Is Zeplin Like Figma?
HTML: Is Zeplin Like Figma?
When it comes to design collaboration and handoff tools, two names often come up in the conversation: Zeplin and Figma. Both platforms offer a range of features that help designers and developers work together seamlessly. But are they really similar, or do they have distinct differences? Let's dive deeper into the world of design tools and compare Zeplin with Figma.
The Basics
Zeplin and Figma are both web-based applications that aim to simplify the design handoff process. They allow designers to create pixel-perfect designs and collaborate with developers by providing them with all the necessary assets, specifications, and code snippets.
Zeplin
Launched in 2014, Zeplin is a popular design collaboration tool that focuses primarily on design handoff. It supports various design file formats like Sketch, Adobe XD, Photoshop, and Figma. With Zeplin, designers can easily generate style guides, export assets in different formats, and provide precise measurements for developers.
Figma
Figma, on the other hand, is a comprehensive design tool that offers features beyond just design handoff. It allows designers to create designs from scratch or import existing files from Sketch or Adobe XD. With its powerful vector editing capabilities and real-time collaboration features, Figma has gained popularity among designers as an all-in-one solution for both UI/UX design and prototyping.
Main Features
While both Zeplin and Figma serve a similar purpose of facilitating collaboration between designers and developers, their feature sets differ:
Zeplin Features:
- Automated style guide generation
- Asset exporting in various formats
- Design versioning and history
- Developer-friendly code snippets
- Precise measurements and specifications
Figma Features:
- Powerful vector editing tools
- Real-time collaboration and commenting
- Design prototyping and interactive components
- Responsive design capabilities
- Developer handoff with CSS code export
Collaboration and Handoff Process
Zeplin: With Zeplin, designers can upload their design files, create screens, and define interactive elements. Developers can then access these screens, inspect the design details, export assets, copy code snippets, and leave comments for clarification.
Figma: Figma takes collaboration to the next level by offering real-time design editing. Multiple team members can work on the same file simultaneously. Designers can share a link with developers to give them access to the designs. Developers can view the designs in the browser, extract CSS code snippets, measure distances between elements, and provide feedback directly within the tool.
Pricing Structure
Zeplin: Zeplin offers both free and paid plans. The free plan allows users to collaborate on one project with limited features. The paid plans unlock additional features like version history, style guide customization, team collaboration, and more.
Figma: Figma follows a similar pricing structure with a free plan for individuals. The paid plans offer additional features like unlimited projects, file history tracking, enhanced team collaboration capabilities, design libraries for reusable components, and more.
Conclusion
In summary, Zeplin and Figma are both powerful tools that cater to different aspects of the design collaboration and handoff process. Zeplin shines as a specialized design handoff tool with its precise measurements, style guide generation, and developer-oriented features. Figma, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive design platform with powerful editing tools, real-time collaboration, prototyping capabilities, and developer handoff features.
Ultimately, the choice between Zeplin and Figma depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some designers may prefer the simplicity of Zeplin for seamless design handoff, while others may find Figma's all-in-one approach more suitable for their workflow. Explore both tools to determine which one aligns better with your team's requirements.
