both Figma and Adobe XD for prototyping. Adobe also has a robust, active community to engage with other XD users, and plenty of resources are available. Adobe XD is relatively easy to learn.
XD has plenty of features that are reminiscent of Figma. You can test interactions and processes with both. Figma also allows integration with Creative Cloud apps. Additionally, it's possible to work collaboratively with other team members thanks to XD' 's 'coediting' capability.
What We Like:
Adobe XD supports web, app, brand, and game design, so to say it's feature-rich would be an understatement.
6. Penpot
PenPot is a popular option as it is a free, Open Source platform. It's successful for cross-domain teams and is independent of operating systems. Therefore, it works with open web standards. It allows multiple users to collaborate simultaneously, features Cloud Sync, and is constantly evolving.
Because Penpot uses SVG, the files are compatible with most vectorial tools. This platform is straightforward and has a robust community that can contribute to its growth. Plus, there are many resources you can peruse on the website to get to know the tool better. And did we mention the library of templates you can use to get started?
What We Like:
All it takes is sharing a link to your design files or prototypes to get valuable feedback on your project with context.
7. Proto.io
Bringing your vision to life is possible with Proto.io. It's ideal for UX designers, product managers, marketers, and beyond. Because the product is entirely web-based, there's no coding knowledge needed. As a result, it's effortless to master the drag-and-drop builder. The software also offers a massive library of resources, including video tutorials, guides, webinars, documentation, and sample projects. However, it doesn't have a forum community like many other Figma alternatives listed.
What We Like:
Proto.io features over 1000 templates that are customizable and ready to use for web and mobile, plus you can search over 6000 digital assets to bring your concept to life.
8. Moqups
If you're looking to create UI prototypes, wireframes, and sketches for your project in SVG, look no further than Moqups. This platform is known for how easy it is to set up admin. This flexible platform can be as simple or complex as you want — you can use it to make a frame quickly or dive deeper with a comprehensive mockup. Because the interface is intuitive, it's easy to learn the platform and get the entire team up to speed. Plus, you can collaborate in real-time with your coworkers.
This platform also offers popular drag-and-drop elements, a range of fonts, a library with thousands of icons, the ability to import images from apps or your desktop, object editing that's precise and easy, and scalable page management. Plus, there are Chrome and Firefox extensions available. While this resource is easy to learn and features many resources on the site, it doesn't have a forum like some others on this list do.
What We Like:
Moqups offers various templates, so you don't have to start from scratch.
9. Affinity Designer
With the help of Affinity Design, you can streamline mockup design, logos, brand assets, and UI design. Plus, the platform is known for its exceptional illustration capabilities. It helps make the design-to-developer handoff seamless and features vector and raster design tools. This platform is also excellent for beginners.
In addition to using this vector design tool for UI, you can also use it for UX and responsive web design. However, it lacks the collaborative tools that are a hallmark of Figma. There is, however, a sense of community as you can engage on the forum, and various resources are available on the website.
What We Like:
Affinity Designer is available in nine languages, so it's an excellent option if you have team members distributed across the globe you're collaborating with. And if you decide to install it, you'll pay a flat one-time fee — no monthly subscription necessary.
10. WireFlow
Wireflow works to streamline the early stages of project planning and brainstorming specifically. There's a built-in live chat that allows you to interact with your teammates, the ability to select project permissions, the opportunity to engage in real-time collaboration with multiple users, and an extremely easy-to-use interface.
Thanks to this open-source application, team members can build out user flows without graphic design skills. It also features a community where you can workshop solutions with other users. However, this platform doesn't yet have a complete directory of resources like Figma or other solutions on this list.
What We Like:
This is an excellent option if you're looking to build user flow prototypes for free. There are also no Adobe Photoshop skills necessary.
Explore Figma Alternatives Today
Regardless of why you're considering Figma alternatives, if you try these platforms, you may find that you prefer their functionality even more than the original. Start exploring other options today to get a feel for how some of these Figma alternatives can fit into your tech stack.