Blender vs Figma

Overview

Blender

Stacks382

Followers321

Votes20

Figma

Stacks4.2K

Followers2.5K

Votes102

Blender vs Figma: What are the differences?

Introduction

Blender and Figma are both powerful design tools used in different aspects of graphic design and 3D modeling. However, they have distinct features and functionalities that set them apart from each other. Here are the key differences between Blender and Figma.

Interface and Purpose: Blender is a comprehensive 3D modeling and animation software that offers a wide range of tools for creating complex 3D designs and animations. It is primarily used by professionals in the animation and gaming industries. On the other hand, Figma is a web-based design tool that focuses on user interface (UI) design, prototyping, and collaboration. It is commonly used by UX/UI designers and product teams to create interactive designs and prototypes.
Platform Compatibility: Blender is a desktop application that can be installed on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. It provides a standalone software for creating 3D content. In contrast, Figma is a browser-based tool that can run on any platform with a modern web browser. It allows users to work collaboratively in real-time, eliminating the need for software installation and compatibility issues.
3D Modeling Capabilities: Blender is widely known for its advanced 3D modeling and animation features. It offers a variety of modeling techniques like polygonal modeling, sculpting, and hard-surface modeling. It also provides comprehensive rigging and animation tools for creating lifelike 3D characters and objects. Figma, on the other hand, does not have built-in capabilities for creating complex 3D models. It is more focused on 2D design and prototyping, providing tools for creating interactive interfaces and user flows.
Collaboration and Version Control: Figma excels in its collaborative features, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously on a design in real-time. It offers features like commenting, design review, and version control, making it easy for teams to collaborate and iterate on designs. Blender, on the other hand, lacks built-in collaboration features. It is primarily a standalone software designed for individual users or small teams working on 3D projects.
Price and Accessibility: Blender is an open-source software, which means it is free for anyone to download and use. This makes it highly accessible to individual artists and small studios. Figma offers both free and paid plans, with additional features and collaboration capabilities available in the paid version. The pricing structure of Figma makes it more suitable for professional teams and larger organizations.
Learning Curve and Community Support: Blender has a steep learning curve due to its extensive feature set and complex interface. However, it has a large and active community of users who provide tutorials, documentation, and support. Figma, on the other hand, has a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier to learn for beginners. It also has a growing community of designers who share resources and provide support for Figma users.

In summary, Blender is a comprehensive 3D modeling and animation software, whereas Figma is a web-based design tool focused on UI design and collaboration. Blender excels in advanced 3D modeling features, while Figma stands out in its collaborative capabilities and platform compatibility. Blender is free and accessible to individual artists, while Figma offers both free and paid plans, making it more suitable for professional teams. Blender has a steep learning curve but has a supportive community, while Figma has a more intuitive interface and a growing designer community.

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Advice on Blender, Figma

Bobby

Feb 14, 2020

Needs advice

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

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Detailed Comparison

Blender	Figma
It is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation.	Figma is the first interface design tool with real-time collaboration. It keeps everyone on the same page. Focus on the work instead of fighting your tools.
Rendering;Sculpting;Modeling;Animation & Rigging;Grease Pencil;VFX	Online Sketch alternative; Free for small teams; Easy to use
Statistics
Stacks 382	Stacks 4.2K
Followers 321	Followers 2.5K
Votes 20	Votes 102
Pros & Cons
Pros 9 Free for Commercial and Personal Use 4 Usable For Graphic Design 4 Layers 3 Dozens of free addons, courses and an active community Cons 2 Long Render Time (every 3d program ever) 1 Confusing UI and shortcut navigation for newcomers 1 Blender dropped the game engine, see UPBGE	Pros 19 Web-based application 11 Intuitive interface and perfect collaboration 9 Free software 8 Works on both Mac and Windows 8 Highly Collaborative Cons 6 Limited Export options
Integrations
Python	Trello Coda ProtoPie Principle Dropbox Slack Storybook Notion Pendo Zeplin

What are some alternatives to Blender, Figma?

Sketch

Easily create complex shapes with our state-of-the-art vector boolean operations and take advantage of our extensive layer styles.

Adobe Photoshop

It is the best in the world of graphic design and image processing software that will realize any of your ideas. Create and enhance photos, illustrations and 3D graphic objects.

Adobe XD

A vector-based tool developed and published by Adobe Inc for designing and prototyping user experience for web and mobile apps.

Zeplin

Collaboration app for designers & developers. Supports Sketch and Photoshop (on beta!).

ProtoPie

It is the easiest tool used to turn your UI/UX design ideas into highly interactive prototypes for mobile, desktop, web, all the way to IoT. ProtoPie runs on macOS & Windows and the player app is on iOS and Android.

Readymag

Readymag—an online platform for website creation focused on design & creativity. Advanced typography. Powerful animations. Code injection & third-party tool integrations.

Inkscape

It is professional quality vector graphics software which runs on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. This software can be used to create or edit vector graphics such as illustrations, diagrams, line arts, charts, logos and complex paintings.

Affinity Designer

No bloat, no gimmicks, just all the tools you need, implemented how you always dreamed. It is a stripped back, pro-end workhorse that will always get your job done. It was created to thrive on the electric pace of the latest computing hardware. Live, responsive and incredibly fluid, it’s simply a joy to use.

Affinity Photo

It is born to work hand-in-hand with the latest powerful computer technology, it’s fully-loaded photo editor integrated across macOS, Windows and iOS.

Overflow.io

Create interactive user flows and stunning design presentations to engage your audience in synchronous or asynchronous design critique.

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