Software · head to head
Vectr vs Zeplin
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Vectr performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs; Zeplin the free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace
- They diverge on capability: Vectr covers Vector drawing, Zeplin covers Design specs.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Vectr and Zeplin actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2014).
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 Vectr
- Vector drawing
- Shape tools
- Typography
- Gradient tools
- Real-time collaboration
- Cloud storage
- Export options
- Simple interface
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.
Vectr
- Logo designnot Zeplin
- Vector illustrationnot Zeplin
- Web graphicsnot Zeplin
- Learning designnot Zeplin
Zeplin
- Handing off design specs from Figma or Sketch to developersnot Vectr
- Sharing screens, assets and style guides with an engineering teamnot Vectr
- Reviewing and commenting on design versionsnot Vectr
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Vectr
- Performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs
- Limited advanced features: lacks some features available in paid tools like Adobe Illustrator including complex shape manipulation
- Internet dependency: requires constant internet connection with no offline capabilities limiting use in unreliable connectivity areas
- Limited export options: fewer export formats compared to other vector graphics software
- Limited integration: does not offer seamless integration with other design tools and lacks third-party extension support
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
Vectr
Free- FreeFree
- 1GB storage
- Basic tools
- Limited AI credits
- Plus$1.99/month
- 1GB storage
- 600 AI credits
- Single-session access
- Premium$4.99/month
- 5GB storage
- 2,400 AI credits
- Three concurrent sessions
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 Vectr if
- You need vector drawing.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook.
- You also want shape tools.
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 Vectr or Zeplin better?
- Neither clearly leads. Vectr 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, Vectr or Zeplin?
- Vectr starts at Free and Zeplin at Free.
- Does Vectr or Zeplin run on more platforms?
- Vectr runs on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook. Zeplin runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
- Can I use Vectr for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Vectr best used for?
- Vectr is most often used for logo design, vector illustration, web graphics, learning design. Of those, logo design and vector illustration are not what Zeplin is typically brought in for.
- What can Vectr do that Zeplin cannot?
- Vectr covers Vector drawing, Shape tools, Typography, Gradient tools. Zeplin covers Design specs, Asset export, Code snippets, Design tokens.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Vectr: Is Vectr free to use?
Vectr offers a free plan with 1GB storage, basic tools, and limited AI credits for essential vector editing. Paid Plus and Premium plans provide additional storage, AI credits, and concurrent sessions.
SourceVectr: Can you collaborate in real-time with Vectr?
Yes, Vectr features built-in real-time collaboration with live workspace sharing through custom URLs and integrated chat for team communication, enabling distributed creative teamwork.
SourceVectr: Does Vectr require an internet connection?
Yes, Vectr requires constant internet connection as it is cloud-based. It does not have offline capabilities, which can be limiting for users in areas with unreliable connectivity.
SourceVectr: What file formats can you export from Vectr?
Vectr supports exporting in SVG, PNG, JPG, and Vectr SVG formats. Compared to other vector graphics software, export options are somewhat limited.
Source