Software · head to head
Lunacy vs Principle
The short version
- Only Lunacy has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Lunacy desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers; Principle macOS only with no Windows or Linux editor available
- They diverge on capability: Lunacy covers Vector editing, Principle covers Timeline-based animation.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Lunacy and Principle actually diverge.
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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 Lunacy
- Vector editing
- Auto layouts
- Components
- Real-time collaboration
- Built-in photos & icons
- AI background remover
- AI upscaler
- Sketch file support
Only in Principle
- Timeline-based animation
- Interactive prototypes
- Touch gestures
- Component reuse
- Video export
- Sketch import
- Driver animations
- Sketch
Both cover
- Figma import
- Local files
- Desktop deployment
- Macos support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Lunacy
- UI/UX designnot Principle
- Web designnot Principle
- Mobile app designnot Principle
- Icon designnot Principle
- Marketing graphicsnot Principle
Principle
- Mobile app prototypesnot Lunacy
- Micro-interactionsnot Lunacy
- Animation designnot Lunacy
- User flow designnot Lunacy
- Gesture-based interfacesnot Lunacy
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Principle
- macOS only with no Windows or Linux editor available
- No vector morphing capability for complex shape transformations
- Limited asset creation tools; cannot create vectors or shapes directly within Principle
- Sketch import flattens certain properties including paths, fills, borders, masks, blur effects, and text layers
- Limited variable support, logical loops, and data input capabilities compared to tools like ProtoPie or Origami
Pricing, plan by plan
Lunacy
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Lunacy review.
Principle
$129/one-time- License$129/one-time
- One year of upgrades
- Full access to all features
- Upgrade License$99/year
- Annual renewal for ongoing upgrades
Which should you pick?
Choose Lunacy if
- You need vector editing.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want auto layouts.
Choose Principle if
- You need timeline-based animation.
- You work on macOS.
- You also want interactive prototypes.
Questions people ask
- Is Lunacy or Principle better?
- Neither clearly leads. Lunacy starts at Free and Principle at $129/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Lunacy or Principle?
- Lunacy has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Lunacy and $129/one-time for Principle.
- Does Lunacy or Principle run on more platforms?
- Lunacy runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Principle runs on macOS.
- Can I use Lunacy for free?
- Yes. Lunacy has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Principle starts at $129/one-time.
- What is Lunacy best used for?
- Lunacy is most often used for ui/ux design, web design, mobile app design, icon design. Of those, ui/ux design and web design are not what Principle is typically brought in for.
- What can Lunacy do that Principle cannot?
- Lunacy covers Vector editing, Auto layouts, Components, Real-time collaboration. Principle covers Timeline-based animation, Interactive prototypes, Touch gestures, Component reuse. Both handle Figma import, Local files, Desktop deployment, Macos support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
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.
SourcePrinciple: Does Principle run on Windows or Linux?
No. Principle is macOS only and runs on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. There is no Windows or Linux editor available; however, prototypes can be shared and viewed on any platform via web link.
SourceLunacy: 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.
SourcePrinciple: What is the cost of Principle?
Principle costs $129 for a one-time purchase with 1 year of upgrades included. After 1 year, upgrade licenses cost $99/year. A 14-day free trial is available with all features included.
SourceLunacy: 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.
SourcePrinciple: Can I import designs from Figma or Sketch into Principle?
Yes. Principle supports importing designs from Figma and Sketch with intelligent merging of re-imported files. Some Sketch properties such as paths, fills, borders, blur effects, masks, and text layers are flattened upon import.
SourceLunacy: 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.
SourcePrinciple: How do I share Principle prototypes with others?
Prototypes can be shared via web link with one click (File > Export > Share to Web). Recipients can view and interact with prototypes in any browser on any platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS. No installation required.
SourcePrinciple: Can I create vector shapes and morphing animations in Principle?
Principle does not support vector morphing, where vector objects transform into other vector shapes. It also has limited asset creation capabilities and editing is restricted to basic operations like scale and rotate.
Source