Native macOS prototyping tool for designing animated, interactive UI with a timeline; imports from Figma and Sketch, exports to web, video, or GIF.
Why we recommend it
Principle is still the fastest way to prototype micro-interactions that feel native, and its one-time price is fair for what it does. The honest caveats: macOS only, and development has been maintenance-mode for years.
Strengths
- Driver-based animation timeline produces high-fidelity, native-feeling micro-interaction prototypes that feel like real apps
- Imports screens from Figma and Sketch with intelligent merging, and shares via web link, video/GIF export, and iOS Mirror preview
Drawbacks
- macOS-only with no Windows, Linux, or web version, creating workflow gaps in cross-platform teams and no real-time cloud collaboration
- Feature development has largely stalled since Anima's 2019 acquisition: no gradients or conditional logic, limited vector editing, and community reports updates are only compatibility fixes
How much does Principle cost?
$129 one-time — One-time purchase.
The vendor’s published list price, checked by hand and excluding tax. Team, education and non-profit rates are often lower than the figure above, and annual billing is usually cheaper than monthly. Compare what every tool in the directory costs.
Frequently asked questions
Principle is not free. Pricing: $129 one-time.
Principle is priced at $129 one-time.
macOS-only with no Windows, Linux, or web version, creating workflow gaps in cross-platform teams and no real-time cloud collaboration. Feature development has largely stalled since Anima's 2019 acquisition: no gradients or conditional logic, limited vector editing, and community reports updates are only compatibility fixes.
Principle is best suited for Freelancer, Product Designer, Student.
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