Softwr

Design · head to head

Recraft vs Zeplin

Recraft logo

Recraft

Design

AI image and vector generation for design teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Zeplin logo

Zeplin

Design

Design handoff and developer collaboration

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Recraft free plan images are owned by Recraft and made publicly visible; commercial ownership rights only apply while subscribed to a paid plan; Zeplin the free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Recraft and Zeplin actually diverge.

Attributes where Recraft and Zeplin differ
AttributeRecraftZeplin
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
PlatformsWebWeb, Desktop, Mobile
FoundedUnknown2014

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Design).

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 Recraft

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.

Recraft

  • AI-powered image generation and design creationnot Zeplin
  • Commercial-licensed asset creation for businessesnot Zeplin

Zeplin

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

Where each one falls short

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

Recraft

  • Free plan images are owned by Recraft and made publicly visible; commercial ownership rights only apply while subscribed to a paid plan
  • Subscription credits reset every month and do not carry over, unlike separately purchased top-up credits which never expire
  • Refunds are only considered within 30 days and only if fewer than 30 credits have been used
  • Annual billing is required to get the 20% discount over paying monthly

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

Recraft

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Recraft review.

Zeplin

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Recraft if

  • You want to start without paying.

Choose Zeplin if

  • You need design specs.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
  • You also want asset export.

Questions people ask

Is Recraft or Zeplin better?
Neither clearly leads. Recraft 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, Recraft or Zeplin?
Recraft starts at Free and Zeplin at Free.
Does Recraft or Zeplin run on more platforms?
Recraft runs on Web. Zeplin runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Can I use Recraft for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Recraft best used for?
Recraft is most often used for ai-powered image generation and design creation, commercial-licensed asset creation for businesses. Of those, ai-powered image generation and design creation and commercial-licensed asset creation for businesses are not what Zeplin is typically brought in for.
What can Recraft do that Zeplin cannot?
Zeplin covers Design specs, Asset export, Code snippets, Design tokens.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Recraft: Is Recraft free?

Recraft offers a free plan where images generated are publicly visible in the community gallery and not licensed for commercial use. Paid plans (Basic, Pro, Teams) unlock full ownership and commercial rights but specific prices are not published.

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
Recraft: How does Recraft's credit system work?

Recraft charges based on monthly credit allocation included with each plan. Additional top-up credits can be purchased separately and never expire, used automatically after monthly credits run out.

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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