Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Figma VS GitLab

Compare Figma VS GitLab and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Figma logo Figma

Team-based interface design, Figma lets you collaborate on designs in real time.

GitLab logo GitLab

Create, review and deploy code together with GitLab open source git repo management software | GitLab
  • Figma Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-19
  • GitLab Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-17

Figma

Website
figma.com
Pricing URL
-
Release Date
-

GitLab

Release Date
2014 January
Startup details
Country
United States
State
California
Founder(s)
Dmitriy Zaporozhets
Employees
1,000 - 1,999

Figma features and specs

  • Real-time Collaboration
    Figma allows multiple users to work on a design simultaneously, making it easy for teams to collaborate and provide real-time feedback without the need for constant file exchanges.
  • Cloud-Based
    Being cloud-based means that designers can access their projects from any device with an internet connection, enhancing flexibility and ensuring that the latest versions of files are always available.
  • Cross-Platform
    Figma is accessible on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, which makes it versatile for teams with diverse software environments.
  • Prototyping and Design in One Tool
    Figma integrates both design and prototyping features, reducing the need for additional tools and streamlining the design process from concept to final product.
  • Easy Handoff
    Developers can easily inspect elements, get CSS properties, and export assets directly from the design files, making the handoff process to development smooth and efficient.
  • Frequent Updates
    Figma regularly introduces new features and improvements, ensuring that users have access to the latest tools and functionalities in design.

Possible disadvantages of Figma

  • Internet Dependency
    Since Figma is cloud-based, a stable internet connection is necessary to access and edit projects. This can be a constraint in environments with poor internet connectivity.
  • Performance Issues
    With large files or complex projects, Figma can sometimes exhibit performance lags or slowdowns, which can impact productivity.
  • Limited Offline Capabilities
    Although some offline features are available, they are limited. Users may find it challenging to work without an internet connection, especially for collaborative efforts.
  • Cost
    While Figma offers a free tier, advanced features and higher usage limits require a paid subscription, which might be a barrier for freelancers or small teams with limited budgets.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    New users, especially those transitioning from other design tools, might face a learning curve to fully grasp Figma's interface and functionalities.
  • Limited Advanced Vector Editing
    Compared to more specialized vector graphic tools like Adobe Illustrator, Figma’s vector editing capabilities might seem limited for complex, intricate designs.

GitLab features and specs

  • Integrated DevOps Platform
    GitLab provides a single application for the entire DevOps lifecycle, which simplifies the workflow and reduces the need for multiple tools.
  • CI/CD Capabilities
    It offers powerful Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) features, enabling automated testing and deployment.
  • Self-Hosted and SaaS Options
    GitLab can be hosted on your own servers or used as a cloud-hosted service, providing flexibility depending on your needs.
  • Strong Security Features
    GitLab includes various security features such as code quality analysis, vulnerability management, and compliance management.
  • Robust Community and Support
    There is a large community and extensive documentation available, along with professional support options.

Possible disadvantages of GitLab

  • Complexity for New Users
    The extensive features and functionalities can be overwhelming for newcomers, requiring a steep learning curve.
  • Resource Intensive
    Self-hosting a GitLab instance requires substantial server resources, which can be costly.
  • Price
    While there is a free tier, the advanced features are part of the paid plans, which can be expensive for small teams or startups.
  • User Interface
    Some users find the interface less intuitive and harder to navigate compared to other platforms like GitHub.
  • Performance Issues
    Large repositories or high usage can sometimes lead to performance issues, especially on self-hosted instances.

Analysis of Figma

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Figma is considered a highly effective and versatile design tool that caters to the needs of designers, developers, and project managers alike. Its robust set of features and cloud-based architecture make it a top choice for many teams.

Why this product is good

  • Figma is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface, real-time collaboration features, and powerful design tools that allow for seamless teamwork and efficient design processes. It operates entirely in the browser, which means no installation is necessary and it works across different operating systems. Figma is also praised for its extensive library of plugins and the ability to easily share design systems and prototypes.

Recommended for

  • UI/UX designers
  • Product teams
  • Remote design teams
  • Web and mobile app developers
  • Design educators and students

Analysis of GitLab

Overall verdict

  • Yes, GitLab is generally considered a good platform, especially for teams looking for an integrated set of tools for software development and DevOps. Its features and flexibility make it a strong choice for many organizations.

Why this product is good

  • GitLab is a popular DevOps platform that provides a comprehensive suite of tools for software development, including version control, issue tracking, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and more. It is valued for its open-source model, strong security features, user-friendly interface, and a wide range of integrations. GitLab's all-in-one approach allows teams to manage their entire DevOps lifecycle from a single application, which can help improve collaboration and efficiency.

Recommended for

    GitLab is well-suited for developers, DevOps engineers, project managers, and teams that require robust CI/CD capabilities, strong security features, and an open-source platform that can be self-hosted or used as a cloud service. It is particularly beneficial for organizations looking for a comprehensive solution to streamline their development workflows.

Figma videos

Figma UI Design Tutorial: Get Started in Just 24 Minutes!

More videos:

  • Demo - What is Figma

GitLab videos

Introduction to GitLab Workflow

More videos:

  • Review - GitLab Review App Working Session

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Figma and GitLab)
Design Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Code Collaboration
0 0%
100% 100
Prototyping
100 100%
0% 0
Git
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Figma and GitLab. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Figma and GitLab

Figma Reviews

  1. Maksym Moskalenko
    · Founder at Mixcode.io ·
    Everything you need for design

    My favorite tool right now.

  2. Olaniyan Samuel
    · Content writer at Saas2biz.com ·
    Figma: An Essential Tool for Web Designers and Collaborators

    Figma, a versatile cloud-based design software, stands out among design tools due to its real-time collaboration feature. It caters not only to web design but also to print projects. Offering an intuitive interface and powerful features, it allows simultaneous editing, eliminating the hassle of file sharing. Figma's adaptability covers website, mobile app, and print layout design, supported by an array of customizable templates.

    Beyond designers, collaborators benefit from Figma's capabilities too. Project managers and clients can offer real-time feedback, streamlining reviews and expediting project progress. Its pricing model, featuring a free version with limited features and a paid option, suits various budgets, ensuring accessibility to freelancers and larger agencies alike.

    Core features like real-time collaboration, prototyping, and reusable design elements distinguish Figma. These features facilitate efficient design iterations, ensuring consistency and enabling users to test ideas before development. The tool's emphasis on seamless collaboration makes it a valuable asset for teams, fostering clear communication through comments directly on the design file.

    🏁 Competitors: Adobe XD, Framer, Sketch, Moqups
    👍 Pros:    Real-time collaboration|Versatility|Intuitive user interface|Feedback and communication|Prototyping capabilities|Accessibility
    👎 Cons:    Learning curve|Internet dependency|Limited free version|Security concerns|Complexity in large projects
  3. Hussain Raza
    · Design at Fiverr.com ·
    The best designing app for your website!

    It is user friendly app with alot of modern features which give your website a cool look

    🏁 Competitors: Adobe Illustrator
    👍 Pros:    Easy to use|User friendly interface
    👎 Cons:    Expensive

Top 6 Figma Alternatives: Prototyping and UI/UX Tools
Figma is a tool that almost everyone has heard about, whether you are a designer, programmer, or marketer. However, for those unfamiliar with Figma, it is a flexible web design platform that allows real-time teamwork to create interactive user interface prototypes. Due to Figma's high accessibility and browser compatibility, designers can work from anywhere. Figma provides a...
Source: fronty.com
10 Best Figma Alternatives in 2024
Figma is the preferred tool of many professionals in the field of interactive design, real prototyping and graphic design. Figma simplifies and speeds up the brainstorming process with its online whiteboards and loaded frames. There are other collaborative design and prototype platforms available except Figma, which is definitely among the best. It’s too difficult for some...
Top 10 Figma Alternatives for Your Design Needs | ClickUp
Whatever your reason for seeking a Figma alternative, there are plenty of options that can help you ace the design game. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 Figma alternatives, discuss their pros and cons, and help you find the best solution for your design workflows.
Source: clickup.com
9 Best InVision Alternatives to Switch to in 2024
Siter’s official Figma plugin makes it easy to import Figma designs directly to the platform.
Source: designmodo.com
Figma Alternatives: 12 Prototyping and Design Tools in 2024
Prototyping is a concept where you and your team draft a version of a product. For many designers, Figma is the go-to design platform to do this. However, if you’re looking for an alternative to Figma, look no further, as we’ll list 12 of the best prototyping and design tools available in 2023.

GitLab Reviews

  1. Reinhard
    · Boss at CLOUD Meister ·
    perfect for Freelancers!

The Top 11 Static Application Security Testing (SAST) Tools
GitLab’s in-context testing solution simplifies the development process by automating both application and infrastructure management on a single platform.Why We Picked GitLab: We like GitLab’s automation of testing and compliance across development workflows. Its in-context testing minimizes license costs and reduces the learning curve.
The Top 10 GitHub Alternatives
GitLab is a web-based DevSecOps (take that, Call of Duty) platform that allows software development teams to plan, build, and ship secure code all in one application. GitLab offers a range of features and tools to support the entire software development lifecycle, from project planning and source code management to continuous integration, delivery, and deployment.
The Best Alternatives to Jenkins for Developers
CI/CD GitLab, as a complete DevOps platform, provides an integrated CI/CD solution along with its other features. If your team is already using GitLab for controlling versions and managing projects, the addition of GitLab CI/CD can be very smooth. The offering in CI/CD by GitLab is quite customizable and it backs up many programming languages as well as application test...
Source: morninglif.com
Top 7 GitHub Alternatives You Should Know (2024)
Most of the listed alternatives offer free tier plans for individuals or small teams. Tools like GitLab and Bitbucket allow users to host unlimited repositories without cost.
Source: snappify.com
Best GitHub Alternatives for Developers in 2023
While GitLab features an extensive set of capabilities, this can also serve as a weakness since beginners may find the developer tool overwhelming to begin with. The user interface compounds this issue by being outdated and unintuitive. GitLab could benefit from more third-party integrations, and its performance tends to struggle when dealing with large repositories or CI/CD...

Social recommendations and mentions

GitLab might be a bit more popular than Figma. We know about 135 links to it since March 2021 and only 108 links to Figma. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Figma mentions (108)

  • The Best 100 Free UI/UX Resources for Every Designer & Developer
    Figma Figma.com Collaborative design tool with vector graphics, prototyping, and developer handoff features. Free for individuals. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (February 2025)
    Figma | Security Engineer | Remote or Hybrid (SF, NYC, Seattle) | https://figma.com | Full-Time, $149-350k + Equity Figma makes the modern tools that modern companies use to design apps. And because of that highly sensitive data, security is extremely important to get right. (If the next iPhone were designed using Figma and a breach leaked it... yeah, you get the point.) Anyway, I am on the security team over here... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • CSS is Emotional: z-index and the Hierarchy of Needs
    Imagine shuffling papers on a desk. Even though the desk is flat, papers stack in layers—some on top, others below. That's exactly what z-index does on websites. If you're familiar with tools like Canva, PowerPoint, Photoshop, or Figma, you know this feature as "Send to Back" or more accurately, "Arrange" or "Position". - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • You Are Already Using Wasm In Production
    If you use Microsoft’s online Office.com suite or the popular Figma graphics tool, you’ve already used Wasm in production. If you’ve used a device to watch streaming services like BBC or Amazon Prime, you’ve already used Wasm in production. In fact, you’re using Wasm in production right now. This website has been powered by server-side Wasm since its initial launch in February of 2022. Our serverless platform for... - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • My tech stack for startups in 2025
    I'm continuing to use Adobe's Creative Cloud. Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro are tools that I already know my way around so I'm keeping those close. I know that many people love how quick and easy it is to get something done with tools like Canva or Figma. I think whatever you are comfortable with and enables you to move fast you should keep using. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
View more

GitLab mentions (135)

  • Cross-Compiling Haskell under NixOS with Docker
    I attended the AWS Summit 2025 in Singapore. I enjoyed the event. There were booths from various companies which I found interesting, such as GitLab and ClickHouse. More importantly, I got to meet very interesting people. - Source: dev.to / 3 days ago
  • GitLab: templates for Merge Requests
    GitLab is a well-established tool that hardly needs any introduction. This article is more like some notes to my future self. - Source: dev.to / 5 days ago
  • India Open Source Development: Harnessing Collaborative Innovation for Global Impact
    Indian developers have embraced platforms like GitHub and GitLab, which serve as global meeting points for coding projects. Developer communities such as FOSSAsia and Open Source India regularly organize hackathons, webinars, and code sprints that bring together enthusiasts to tackle both local and global problems. - Source: dev.to / 28 days ago
  • Open Source Funding: Strategies, Case Studies, and Best Practices
    In this article, we explore funding methods that empower projects such as Red Hat, GitLab, and Blender. Our discussion focuses on overlaying robust financial models with community-led efforts while incorporating advanced technologies like blockchain and smart contracts for secure, transparent fund distribution. With clear definitions, tables, bullet lists, and real-world examples, we aim to provide a holistic view... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • The Hidden Challenges of Building with AWS
    💡** My Take:** If you’re not ready to spend hours debugging AWS configurations, you might want to consider other cloud options, such as DigitalOcean or Gitlab for CI/CD. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Figma and GitLab, you can also consider the following products

Adobe XD - Adobe XD is an all-in-one UX/UI solution for designing websites, mobile apps and more. 

GitHub - Originally founded as a project to simplify sharing code, GitHub has grown into an application used by over a million people to store over two million code repositories, making GitHub the largest code host in the world.

Sketch - Professional digital design for Mac.

BitBucket - Bitbucket is a free code hosting site for Mercurial and Git. Manage your development with a hosted wiki, issue tracker and source code.

Invision - Prototyping and collaboration for design teams

Gitea - A painless self-hosted Git service