Figma - Free Multimedia Design Tool

 Similar to other multimedia applications such as Adobe XD and Sketch, Figma is a vector-based tool with cloud storage.

However, what makes Figma stand out is its ability to collaborate in real time. Updated images can be sent back and forth between creators until something becomes available. This also makes it easy to share designs, open to criticism and feedback. Multiple people can view files at the same time, even on multiple platforms. Figma works on Linux, Mac, Chrome and Windows operating systems.

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Features of Figma

User Interface Design and Collaborative User Interface

Regardless of the user experience level, creating designs with Figma on Windows is easy. Its intuitive interface can get novices and veterans alike up and running in minutes. Newer designers often have difficulty turning their creative visions into reality, having to rely on expensive software or extensive experience to bring their ideas to life. Figma's aim is to bridge the gap between visualizing an idea and turning it into something tangible.

In this way, Figma helps convert ideas into products. It speeds up the process by being optimized for collaboration in a single, free, web-based design tool. Able to help with both UX and UI settings, this graphic design tool allows the entire team to view and interact with the latest designs, all through a directly accessible URL. Just drop the link in your group chat and anyone can see your work in real time.

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Being able to see each other's progress instantly is great for last-minute edits and absolutely essential when coming to agreement on the final result. These collaborative links give the team confidence that they are always seeing the most up-to-date design. Multiple people can also view and edit any given file simultaneously or asynchronously, eliminating the need for tedious file transfers.

Anyone on the design team can leave direct feedback on the prototype through comments. This way you can create unique graphics and still get contextual feedback through easy sharing of a link. Figma is full of features to ease and enhance the look and feel of your work.

One of Figma's standout features is its component library. Users can create a library with reusable components and then make it accessible to the whole team. It's a convenient way to share objects, images, or tones you've created, but still allow others to use them in new, creative ways. Component libraries also eliminate the annoying caveat of having to manually recreate someone else's original idea. Instead, just open the folder, extract the component, and retool it as you see fit.

One of the other useful features of Figma is the vector lattice. These allow you to attach multiple shards to any node on a vector, instead of just the standard two shards. This feature, combined with the component library, creates an environment where anyone can create complex ideas, save and archive them, and then share them with other designers to perfect the vision. their vision come true.

What's the difference between Figma and Adobe XD?

Figma isn't the only design app available on Windows, but Sketch and Adobe XD are two of the biggest alternatives on the market. Compared to Sketch, Figma is a more complete package. To equip Sketch with the same features inherent to Figma, you will need to install InVasion, Abstract or Zeplin. Figma is also supported by the powerful 2D WebGL rendering engine, allowing for more precise and detailed execution.

Compared to Adobe XD, Figma offers more cloud space. While both options are free, Adobe XD only supports 2GB of cloud storage. On the other hand, Figma has unlimited cloud space. Figma also excels when it comes to cooperation. With it, you can update shared content more concisely and efficiently than Adobe XD. Finally, of the two tools, only Figma is supported on Chrome OS and Linux platforms.

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Group-oriented graphic design

Figma is a promising application for creating graphics online, for both UX and UI design. It has all the elements needed to create outstanding logos, presentations, websites and social media graphics. You can use it for free to access hundreds of shapes, colors and fonts, create stunning effects and images to help your products stand out in the ever-evolving culture of the Internet. Enjoy high-fidelity simulations created by real-time collaboration and turn your vision into reality.

Powerful design features

Design for the web made easy

1. Figma is built for the future web. That's why you'll see features you won't find elsewhere.
2. A modern pen tool: Draw in any direction with Vector Networks. There is no need to merge or connect to the starting point of the calibration curve.
3. Instant Arc Design: Design clocks, clock screens or pie charts easily with the Arc tool.
4. Harness advanced font features to fully express your brand with OpenType.

Responsive Design with Auto Layout

1. Less manual resizing: Buttons can resize along with their text, and lists can rearrange themselves as items are moved around.
2. Auto Layout elements can now span left and right (or top and bottom) for easier responsive design.
3. Design speaks for growth: Auto Layout translates directly into code, simplifying the developer's transition.

Automate and enhance work with plugins and widgets

1. Plugins: Automate tasks and improve your workflow.
2. Widgets: Increase collaboration and productivity with your team.
3. Ease of development: If you can build a website, you can create a plugin or widget.
4. Private Extensions: Institutional customers can create and distribute plugins and widgets within their company.

Advantage

1. Real-time collaboration
2. Extensive design features
3. Visual prototyping
4. Share update link
5. Unlimited cloud space

Defect

1. Large files will load slower
2. Have a typical cloud security concern
3. Component libraries may be faulty

Jessica Tanner

Update 20 February 2023