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Technology · head to head

Figma vs Google Optimize

Figma logo

Figma

Technology

The collaborative interface design tool

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Google Optimize logo

Google Optimize

Marketing & Analytics

A/B testing for Google Analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Figma no offline editing capability, can only view and create new files when disconnected; Google Optimize google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023
  • They diverge on capability: Figma covers Real-time collaboration, Google Optimize covers A/B testing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Figma and Google Optimize actually diverge.

Attributes where Figma and Google Optimize differ
AttributeFigmaGoogle Optimize
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, AndroidWeb
CategoryTechnologyMarketing & Analytics
Founded20121998

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Google Optimize

  • A/B testing
  • Google Analytics integration
  • Visual editor
  • Real-time analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Tag Manager
  • Google's security
  • Cloud deployment

What people use each for

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

Figma

  • UI/UX designnot Google Optimize
  • Design systemsnot Google Optimize
  • Prototypingnot Google Optimize
  • Design collaborationnot Google Optimize
  • Developer handoffnot Google Optimize

Google Optimize

  • A/B and multivariate testing of web pages tied to Google Analytics goalsnot Figma
  • Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Figma
  • Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot 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

Google Optimize

  • Google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023
  • Any experiments and personalizations still running on that date were ended by Google
  • Google directs former users to third-party A/B testing tools, naming AB Tasty, Optimizely and VWO, rather than a replacement Google product

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

Google Optimize

Free
  • FreeFree
    • A/B testing
    • Google Analytics integration
    • Visual editor

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.
Figma review

Choose Google Optimize if

  • You need a/b testing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want google analytics integration.
Google Optimize review

Questions people ask

Is Figma or Google Optimize better?
Neither clearly leads. Figma starts at Free and Google Optimize at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Figma or Google Optimize?
Figma starts at Free and Google Optimize at Free.
Does Figma or Google Optimize run on more platforms?
Figma runs on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Google Optimize 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 Google Optimize is typically brought in for.
What can Figma do that Google Optimize cannot?
Figma covers Real-time collaboration, Vector networks, Auto-layout, Components & variants. Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics.

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
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
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
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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