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Software · head to head

Figma vs Lucidchart

Figma logo

Figma

Software

The collaborative interface design tool

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Lucidchart logo

Lucidchart

Software

Intelligent diagramming for every team

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; Lucidchart interface can overwhelm new users due to extensive features and customization options
  • They diverge on capability: Figma covers Vector networks, Lucidchart covers Flowcharts & diagrams.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Figma and Lucidchart actually diverge.

Attributes where Figma and Lucidchart differ
AttributeFigmaLucidchart
PlatformsWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, AndroidWeb, Desktop, macOS, Windows
Founded20122010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), 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

  • Vector networks
  • Auto-layout
  • Components & variants
  • Prototyping
  • Design systems
  • Developer handoff
  • Version control
  • Microsoft Teams

Only in Lucidchart

  • Flowcharts & diagrams
  • Process mapping
  • Mind maps
  • Wireframes & mockups
  • Network diagrams
  • Data visualization
  • Presentation mode
  • Google Workspace

Both cover

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Slack
  • Jira
  • GitHub
  • SOC2
  • GDPR

What people use each for

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

Figma

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

Lucidchart

  • Process documentationnot Figma
  • System architecturenot Figma
  • Workflow designnot Figma
  • Brainstormingnot Figma
  • Technical documentationnot 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

Lucidchart

  • Interface can overwhelm new users due to extensive features and customization options
  • Drag-and-drop canvas can feel clunky compared to modern whiteboard tools like Miro

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

Lucidchart

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 documents
    • 60 shapes
    • Basic templates
  • Individual$7.95/month
    • Unlimited documents
    • Advanced templates
    • Cloud storage
  • Team$9/editor/month
    • Real-time collaboration
    • Team management
    • All integrations
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • Advanced security
    • SSO
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose Figma if

  • You need vector networks.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android.
  • You also want auto-layout.
Figma review

Choose Lucidchart if

  • You need flowcharts & diagrams.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want process mapping.
Lucidchart review

Questions people ask

Is Figma or Lucidchart better?
Neither clearly leads. Figma starts at Free and Lucidchart at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Figma or Lucidchart?
Figma starts at Free and Lucidchart at Free.
Does Figma or Lucidchart run on more platforms?
Figma runs on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Lucidchart runs on Web, Desktop, macOS, Windows.
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 Lucidchart is typically brought in for.
What can Figma do that Lucidchart cannot?
Figma covers Vector networks, Auto-layout, Components & variants, Prototyping. Lucidchart covers Flowcharts & diagrams, Process mapping, Mind maps, Wireframes & mockups. Both handle Real-time collaboration, Slack, Jira, GitHub.

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
Lucidchart: What pricing plans does Lucidchart offer?

Lucidchart has a free plan (3 documents, 60 shapes), Individual plan ($7.95/month), Team plan ($9/editor/month), and Enterprise with custom pricing.

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
Lucidchart: Can I use Lucidchart offline?

Lucidchart is a cloud-based platform, but offers an offline desktop option for users who need to work without internet access.

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
Lucidchart: What compliance certifications does Lucidchart have?

Lucidchart provides SOC 2 Type II, FedRAMP, HIPAA BAA, and GDPR compliance, making it suitable for regulated industries.

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
Lucidchart: Does Lucidchart have AI diagram generation?

Yes, Lucidchart uses AI to auto-generate flowcharts, UML diagrams, ER diagrams, and org charts from text prompts, Excel data, CSV files, code snippets, or database schemas.

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
Lucidchart: What integrations does Lucidchart support?

Lucidchart integrates with Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence, Google Workspace, and Salesforce for seamless workflow integration.

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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