Figma has been making waves in the world of UX design since its launch in 2016. The vector-based design tool is beloved by many for its ease of use, its collaboration features, and its growing library of plugins.
But can Figma really replace Axure, the long-standing leader in UX prototyping? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each tool to see how they stack up.
Figma
PROS:
-Ease of use: Figma is a vector-based design tool that is easy to learn and use, even for those with no prior design experience.
-Collaboration features: Figma’s real-time collaboration features are a game-changer for UX designers who need to work with team members in different locations.
-Plugin library: Figma’s growing library of plugins makes it possible to do almost anything within the tool, from creating animations to generating code.
CONS:
-Lack of support for older browsers: Figma’s vector-based designs can only be viewed in modern browsers that support WebGL. This means that users on older browsers or devices will not be able to view Figma designs.
-Limited export options: While Figma does offer a few export options (PDF, PNG, JPEG), it does not support more advanced file types such as EPS or SVG.
Axure
-Wide range of export options: Axure supports a wide range of export options, including PDF, PNG, GIF, and HTML. This makes it easy to share prototypes with stakeholders who may be using different browsers or devices.
-Rich widget library: Axure’s widget library contains everything a UX designer needs to create a high-fidelity prototype, from form fields to dropdown menus. -Detailed reports: Axure’s reports feature provides detailed insights into how users interact with prototypes, making it easy to pinpoint areas for improvement.
-Complex interface: Axure’s interface can be daunting for those new to UX design or prototyping tools. It takes some time to learn how to use all of the features and create complex designs.
-Limited collaboration features: While Axure does offer some collaboration features, they are not as robust as those found in other tools such as Figma or InVision App.
So, can Figma replace Axure? For many UX designers, the answer is yes!
Figma offers a more user-friendly interface, better collaboration features, and a growing library of plugins. However, there are some downsides to using Figma, such as the lack of support for older browsers and limited export options.
