Contents
What is Figma?
Figma is a UI/UX-based tool that allows creators and designers to prepare and design a number of different graphics that can be used for a multitude of different reasons.
It is a site that is used by people to create prototype websites and other graphics for different purposes. Recently Figma was in the news because Adobe purchased it for around $20 Billion Dollars!
That is quite a significant buyout and truly tells the value of Figma and what it could do for designers, which is why so many people are now looking for its alternatives.
3 reasons to look for sites like Figma
Reason 1 – Will run out of service soon
Obviously, one of the biggest reasons to look for different sites like Figma is simply because the website would stop functioning as it is working right now.
Soon, Figma will be integrated into different Adobe programs, and from there, only you will be able to access its services rather than being able to use it as its own.
That is part of the deal which Figma has made with Adobe, and after this buyout, that will surely be how things will turn out for both companies.
Reason 2 – Mostly for prototype websites
One of the biggest flaws which a lot of people did have to say about Figma was that it was a service that could mostly be used for building prototype websites.
It was great at providing that service, but when it came down to building an actual site, based on the response and feedback gotten from the prototype site, that is something that Figma couldn’t do.
This was one of the major reasons why people were keen on knowing some other alternatives to Figma, where they can use this knowledge to build a properly functioning site.
Reason 3 – Risky offline use
Since Figma is mostly run on the browser, its offline capabilities have been questioned by many.
Many customers and users have reported that if your internet connection gets disrupted while working on Figma, you have to keep the screen running till the time your internet connection isn’t back online.
That is a big issue of concern for anybody, not just a designer, because if you run into such a problem, your work won’t be automatically saved.
And in worst-case scenarios, your work might get lost, and that is something no worker wants for his/her work.
Also read: Best Free Photoshop Alternatives.
7 Best photo editing sites like Figma
1. Sketch
Sketch is usually recognized as the second-best UI design tool and is found to be quite handy as well. Many people in the industry use this for their various design elements.
It shares dozens of features that you would get on Figma, and that is a great thing because you won’t be missing anything if you switch over from Figma to Sketch.
There are also a number of different things that Sketch has which can be really handy and a great tool for any designer, so let’s discuss all of them.
What we liked about Sketch
Sketch is relatively cheaper when compared to Figma since Figma costs around $144/year, and if you choose Sketch, then you would be paying around $99/year.
Sketch also works well with offline data as well since you are easily able to open the site and can open and edit files on it, which is also quite handy for any designer.
Sketch then features a dozen of other features, such as live edit, pen tool, etc., which is also you can very easily find on Figma, so you won’t have a lot of trouble going through it.
What we didn’t like about Sketch
Sketch, even though it is cheaper than Figma, it still doesn’t offer a free trial like Figma, and this is something that would certainly bother a lot of people if they are switching over from Figma to Sketch.
Sketch, also unlike Figma, is only available on Mac and nowhere else. In comparison, Figma is available on Windows, Mac, and Web; this is also a contributing factor that not a lot of people would like about Sketch.
And compatibility is a key issue since a lot of designers do use a Windows laptop or PC, and if you are someone who does, then sadly, you won’t be to use Sketch.
Why did we choose Sketch as a SAAS product like Figma?
As I have mentioned above, Sketch is considered the second-best UI designing tool after Figma, and that is one of the main reasons why I recommend Sketch as a great Figma alternative.
It does have all the tools that make Figma a great app altogether, and you can utilise those tools on this particular app as well.
Yes, there are some cons for Sketch as well, and that is something that you should expect if you are looking for an alternative to Figma.
Review and rating of Sketch
Sketch is a good designing tool and has been reviewed quite highly by a lot of its users as well, and its users are quite satisfied with what it offers.
It is a great application, especially for MAC users, and that can be a pro for some people and a con for the rest. You have to tell and see which is it for you.
I would be rating Sketch, based on its features and the overall package, a solid 3.5/5 stars.
2. Framer
Framer is also a popular designing app that many people in the industry do use for various different things, mostly for web designing though.
Framer also keeps a number of different features in its library that a lot of people would definitely like about it, and if you are someone who is into web designing, then this could be the app that you are looking for.
There is much to discuss about Framer, so without wasting a lot of time, here are some of the things that I liked and disliked about Framer.
What we liked about Framer
Framer offers a free trial for its services, just like Figma, and that is a great thing because not all designing tools, like Sketch, offer a free trial for their services.
And if you are someone who is switching over from one service, like Figma, to another service, then you do require a free trial to understand how to app works before spending your money on it.
Figma is available to use on the web browser, so you can easily use it on either a Mac device or a Windows device without having to worry about anything.
What we didn’t like about Framer
Framer has the same price tag as Figma, wherein you will have to pay roughly around $144/year if you want to use all of Framer’s functionalities and other features on it.
Framer also doesn’t support offline work since it is a site-only application, so you won’t be able to download or edit any of your files offline using Framer.
And that is an annoying thing that would surely bum some people out if they find themselves in a position where they have no connection to the net but have to work on their projects.
Why did we choose Framer as a Figma alternative?
Framer is recommended by a lot of people, and if you are someone who likes to edit and make designs for UI/UX, then you can definitely give Framer a try as well.
It costs around the same amount of money that you would be paying for Figma, and if you are comfortable with that, then you won’t have a lot of trouble with this subscription fee as well.
It also offers almost all the features and cons that you would be getting on Figma, so that also makes it one of the better alternatives to Figma.
Review and rating of Framer
Framer is also a good option that you can choose if you are looking for a Figma alternative, you get almost all the features that you get on Figma, and that is a good thing.
Since Figma is really an industry leader, and it is a bit difficult to find the right alternative for it that offers almost the same level of functionalities that you can get on it.
And for that reason and many more, I would be rating Framer 3.5/5 stars as well!
3. Axure
Axure is a known brand a lot of designers do choose when it comes to web designing and other elements that you would like it to use it for.
Axure does feature a certain amount of features on its application that a lot of designers would appreciate, which would enhance their project.
As always, there are a lot more things to discuss about Axure which can’t all be covered in this introduction, so here are some of the things which I liked and disliked about Axure.
Also read: Best Crello alternatives for editing, resizing, cropping, recording images and videos
What we liked about Axure
Axure has been around for quite some time now. It is actually a UX-based platform that has been in this game since 2003. Over here, you will find a bunch of different options for editing and making a great prototype website.
Axure does have an application for both Windows and Apple devices, and that is a great thing from its side. Because of this, you will be able to use Axure even if you have no connection to the internet, as it saves all its files offline as well.
What we didn’t like about Axure
Axure is by far the most expensive on this list. If you commit to using Axure, then you would have to be paying around $348/year for it. That is more than $200 Dollars than what you would be paying for Figma.
Since it is mostly a UX-based platform, it does not use a cardboard setup but has more of a page-by-page setup on it, and that can be a bit confusing for some people certainly, if you are used to the setup on sites like Sketch.
Why did we choose Axure as a Figma alternative?
Axure, as I mentioned above, has been around since 2003, and because of this, it is considered as one of the industry’s veteran as well. You will find a dedicated group of people who will be using Axure and continue to do so.
Because Axure has stood the test of time, being in this industry for almost twenty years now, and you would really like it as well if you are considering it as an alternative to Figma to use.
Review and rating of Axure
Axure can be a great tool for you if you are looking specifically for an app that can help you design a website for yourself or for others.
It has some great features that a lot of people in the industry do use, but it does come with a hefty price point and a different layout which might not turn down some people.
Because of those reasons and other more that make Axure a bit different from the other apps on this list, I would be rating Axure 3/5 stars.
4. Antetype
Antetype is also a tool that lets you design and does a whole lot of other things on its app. This application is not known as the other apps that are listed on this list, and if that’s the case, then you should read more about it.
Antetype allows you to develop a lot of different prototypes, and it does have a number of different functionalities at an attractive pricing point as well, more of which we’ll talk about next.
Antetype really feels like a great tool that is a combination of apps like Sketch and Axure, all mixed into one app.
Also Read: Best free Canva Alternatives for editing like a pro
What we liked about Antetype
Antetype offers a free plan that should cover a lot of things for you in terms of design elements and everything else. And if you want its paid version, then you won’t have to spend a lot as well, because you will get Antetype for around $60/year!
That is quite an effective pricing point that would surely attract a lot of eyes, considering that there are apps like Axure, which cost around six times what this particular app does.
Antetype is also quite user-friendly with its UI system, and you can get a whole lot done on this site if you are using it.
What we didn’t like about Antetype
Antetype has points that I dislike about it as well, one of them being that it is available only for Mac users only since it doesn’t have an application that is dedicated to Windows or a site as well.
One more major flaw about Antetype can be that it doesn’t have any pen tool on it, so you won’t be able to draw vector paths on this particular app as well.
Now, I don’t know much about designing apps, but this, I know, tends to be one of the main reasons that any designer would look for in their app.
Why did we choose Antetype as a Figma replacement?
Antetype is one of the rare apps that not a lot of people know about. In fact, from a survey from where I am finding these great alternatives to Figma, I see no reviews written out for Antetype, which paints the picture quite clearly.
Yes, it is missing a Pen tool, but if that is something that you don’t usually use or look for in such applications, then this could be a great app for you that comes with an attractive price tag to go along with it.
Review and rating of Antetype
Antetype is software that you really have to try out to see if it is something that you would like to use or not because it is missing some key features that are required by most designers.
If you are someone who doesn’t want a pen tool and has a mac on which you can download and run this app, then you should go right ahead and try this app out.
If you are someone who is contrary to this belief, then maybe you should check out other apps or sites. For this reason, I would be rating Antetype 3/5 stars.
Also read: Best powtoon alternatives to edit animated videos
5. PenPot
PenPot is also a great design application that is used by many. It is an open-source site that is run fully on donations and other means of mode, which means that the site is free to operate!
Since the website is open-source, it means that the site is totally secure to use, and you would be getting all the details that you would be required to know for using this site.
There are a lot of things to discuss about PenPot, so without wasting a lot of time, here are some of the things that I liked and disliked about it.
What we liked about PenPot
PenPot, as I mentioned above, is an open-source website, and that is really great thing because it is run by a community of people, and it is totally safe to use it as well.
You won’t have to pay for anything when you use PenPot. And just because it is free doesn’t mean that it is missing a whole lot. It is a browser site only, so you can very easily use it from any device.
You have almost all the functionalities that you would be getting on Figma, and the whole UI of PenPot is great as well.
What we didn’t like about PenPot
PenPot, even though it has most of the features that you might be needing for prototypes and other functionalities, still lacks a key element which is the auto layout.
Auto layout is a feature that is widely available in many designing apps, and that is something missing from PenPot.
But, there have been developers who have shared early models of Auto Layout for PenPot that should be coming to the site pretty soon.
Why did we choose PenPot as a software like Figma?
PenPot is a really good alternative to Figma that not a lot of people know about. One of its biggest draws has to be that the site is totally free to use, and you can easily access it from any device.
You also get different amounts of functionalities that you would be accustomed to seeing on paid designing apps, including a pen tool, and that is a great thing from the site as well.
Plus, for an open-source site, PenPot functions and runs pretty smoothly as well.
Review and rating of PenPot
PenPot is one of the better alternatives to Figma as it does a whole lot that Figma does but for free of cost. You can very easily customise and make your prototype website using PenPot.
It is an overall great service that also comes with a very attractive price tag, that is, Free Dollars, and you can very easily use it as well.
And if you like its services, then you can also share some words about it, because not a lot of people know about PenPot as well. Because of this reason, I would be rating PenPot 3.5/5 stars.
6. Affinity
Affinity is a designing tool that is a direct competitor to Adobe and Figma, and it has different apps that compete with different apps of Adobe, and since Adobe bought Figma, it seems right to include Affinity in this list.
There are a lot of great things about Affinity to discuss about, so without wasting any time, let’s get to it.
What we liked about Affinity
Affinity doesn’t have a subscription-based model just like other sites, it has a one-time payment system, and that would cost you around $40! Which is pretty cheap when all things considered.
Affinity has an app for both Windows and Mac, but it also has an app that has all the features specifically made for iPad as well, and that is something you don’t usually see in such apps.
What we didn’t like about Affinity
Affinity does lack some of the tools that you usually get on Figma, such as you can’t collaborate with someone and simultaneously edit the project.
There is no way an individual can comment on a project or leave some notes, and it does not have a prototype functionality as well.
Why did we choose Affinity as a Figma alternative?
Affinity is not a direct alternative to Figma, but it is a tool that designers can use for customising and making different logos or other possible things.
If you are someone who does find it to be compelling, then you should definitely give Affinity a try and check out the rest of the things that it is capable of doing.
Review and rating of Affinity
Affinity does offer a whole variety of different functionalities, but at the same time doesn’t offer some of the best features of Figma that made Figma an industry standard.
As mentioned above, if you are someone who gets what Affinity is trying to do and you like its work, then you should give it a try, but for now, in this context, I would be rating Affinity 2.5/5 stars.
7. Canva
As I mentioned above, I have listed down some softwares that are pretty easy to use and works really well, and Canva is one of the best examples of that statement.
Canva is a very powerful web designing and editing software that lets you take control over various aspects of your images.
What we liked about Canva
Canva can be used for free, but if you want to access all of its premium features, then you would have to shell out $199/year.
Canva is also one of the best websites for designing various different websites and editing images quickly. Since, It is an online software, so you can access it from any computing device.
What we didn’t like about Canva
Canva doesn’t really have a lot of cons, since a lot of people do use it for a number of different reasons, however, as I have mentioned a number of times, no software is perfect and neither is Canva.
Since it is an online site, you can’t really work on it if there is no internet connection and that can also lead to a number of different issues, which you normally don’t face while using offline software.
Why did we choose Canva as a Figma alternative?
Canva is best for people who like a simple UI to understand how to edit and make websites. It doesn’t even require some hardware specification to work on any computing device.
It has a number of great features, such as Different effects for editing, various tools for making a collage and easy to understand UI, making it a great Figma alternative.
Review and rating of Canva
Canva is a very popular photo editing software that is used by a lot of people for different purposes. You can very easily use it for creating your own website and do a whole lote more on it.
Its simple UI makes sure that you don’t get too confused and overwhelmed by its effects, and it is pretty easy to use as well.
I would rate Canva 3.5/5 stars.
Our recommendations on the best Figma alternative?
Well, there you have it, six of the best alternatives that you can find for Figma online right now. And it is up to you to decide which particular app or site you would like to use for your projects.
Because all of them lack some features here and there and you will be the best judge to figure out which suits for you.
Why did we choose None of the above as the best Figma alternatives?
This is why I put you up to the task of finding out for yourself which particular app or site you like the most out of all of them and seeing which one fits the best for you.
And, like always, especially in this case, these have been the six alternatives which I found to be delivering on what you can expect on Figma apps alike.
But I know I must have missed a couple of different alternatives that are even better than the ones that I mentioned on this list.
If you do know any of them, or if you have any other insights regarding any of the six mentioned apps which you would like to share with us or the community of people who visit this website almost daily, do let us know in the comments down below!
