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PaintCode

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PaintCode vs Zeplin: What are the differences?

Developers describe PaintCode as "Vector drawing app that generates Objective-C or Swift code in real time". PaintCode is a unique vector drawing app that generates Objective-C or Swift code in real time, acting as a bridge between developers and graphic designers. On the other hand, Zeplin is detailed as "Collaboration app for UI designers and frontend developers". Collaboration app for designers & developers. Supports Sketch and Photoshop (on beta!).

PaintCode and Zeplin can be categorized as "Graphic Design" tools.

Advice on PaintCode and Zeplin
Needs advice
on
FigmaFigmaInVisionInVision
and
ZeplinZeplin

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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Replies (2)
Recommends
on
SketchSketch

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.

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Mert Torun
Product designer at Mert Torun · | 3 upvotes · 124.2K views
Recommends
on
BasecampBasecamp

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.

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Pros of PaintCode
Pros of Zeplin
    Be the first to leave a pro
    • 7
      Avoid the insanity of extract this info from Photoshop
    • 7
      Free
    • 2
      CSS
    • 2
      Works with lots of devices
    • 2
      HTML
    • 2
      SVG

    Sign up to add or upvote prosMake informed product decisions

    Cons of PaintCode
    Cons of Zeplin
      Be the first to leave a con
      • 8
        SVG

      Sign up to add or upvote consMake informed product decisions

      What is PaintCode?

      It is an app that allows you to draw controls, icons, and other graphics elements like you would in programs like Sketch, Photoshop, or Illustrator.

      What is Zeplin?

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

      Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

      What companies use PaintCode?
      What companies use Zeplin?
      See which teams inside your own company are using PaintCode or Zeplin.
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      What tools integrate with PaintCode?
      What tools integrate with Zeplin?

      Sign up to get full access to all the tool integrationsMake informed product decisions

      What are some alternatives to PaintCode and Zeplin?
      Sketch
      Easily create complex shapes with our state-of-the-art vector boolean operations and take advantage of our extensive layer styles.
      Figma
      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.
      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 Illustrator
      The industry-standard vector graphics app lets you create logos, icons, sketches, typography, and complex illustrations for print, web, interactive, video, and mobile.
      Adobe XD
      A vector-based tool developed and published by Adobe Inc for designing and prototyping user experience for web and mobile apps.
      See all alternatives