Playbook by MediaBistro | Tools & Software for Creative Professionals
LottieFiles and Spline serve distinct niches within animation workflows. LottieFiles excels at creating and deploying lightweight vector animations for web and mobile interfaces, while Spline specializes in browser-based 3D design and interactive experiences. Your choice depends on whether you need 2D vector animations or 3D spatial design capabilities.
LottieFiles centers on Lottie animations, a JSON-based format that delivers vector animations with remarkably small file sizes. The platform appeals to designers and developers who need animations that load quickly and scale perfectly across devices. Motion graphics artists can design in After Effects or Figma, then export directly to the Lottie format through dedicated plugins.
The platform combines creation tools with a substantial library of ready-made animations. This dual approach lets teams either build custom animations from scratch or adapt existing assets to match their brand. LottieFiles positions itself as the complete solution for teams shipping animations in production apps and websites, with particular strength in mobile environments where file size matters.
Spline brings 3D design capabilities directly into the browser without requiring downloads or complex software installations. The tool targets designers who want to create spatial designs, 3D product showcases, or interactive experiences for websites. Everything from modeling to animation to export happens in a single web-based environment.
The platform emphasizes accessibility for designers who may not have traditional 3D software experience. You can build scenes, apply materials, create animations, and add interactivity through a visual interface. Spline generates web-ready exports that embed directly into websites, making it particularly useful for marketing sites, product pages, and creative portfolios that need dimensional visual elements.
Vector-based Lottie (JSON) animations optimized for small file sizes
3D animations and interactive scenes exported for web embedding
Plugins for After Effects and Figma plus web-based editor
Complete browser-based 3D design and animation workspace
Extensive library of pre-made Lottie animations available for use
Community assets and templates for 3D scenes and objects
Purpose-built for mobile apps with native iOS and Android support
Web-focused 3D content that works on mobile browsers
Limited to 2D vector animations only
Full 3D modeling, materials, lighting, and spatial design
Playback control through code implementation
Built-in interactive controls and event triggers for web experiences
Both platforms offer functional free tiers that let you test core capabilities before committing. Spline provides transparent pricing at $9 monthly for Pro features, while LottieFiles keeps Pro pricing behind a contact form. For small teams or individual creators, either free plan provides enough functionality to evaluate fit before upgrading.
These tools operate in adjacent but different spaces within animation workflows. LottieFiles owns the vector animation space for web and mobile interfaces, offering unmatched file size efficiency and native app support. Spline opens 3D design to a broader audience through browser-based tools that remove traditional barriers to spatial design. If you're building app interfaces or need animations that load instantly on any device, LottieFiles delivers exactly that. If your project involves 3D product visualization, spatial storytelling, or interactive web experiences, Spline provides accessible tools without requiring Cinema 4D expertise.
The strongest indicator of fit comes down to dimensionality. Teams working in 2D vector space with a focus on performance and mobile delivery will find LottieFiles indispensable. Those exploring 3D design for web projects or wanting to add depth to their creative portfolio should explore Spline. Some advanced teams might even use both: LottieFiles for interface animations and Spline for hero sections or product showcases. Neither tool attempts to do everything, and that focused approach serves their respective audiences well.
