With an increasing demand for sleek, user-friendly interfaces, designers need tools that are both powerful and flexible. Among the top contenders in the design space are Figma and Framer. While both offer unique features tailored to modern design workflows, they cater to slightly different needs. So, how do you choose the right one for your design projects in the UK? This article compares Figma vs Framer, focusing on their core strengths, limitations, and suitability for different types of designers and businesses.
Whether you’re a freelancer, part of an agency, or managing an in-house design team, understanding these tools will help you make a confident, informed decision about Figma to Framer conversion.
What is Figma?
Figma is a web-based interface design tool. It allows users to design, prototype, and collaborate in real-time. Launched in 2016, it quickly became popular for its ease of use, accessibility, and collaborative features.
Key Features of Figma
- Cloud-based platform: Access your designs from any browser
- Real-time collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same file
- Vector editing: Create clean, scalable UI components
- Prototyping tools: Link pages and interactions for realistic mockups
- Design systems: Share libraries, styles, and components with teams
Figma is known for its simplicity and speed, making it a favorite among UI/UX designers, especially for web and mobile interfaces.
What is Framer?
Framer is a design and prototyping tool that blends design with code. Initially launched as a JavaScript-based tool, Framer has since evolved into a more visual, no-code platform. However, it still retains a strong focus on interactivity and realistic motion.
Key Features of Framer
- Interactive prototyping: Add micro-interactions, animations, and real-time states
- Code integration: Developers can add custom code or reuse components
- Design-to-website workflow: Build and publish fully responsive websites
- Smart components: Create dynamic elements with logic and behaviours
- CMS and hosting: Framer also offers a content management system and web hosting
Framer appeals to designers who want to push boundaries and build experiences that go beyond static mockups.
Know more: Figma to Elementor Conversion in the UK to Build a WordPress Website
Figma vs Framer: Side-by-Side Comparison
Let’s explore how both tools compare in several key areas:
| Feature | Figma | Framer |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web-based | Web-based |
| Ease of Use | Very intuitive | Moderate (slightly steeper learning curve) |
| Collaboration | Excellent | Good |
| Prototyping | Basic to intermediate | Advanced, highly interactive |
| Design Systems | Strong | Moderate |
| Code Integration | Limited | Strong |
| Use Case | UI/UX design, wireframes, design systems | High-fidelity prototypes, interactive websites |
| Export Options | SVG, PNG, PDF, CSS | Full HTML sites, code export |
| Target Users | Product designers, teams, agencies | Advanced designers, developers, creative teams |
When to Choose Figma
Figma is best suited for:
- Collaborative Design Projects: If your team is spread across locations, Figma’s real-time collaboration is a game-changer. You can comment directly on designs, tag team members, and track changes live.
- UI/UX Design Workflows: Figma is excellent for wireframes, user flows, and interface designs. Its vector-based design tools are simple and efficient.
- Creating and Maintaining Design Systems: Teams that rely on reusable components and shared libraries will find Figma’s design systems incredibly powerful.
- Education and Onboarding: Due to its gentle learning curve, Figma is ideal for students and new designers. It’s also widely used in bootcamps and online courses.
- Budget-Conscious Teams: Figma offers a robust free version, making it a go-to for startups and freelancers in the UK.
Also read: Best Ways to Convert Figma to WordPress
When to Choose Framer
Framer is best suited for:
- Interactive Prototyping: When you need to simulate user interactions in detail—like hover states, animations, or conditional logic—Framer delivers exceptional realism.
- Building Live Websites: Framer goes beyond prototyping. You can build and launch fully responsive sites, making it ideal for designers who want to skip developer handoff.
- Design + Code Integration: For designers with basic coding knowledge, Framer bridges the gap. You can write components or logic directly within the tool.
- Portfolio and Landing Page Creation: Many UK-based freelancers use Framer to create beautiful, animated portfolios or marketing landing pages without hiring a developer.
- Creative Freedom: Framer allows more advanced animations, transitions, and layout behaviours, ideal for designers pushing the envelope of UI creativity.
Figma vs Framer for UK-Based Businesses
If you’re running a business in the UK, your choice between Figma and Framer depends on your team’s structure and the end goal of your design projects.
For agencies and product teams, Figma is often the preferred choice. It supports collaboration, integrates with other tools like Slack and Jira, and fits seamlessly into design-to-development workflows.
For freelancers and entrepreneurs, Framer offers the flexibility to design, prototype, and publish—all from one platform. It’s especially helpful for building MVPs, portfolios, and landing pages quickly.
In the education and training sectors, many UK universities and design schools teach Figma due to its accessibility and growing popularity.
Pricing Comparison (as of 2025)
| Plan | Figma | Framer |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes (3 projects) | Yes (limited features) |
| Pro Plan | ~$12/month | ~$20/month |
| Team Plan | ~$45/month/user | ~$30/month/editor |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
Both tools offer competitive pricing for different business needs. However, Framer may be more expensive if you use its hosting and CMS features.
Figma vs Framer: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Figma if:
- You need team collaboration and shared design libraries
- You’re building app interfaces and web dashboards
- Your design process involves developers and product managers
- You want a faster learning curve with broad community support
Choose Framer if:
- You want high-fidelity interactions and animations
- You’re building live websites or personal portfolios
- You need more control over code and component behaviour
- You’re a designer with technical skills or a hybrid role
Learn about: WordPress Website Cost in London
Final Thoughts
The choice between Figma and Framer is not about which tool is better—but which tool is better for your specific needs.
If you’re focused on collaborative UI/UX design with clean handoffs and scalable systems, Figma is your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re aiming to build immersive prototypes or even ship real websites without writing much code, Framer provides unmatched creative power.
In the UK, where digital-first strategies are becoming the norm, both tools are growing in popularity. Choosing the right one can streamline your design process, reduce costs, and improve user experience.
Evaluate your workflow, team size, technical skillset, and project goals—and you’ll find the perfect match.
