Should you use Figma free or paid version? I answered the question below. Figma is invaluable for designers and teams collaborating on digital projects.
Whether you’re a freelancer, a small team, or an established company, Figma’s capabilities can be very helpful to scaling your business.
Both the free and paid versions of Figma cater to varying needs and budgets, ensuring that users can access the right level of functionality for their projects and organizational size.
The main difference is that Figma free offers a basic version of the design tool with limited features suitable for individual designers and small teams, while Figma Paid provides advanced functionalities, unlimited storage, and priority support tailored for larger teams and enterprises at a higher cost.
Figma Free vs Paid: Key Features at a Glance
Let’s quickly compare side-by-side the key features of both the free and paid versions of Figma:
| Key Features | Figma Free | Figma Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | Limited to 2 editors in one file | Unlimited editors in one file |
| Storage Capacity | 2 GB per editor | Unlimited storage per editor |
| Team Libraries | Not available | Available for creating and sharing assets |
| Version History | Limited version history access | Full version history access |
| Custom Fonts | Limited selection of fonts | Access to premium fonts |
| Prototyping | Basic prototyping features | Advanced prototyping capabilities |
| Plugin Ecosystem | Limited access to plugins | Full access to Figma’s plugin ecosystem |
What is Figma Free Version? Who is it for?
Figma Free is a cloud-based design tool primarily used for creating user interfaces, prototypes, and collaborative design projects. It is ideal for individual designers, small teams, and startups looking for an intuitive and versatile design solution.
Pros of Figma Free:
- Intuitive interface that is easy to learn and use.
- Real-time collaboration allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
- Cross-platform compatibility ensures seamless access from any device.
- Extensive library of design assets and plugins enhance productivity.
- Free version available with generous features for individuals and small teams.
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality may hinder productivity in areas with unstable internet connections.
- Free version has limited storage space, which can become restrictive for larger projects.
- Lack of advanced features compared to premium design tools.
- Limited access to customer support for free users.
What is Figma Paid Version?
Figma Paid is the premium version of the design tool, offering additional features and benefits targeted at larger teams and enterprises.
Pros of Figma Paid Version:
- Unlimited storage space for storing and managing large design projects.
- Enhanced collaboration features, including advanced permissions and version history tracking.
- Priority customer support for quicker resolution of issues.
- Advanced prototyping and design capabilities, including interactive components and design systems.
- Integration with third-party tools for seamless workflow management and automation.
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to the free version, which may not be feasible for smaller teams or individuals.
- Steeper learning curve for mastering advanced features and functionalities.
- Limited availability of premium plugins and integrations compared to other design tools.
- Dependency on internet connectivity for real-time collaboration and cloud-based storage.
Figma Free vs Paid: A Detailed Feature Comparison Guide
In this section, we’ll compare the key features of Figma Free and Paid in detail to help you understand the differences between the two versions.
1. Collaboration:
- Figma Free: Limited to 2 editors in one file. This restriction can hinder real-time collaboration for larger teams.
- Figma Paid: Unlimited editors in one file, facilitating seamless collaboration among team members regardless of size.
- Winner: Figma Paid due to its superior collaboration capabilities.
2. Storage Capacity:
- Figma Free: Offers 2 GB of storage per editor, which may be limiting for teams with extensive design files.
- Figma Paid: Provides unlimited storage per editor, ensuring ample space for storing and organizing design assets.
- Winner: Figma Paid for its unrestricted storage capacity.
3. Team Libraries:
- Figma Free: Does not include team libraries functionality, limiting the ability to create and share design assets across the team.
- Figma Paid: Allows for the creation and sharing of team libraries, enhancing collaboration and consistency in design assets.
- Winner: Figma Paid for its advanced team library features.
4. Version History:
- Figma Free: Offers limited access to version history, making it challenging to track changes and revert to previous versions.
- Figma Paid: Provides full access to version history, enabling users to review, compare, and restore previous iterations of their designs.
- Winner: Figma Paid for its comprehensive version history capabilities.
5. Custom Fonts:
- Figma Free: Provides a limited selection of fonts, potentially restricting design options for users.
- Figma Paid: Offers access to premium fonts, expanding design possibilities and customization. Winner: Figma Paid for its wider range of font choices.
6. Prototyping:
- Figma Free: Includes basic prototyping features, suitable for simple interactions and animations.
- Figma Paid: Offers advanced prototyping capabilities, allowing for more complex interactions and animations to be created.
- Winner: Figma Paid for its enhanced prototyping functionality.
7. Plugin Ecosystem:
- Figma Free: Provides limited access to plugins, limiting the ability to extend and customize the platform.
- Figma Paid: Offers full access to Figma’s plugin ecosystem, enabling users to enhance their workflow with a wide range of third-party integrations.
- Winner: Figma Paid for its extensive plugin support.
Use Cases for Figma Free:
- Freelancers or hobbyists looking to explore design without financial commitment.
- Small teams with limited collaboration needs and budget constraints.
Use Cases for Figma Paid:
- Design agencies or large teams requiring extensive collaboration and advanced design features.
- Professional designers seeking enhanced productivity and efficiency in their workflow.
Figma Free vs. Paid: Pricing at a Glance:
This table provides a breakdown comparing the features and costs of both the free and paid versions of Figma:
| Feature | Free Version | Paid Version |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0.00/month | Starts at $12 per editor per month |
| Number of Projects | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Number of Editors | Up to 2 editors | Unlimited |
| File Storage | 30-day version history, 3 projects | Unlimited, unlimited version history, unlimited projects |
| Collaborators | Viewers: Unlimited, Editors: Up to 2 | Unlimited viewers and editors |
| Design Libraries | Limited | Unlimited |
| Team Libraries | Limited | Unlimited |
| Custom File Permissions | Limited | Full control |
| Advanced Prototyping | Basic | Advanced |
| Team Space | No | Yes |
| Support | Community | Priority |
What to Consider When Choosing Between Figma Free and Paid
Keep these factors in mind when choosing between the free and paid Figma versions:
1. Collaboration Capabilities:
- Figma Free limits collaboration to only two editors per file, which may be insufficient for larger teams or complex projects. In contrast, Figma Paid offers unlimited editors, facilitating seamless collaboration among team members, irrespective of team size or project complexity. With Figma Paid, multiple team members can work simultaneously on a design file, enhancing productivity and efficiency in collaborative workflows.
2. Storage and Asset Management:
- Figma Free provides 2 GB of storage per editor, which can become restrictive for teams with extensive design files or large projects. On the other hand, Figma Paid offers unlimited storage per editor, ensuring that teams have ample space to store and manage their design assets effectively. This expanded storage capacity allows teams to store a higher volume of files and assets without worrying about exceeding storage limits or compromising on file organization.
3. Advanced Features and Functionality:
- Figma Paid includes a range of advanced features and functionality that are not available in the free version. These features may include advanced prototyping capabilities, access to premium fonts, team libraries, and comprehensive version history. By opting for Figma Paid, users gain access to a more robust set of tools and capabilities, enabling them to create more complex and polished designs, streamline their workflow, and collaborate more effectively with team members.
4. Customization and Branding:
- Figma Paid often provides additional customization options and branding features that are not available in the free version. These may include the ability to use custom branding elements, create branded templates, or access premium design assets. For users or teams looking to maintain brand consistency and elevate the visual identity of their designs, these customization features offered in Figma Paid can be invaluable.
5. Support and Resources:
- Figma Paid users typically receive priority support and access to additional resources, such as exclusive webinars, training materials, and advanced support channels. This level of support ensures that users can quickly resolve any issues or challenges they encounter while using the platform and stay updated on the latest features and best practices. Additionally, access to dedicated support channels can provide peace of mind and enhance the overall user experience for Figma Paid subscribers.
FAQs
Here are answers to five common questions you might have about Figma plans:
What are the main differences between Figma Free and Figma Paid?
Figma Free offers basic design functionalities with limitations on collaborative features and storage, while Figma Paid provides access to advanced features, unlimited storage, and enhanced collaboration capabilities for teams.
Is Figma Free sufficient for small projects?
Yes, Figma Free is suitable for small projects or individual designers who require basic design tools without extensive collaboration needs. It provides essential features for creating designs but may have limitations for larger teams or complex projects.
What additional features do I get with Figma Paid?
Figma Paid offers advanced features such as unlimited editors per file, unlimited storage, advanced prototyping, team libraries, and premium support. These features enhance collaboration, productivity, and design capabilities for teams and larger projects.
Can I upgrade from Figma Free to Figma Paid?
Yes, users can upgrade from Figma Free to Figma Paid at any time to unlock additional features and capabilities. The upgrade process is seamless, and users can choose a subscription plan based on their team size and requirements.
Is Figma Paid worth the investment for larger teams?
Yes, Figma Paid is often considered worth the investment for larger teams or organizations due to its comprehensive set of features, enhanced collaboration capabilities, and unlimited storage. It enables smoother workflows, improved productivity, and better management of design assets for teams of all sizes.
When to Use Figma Paid vs. Free? Takeaway
The free version of Figma is useful because users still get access to intuitive interface and robust feature set, making it popular among designers for its ease of use.
However, its drawback lies in limited collaboration options and storage capacity, which may hinder teamwork and scalability.
Figma paid plan addresses this by offering extensive collaboration features, unlimited storage, and advanced design capabilities, significantly enhancing team productivity and scalability.
Its comprehensive suite of tools ensures seamless collaboration and efficient project management, making it a preferred choice for larger teams and complex projects.