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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.
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 Blender
- Free for Commercial and Personal Use9
- Layers4
- Usable For Graphic Design4
- Dozens of free addons, courses and an active community3
Pros of Figma
- Web-based application18
- Intuitive interface and perfect collaboration10
- Free software8
- Works on both Mac and Windows7
- Highly Collaborative7
- Great plugins, easy to extend6
- Works on multiple OS's5
- Imports Sketch files5
- Large community, tutorials, documentation5
- Hands done the best design tool for collaboration!5
- Prototyping, design files and comments all in one place4
- Interactive, event-based prototypes4
- No more syncing between Sketch and InVision3
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Cons of Blender
- Long Render Time (every 3d program ever)2
- Blender dropped the game engine, see UPBGE1
- Confusing UI and shortcut navigation for newcomers1
Cons of Figma
- Limited Export options6
