Framer vs Figma: Differences Between Design and Development
Framer vs Figma: Design, Prototyping and Development in 2025
Framer and Figma are often confused, yet they serve different needs in the web creation process. Discover their distinct roles and how to use them together.
Figma: The Collaborative Design Tool
Figma's Main Role:
- Interface Design: Creating mockups and wireframes
- Design Systems: Reusable component libraries
- Team Collaboration: Real-time simultaneous work
- Basic Prototyping: Simple interactions between screens
- Developer Handoff: Technical specifications
Figma Strengths:
- Intuitive Interface: Gentle learning curve
- Seamless Collaboration: Comments, sharing, versions
- Powerful Components: Variants, auto-layout, constraints
- Plugin Ecosystem: Extensions for every need
- Free: Basic version sufficient for small teams
Figma Limitations:
- No real development
- Prototyping limited to clicks
- Basic animations only
- No CMS or web functionality
Framer: From Mockup to Website
Framer Evolution:
- Origin: Advanced prototyping tool
- 2023-2025: No-code development platform
- Today: Direct competitor to Webflow
Current Framer Capabilities:
- Design to Code: Direct transformation to website
- Complex Animations: Sophisticated micro-interactions
- Integrated CMS: Basic content management
- Hosting Included: Direct publishing
- Responsive Design: Automatic adaptation
Modern Workflow: Figma + Framer
Recommended 2025 Process:
- Design in Figma: Mockups, design system
- Client Validation: Figma prototypes for approval
- Import to Framer: Design transfer
- Framer Development: Animations, interactions, CMS
- Publication: Final functional website
Benefits of This Approach:
- Better designer-client collaboration
- Smooth design-development transition
- Reduced production time
- Guaranteed visual consistency
Detailed Feature Comparison
Interface Design:
- Figma: 10/10 - Industry reference
- Framer: 8/10 - Good but fewer features
Team Collaboration:
- Figma: 10/10 - Perfect real-time collaboration
- Framer: 7/10 - Basic collaboration
Prototyping:
- Figma: 6/10 - Simple interactions
- Framer: 10/10 - Advanced animations
Website Production:
- Figma: 0/10 - No development
- Framer: 9/10 - Complete website
Pricing and Economic Models
Figma:
- Free: 3 projects, 2 editors
- Professional: $12/editor/month
- Organization: $45/editor/month
Framer:
- Free: 3 sites, framer.website
- Mini: $5/month per site
- Basic: $15/month per site
- Pro: $25/month per site
Optimal Use Cases
Use Figma when:
- Complex design system to create
- Large design team
- Intensive client collaboration
- Developer handoff necessary
- Tight design budget
Use Framer when:
- Final website required
- Animations crucial
- Small team
- Time-to-market priority
- Limited development budget
Expert Recommendations
For Designers:
- Mastering Figma remains essential
- Learn Framer to expand services
- Combine both for optimal workflow
For Businesses:
- Figma sufficient for design system
- Framer interesting for simple sites
- Webflow preferable for complex projects
Free audit of your current tools and personalized recommendations according to your specific needs.
