Figma is a design collaboration tool that enables teams to create, prototype, and collaborate on designs in real-time. It best serves digital product teams, UX/UI designers, and creative agencies looking for seamless collaboration across departments like marketing and development. Figma offers your team real-time collaboration, making design processes more efficient and aligned with your goals.
In this article, you'll learn about Figma's features, pros and cons, best and worst use cases, pricing, and more. As a creative project manager, you aim to streamline your team's workflow, and Figma could be the solution you need.
Figma Evaluation Summary
- From $16/user/month (billed annually)
- Free plan available
Why You Can Trust Us
We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2012. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.
Figma Overview
In my opinion, Figma shines as a design collaboration tool, especially for teams that need real-time collaboration and seamless design workflow. Its standout features, like interactive prototypes and versatile design systems, set it apart from competitors like Sketch and Adobe XD.
While Figma could improve its onboarding experience, its intuitive interface and robust integrations make it an excellent choice for design teams in tech startups and creative agencies. For those seeking a cost-effective yet powerful tool, Figma offers great value.
pros
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Your team can collaborate in real-time, making design feedback immediate.
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The intuitive interface makes it easy for everyone to navigate and use.
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Figma's design systems help maintain consistency across your projects.
cons
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You might find the offline functionality limited if internet access is an issue.
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Some users report the need for more advanced vector editing tools.
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You may experience occasional performance lags with large design files.
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Accelo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Celoxis
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Wrike
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3
Our Review Methodology
How We Test & Score Tools
We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection and what makes a tool effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across seven criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.
Core Functionality (25% of final scoring)
The starting point of our evaluation is always the core functionality of the tool. Does it have the basic features and functions that a user would expect to see? Are any of those core features locked to higher-tiered pricing plans? At its core, we expect a tool to stand up against the baseline capabilities of its competitors.
Standout Features (25% of final scoring)
Next, we evaluate uncommon standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality typically found in tools of its kind. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
We also evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use a tool with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the tool with no experience. High scoring solutions indicate little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Tools and companies that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the tool again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Core Features
Real-Time Collaboration: Work with your team simultaneously on the same design file, allowing for instant feedback and changes. This feature boosts your team's productivity and ensures everyone's on the same page.
Vector Networks: Create complex shapes with more flexibility than traditional vector tools. You'll find it easier to design intricate graphics without getting stuck on node connections.
Prototyping: Turn your designs into interactive prototypes without leaving the platform. This helps you visualize user flows and gather feedback before development.
Design Systems: Use shared styles and components to maintain consistency across your projects. Your team can ensure brand alignment and reduce repetitive work.
Commenting: Leave comments directly on the design files for clear communication. This feature streamlines your feedback process, reducing the need for lengthy email threads.
Version History: Access previous versions of your design files without losing any data. You can easily track changes and revert if needed, offering peace of mind.
Ease of Use
Figma stands out for its intuitive interface, making it easy for your team to jump in and start designing without a steep learning curve. The layout is clean, and the tools are logically organized, which helps you focus on your work instead of figuring out how to use the software.
Users appreciate the seamless navigation and straightforward collaboration features that simplify complex design tasks, allowing you to work efficiently and effectively.
Figma Specs
- CAD Tools
- Data Export
- Data Import
- Multi-User
- Pixel Graphics
- Third-Party Plugins/Add-Ons
- Vector File Support
- Video
