Principle

Overview

Principle is a native macOS application that enables designers to create animated and interactive user interfaces for apps, web, and desktop. It combines timeline-based animation tools with multi-screen prototyping capabilities, allowing designers to visualize complete app flows and experiment with custom interactions without pre-defined constraints.

The app imports designs from Figma or Sketch, intelligently merging updates when you re-import. Share prototypes to the web with one click for viewing across Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS—friends interact with your work directly in the browser.

Key Benefits

• Design multi-screen app flows with a bird's-eye view of all screens in one workspace.
• Create custom animations and interactions without being limited to pre-defined transitions.
• Import designs from Figma or Sketch and intelligently merge changes on re-import.
• Share prototypes to the web with a single click for cross-platform viewing and interaction.
• Record and export animations as video or GIF for sharing on Dribbble, Twitter, and social media.
• Design for mobile, web, and desktop using device presets or custom artboard sizes.

How It Works

You import your Figma or Sketch design into Principle, then use the timeline to set up animations with custom bounce, ease, and pop effects. Add interactions by creating connections between screens or defining hover and scroll events for web and desktop prototypes. Share the finished prototype to the web, and viewers can interact with it directly in their browser without installing anything.

Use Cases

• Mobile app designers creating interactive prototypes to test user flows and validate interaction design before development.
• Design consultants building custom interactions for clients when pre-built tool options feel limiting or inadequate.
• Product designers at tech companies prototyping micro-interactions and animations to communicate design intent to engineering teams.
• Web designers building interactive prototypes with hover events and scroll interactions for desktop and responsive web products.
• Design educators teaching animation and prototyping principles in a timeline-based, visual environment.

Why Choose This Product

Principle suits designers who value control over pre-defined templates and need a lightweight native macOS application. The product is best for teams and individuals already using Figma or Sketch who want to animate and prototype designs without learning a new interface paradigm. The 14-day free trial counts only days you actually use the app, reducing time pressure to evaluate.