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Software · head to head

Figma vs Paperpile

Figma logo

Figma

Software

The collaborative interface design tool

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Paperpile logo

Paperpile

Software

Reference management essentials

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Paperpile sign-up is Chrome-only: the pricing page states you can only sign up for Paperpile on Chrome

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Figma and Paperpile actually diverge.

Attributes where Figma and Paperpile differ
AttributeFigmaPaperpile
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, AndroidWeb
Founded2012Unknown

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 Paperpile

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 Paperpile
  • Design systemsnot Paperpile
  • Prototypingnot Paperpile
  • Design collaborationnot Paperpile
  • Developer handoffnot Paperpile

Paperpile

No use cases recorded yet. See the Paperpile review.

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

Paperpile

  • Sign-up is Chrome-only: the pricing page states you can only sign up for Paperpile on Chrome
  • All plans are billed annually with no monthly option, and multi-user licenses cannot mix Regular and Expert tiers

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

Paperpile

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Paperpile review.

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 Paperpile if

Nothing in the data separates Paperpile from Figma on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Paperpile review

Questions people ask

Is Figma or Paperpile better?
Neither clearly leads. Figma starts at Free and Paperpile at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Figma or Paperpile?
Figma has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Figma and On request for Paperpile.
Does Figma or Paperpile run on more platforms?
Figma runs on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Paperpile runs on Web.
Can I use Figma for free?
Yes. Figma has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Paperpile starts at On request.
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 Paperpile is typically brought in for.
What can Figma do that Paperpile 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
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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