When exploring the tools in the Figma ecosystem, one common question arises: What’s the difference between Figma and FigJam? While both tools are made by the same company and share a familiar interface, they serve distinct purposes in the product design and collaboration process. Let’s break down how they differ—and how they complement each other.
Figma: A UI Design and Prototyping Powerhouse
Figma is a cloud-based design tool focused on building user interfaces, websites, apps, and complex design systems. Designers use Figma to:
- Create wireframes and high-fidelity mockups
- Build responsive components using Auto Layout
- Develop interactive prototypes with animations
- Manage and share design systems
- Collaborate with developers via Dev Mode
It’s precise, structured, and deeply focused on layout, hierarchy, typography, and interactivity. If you’re designing a product or creating a brand’s digital presence, Figma is where you spend most of your time.
FigJam: A Collaborative Whiteboard for Ideation
FigJam is Figma’s take on a digital whiteboard. It’s designed for early-stage thinking—when you’re exploring ideas, mapping out flows, or running collaborative workshops. FigJam is especially helpful for:
- Brainstorming with sticky notes
- Drawing quick diagrams and flowcharts
- Mapping user journeys or feature roadmaps
- Hosting real-time workshops with team members
- Adding playful elements like stickers and emotes
While you can draw rough UI ideas in FigJam, it lacks the design precision and tooling of Figma. It’s more freeform and casual—perfect for collaborative ideation sessions.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Figma | FigJam |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | UI/UX design, prototyping | Brainstorming, whiteboarding |
| Tools | Frames, components, prototyping tools | Stickies, shapes, connectors, emotes |
| Precision | High (pixel-perfect layout) | Low (freeform) |
| Export Options | PNG, SVG, PDF, code snippets | PNG, PDF |
| Best For | Designers, developers | Teams, product managers, stakeholders |
When to Use Each
- Start with FigJam to collect ideas, outline features, and agree on direction as a team.
- Switch to Figma when it’s time to design screens, build components, and prepare for handoff.
Final Thoughts
Figma and FigJam are two sides of the same creative process. Use FigJam to align your team and define the what—then turn to Figma to execute the how. The best teams use both tools seamlessly, moving from sticky notes to polished screens in one integrated platform.
Designilo 