Software development is evolving, and tools like Figma to Code generators are enhancing this process by automating code generation. This automation reduces coding errors, saves time, and ensures design consistency. This results in faster project completions and more efficient resource use.
However, before you pick any of these tools, it’s important to note that not all Figma to Code generators can meet your needs. You need to evaluate them carefully as incorrect toolset choices is the reason why 34% of software development projects fail.
To help you make the right decision, this article will benchmark the top Figma to Code generators in 2024. Let’s dive in.
What Are Figma to Code Generators?
Figma to Code generators are tools that transform Figma design files into functional code for web, mobile, and desktop applications. They automate the process of converting visual designs into programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, effectively bridging the gap between design and development.
Now, to find the best Figma to Code generator tools, you need to carefully assess them. Let’s go deeper.
How to Evaluate Figma to Code Generators?
Accuracy of Code Generation
When assessing Figma to Code generators, it’s important to evaluate the quality and accuracy of the generated code. High-quality code should be clean, maintainable, and adhere to best coding practices. This ensures it’s well-structured and easy for developers to understand, modify, and debug.
Supported Features
Another aspect to consider is their ability to support specific Figma features, such as variants and auto-layout. Effective tools should accurately translate these features, ensuring that responsive layouts and design variations are implemented correctly.
Also, it’s important to check how well a generator handles various design elements including colors, fonts, gradients, shadows, and animations. A good generator should accurately convert these elements, maintaining the visual and functional integrity of the original Figma design.
Efficiency
Efficiency in Figma to Code generators is primarily determined by the speed at which they convert designs into code. Faster conversion significantly accelerates project timelines, making these tools especially valuable for rapid prototyping and iterative updates.
Additionally, the efficiency of these tools is boosted by their automation features. Important functionalities include batch processing, which enables the simultaneous conversion of multiple designs — and automatic updates that instantly regenerate code when designs change.
Usability and Integration
Usability is key for Figma to Code generators. They should be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and easy navigation. This simplicity allows both designers and developers to use the tool effectively without extensive training, boosting overall productivity.
Moreover, it’s important that these tools integrate smoothly with existing development environments and workflows. Effective generators should be compatible with popular development platforms like Visual Studio Code and GitHub. This ensures that the generated code can be easily incorporated into ongoing projects.
Flexibility and Customization
Flexibility is key for Figma to Code generators, especially in their ability to support multiple output formats. Effective tools should generate code in popular languages and frameworks like HTML/CSS, React, and Swift. This allows designs to be used across various platforms and increasing the tool’s versatility.
Additionally, the ability to customize code templates is essential. Figma to Code generators should allow developers to modify templates to adhere to specific coding standards or integrate with existing codebases.
Scalability
Scalability is vital for Figma to Code generators, particularly when handling large and complex Figma files. A scalable tool should efficiently process extensive designs, including multiple pages and intricate layers, without performance degradation. This capability is vital for large projects that feature detailed interfaces.
Cost Effectiveness
Figma to Code generators offer a range of pricing models like one-time purchases, monthly subscriptions, or usage-based fees. The right pricing model should match the project size, frequency of use, and budget.
Comparative Analysis of Top Figma to Code Generators
The comparative analysis below evaluates several Figma to Code generators. This review helps pinpoint which tools excel in the market. Here are seven top tools that we’ve closely examined to help you choose one that best fits your needs.
1.Unify
Price: Free
Ease of Use: 10/10
Quality: 2/10
Technical Specifications: Specializes in small components; supports CSS, Styled Components for React on web platforms.
Pros: Extremely easy to use.
Cons: Small technological pool.
Limitations: In early development stages with issues in quality.
Support: Limited, as it is early in development.
Comment: Suitable for simple projects needing basic component translation but has quality limitations.
2.Locofy
Price: Free (Beta)
Ease of Use: 7/10
Quality: 5/10
Technical Specifications: Suitable for components and entire pages; supports CSS, Tailwind CSS, Styled Components, Inline CSS, CSS Modules; technologies include React, Angular, Next.js, Vue.js, Gatsby; UI libraries like Ant Design, Material UI, Bootstrap, Chakra UI; available for web and mobile.
Pros: User-friendly, versatile for page structuring, supports custom components.
Cons: Issues with component recognition and mobile quality.
Limitations: Beta phase with need for manual tweaking.
Support: Likely substantial support given its beta status but mostly community-driven.
Comment: Promising for diverse projects but requires improvements for automatic functionality and mobile support.
3. Builder.io
Price: $19-$39 per editor per month
Ease of Use: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Technical Specifications: Focused on components; supports CSS, Tailwind CSS, Styled Components, Inline CSS; technologies include React, Angular, Next.js, Vue.js; UI libraries like Ant Design, Material UI, Blueprint, Mantine, Chakra UI, Next UI; for web and mobile.
Pros: Intuitive with AI code correction, supports custom components.
Cons: Limited in decomposing complex components.
Support: High-quality paid and community support with good documentation.
Comment: Ideal for projects centered around component creation, offering high usability and quality with excellent support.
4. Uxpin
Price: $39-$119 per editor per month
Ease of Use: 5/10
Quality: 10/10
Technical Specifications: Versatile, supports inline styles; technologies include React; UI libraries like Ant Design, Material UI, Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS; for web and mobile.
Pros: Extensive functionality, adaptable to various tasks.
Cons: High learning curve, potential decline in design quality from Figma, and limited to supporting only the React framework currently.
Limitations: Requires design within its ecosystem for best results.
Support: Comprehensive, matching its higher price point.
Comment: High-quality tool with vast capabilities suitable for advanced users, but requires commitment to learn and adapt.
5. Clapy
Price: Free (Alpha)
Ease of Use: 10/10
Quality: 2/10
Technical Specifications: Focuses on component decomposition; supports CSS/SCSS for React, Angular on web and mobile.
Pros: Implements performance best practices like memoization.
Cons: Low code quality.
Limitations: Alpha stage, not recommended for production.
Support: Limited due to alpha status.
Comment: Shows potential with easy use and performance practices but currently unsuitable for serious development.
6. DhiWise
Price: Free to $299-$499 per user per year, plus $5 to $250-$1000 for code export per page
Ease of Use: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Technical Specifications: Supports CSS for Flutter, Native, React; platforms include mobile and web.
Pros: User-friendly, strong component identification, flexible component creation.
Cons: Lack of integration with established UI libraries, and limited to supporting only the React framework currently.
Support: Good support anticipated from the price and capabilities.
Comment: Excels in element recognition and component structuring with planned future enhancements, but lacks library integration.
7. FireJet
Price: $38-300 per month
Ease of Use: 8/10
Quality: 4/10
Technical Specifications: Supports custom Tailwind styles for React on web platforms.
Pros: User-friendly, flexible customization with Tailwind.
Cons: Limited element recognition, poor code quality, and limited to supporting only the React framework currently.
Limitations: Pro subscription needed for custom component use.
Support: Adequate support reflecting its pricing.
Comment: Offers flexibility and ease of use but needs improvements in code quality and element recognition.
Ranking Figma to Code Generators Based on Key Performance
This table provides a snapshot of each tool’s strengths and weaknesses. It helps you pick the best based on their performance across these key benchmarking criteria.
| Tool Name | Accuracy of Code Generation /10 | Supported Features /10 | Efficiency /10 | Usability /10 | Flexibility and Customization /10 | Scalability /10 | Cost Effectiveness /10 |
| Unify | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 10 |
| Locofy | 5 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| Builder.io | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| Unxpin | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Clapy | 2 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 10 |
| DhiWise | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| FireJet | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
Best Practices for Using Figma to Code generators
Selecting the right Figma to Code generator is essential, but knowing how to use these tools is equally important. Here are some key practices and tips to help you make the most of your chosen tool and improve your project outcomes.
- Know Your Tool: Understand the capabilities and limitations of your Figma to Code generator to avoid mismatches between tool functions and project requirements.
- Keep Figma Designs Clean: Organize your Figma files neatly with clear naming, consistent styles, and properly used components to ensure smoother code generation.
- Customize Outputs: Adjust the tool’s settings and code templates to align with your project’s coding standards and specific needs.
- Test Iteratively: Regularly test the generated code, particularly with complex designs, to identify and fix issues early.
- Stay Updated: Keep the tool updated and stay informed about new features or enhancements that can improve your workflow.
Tips for Developers and Designers to Maximize Efficiency
- Collaborate Early: Foster early and ongoing collaboration between designers and developers to set clear expectations and optimize the design for code generation.
- Utilize Resources: Make use of the tool’s documentation and support channels for troubleshooting and learning how to maximize its utility.
- Keep Learning: Stay informed about advancements in Figma to Code technology through forums, webinars, and other educational resources.
- Evaluate Performance: Regularly assess how well the tool performs with your projects, especially as they grow in complexity and size.
- Provide Feedback: Share your experiences and suggestions with the tool’s developers to help improve its functionality and address user needs.
Conclusion
Figma to Code generators streamline the design-to-development process. In this article, we’ve examined how to evaluate these tools and use them effectively. Use this information to boost productivity and speed up the delivery of high-quality software solutions.
If you need more guidance or want to optimize your software development workflow, feel free to contact ORIL.
