Digital Chirrup
Principle

Principle

Mac app for animated, interactive UI design and prototyping.

1. Overview

Principle is a macOS-based design tool for creating animated and interactive user interfaces. It allows designers to build sophisticated micro-interactions and transitions using a timeline editor and intuitive visual interface. With native support for Figma and Sketch imports, Principle is ideal for designers working on high-fidelity UI animations for mobile, desktop, or web applications. It's especially suited for solo designers and teams focused on visual storytelling and interaction motion.

2. Key Features

  • Timeline editor – animate layers and properties with keyframes

  • Component-based design – create reusable interactive elements

  • Drivers system – animate based on scroll, hover, and gesture inputs

  • Figma and Sketch import – bring in UI designs seamlessly

  • Real-time preview – test animations instantly on Mac

  • Principle Mirror – preview designs live on iOS devices

  • Custom transitions – link screens with animated interactions

  • Vector editing tools – tweak designs directly in the app

  • Video and GIF export – share animations with stakeholders

  • Offline usage – fully functional without an internet connection

3. Type / Platform / Pricing / Integrations

  • Type:
    Prototyping, UI Design, AI Visuals
    Principle supports motion design, animated UI prototyping, and visual storytelling with precision control over transitions and interactions.

  • Platform:
    macOS
    Principle is a native macOS application. Preview available via iOS app.

  • Pricing:
    • Free Download – try the app before purchasing (no time limit specified)
    • Paid License – $129 one-time payment per user
    Includes all features and one year of free updates. You can keep using the app forever or purchase another year of updates later.

  • Integrations:
    • Figma, Sketch
    • Productivity & Collaboration: None listed
    • API Access: Not available

4. Best For

  • Designers building animated and interactive UI flows

  • Mobile UI and motion designers working on micro-interactions

  • Visual storytellers prototyping transitions and gestures

  • Teams needing offline design and animation tools

Categories

Integrations
Sketch
Figma
Platform
macOS
<h2>Mac app for animated, interactive UI design and prototyping.</h2><hr><h3><strong>1. Overview</strong></h3><p>Principle is a macOS-based design tool for creating animated and interactive user interfaces. It allows designers to build sophisticated micro-interactions and transitions using a timeline editor and intuitive visual interface. With native support for Figma and Sketch imports, Principle is ideal for designers working on high-fidelity UI animations for mobile, desktop, or web applications. It's especially suited for solo designers and teams focused on visual storytelling and interaction motion.</p><hr><h3><strong>2. Key Features</strong></h3><ul><li><p><strong>Timeline editor</strong> – animate layers and properties with keyframes</p></li><li><p><strong>Component-based design</strong> – create reusable interactive elements</p></li><li><p><strong>Drivers system</strong> – animate based on scroll, hover, and gesture inputs</p></li><li><p><strong>Figma and Sketch import</strong> – bring in UI designs seamlessly</p></li><li><p><strong>Real-time preview</strong> – test animations instantly on Mac</p></li><li><p><strong>Principle Mirror</strong> – preview designs live on iOS devices</p></li><li><p><strong>Custom transitions</strong> – link screens with animated interactions</p></li><li><p><strong>Vector editing tools</strong> – tweak designs directly in the app</p></li><li><p><strong>Video and GIF export</strong> – share animations with stakeholders</p></li><li><p><strong>Offline usage</strong> – fully functional without an internet connection</p></li></ul><hr><h3><strong>3. Type / Platform / Pricing / Integrations</strong></h3><ul><li><p><strong>Type:</strong><br><code>Prototyping</code>, <code>UI Design</code>, <code>AI Visuals</code><br>Principle supports motion design, animated UI prototyping, and visual storytelling with precision control over transitions and interactions.</p></li><li><p><strong>Platform:</strong><br><code>macOS</code><br>Principle is a native macOS application. Preview available via iOS app.</p></li><li><p><strong>Pricing:</strong><br>• <strong>Free Download</strong> – try the app before purchasing (no time limit specified)<br>• <strong>Paid License</strong> – $129 one-time payment per user<br>Includes all features and one year of free updates. You can keep using the app forever or purchase another year of updates later.</p></li><li><p><strong>Integrations:</strong><br>• <code>Figma</code>, <code>Sketch</code><br>• Productivity &amp; Collaboration: None listed<br>• API Access: Not available</p></li></ul><hr><h3><strong>4. Best For</strong></h3><ul><li><p>Designers building animated and interactive UI flows</p></li><li><p>Mobile UI and motion designers working on micro-interactions</p></li><li><p>Visual storytellers prototyping transitions and gestures</p></li><li><p>Teams needing offline design and animation tools</p></li></ul><hr>