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Software · head to head

Figma vs Float

Figma logo

Figma

Software

The collaborative interface design tool

From
Free
Rated
-
Float logo

Float

Software

Resource management for agencies and teams

From
$6/month
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Figma has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Figma no offline editing capability, can only view and create new files when disconnected; Float web-only platform without native desktop applications
  • They diverge on capability: Figma covers Real-time collaboration, Float covers Resource scheduling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Figma and Float actually diverge.

Attributes where Figma and Float differ
AttributeFigmaFloat
Starting priceFree$6/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, AndroidWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20122011

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Float

  • Resource scheduling
  • Capacity planning
  • Time tracking
  • Project planning
  • Reports
  • Asana
  • Teamwork
  • Zapier

Both cover

  • Slack
  • Jira

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Figma

  • UI/UX designnot Float
  • Design systemsnot Float
  • Prototypingnot Float
  • Design collaborationnot Float
  • Developer handoffnot Float

Float

  • Schedulingnot Figma
  • Appointment bookingnot Figma
  • Time trackingnot Figma
  • Resource managementnot Figma
  • Team coordinationnot Figma

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

Float

  • Web-only platform without native desktop applications
  • No offline mode for resource planning
  • Limited reporting customization on lower-tier plans
  • No built-in payroll or invoicing features

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

Float

$6/month
  • Starter$6/month
    • Resource scheduling
    • Time off
    • Basic reports
  • Pro$10/month
    • Time tracking
    • Budget tracking
    • Advanced reports

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.

Choose Float if

  • You need resource scheduling.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want capacity planning.

Questions people ask

Is Figma or Float better?
Neither clearly leads. Figma starts at Free and Float at $6/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Figma or Float?
Figma has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Figma and $6/month for Float.
Does Figma or Float run on more platforms?
Figma runs on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Float runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Figma for free?
Yes. Figma has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Float starts at $6/month.
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 Float is typically brought in for.
What can Figma do that Float cannot?
Figma covers Real-time collaboration, Vector networks, Auto-layout, Components & variants. Float covers Resource scheduling, Capacity planning, Time tracking, Project planning. Both handle Slack, Jira.

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.

Source
Float: What does Float pricing start at?

Float's Starter plan begins at $7 per user per month for basic resource scheduling and capacity management. The Pro plan costs $12 per user per month with advanced features like estimates and actuals tracking.

Source
Figma: 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.

Source
Float: Is Float independent or backed by investors?

Float is independent and self-funded. The company is a B Corp certified since 2024 and is profitable. It has never raised venture funding and operates with a fully remote team.

Source
Figma: 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.

Source
Float: What platforms does Float support?

Float is a web-based platform accessible through modern browsers. It provides visual resource management, scheduling, capacity planning, time tracking, and forecasting tools.

Source
Figma: 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.

Source
Figma: 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.

Source
Figma: 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

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