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Avocode vs Zeplin: What are the differences?
Introduction:
Avocode and Zeplin are popular design collaboration tools used by designers and developers to streamline the workflow and improve communication during the design handoff process. While both tools serve similar purposes, there are key differences that set them apart.
Integration with Design Tools: Avocode and Zeplin differ in terms of the design tools they integrate with. Avocode supports a wider range of design tools including Photoshop, Sketch, XD, AI, and Figma, making it convenient for designers who work with different software. Zeplin, on the other hand, is primarily focused on Sketch and Photoshop, which might limit its compatibility for those using other design software.
Code-Related Functionality: Avocode provides more advanced code-related functionality compared to Zeplin. Avocode allows developers to inspect code snippets directly from the design files, provides automatic CSS generation, and supports exporting assets in multiple formats. This makes it easier for developers to extract information and implement designs accurately. Conversely, Zeplin lacks the ability to extract code snippets directly from designs and does not offer CSS generation.
Team Collaboration: When it comes to collaboration, Avocode offers a more robust set of features. It allows team members to collaborate in real-time, comment on design elements, and has built-in version control with a visual diff tool. Zeplin, while it provides basic commenting capabilities, does not offer real-time collaboration or built-in version control, which may hinder smooth teamwork and version management.
Design Handoff Workflow: Avocode and Zeplin have different approaches to the design handoff workflow. Avocode focuses on providing developers with easy access to design specs and assets, allowing them to quickly inspect and extract necessary information. Zeplin, on the other hand, offers a more visual-oriented approach, displaying design components in a comprehensive style guide. This can be beneficial for designers who require a more holistic view of the design system.
Platform Flexibility: Avocode is available as a desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and also offers a web-based version for added flexibility. Zeplin, however, is primarily a web-based tool, limiting its accessibility on desktop platforms. Avocode's wider range of platform options makes it a more versatile choice for designers and developers working on different operating systems.
Pricing Model: Avocode and Zeplin differ in their pricing models. Avocode offers a subscription-based model with different plans based on individual or team usage. They also provide a free trial period for new users. On the other hand, Zeplin offers a single monthly or annual subscription plan without a free trial option. The pricing structure and trial availability can impact decision-making, depending on the budget and requirements of the team or individual users.
In Summary, Avocode and Zeplin differ in terms of their integration with design tools, code-related functionality, team collaboration features, design handoff workflow, platform flexibility, and pricing models. Choosing between the two depends on the specific needs and preferences of the designers and developers involved.
Hello, I want to start an unlimited graphic design service. (yes, yet another one, but bear with me)
It’s the second week that I’m working on this project, my goal is to test the market as soon as possible.
One element that is missing is the solution to handle communication between the clients and the designers.
• Mandatory: it needs to communicate instructions, progress/status, and design files (exported from Adobe Illustrator or similar). • Optionally it would also display the design inside the app so the files don’t need to be opened. • Optionally it would let the client easily mark the design where he wants revision.
• Mandatory: it needs to have unlimited clients and unlimited projects (I’ll have hundreds of clients and each will have at least one project) • Optionally it would auto-assign a new project to the first available designer, or let the designers choose themselves which project they want to work on • Optionally it would have groups (corresponding to a subscription plan) with different clients and different designers in each • Optionally it would communicate with other apps so that client and designer management tasks (access, payment, etc) can be automated
I’m open to all suggestions, not just the selection above. Ultimately I guess I’ll have a custom app developed on a no-code platform, but to begin with I need something simple and ready.
Reminder: it is only for graphic design, between my designers and my clients
Zeplin is great for Developer handoff and setting as source of truth for Design and Developemt. InViosion is the standard for communicating/testing design ideas and prototypes with stakeholders. Both applications offer unlimited projects. I use them on a daily basis at big enterprises and for small weekend projects.
I have been using Basecamp since 2008 to handle my client communications. I have gone through all of its three iterations.
I'd recommend Basecamp above the others because:
- It is a communication tool through and through. Looking at your description, that seems to be what you need. Zeplin is a developer handoff tool. It isn't designed to cover a more broad use case as you describe. Invision has some features that you want, but it is primarily a tool for building quick low-fidelity prototypes from website mockups. Figma is a great design tool. For the last two, communication is a secondary feature.
- It was designed by a design agency (37 Signals) for their own needs, which were quite similar to yours. (They later closed the agency to focus on Basecamp as a product full-time)
- It has flat pricing that doesn't count the number of projects, clients or team members you have. You don't have to think twice about opening another project or inviting another user. You always pay the same price.
- It can separate team and client communications. The team can talk about something without the client ever seeing it, in the same context.
- It can keep todo lists, which I think you will need anyway.
- Access control is based on projects. Every team member or client will only see the projects they are invited to. They will not even know the existence of others. (Except admins. They can see and join all projects)
- It is easy to understand and use. The design is free of clutter and easy on the eyes. Your clients (especially the tech-averse ones) will appreciate it.
- It has mobile/desktop apps with the full functionality of the web app. You won't have to wait for someone to sit down to get a quick approval.
The only real downside for me was the lack of language support in the user interface. You will be fine if your users understand some very basic written English. Some of my clients did not, so I had to walk them through it.
Pros of Avocode
- Easy11
- Simple10
- Collaborative8
- Works with lots of devices8
- CSS7
- Quick6
- SVG6
- Powerful inspecting tool4
- Design hand-off4
- It evolves permanently4
- Sti2
Pros of Zeplin
- Avoid the insanity of extract this info from Photoshop7
- Free7
- CSS2
- Works with lots of devices2
- HTML2
- SVG2
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Cons of Avocode
Cons of Zeplin
- SVG8
