What it does
Principle is a native macOS tool for animated and interactive interface prototypes. It combines artboards and timelines, imports Figma or Sketch designs and shares interactive results through the web. A licence is a one-time purchase per computer, with a trial that counts 14 days of actual use.
Principle's timeline adjusts animation timing and easing, while artboards hold the screens in a flow. Importing an updated Figma or Sketch design merges changes into existing work. Device presets and custom artboard sizes support mobile, web and desktop layouts; hover events and mouse-wheel scrolling cover desktop interactions.
Licence and trial
The price is $129 per computer. A purchase includes new features released during the following year, and the installed version can keep working afterwards. Renewal for newer features costs $99 per computer. The trial counts only days when you use Principle, up to 14 days.
Choose an interactive or recorded preview
Share to Web lets people interact with a prototype in their browser without installing the editor. The record feature exports video or an animated GIF for a fixed demonstration. Start by downloading the Mac app, importing the relevant artwork and changing the transition on its timeline. Web viewers can use other platforms, but authoring remains on macOS.
Strengths
- Timeline controls support detailed interface animation.
- Figma and Sketch imports can update existing designs.
- Web sharing lets reviewers open the prototype without installing the editor.
Watch out for
- The editing application runs on macOS
- Licences are sold per computer
- New features released after the first year require a paid renewal
Best for
- Mac designers refining transitions and microinteractions
Sources
- Principle interface animation (Oct 27, 2026)
- Principle licence pricing (Oct 27, 2026)