View all Design Version Control Alternatives
Best Free Alternatives to Abstract
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Category: Design Version ControlVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Figma (Built-in Versioning)
FREEThe Most Practical Alternative
Why we like it
No extra software needed; real-time collaboration eliminates the need for merging; version history is automatically saved for up to 30 days (unlimited on Pro).
Keep in mind
Lacks 'True Branching' in the lower tiers; version history is less granular and harder to 'Diff' (compare) than Abstract.
Penpot
FREEBest Open-Source Alternative
Why we like it
100% free; open-source and self-hostable; uses SVG as its native format; built-in collaboration and versioning for cross-functional teams.
Keep in mind
Smaller community plugin ecosystem; version control features are simpler than Abstract's enterprise-grade branches.
Plant
FREEBest Lightweight Sketch Tool
Why we like it
Extremely fast and lightweight compared to Abstract; integrates directly as a Sketch plugin; offers a free tier for small projects.
Keep in mind
Niche tool with a smaller user base; lacks the advanced 'Notebook' review system found in modern Abstract.
Kactus
FREEBest for Git-Savvy Designers
Why we like it
A true open-source tool that allows designers to use standard Git (GitHub/Bitbucket) to manage Sketch files; zero licensing fees.
Keep in mind
Not officially updated in recent years; requires technical knowledge of Git CLI or Desktop apps; supports Sketch only.
Sketch (Built-in Workspace)
Best Native Native Choice
Why we like it
Sketch has integrated its own Cloud Workspace with versioning and developer handoff; no need for 3rd party plugins; significantly faster sync.
Keep in mind
Handoff and versioning are not as logically 'isolated' as in Abstract; lacks the structured merge-request workflow.
Simetria
Best Minimalist Alternative
Why we like it
Focuses on 'Visual Diffs'—showing exactly what changed between two versions of a screen; very clean and modern interface.
Keep in mind
Primarily an inspection and comparison tool, rather than a full-scale branch-management system.
Git LFS (Large File Storage)
FREEBest for Technical/Dev Teams
Why we like it
The actual industry-standard for managing large binary files (like .sketch or .psd) within a standard coding repo; zero cost if using GitHub/GitLab.
Keep in mind
No visual UI; designers must use the terminal or a Git GUI (like Sourcetree); no 'Visual Diff' for comparing design changes.
Folio
FREEBest Legacy Mac Support
Why we like it
A simple, beautiful Mac app that brings version control to your local folders; works with any file type (Photoshop, Sketch, Illustrator).
Keep in mind
Mostly a local-first tool; collaboration is less fluid for remote teams compared to cloud-native platforms.
Versions
Best Subversion (SVN) Client
Why we like it
Highly reliable for teams still using SVN repositories for design assets; excellent timeline visualization.
Keep in mind
SVN is largely considered a legacy protocol in 2025; much slower than modern Git-based systems.
Adobe XD (Version History)
Best for Adobe Ecosystem
Why we like it
Native cloud document versioning; allows you to mark specific versions as 'named milestones' for easy retrieval.
Keep in mind
Adobe has largely deprioritized XD development in favor of its Figma partnership; limited branching capabilities.
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