Playbook by MediaBistro | Tools & Software for Creative Professionals
Figma and Lunacy represent two distinct approaches to modern graphic design software. Figma dominates as the industry-standard collaborative interface design tool with real-time multiplayer editing and an extensive plugin ecosystem, while Lunacy offers a completely free alternative with built-in AI tools and full offline functionality. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize team collaboration and industry integration or cost-free access with AI-powered design assistance.
Figma has transformed the design industry by pioneering browser-based, collaborative interface design. Since its launch, it has become the default tool for UI/UX designers, product teams, and digital agencies worldwide. Its real-time collaboration features allow multiple designers, developers, and stakeholders to work simultaneously in the same file, eliminating the version control nightmares that plagued earlier design workflows.
Beyond collaboration, Figma excels with its robust prototyping capabilities, component systems, and auto-layout features that mirror modern CSS flexbox behavior. The extensive plugin ecosystem extends functionality for accessibility checks, content generation, design system management, and handoff to developers. While primarily cloud-based, Figma's browser-native approach means it works across operating systems without platform-specific limitations, though it requires internet connectivity for most operations.
Lunacy positions itself as a no-compromise free alternative to premium design tools, originally developed as a Windows-compatible Sketch viewer before evolving into a full-featured design application. Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, Lunacy eliminates the operating system barriers that limit other design tools. Its standout feature set includes integrated AI capabilities—background removal, image upscaling, avatar generation, and AI-powered text generation—built directly into the interface without requiring third-party plugins or subscriptions.
The software works completely offline, making it ideal for designers with unreliable internet connections or those working in secure environments. Lunacy maintains full compatibility with Sketch files while offering its own robust vector editing tools, smart layout features, and built-in graphics libraries. The completely free pricing model includes all features without limitations, trials, or premium tiers, funded by Icons8's broader ecosystem rather than user subscriptions. This makes it particularly attractive for freelancers, students, and small studios operating on tight budgets.
Industry-leading multiplayer editing with live cursors, comments, and observation mode for seamless team workflows
No real-time collaboration; designed for individual designers with traditional file-sharing workflows
AI features available through third-party plugins; no native AI tools included in core platform
Built-in AI for background removal, image upscaling, avatar generation, and text generation without additional costs
Limited offline access with Figma desktop app; requires periodic internet connection for sync and most features
Full offline functionality with complete feature access; no internet connection required for design work
Extensive marketplace with thousands of plugins for automation, accessibility, content, and workflow enhancement
No plugin system; relies on built-in features and integrated tools without third-party extensions
Native .fig format with import support for Sketch files; industry-standard format widely supported by other tools
Full read/write support for Sketch files plus export to Figma format; strong cross-platform compatibility
Advanced component variants, properties, auto-layout, and comprehensive design system management with team libraries
Standard components and symbols with reusable elements; simpler system suitable for smaller projects
The pricing difference is stark and significant. Figma's subscription model scales with team size—a 10-person team pays $1,800 annually for Pro access—while Lunacy costs nothing regardless of team size. However, Figma's pricing reflects its enterprise-grade collaboration infrastructure, cloud storage, and ongoing development. For solo designers or small teams on tight budgets, Lunacy's free model is unbeatable, but organizations prioritizing collaboration and industry-standard workflows will find Figma's cost justified by productivity gains.
Figma and Lunacy serve fundamentally different user needs, making this less about which is 'better' and more about which aligns with your workflow priorities. Figma justifies its position as the industry standard through unmatched collaborative capabilities that fundamentally change how design teams work together. If you're embedded in a product team, working with developers on handoff, or need to maintain design systems across multiple projects, Figma's real-time collaboration and extensive ecosystem make it indispensable despite the recurring cost. Its browser-based architecture and multiplayer editing have set the benchmark that other tools are measured against.
Lunacy offers a compelling counter-proposition: professional-grade design tools without financial barriers. For independent designers, students, or small studios where collaboration happens through file sharing rather than real-time editing, Lunacy delivers impressive functionality at zero cost. The integrated AI tools provide immediate value that would require paid plugins or separate subscriptions in Figma, and true offline functionality matters for designers in co-working spaces, traveling, or working in bandwidth-constrained environments. Choose Figma if collaboration and industry integration are paramount; choose Lunacy if you need capable, AI-enhanced design software without the subscription burden.
