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Figma vs HCP Terraform

Figma logo

Figma

Technology

The collaborative interface design tool

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
HCP Terraform logo

HCP Terraform

Developer Tools

Infrastructure as code provisioning and management, formerly Terraform Cloud

From
Free
Free plan
Yes

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Figma no offline editing capability, can only view and create new files when disconnected; HCP Terraform legacy free version deprecated; no current freemium tier
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Figma and HCP Terraform actually diverge.

Attributes where Figma and HCP Terraform differ
AttributeFigmaHCP Terraform
Pricing modelUnknownusage-based
PlatformsWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, AndroidWeb
CategoryTechnologyDeveloper Tools
Founded2012Unknown

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 HCP Terraform

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 HCP Terraform
  • Design systemsnot HCP Terraform
  • Prototypingnot HCP Terraform
  • Design collaborationnot HCP Terraform
  • Developer handoffnot HCP Terraform

HCP Terraform

  • Infrastructure as Code managementnot Figma
  • Cloud resource provisioningnot 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

HCP Terraform

  • Legacy free version deprecated; no current freemium tier
  • New users receive $500 credit but still require usage to continue service
  • Terraform Enterprise requires custom pricing

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

HCP Terraform

Free
  • Essentials$0.1/month
    • Per resource pricing
    • Remote state storage
    • VCS connection
  • Standard$0.47/month
    • Per resource pricing
    • Essentials features plus unlimited modules
    • Module deprecation
  • Premium$0.99/month
    • Per resource pricing
    • Standard features plus module revocation
    • Waypoint actions

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 HCP Terraform if

  • You want to start without paying.

Questions people ask

Is Figma or HCP Terraform better?
Neither clearly leads. Figma starts at Free and HCP Terraform at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Figma or HCP Terraform?
Figma starts at Free and HCP Terraform at Free.
Does Figma or HCP Terraform run on more platforms?
Figma runs on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. HCP Terraform 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 HCP Terraform is typically brought in for.
What can Figma do that HCP Terraform 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.

Source
HCP Terraform: How much does HCP Terraform cost?

HCP Terraform uses per-resource pricing starting at $0.10/month/resource for Essentials, $0.47/month/resource for Standard, and $0.99/month/resource for Premium.

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
HCP Terraform: Does HCP Terraform offer a free tier?

No, the legacy free version has been deprecated. However, new users receive $500 credit to try the service.

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
HCP Terraform: What does the Standard plan include?

Standard plan at $0.47/month/resource includes unlimited modules, module deprecation, team notifications, no-code provisioning, and Waypoint templates.

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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