What Is the Difference Between Figma and Zeplin?

What Is the Difference Between Figma and Zeplin?

Are you a designer looking for the perfect tool to streamline your workflow? Look no further - Figma and Zeplin are two popular design collaboration tools that can assist you in creating and sharing your designs seamlessly. While both tools serve similar purposes, there are some key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the features and functionalities of Figma and Zeplin to help you decide which one is best suited for your needs.

Figma

Figma is a cloud-based design tool that allows designers to create, collaborate, and prototype their designs all in one place. The biggest advantage of Figma is its real-time collaboration feature, which enables multiple designers to work on a project simultaneously. This makes it an ideal choice for team projects where designers need to work together seamlessly.

Figma also offers a wide range of design tools and features. From vector editing to prototyping, Figma has got you covered. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate and learn, even for beginners. Additionally, Figma allows you to create interactive prototypes with animations and transitions, giving you a realistic preview of how your design will look and feel.

Key Features of Figma:

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Vector editing
  • Prototyping with animations
  • Version control
  • Design components for consistent styles

Zeplin

If you are primarily focused on sharing your designs with developers or stakeholders, Zeplin may be the tool for you. Zeplin acts as a bridge between designers and developers by providing them with all the necessary design assets and specifications in one place.

With Zeplin, you can easily upload your designs and generate code snippets, style guides, and design specifications. This ensures that your designs are accurately implemented during the development process. Zeplin also integrates seamlessly with popular design tools like Sketch and Adobe XD, making it a versatile choice for designers across different platforms.

Key Features of Zeplin:

  • Export designs to code snippets
  • Generate style guides and design specifications
  • Integrations with popular design tools
  • Commenting and collaboration features
  • Pixel-perfect design handoff

Differences Between Figma and Zeplin:

While both Figma and Zeplin offer valuable features, there are a few notable differences between them:

  • Figma is a cloud-based tool, while Zeplin requires software installation.
  • Figma allows real-time collaboration, whereas Zeplin focuses more on design handoff to developers.
  • Figma offers robust prototyping capabilities, while Zeplin is more geared towards sharing assets and specifications.
  • Figma has a free plan available with limited features, while Zeplin offers a free trial but requires a paid subscription for full access.

In conclusion, the choice between Figma and Zeplin ultimately depends on your specific needs as a designer. If you prioritize collaboration and prototyping, Figma may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you mainly focus on design handoff to developers or stakeholders, Zeplin might be the more suitable choice. Regardless of your decision, both tools provide valuable functionalities that can enhance your design workflow significantly.