Softwr

Design · head to head

Spline vs Zeplin

Spline logo

Spline

Design

3D design tool for the web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Zeplin logo

Zeplin

Design

Design handoff and developer collaboration

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Spline aI generation features produce inconsistent and often distorted results, failing at basic depth perception tasks; Zeplin the free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace
  • They diverge on capability: Spline covers 3D modeling, Zeplin covers Design specs.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Spline and Zeplin actually diverge.

Attributes where Spline and Zeplin differ
AttributeSplineZeplin
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, visionOSWeb, Desktop, Mobile
Founded20202014

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 Spline

  • 3D modeling
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Animations
  • Interactions
  • Code export
  • React
  • Next.js
  • Webflow

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.

Spline

  • Web 3D experiencesnot Zeplin
  • Interactive prototypesnot Zeplin
  • Product visualizationnot Zeplin

Zeplin

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

Where each one falls short

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

Spline

  • AI generation features produce inconsistent and often distorted results, failing at basic depth perception tasks
  • Limited to simpler designs - not suitable for high-poly, detailed production models
  • Performance degrades with complex scenes containing many objects and materials
  • Limited non-Apple platform coverage compared to cross-platform design tools
  • Tutorials are either too fast for beginners or too basic for advanced users

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

Spline

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited projects
    • Basic exports
    • Community support
  • Pro$9/month
    • Advanced exports
    • Custom domains
    • Password protection
  • Team$19/month
    • Team collaboration
    • Version control
    • Admin controls

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 Spline if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, visionOS.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
Spline review

Choose Zeplin if

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

Questions people ask

Is Spline or Zeplin better?
Neither clearly leads. Spline 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, Spline or Zeplin?
Spline starts at Free and Zeplin at Free.
Does Spline or Zeplin run on more platforms?
Spline runs on Web, iOS, Android, visionOS. Zeplin runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Can I use Spline for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Spline best used for?
Spline is most often used for web 3d experiences, interactive prototypes, product visualization. Of those, web 3d experiences and interactive prototypes are not what Zeplin is typically brought in for.
What can Spline do that Zeplin cannot?
Spline covers 3D modeling, Real-time collaboration, Animations, Interactions. Zeplin covers Design specs, Asset export, Code snippets, Design tokens.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Spline: What is Spline's pricing?

Spline offers a Free plan with watermarked web exports, Starter at $12/month (billed annually) removing watermarks, Professional at $20/month with unlimited projects, and Enterprise with custom pricing. Viewers are unlimited on all plans.

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
Spline: Can Spline export 3D models to other tools?

Spline's export/import format support is more limited compared to traditional 3D tools like Blender. It focuses on web-first exports and native app code generation.

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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