Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Figma VS Unreal Engine

Compare Figma VS Unreal Engine and see what are their differences

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Figma logo Figma

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

Unreal Engine logo Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine 4 is a suite of integrated tools for game developers to design and build games, simulations, and visualizations.
  • Figma Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-19
  • Unreal Engine Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-23

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.

Unreal Engine features and specs

  • High-Quality Graphics
    Unreal Engine is known for its ability to produce stunning, high-quality graphics and realistic environments, making it a preferred choice for AAA game development and high-fidelity visual projects.
  • Blueprint Visual Scripting
    Unreal Engine offers a visual scripting system called Blueprints, which allows designers to create complex game logic without any programming knowledge, streamlining the development process.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Unreal Engine provides robust support for multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, mobile devices, and VR/AR headsets, enabling developers to reach a wider audience with minimal hassle.
  • Large and Active Community
    The Unreal Engine community is large and active, offering extensive resources, tutorials, and forums which can be invaluable for troubleshooting and learning new techniques.
  • Regular Updates
    Epic Games frequently updates Unreal Engine, adding new features, improvements, and optimizations to keep developers equipped with the latest technology advancements.
  • Marketplace
    The Unreal Engine Marketplace offers a vast array of assets, ranging from 3D models to plugins, which can significantly speed up the development process by providing ready-to-use resources.

Possible disadvantages of Unreal Engine

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive features and capabilities, Unreal Engine can be challenging for beginners to master, requiring a significant investment of time and effort to learn.
  • High System Requirements
    Developing with Unreal Engine often requires a powerful computer with strong hardware specifications, which can be a barrier for developers with limited resources.
  • Large File Sizes
    Unreal Engine projects can result in large file sizes, which can be cumbersome to manage, particularly in terms of storage and transfer bandwidth.
  • Complexity for Simple Projects
    For smaller or simpler projects, the capabilities of Unreal Engine might be overkill, and using it can unnecessarily complicate development when compared to lighter engines.
  • Royalty Fees
    Unreal Engine imposes a royalty fee of 5% on gross revenue after the first $1 million USD per product per year, which can impact the profitability of commercial projects.
  • Less C++ Flexibility
    While Unreal Engine supports C++, the engine imposes certain constraints and abstractions that can limit the flexibility developers might need for highly customized or optimized code.

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 Unreal Engine

Overall verdict

  • Unreal Engine is generally considered a top-tier game engine suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. Its high-quality rendering, extensive feature set, and flexibility make it a preferred choice for creating AAA games, architectural visualizations, and even film production.

Why this product is good

  • Unreal Engine is popular due to its powerful graphics capabilities, versatility, and comprehensive toolset. It provides real-time 3D creation tools, robust support for high-resolution graphics, and a plethora of resources and documentation for developers. It is also free to use up to a certain revenue threshold, making it accessible for indie developers and large studios alike. Additionally, its blueprint visual scripting system offers non-programmers an approachable way to prototype and develop gameplay elements.

Recommended for

    Unreal Engine is recommended for game developers who require cutting-edge graphics and performance, individuals interested in virtual production, architects looking for detailed visualizations, and anyone wanting to work on large-scale, high-fidelity projects.

Figma videos

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

More videos:

  • Demo - What is Figma

Unreal Engine videos

Why I switched over to Unreal Engine 4 From Unity 5

More videos:

  • Review - Unity vs Unreal Engine | Graphics, Workflow, Price, Level Design and More! (2017-2018)
  • Review - Game Development | Intro to Unreal Engine 4 | No Prior Programming Knowledge

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Figma and Unreal Engine)
Design Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Game Development
0 0%
100% 100
Prototyping
100 100%
0% 0
Game Engine
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Figma and Unreal Engine. 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 Unreal Engine

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
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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.

Unreal Engine Reviews

Top 13 Picks for Maxon Cinema 4D Alternatives in 2024
Designed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine is a comprehensive 3D graphics engine initially developed for PC gaming. Since its inception in 1998, it supports a wide array of platforms, including mobile, console, and VR. It is known for its versatility and power in a broad spectrum of industries like film and television.
Source: aircada.com
Game Engines: A Comparative Analysis
Developed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine stands as a titan in the industry, renowned for its stunning graphics and realistic visual effects. It excels in AAA game development, with a powerful rendering engine and an intuitive visual scripting system called Blueprints. Unreal Engine’s prowess lies in its ability to deliver top-notch graphics and cinematic experiences.
Source: medium.com
Best Unity alternatives for game development
Unreal Engine has become one of the most popular engines to date; it's one of the top-of-the-line gaming engines that produces high graphical fidelity and realism for many games. In fact, many mobile games (Injustice 2, Life is Strange) that look incredible are likely using the Unreal Engine. It's a number one choice that often goes head-to-head with Unity due to its great...
Best Game Engines for 2023 – Which Should You Use?
However, many game developers do report that Unreal Engine is better suited for larger projects and projects you intend to work on as a team. Additionally, as the program is heavy on the graphics end, many people will find it requires a more powerful computer compared to other engines like Unity. Beyond this, it is also noteworthy that while Unreal Engine can create 2D games...
The Best Gaming Engines You Should Consider for 2023
2022 saw the official launch of Unreal Engine 5, and it’s already shaping up to be a game changer for game development. Most next-gen consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are already using it, and its powerful tools such as Lumen and Nanite (an engine that imports high-detailed photographic source material – taking advantage of its past acquisition of Quixel)...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Figma seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 108 times since March 2021. 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

Unreal Engine mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Unreal Engine yet. Tracking of Unreal Engine recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Figma and Unreal Engine, 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. 

Unity - The multiplatform game creation tools for everyone.

Sketch - Professional digital design for Mac.

Godot Engine - Feature-packed 2D and 3D open source game engine.

Invision - Prototyping and collaboration for design teams

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.