Collaborative design tools have become essential for modern teams, especially with the growing trend of remote work and distributed teams. Figma has long been a frontrunner in the collaborative design space due to its web-based functionality, real-time collaboration features, and integration with other tools. However, not everyone finds Figma the best fit for their specific needs. Whether due to cost, functionality, or personal preference, many designers and teams are seeking alternatives that can match or surpass Figma’s capabilities. In 2024, several contenders have emerged as strong alternatives. Here are some of the best Figma alternatives for collaborative design this year.
While Sketch has been around for years and was once the leader in the design industry, it has reinvented itself by offering more collaborative features, making it a viable Figma alternative. One of the key selling points of Sketch is its simplicity and ease of use, especially for Mac users.
Features:
- Cloud-based collaboration: With Sketch Cloud, teams can work together in real time, leave comments, and manage design projects in a collaborative environment.
- Vector editing: Sketch provides powerful vector editing tools that allow designers to create intricate designs with precision.
- Extensive plugin library: Sketch boasts a vast library of plugins, enabling users to extend its functionality to meet their specific needs.
- Integration with development tools: Sketch integrates seamlessly with tools like Zeplin and InVision, helping design handoffs to developers go smoothly.
Pros:
- Tailored for Mac users, offering a fast and smooth experience.
- Excellent for teams that work closely with developers.
Cons:
- Limited support for non-Mac platforms.
- Web-based functionality isn’t as robust as Figma’s.
Adobe XD has matured significantly and remains one of the top alternatives for those looking for comprehensive design and prototyping tools. As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, it integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products like Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.
Features:
- Collaborative tools: XD now includes co-editing capabilities, allowing multiple team members to work on a project simultaneously.
- Prototyping: It excels in creating interactive prototypes with transitions, animations, and voice commands.
- Plugins: Like Sketch, Adobe XD supports an extensive array of plugins to enhance its core functionality.
- Cross-platform: Available on both macOS and Windows, making it a versatile choice for diverse teams.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with other Adobe tools.
- Powerful for creating both static designs and interactive prototypes.
- More affordable for existing Adobe users who are already using Creative Cloud.
Cons:
- Collaboration tools are less mature compared to Figma.
- Slightly steeper learning curve for non-Adobe users.
Framer is a design tool that goes beyond simple prototyping by allowing designers to create fully functional websites directly from their designs. This makes Framer stand out from the competition, as it enables teams to work on high-fidelity prototypes and production-ready code at the same time.
Features:
- No-code design: Framer’s no-code editor allows designers to create interactive, responsive websites and prototypes without writing any code.
- Real-time collaboration: Like Figma, Framer supports real-time collaboration, making it easy for team members to work together.
- Custom interactions: Designers can use advanced animations and transitions to create highly interactive designs.
Pros:
- Great for teams that need to design, prototype, and deploy all within the same tool.
- Supports highly interactive designs with minimal effort.
Cons:
- Some users may find the learning curve steep if they are unfamiliar with advanced animations.
- Not as widely adopted as Figma, which could make collaboration with external teams harder.
InVision has been around for years and is known for its powerful prototyping and collaboration features. While InVision Studio competes directly with Figma for design work, InVision’s core product, which focuses on prototypes and feedback collection, makes it an excellent option for teams that need to collaborate across different departments.
Features:
- Prototyping: InVision offers powerful prototyping tools, allowing users to create interactive mockups.
- Feedback collection: The platform includes robust features for feedback and collaboration, enabling team members and stakeholders to leave comments on designs in real time.
- Design handoff: InVision integrates with tools like Jira and Slack, as well as development platforms, to ensure smooth design handoff processes.
Pros:
- Focused heavily on the feedback and iteration process, making it ideal for teams that work with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong integration with development tools.
Cons:
- The design tools in InVision Studio aren’t as mature or intuitive as Figma or Sketch.
- Can be expensive for smaller teams or freelancers.
Penpot has emerged as an open-source alternative to Figma, providing a free and community-driven platform for UI/UX design and collaboration. Since it is web-based, it offers real-time collaboration, and being open-source gives it an edge for teams that want complete control over their tools.
Features:
- Web-based: Like Figma, Penpot is accessible through the browser and allows for real-time collaboration.
- Open-source: It is community-driven, meaning there are constant updates, new features, and opportunities for customization.
- Cross-platform: As a web-based tool, Penpot works across macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Pros:
- Free and open-source, making it cost-effective for teams on a budget.
- Allows for high customization and flexibility.
Cons:
- Not as feature-rich as Figma in terms of plugins and integrations.
- Still a relatively new player in the design space, so the user base is smaller.
Axure RP is a powerful tool for designers who need advanced prototyping and interaction design capabilities. While it may not be as sleek as Figma or Sketch, Axure excels in creating complex, interactive prototypes with detailed documentation and handoff features.
Features:
- Advanced prototyping: Axure offers highly customizable prototypes with dynamic panels, conditional logic, and variables.
- Team collaboration: It supports collaboration among team members with version control, comments, and review features.
- Documentation: Axure generates detailed specifications for developers, which can help with design handoffs.
Pros:
- Ideal for complex projects that require advanced interactivity and logic.
- Strong documentation tools for developers.
Cons:
- Not as user-friendly as some of the other tools on this list.
- Lacks the real-time collaboration fluidity of Figma or Sketch.
Conclusion
In 2024, the landscape of collaborative design tools is more diverse than ever. Depending on your team’s needs—whether it’s creating detailed prototypes, working seamlessly with developers, or needing a budget-friendly solution—there’s a Figma alternative that can suit your workflow. Sketch remains a top choice for Mac users, Adobe XD shines in integration with Adobe’s suite, and Framer stands out for teams needing no-code website creation. InVision excels in prototyping and feedback, while Penpot offers a free, open-source option. For advanced prototyping, Axure RP remains unmatched. Each tool brings something unique to the table, making it easier for teams to find the right fit for their collaborative design efforts.
