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Developer Tools · head to head

Git vs Zeplin

Git logo

Git

Developer Tools

A free and open source distributed version control system

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit GitFull review
Zeplin logo

Zeplin

Design

Design handoff and developer collaboration

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit ZeplinFull review

The short version

  • Git is a distributed version control system licensed under GPLv2; Zeplin is a collaboration tool for designers and developers.
  • Git is free; Zeplin starts at $19/mo.
  • Where Zeplin falls short: the free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Git and Zeplin actually diverge.

Attributes where Git and Zeplin differ
AttributeGitZeplin
Pricing modelOpen-sourceSubscription
PlatformsWebWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
CategoryDeveloper ToolsDesign

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes).

Not yet recorded: founded for Git.

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 Git

Nothing recorded that Zeplin does not also cover.

Only in Zeplin

  • Design specs
  • Asset export
  • Code snippets
  • Design tokens
  • Comments
  • Version control
  • Handoff workflow
  • Accessibility checks

What people use each for

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

Git

  • Maintaining complete code history for large projectsnot Zeplin
  • Coordinating open source development globallynot Zeplin
  • Enabling offline work with full repository historynot Zeplin
  • Integrating with CI/CD and hosting servicesnot Zeplin

Zeplin

  • Handing off design specs from Figma or Sketch to developersnot Git
  • Sharing screens, assets and style guides with an engineering teamnot Git
  • Reviewing and commenting on design versionsnot Git

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Git

  • Git is a command line tool by design; graphical workflows and hosted collaboration depend entirely on third party GUIs and hosting services layered on top, per git-scm.com/about

Zeplin

  • The free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace
  • Free plan AI reviews are capped at 3 per week
  • Role based permissions require the Advanced plan or higher
  • Single sign on, multi factor authentication, activity logs and invoiced billing are Enterprise only
  • Priority 24 hour support is Enterprise only
  • Basic plan caps screens at 1,000 per project and is priced per project rather than per seat
  • Enterprise pricing is by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

Git

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Git review.

Zeplin

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1 project
    • 1 workspace
    • Basic specs
  • Starter$19/mo
    • Unlimited projects
    • Multiple workspaces
    • Advanced specs
  • Professional$49/mo
    • Everything in Starter
    • Team collaboration
    • Admin controls

Which should you pick?

Choose Git if

  • You want to start without paying.
Git review

Choose Zeplin if

  • You need design specs.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
  • You also want asset export.
Zeplin review

Questions people ask

Is Git or Zeplin better?
Neither clearly leads. Git starts at Free and Zeplin at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Git or Zeplin?
Git starts at Free and Zeplin at Free.
Does Git or Zeplin run on more platforms?
Git runs on Web. Zeplin runs on Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Can I use Git for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Git best used for?
Git is most often used for maintaining complete code history for large projects, coordinating open source development globally, enabling offline work with full repository history, integrating with ci/cd and hosting services. Of those, maintaining complete code history for large projects and coordinating open source development globally are not what Zeplin is typically brought in for.
What can Git do that Zeplin cannot?
Zeplin covers Design specs, Asset export, Code snippets, Design tokens.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Git: How much does Git cost?

Git is completely free and open-source software released under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 (GPLv2). There are no licensing costs for the core Git project.

Source
Zeplin: How much does Zeplin Advanced cost?

Advanced costs $12 per seat per month when paid annually, with annual subscriptions offering 2 months off versus monthly rates.

Source
Git: Can Git be used for commercial purposes?

Yes, Git can be freely used for commercial and non-commercial projects. The GPLv2 license guarantees freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software.

Source
Zeplin: What's the difference between Free and Basic plans?

Free covers 1 project with 100 screens and 30-day version history. Basic offers 1-12 projects with practically unlimited screens per project and 1-year version history.

Source
Zeplin: Can I add unlimited team members?

Yes, Free and Basic plans allow unlimited team members. Advanced/Enterprise assign roles with Reviewers being free and unlimited.

Source
Zeplin: What can Reviewers do?

Reviewers can view designs and documentation and approve requests, but lack access to developer specs.

Source
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