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Design · head to head

Lunacy vs Subframe

Lunacy logo

Lunacy

Design

Free design software that keeps your flow

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Subframe logo

Subframe

Design

The AI-native design tool built for code

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Lunacy desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers; Subframe free plan limited to 1 project and 10 pages
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Lunacy and Subframe actually diverge.

Attributes where Lunacy and Subframe differ
AttributeLunacySubframe
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb
Founded2016Unknown

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 Lunacy

  • Vector editing
  • Auto layouts
  • Components
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Built-in photos & icons
  • AI background remover
  • AI upscaler
  • Sketch file support

Only in Subframe

Nothing recorded that Lunacy does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

Lunacy

  • UI/UX designnot Subframe
  • Web designnot Subframe
  • Mobile app designnot Subframe
  • Icon designnot Subframe
  • Marketing graphicsnot Subframe

Subframe

  • Creating production-ready interfaces without static mockupsnot Lunacy
  • Syncing design components with code as single source of truthnot Lunacy
  • Building responsive designs with auto layoutnot Lunacy
  • Real-time multiplayer collaboration with layer commentingnot Lunacy
  • Exporting Radix UI and Tailwind CSS code via CLInot 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

Subframe

  • Free plan limited to 1 project and 10 pages
  • Free plan includes limited AI features compared to Pro
  • Pro plan billed per editor, not per team

Pricing, plan by plan

Lunacy

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Lunacy review.

Subframe

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1 project
    • Up to 10 pages
    • 2 prototypes
  • Pro$29/month
    • Unlimited projects
    • Unlimited pages
    • Unlimited prototypes

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.
Lunacy review

Choose Subframe if

  • You want to start without paying.
Subframe review

Questions people ask

Is Lunacy or Subframe better?
Neither clearly leads. Lunacy starts at Free and Subframe at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Lunacy or Subframe?
Lunacy starts at Free and Subframe at Free.
Does Lunacy or Subframe run on more platforms?
Lunacy runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Subframe runs on Web.
Can I use Lunacy for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Subframe is typically brought in for.
What can Lunacy do that Subframe cannot?
Lunacy covers Vector editing, Auto layouts, Components, Real-time collaboration.

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.

Source
Subframe: Is there a free version of Subframe?

Yes, Subframe offers a free plan with 1 project, up to 10 pages, 2 prototypes, unlimited team members, and limited AI features.

Source
Lunacy: 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.

Source
Subframe: How is the Pro plan priced?

Subframe Pro costs $29 per editor per month, with unlimited projects, pages, prototypes, and AI usage.

Source
Lunacy: 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.

Source
Subframe: Are viewer seats free?

Yes, Subframe offers free viewer seats across all pricing plans, allowing team members to view without an editor license.

Source
Lunacy: 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.

Source
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