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Figma vs Proto.io: What are the differences?
Introduction
Figma and Proto.io are both popular design and prototyping tools used in the web development industry. While they serve similar purposes, there are key differences between the two that distinguish them from each other.
Collaboration and Real-time Editing: Figma allows multiple users to work on a design file simultaneously, providing a real-time collaborative environment. This means designers and stakeholders can make changes, comment, and give feedback in real-time, which greatly improves the collaboration process. Proto.io, on the other hand, does not offer real-time editing and collaboration features. Users need to work on a design file individually and share updates through exporting and sharing screens.
Design and Prototyping Capabilities: Figma is primarily a design tool that offers robust vector editing and design features. It allows designers to create high-fidelity designs, including intricate UI components. On the other hand, Proto.io is more focused on prototyping and interaction design. It provides an extensive library of pre-built UI components and allows users to create complex interactive prototypes with transitions, animations, and user flows.
Device Preview and Testing: Figma provides a device preview feature that allows designers to visualize their designs on different devices and screen sizes. This helps in evaluating the responsiveness and adaptability of the design across different devices. Proto.io goes a step further by offering a built-in testing feature that allows users to prototype on actual devices, enabling more accurate testing and user feedback.
Integration and Compatibility: Figma offers a wide range of integrations with other tools and platforms, including popular design collaboration platforms like Slack and Jira. It also allows seamless integration with design handoff and developer handoff tools. Proto.io also provides integrations with various platforms but has a more limited range compared to Figma.
Pricing and Accessibility: Figma offers a free plan that allows individual users to access most of its features. It also provides affordable pricing plans for teams and organizations. Proto.io, however, does not have a free plan and primarily offers paid plans. This might make Figma a more accessible option for individual designers or small teams with a limited budget.
Offline Mode: Figma has limited offline capabilities, allowing users to access their files and work on them without an internet connection. Proto.io, being a web-based tool, requires a stable internet connection for users to access and work on their projects.
In summary, Figma distinguishes itself by providing real-time collaboration, strong design capabilities, device preview, flexible integration options, affordability, and limited offline mode. Proto.io, on the other hand, excels in prototyping features, device testing, and providing a library of pre-built UI components. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the designer or team.
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 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
Pros of Proto.io
- Easy to get started with a good set of UI controls4
- Design on site, better than simply importing stuff3
- Try prototype on mobile device3
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Cons of Figma
- Limited Export options6
