Are you used to using Figma to design new websites and start thinking to switch away due to a certain reason? If so, we have compiled the list of Figma alternatives you can give a try.
Although you can create your website directly on page builder plugins like Elementor and Divi Builder, starting from a design tool like Figma is beneficial in some ways. If you are working on a website project for a client, for instance. You can pitch the design first and execute it once your client accepts it. If corrections are needed, you can do them on the design level. This approach can help avoid revision once the website is done.
Another advantage is when you work with a team. Using a design tool like Figma, you can work on the design of a website collaboratively with your team. You can even invite your client to make some corrections when needed.
Figma itself is one of the most popular design tools widely used by web designers to create both UI design and UX design. Be it for native apps or web apps. Adobe acquired Figma in September 2022 so it is technically owned by Adobe. Before the acquisition, it’s easy to recommend Adobe XD when someone ask about a Figma alternative. Since Figma and Adobe XD are under the same umbrella, it will be unfair to recommend an alternative tool from the same company. So, we exclude Adobe XD from the list.
Here are some of the best Figma alternatives that you can try.
Best Figma Alternatives
1. Sketch
Sketch is one of the best options if you are looking for a Figma alternative. It has nearly all features available on Figma. More importantly, it has a compatibility with Figma whereby you can edit design files in a .fig format. That being said, you won’t lose your works if you previously use Figma. In addition to creating UI design, Sketch also allows you to turn it into a prototype, which is pretty useful to pitch your ideas with clients before you execute it into a real website.
Unlike Figma, Sketch is not released as a freemium tool, but you have a chance to try it for free for 30 days. The native app of Sketch is only available for macOS. If you use Windows or Linux, you can use the web version.
2. Justinmind
Looking for a free design tool like Figma? Justinmind is great to try. However, you have to be a Windows or macOS user to use Justinmind as it is not available for Linux. The web app version is also not available although you can share your work online. You are required to open the design on the native app if you want to edit it. You can use Justinmind to create an UI/UX design just like Figma and Adobe XD. When creating a new design, you will be asked a device type you want to create the design for. Whether desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
Justinmind offers a bunch of pre-made components to ease your job. If you want to add a call-to-action element, for instance, you can simply drag it from the library panel to the canvas area. Of course, you can also create your own components using the built-in drawing tools. It also offers pre-made design templates as your design reference. Justinmind allows you to share your works with anyone, with or without the ability to edit. Pretty similar to Google Docs.
3. Mockplus
Mockplus is a web-based design tool. That being said, you can use it regardless of the operating system you use. You can use Mockplus for free as the tool is available as a freemium tool. The free version already comes with collaboration features. You can create folders and share them with your team members. The invited team members can do such things as editing your design, leaving a comment, and so on.
The editing features offered by Mockplus are not much different from Figma and other design tools on the list. It comes with pre-defined components that you can add to the canvas area. Mockplus also allows you to create website prototype. You can connect a certain component with other components or pages.
4. Penpot
Penpot is a great free alternative to Figma. Not just free, it is also released as an open-source software. Penpot itself is a web-based app. If you want to install it on your local machine, you need to install either Docker or Elestio first. A simpler solution is also available. To use Penpot without manually installing it — which can take time — you can use the hosted version. The hosted version of Penpot is also free. Collaboration features are also available. You can create projects and invite your team members to join them.
The design features offered by Penpot are not much different from Figma. It also comes with a bunch of pre-made components to ease your job in designing a website or app. Prototyping features are also available in case you need them. Other handy features include the ability to inspect the design elements, real-time chat, and so on.
5. Proton.io
If you are not objected to spend subscription fee on a monthly basis, Proton.io is a great app to try. Before you subscribe, you can try Proton.io for free for 14 days. During the trial period, you can explore the features offered by the tool. The plans offered by Proton start from $24 per month. Proton.io itself is a feature-rich tool. Some features available on the editor includes element inspector and design library — which you can use to store your design assets. Pre-designed elements and templates are also available to streamline your design workflow.
Proton.io itself is a web-based app. Meaning that you can use it regardless of the operating system you use. Proton.io allows you to share your design to anyone on the internet via a link.
The Bottom Line
You can definitely create a website without creating the design using a design tool like Figma and Adobe XD first. However, if you create the website for clients, this approach is pretty much helpful. You can pitch a design — even prototype — to your client. If the design is accepted, you can proceed with the design execution on the page builder of your choice. This approach can also help avoid revision once the website is done.
If you don’t like Figma, regardless of the reason, there are several other alternatives out there you can opt to. From free to paid. From desktop-based app to web-based app.
