Why Startups Use Figma

Is Figma’s Collaboration Enough? 🖌️

Figma is known for its real-time collaboration. With multiple users able to work simultaneously, the collaboration-first approach has made it a favourite for startup design teams working remotely.

But is this approach enough to make it stand out?

This week, we cover:

• What is Figma and its features

• What sets it apart?

• Final verdict

Read Time: 2.5 minutes

Core Features
Built for remote teams 🤝

Figma’s standout feature is its real-time collaboration, allowing multiple team members to work on the same design simultaneously. It attempts to be an all-in-one design platform with vector editing tools, prototyping, and developer handoff features. You also get version control and file sharing baked right into the platform

Figma operates entirely in the browser, meaning there’s no need for downloads. This cloud-based setup makes it easy to collaborate on the go but also raises questions about performance during heavy use or with limited internet access.

Loom Upgrade
Is it worth upgrading? 💵

Figma’s free version offers core design tools and real-time collaboration for up to 3 projects, which works well for small teams or freelancers. The Pro version adds unlimited projects, advanced permissions, and more storage. Performance-wise, Figma is smooth, but as a browser-based tool, it’s reliant on a strong internet connection.

It's excellent for UX/UI design, prototypes, and team-based workflows, but larger files with complex elements may experience lag. For heavy-duty design work, competitors like Sketch or Adobe XD still have an edge in performance.

Alternatives
How does Figma compare? 🏢

Figma’s closest competitors include Sketch and Adobe XD, both of which offer similar design and prototyping features. Sketch is a favourite for macOS users, but it lacks Figma’s collaborative tools. Adobe XD offers deeper integration with Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, but Figma’s ease of use in collaboration sets it apart.

For teams prioritizing real-time edits and cloud-based workflows, Figma excels. However, for solo designers or those deeply invested in the Adobe ecosystem, alternatives might still have the upper hand.

Limitations
The offline challenges 🛜

Figma’s biggest drawback is its offline functionality or lack thereof. If your internet connection drops, so does your access to the platform—leaving you stranded mid-design. This can be a dealbreaker for users who need reliability in less stable environments.

While Figma shines for collaboration, it lacks some advanced design tools found in programs like Adobe Illustrator, limiting its flexibility for intricate design work. Along with this, while the free plan is generous, larger teams quickly outgrow its limits and need to upgrade almost every time.

Final verdict
Collaboration with trade-offs? ⚖️

Figma’s real-time collaboration makes it a standout choice for design teams, especially those working remotely. Its browser-based platform and team-friendly features set it apart from competitors. However, the lack of offline functionality is a major downside, making it unreliable in unstable internet environments.

For solo designers or those needing advanced vector tools, alternatives like Adobe Illustrator might be more suitable. Overall, if team collaboration is your focus, Figma remains a strong contender, but it’s not without its compromises. 

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