Framer and Figma – Understanding the Difference Between These Design Giants
Introduction
The world of digital design is evolving rapidly, with tools like Framer and Figma leading the way. Many designers and developers wonder whether Framer and Figma belong to the same company or if they are competitors. While both tools are essential for UI/UX design, they serve different purposes and are owned by separate companies. This article explores their differences, ownership, and the key features that set them apart.
Who Owns Framer and Figma?
Framer and Figma are not the same company.
- Framer is developed by Framer B.V., a Dutch company founded in 2015. It originally started as a prototyping tool for developers and has since evolved into a powerful no-code website builder for designers.
- Figma, on the other hand, is owned by Figma Inc., an American company founded in 2012. It revolutionized the design industry by introducing a cloud-based collaborative platform for UI/UX designers.
In 2022, Adobe announced plans to acquire Figma for $20 billion, but regulatory concerns have slowed down the process. Framer remains independent and continues to grow as a preferred tool for interactive web design.
Key Differences Between Framer and Figma
Though both are design tools, Framer and Figma cater to different audiences:
- Primary Purpose
- Figma is mainly a collaborative UI/UX design tool used for creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.
- Framer focuses on interactive prototyping and no-code website development, allowing users to design and publish websites directly.
- Coding Capabilities
- Figma does not have built-in code-exporting features but supports plugins and integrations for development.
- Framer allows designers to create functional websites with animations and interactions without writing code.
- Collaboration Features
- Figma is cloud-based and designed for real-time collaboration, making it a favorite among large design teams.
- Framer also offers collaboration but is geared more toward website design and development.
- Usage in Development
- Figma is used for UI/UX design and then handed off to developers for coding.
- Framer eliminates the need for developers in some cases, as it allows designers to build fully functional websites themselves.
Which One Should You Use?
If you are a UI/UX designer working in a team and need real-time collaboration, Figma is the better choice. However, if you want to design and launch interactive websites without coding, Framer is the ideal tool.
Many professionals use both – Figma for UI/UX design and Framer for advanced interactions or no-code web development.
Conclusion
Framer and Figma are powerful tools but serve different purposes. They are not the same company, nor do they compete directly in all aspects. While Figma dominates the UI/UX design industry, Framer is carving a niche in the no-code web development space. Choosing between them depends on your design needs and whether you require a collaborative UI tool or a website builder with interactive capabilities.
