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Technology · head to head

Figma vs Lunacy

Figma logo

Figma

Technology

The collaborative interface design tool

From
Free
Rated
-
Lunacy logo

Lunacy

Design

Free design software that keeps your flow

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; Lunacy desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
  • They diverge on capability: Figma covers Vector networks, Lunacy covers Vector editing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Figma and Lunacy actually diverge.

Attributes where Figma and Lunacy differ
AttributeFigmaLunacy
PlatformsWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryTechnologyDesign
Founded20122016

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

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

Only in Lunacy

  • Vector editing
  • Auto layouts
  • Components
  • Built-in photos & icons
  • AI background remover
  • AI upscaler
  • Sketch file support
  • Sketch files

Both cover

  • Real-time collaboration

What people use each for

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

Figma

  • UI/UX design
  • Design systemsnot Lunacy
  • Prototypingnot Lunacy
  • Design collaborationnot Lunacy
  • Developer handoffnot Lunacy

Lunacy

  • UI/UX design
  • Web designnot Figma
  • Mobile app designnot Figma
  • Icon designnot Figma
  • Marketing graphicsnot Figma

Both are used for ui/ux design, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

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

Lunacy

  • Desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
  • Animation capabilities are basic, lacking timeline-based animation editing or spring physics available in modern design tools
  • Paid collaboration features, unlike Figma's free cloud-based team collaboration

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

Lunacy

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Lunacy review.

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.

Choose Lunacy if

  • You need vector editing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want auto layouts.

Questions people ask

Is Figma or Lunacy better?
Neither clearly leads. Figma starts at Free and Lunacy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Figma or Lunacy?
Figma starts at Free and Lunacy at Free.
Does Figma or Lunacy run on more platforms?
Figma runs on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Lunacy runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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, design systems and prototyping are not what Lunacy is typically brought in for.
What can Figma do that Lunacy cannot?
Figma covers Vector networks, Auto-layout, Components & variants, Prototyping. Lunacy covers Vector editing, Auto layouts, Components, Built-in photos & icons. Both handle Real-time collaboration.

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
Lunacy: Is Lunacy free to use?

Yes. Lunacy is absolutely free for personal and commercial use. There is no subscription required or trial period limitation.

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
Lunacy: Can Lunacy open and work with Sketch files?

Yes. Lunacy has smooth integration with Sketch files, allowing designers to import and collaborate on Sketch projects without requiring a Sketch subscription.

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
Lunacy: Does Lunacy require internet connection to work?

No. Lunacy can work offline, allowing designers to work without an internet connection. It is a desktop application that runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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
Lunacy: What are Lunacy's hardware requirements?

Lunacy is not demanding on hardware and runs smoothly even on moderate laptops. It has minimal system requirements compared to resource-intensive design tools.

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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