Figma to Lottie vs. Adobe After Effects

Subtle and simple animations are a great way to get your portfolio noticed.

Figma's Lottie export feature and Adobe After Effects are both tools that designers use to create web animations, but they serve different purposes and excel in distinct areas. Here's a comparison:

Feature Figma to Lottie Adobe After Effects
Primary Purpose Creating simple animations directly from Figma designs for web and app integration. Designing advanced motion graphics, compositing, and visual effects for video and multimedia.
Best Suited For - Lightweight web animations (buttons, loaders, icons).
- Exporting animations as JSON-based Lottie files for developers.
- Quick prototyping of animated interactions.
- High-quality motion graphics.
- Advanced video animations.
- Special effects for films, ads, or multimedia campaigns.
Animation Style Basic animations using vector elements and transitions created in Figma. Layer-based animations with effects like motion tracking, particle systems, and 3D compositions.
Interactivity Lottie animations exported from Figma can support interactivity, allowing developers to integrate user-triggered animations, such as hover effects or click-based motions. After Effects does not natively support interactivity. However, animations can be converted into Lottie files via plugins like Bodymovin to add interactivity using code.
Looping Lottie files exported from Figma can be set to loop or not loop when embedded into a web page, making them versatile for various use cases. Animations created in After Effects can also be exported as Lottie files using plugins, enabling the same control over looping settings when integrated into web pages.
Output Formats Lottie JSON files, which are lightweight and compatible with web and mobile apps. Video formats like MP4, MOV, and composited assets for further editing. Lottie JSON files can be exported using plugins like Bodymovin.
Learning Curve Easy to learn, especially for those familiar with Figma’s interface. Requires minimal technical expertise. Steep learning curve due to its extensive feature set and complex tools.
Complexity of Effects Limited to simple transitions, shape animations, and basic motion effects. Handles highly complex effects such as 3D camera movements, advanced masking, and dynamic simulations.
Integration Seamlessly integrates with developer tools like Lottie for web and mobile animations. Works well with Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and other tools for video and post-production pipelines.
Platform Support Optimized for web and mobile applications where lightweight animations are essential. Best for high-end systems and projects requiring professional-grade video editing and compositing.
Example Uses - Animated app icons.
- Loading screens.
- Button hover effects.
- Film title sequences.
- Kinetic typography.
- Special effects in ads and movies.

Key Differences

Purpose:

  • Figma to Lottie is designed for simple, lightweight animations that integrate seamlessly into web and app projects.
  • Adobe After Effects is a robust tool for creating cinematic motion graphics and detailed video effects.

Complexity:

  • Figma to Lottie is user-friendly and ideal for designers with minimal animation experience.
  • After Effects requires a more advanced skill set to leverage its powerful capabilities.

Interactivity and Looping:

  • Figma to Lottie provides developers with the ability to add interactivity to animations and easily toggle looping settings in web or app environments.
  • After Effects animations, when exported as Lottie files using plugins like Bodymovin, can also support interactivity and looping options.

When to Use Which?

Use Figma to Lottie if:

  • You’re designing lightweight animations for web or mobile apps.
  • You need a fast, simple workflow for interactive design elements.
  • You want easy control over looping or non-looping animations.

Use Adobe After Effects if:

  • You’re creating detailed motion graphics, visual effects, or video projects.
  • You need tools for compositing and advanced animation techniques.
  • You’re willing to export animations as Lottie files for interactivity and looping capabilities.

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