Technology · head to head
Figma vs Apache Spark
Apache Spark
Technology
A multi-language engine for data engineering, data science, and machine learning
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Figma no offline editing capability, can only view and create new files when disconnected; Apache Spark licensed under Apache License 2.0 per spark.apache.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Figma and Apache Spark actually diverge.
| Attribute | Figma | Apache Spark |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | open-source |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | Web |
| Founded | 2012 | Unknown |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Technology).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Figma
- Real-time collaboration
- Vector networks
- Auto-layout
- Components & variants
- Prototyping
- Design systems
- Developer handoff
- Version control
Only in Apache Spark
Nothing recorded that Figma does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Figma
- UI/UX designnot Apache Spark
- Design systemsnot Apache Spark
- Prototypingnot Apache Spark
- Design collaborationnot Apache Spark
- Developer handoffnot Apache Spark
Apache Spark
No use cases recorded yet. See the Apache Spark review.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Figma
- No offline editing capability, can only view and create new files when disconnected
- Mobile apps are read-only, cannot edit designs on iOS or Android
- No self-hosted option, requires cloud connectivity and internet access
- Performance degradation with large files containing thousands of layers
- Library components and unloaded pages not accessible offline
Apache Spark
- Licensed under Apache License 2.0 per spark.apache.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
- Installation on a laptop requires pip install pyspark or a Docker image per spark.apache.org; there is no hosted single-click deployment offered by the Apache project itself
Pricing, plan by plan
Figma
Free- StarterFree
- Unlimited drafts
- 3 Figma files
- 3 FigJam boards
- Professional$12/month
- Unlimited files and folders
- Team libraries
- Advanced prototyping
- Organization$55/month
- Unlimited teams
- Shared libraries
- Design system theming
- Enterprise$90/month
- Custom workspaces
- API access
- SCIM seat management
Apache Spark
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Apache Spark review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Figma if
- You need real-time collaboration.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android.
- You also want vector networks.
Questions people ask
- Is Figma or Apache Spark better?
- Neither clearly leads. Figma starts at Free and Apache Spark at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Figma or Apache Spark?
- Figma starts at Free and Apache Spark at Free.
- Does Figma or Apache Spark run on more platforms?
- Figma runs on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Apache Spark runs on Web.
- Can I use Figma for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Figma best used for?
- Figma is most often used for ui/ux design, design systems, prototyping, design collaboration. Of those, ui/ux design and design systems are not what Apache Spark is typically brought in for.
- What can Figma do that Apache Spark cannot?
- Figma covers Real-time collaboration, Vector networks, Auto-layout, Components & variants.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Figma: What's included in Figma's free tier?
Figma's Starter plan is free forever and includes unlimited drafts, up to 3 Figma files, 3 FigJam boards, core design features (vector editing, auto layout, components, prototyping), basic developer handoff (inspect), and 150 AI credits per day up to 500 per month. Maximum 2 editors per file.
SourceFigma: Does Figma work offline?
Figma has very limited offline support. You can create one new file and edit currently loaded pages, but cannot open previously created files, access new pages, search for library components, or see real-time collaboration. Changes are cached locally for up to 30 days and sync when you reconnect.
SourceFigma: Can you self-host Figma?
No. Figma is a closed, cloud-only platform with no option to self-host or run on your own servers.
SourceFigma: What export formats does Figma support?
Figma exports to PNG, JPEG, SVG (at 1x scale only), and PDF (at 1x scale only). Export settings allow customization of resolution, quality, and scale.
SourceFigma: What platforms does Figma support?
Figma is available as a web app (all platforms), desktop apps for macOS and Windows, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Linux users can access Figma through the web browser only.
SourceFigma: What are Figma's integrations?
Figma integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Asana, Linear, Notion, VS Code, Zapier, and hundreds of other tools. Integration categories include collaboration, project management, developer handoff, prototyping, and AI/code generation.
Source