Can You Use Zeplin With Figma?
Zeplin and Figma are two popular design collaboration tools used by designers and developers to streamline their workflows. While they have different features and functionalities, they can complement each other in certain scenarios. In this article, we will explore whether it is possible to use Zeplin with Figma and how these tools can work together to enhance the design process.
What is Zeplin?
Zeplin is a powerful collaboration platform specifically designed for designers and developers. It allows designers to upload their designs and share them with developers seamlessly. Developers can inspect designs, extract assets, and generate code snippets directly from Zeplin. It acts as a bridge between design and development teams, enabling efficient communication.
What is Figma?
Figma, on the other hand, is a cloud-based design tool that offers a collaborative environment for designing user interfaces. It allows multiple team members to work on the same project simultaneously, making it ideal for remote teams. Figma provides an extensive set of design and prototyping features that enable designers to create interactive and responsive designs.
Using Zeplin with Figma
While Zeplin and Figma are separate tools with distinct purposes, they can be used together to enhance the overall design workflow.
Exporting Designs from Figma to Zeplin
To use Zeplin with Figma, you need to export your designs from Figma into Zeplin. This process is relatively straightforward:
- Select the artboard or component you want to export in Figma.
- Click on the "Export" button in the top-right corner of the interface.
- Choose "Zeplin" as the export option.
- Specify any additional settings or preferences.
- Click "Export" to send your design to Zeplin.
Collaboration and Handoff
Once the design is exported to Zeplin, it becomes accessible to developers. They can inspect the design, view measurements, and export assets directly from Zeplin. Zeplin provides a clean and organized interface for developers, allowing them to understand the design specifications easily.
Furthermore, Zeplin offers features such as commenting and versioning, enabling designers and developers to collaborate effectively. Designers can make changes to the designs in Figma, export them again to Zeplin, and notify developers of the updates through comments or notifications.
The Benefits of Using Zeplin with Figma
The integration between Zeplin and Figma brings several benefits:
- Efficient Communication: With Zeplin acting as a bridge between designers and developers, communication becomes seamless. Developers can easily understand the design specifications without requiring constant back-and-forth communication with designers.
- Precise Design Handoff: By exporting designs from Figma to Zeplin, designers can ensure that developers have access to accurate measurements, assets, and CSS properties. This reduces errors and eliminates ambiguity during the development process.
- Enhanced Collaboration: The commenting feature in Zeplin allows designers and developers to provide feedback on specific elements of the design. This fosters collaboration and helps streamline the iteration process.
- Version Control: Both Zeplin and Figma provide version control features that allow teams to track changes made to designs. This ensures that everyone is always working with the latest version of the design.
Conclusion
While Zeplin and Figma are separate tools, they can be used together to enhance the design process. By exporting designs from Figma to Zeplin, designers can provide developers with accurate specifications and assets. The collaboration features in Zeplin facilitate effective communication and streamline the handoff process. If you are using Figma as your primary design tool, integrating it with Zeplin can greatly benefit your design workflow.
