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Design Collaboration Tools for Agencies and Studios Reviews 2025 | Top 4 Data-Driven Picks

Albert Richer
Curated by :
Albert Richer
Updated Nov 22, 2025

Looking for the full range of tools? Explore our main Product Design Collaboration Platforms guide.

Design Collaboration Tools for Agencies and Studios
Albert Richer

Unpacking the Best Design Collaboration Tools: What Customers Really Think and What Experts Recommend When it comes to design collaboration tools for agencies and studios, market research shows that not all platforms are created equal. For instance, many users report that tools like Figma stand out for their real-time collaboration features, which are consistently praised in customer reviews for enhancing team communication. Unpacking the Best Design Collaboration Tools: What Customers Really Think and What Experts Recommend When it comes to design collaboration tools for agencies and studios, market research shows that not all platforms are created equal.

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1
Expert Score
9.8 / 10
642
52
REAL-TIME CO-EDITING
DESIGN PROTOTYPING
REAL-TIME CO-EDITING
DESIGN PROTOTYPING
CROSS-PLATFORM GENIUS
CLIENT-FRIENDLY
CREATIVE POWERHOUSE
USER TESTING READY
1
Figma
9.8

Figma

Figma
View Website
Free plan available, Professional plan at $15/editor/month, Organization plan available
REAL-TIME CO-EDITING
DESIGN PROTOTYPING
REAL-TIME CO-EDITING
DESIGN PROTOTYPING
CROSS-PLATFORM GENIUS
CLIENT-FRIENDLY
CREATIVE POWERHOUSE
USER TESTING READY

Why We Love It

What sets Figma apart in the design industry is its collaborative nature. Teams can work together in real-time, reducing friction and misunderstandings, and ultimately improving project efficiency. Its cloud-based nature eliminates the need for asset syncing and versioning. Figma's easy sharing and feedback collection capabilities keep everyone involved and up-to-date, making it an invaluable tool for design studios.

Pros

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Rich design features
  • Integrated prototyping and testing tools
  • Cloud-based
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

  • Might be overwhelming for beginners
  • Limited offline capabilities
  • Requires robust internet connection

Free plan available, Professional plan at $15/editor/month, Organization plan available

Figma is a game-changer for design agencies and studios, offering a seamless, collaborative platform for product design. Its real-time co-editing capability coupled with a robust set of design tools and components makes it ideal for teams working on complex projects. Figma's versatility in design prototyping and user testing gives studios the edge in meeting client expectations.

Pros

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Rich design features
  • Integrated prototyping and testing tools
  • Cloud-based
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

  • Might be overwhelming for beginners
  • Limited offline capabilities
  • Requires robust internet connection
REAL-TIME CO-EDITING
DESIGN PROTOTYPING
REAL-TIME CO-EDITING
DESIGN PROTOTYPING
CROSS-PLATFORM GENIUS
CLIENT-FRIENDLY
CREATIVE POWERHOUSE
USER TESTING READY

Why We Love It

What sets Figma apart in the design industry is its collaborative nature. Teams can work together in real-time, reducing friction and misunderstandings, and ultimately improving project efficiency. Its cloud-based nature eliminates the need for asset syncing and versioning. Figma's easy sharing and feedback collection capabilities keep everyone involved and up-to-date, making it an invaluable tool for design studios.

Pros

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Rich design features
  • Integrated prototyping and testing tools
  • Cloud-based
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

  • Might be overwhelming for beginners
  • Limited offline capabilities
  • Requires robust internet connection

Why We Love It

What sets Figma apart in the design industry is its collaborative nature. Teams can work together in real-time, reducing friction and misunderstandings, and ultimately improving project efficiency. Its cloud-based nature eliminates the need for asset syncing and versioning. Figma's easy sharing and feedback collection capabilities keep everyone involved and up-to-date, making it an invaluable tool for design studios.

Free plan available, Professional plan at $15/editor/month, Organization plan available

Figma is a game-changer for design agencies and studios, offering a seamless, collaborative platform for product design. Its real-time co-editing capability coupled with a robust set of design tools and components makes it ideal for teams working on complex projects. Figma's versatility in design prototyping and user testing gives studios the edge in meeting client expectations.

2
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
424
121
2
Canva Collaboration Tools
9.5

Canva Collaboration Tools

Canva Collaboration Tools
View Website
Free plan available, Pro version at $12.95/month, Enterprise pricing available

Why We Love It

Canva's collaboration tools have revolutionized the way creative teams operate, making it an indispensable part of many agencies and studios. We love how it addresses industry-specific requirements with its all-in-one platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools. Its drag-and-drop interface, extensive template library, and real-time collaboration features make it a favorite among design professionals.

Pros

  • Tailored for creative workflows
  • Efficient collaboration features
  • Intuitive interface
  • Large template library
  • Real-time feedback and approval process

Cons

  • Limited offline capabilities
  • Advanced features only in paid plans

Free plan available, Pro version at $12.95/month, Enterprise pricing available

Canva offers a unique solution to creative agencies and studios, with its robust suite of visual collaboration tools. It streamlines the creative process from brainstorming to publishing, enabling seamless team collaboration, efficient feedback exchange, and swift approvals. This platform is tailor-made for the dynamic needs of the design industry.

Pros

  • Tailored for creative workflows
  • Efficient collaboration features
  • Intuitive interface
  • Large template library
  • Real-time feedback and approval process

Cons

  • Limited offline capabilities
  • Advanced features only in paid plans

Why We Love It

Canva's collaboration tools have revolutionized the way creative teams operate, making it an indispensable part of many agencies and studios. We love how it addresses industry-specific requirements with its all-in-one platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools. Its drag-and-drop interface, extensive template library, and real-time collaboration features make it a favorite among design professionals.

Pros

  • Tailored for creative workflows
  • Efficient collaboration features
  • Intuitive interface
  • Large template library
  • Real-time feedback and approval process

Cons

  • Limited offline capabilities
  • Advanced features only in paid plans

Why We Love It

Canva's collaboration tools have revolutionized the way creative teams operate, making it an indispensable part of many agencies and studios. We love how it addresses industry-specific requirements with its all-in-one platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools. Its drag-and-drop interface, extensive template library, and real-time collaboration features make it a favorite among design professionals.

Free plan available, Pro version at $12.95/month, Enterprise pricing available

Canva offers a unique solution to creative agencies and studios, with its robust suite of visual collaboration tools. It streamlines the creative process from brainstorming to publishing, enabling seamless team collaboration, efficient feedback exchange, and swift approvals. This platform is tailor-made for the dynamic needs of the design industry.

3
Expert Score
9.2 / 10
481
134
CROSS-PLATFORM GENIUS
CLIENT-FRIENDLY
TASK MASTER
INTEGRATED BILLING
3
ActiveCollab: Agency Collaboration Tool
9.2

ActiveCollab: Agency Collaboration Tool

ActiveCollab: Agency Collaboration Tool
View Website
Starting at $7/user/month, Free trial available, Enterprise pricing available
CROSS-PLATFORM GENIUS
CLIENT-FRIENDLY
TASK MASTER
INTEGRATED BILLING

Why We Love It

ActiveCollab is a one-stop-shop for agencies and studios, facilitating seamless collaboration and efficient project management. Its robust set of features are tailored to the specific needs of creative professionals, allowing for detailed task organization, easy communication, and precise time tracking. Plus, with its built-in invoicing and billing tools, it makes financial management a breeze. This is why industry professionals love it.

Pros

  • Comprehensive project management
  • Easy collaboration between teams and clients
  • Intuitive interface
  • Strong billing and time tracking features

Cons

  • Additional cost for guest users
  • Limited customization options
  • Can be overwhelming for new users

Starting at $7/user/month, Free trial available, Enterprise pricing available

ActiveCollab is a comprehensive workspace solution designed specifically for service businesses, agencies, and studios. It streamlines task, project, team, client, and billing management, addressing the unique needs of creative professionals working in a collaborative environment.

Pros

  • Comprehensive project management
  • Easy collaboration between teams and clients
  • Intuitive interface
  • Strong billing and time tracking features

Cons

  • Additional cost for guest users
  • Limited customization options
  • Can be overwhelming for new users
CROSS-PLATFORM GENIUS
CLIENT-FRIENDLY
TASK MASTER
INTEGRATED BILLING

Why We Love It

ActiveCollab is a one-stop-shop for agencies and studios, facilitating seamless collaboration and efficient project management. Its robust set of features are tailored to the specific needs of creative professionals, allowing for detailed task organization, easy communication, and precise time tracking. Plus, with its built-in invoicing and billing tools, it makes financial management a breeze. This is why industry professionals love it.

Pros

  • Comprehensive project management
  • Easy collaboration between teams and clients
  • Intuitive interface
  • Strong billing and time tracking features

Cons

  • Additional cost for guest users
  • Limited customization options
  • Can be overwhelming for new users

Why We Love It

ActiveCollab is a one-stop-shop for agencies and studios, facilitating seamless collaboration and efficient project management. Its robust set of features are tailored to the specific needs of creative professionals, allowing for detailed task organization, easy communication, and precise time tracking. Plus, with its built-in invoicing and billing tools, it makes financial management a breeze. This is why industry professionals love it.

Starting at $7/user/month, Free trial available, Enterprise pricing available

ActiveCollab is a comprehensive workspace solution designed specifically for service businesses, agencies, and studios. It streamlines task, project, team, client, and billing management, addressing the unique needs of creative professionals working in a collaborative environment.

4
Expert Score
8.8 / 10
405
128
4
Cage: Online Media Collaboration
8.8

Cage: Online Media Collaboration

Cage: Online Media Collaboration
View Website
Pricing starts at $25/month, Free plan available, Enterprise pricing available

Why We Love It

We love Cage because it fills a niche in the design industry that is often overlooked. Its toolset is designed with the needs of design teams at heart – from the ability to give detailed feedback directly on designs, to convenient file versioning and project organization. It completely streamlines the design process, making collaboration and project management a breeze. It's a must-have for any design professional in need of an efficient collaboration tool.

Pros

  • Efficient project workflows
  • Seamless media collaboration
  • Tailored for design teams
  • Intuitive interface
  • File versioning

Cons

  • Limited free tier
  • Requires internet connection
  • May require training for best use

Pricing starts at $25/month, Free plan available, Enterprise pricing available

Cage is a SaaS solution specifically designed for designers, agencies, and in-house teams. It streamlines project workflows and facilitates seamless collaboration on media projects. It addresses industry-specific needs of quick feedback, project organization, and team collaboration on design work.

Pros

  • Efficient project workflows
  • Seamless media collaboration
  • Tailored for design teams
  • Intuitive interface
  • File versioning

Cons

  • Limited free tier
  • Requires internet connection
  • May require training for best use

Why We Love It

We love Cage because it fills a niche in the design industry that is often overlooked. Its toolset is designed with the needs of design teams at heart – from the ability to give detailed feedback directly on designs, to convenient file versioning and project organization. It completely streamlines the design process, making collaboration and project management a breeze. It's a must-have for any design professional in need of an efficient collaboration tool.

Pros

  • Efficient project workflows
  • Seamless media collaboration
  • Tailored for design teams
  • Intuitive interface
  • File versioning

Cons

  • Limited free tier
  • Requires internet connection
  • May require training for best use

Why We Love It

We love Cage because it fills a niche in the design industry that is often overlooked. Its toolset is designed with the needs of design teams at heart – from the ability to give detailed feedback directly on designs, to convenient file versioning and project organization. It completely streamlines the design process, making collaboration and project management a breeze. It's a must-have for any design professional in need of an efficient collaboration tool.

Pricing starts at $25/month, Free plan available, Enterprise pricing available

Cage is a SaaS solution specifically designed for designers, agencies, and in-house teams. It streamlines project workflows and facilitates seamless collaboration on media projects. It addresses industry-specific needs of quick feedback, project organization, and team collaboration on design work.

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1ActiveCollab: Agency Collaboration Tool
 Yes No Yes - 14 days Yes Yes No Not specified Slack, QuickBooks, Xero No $7/user/month
2Figma
 Yes Yes Yes - 30 days Yes Yes No SOC 2 Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira Yes $15/editor/month
3Cage: Online Media Collaboration
 No Yes Yes - 14 days No No No Not specified Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Drive, Slack No $25/month
4Canva Collaboration Tools
 Yes Yes Yes - 30 days Yes No No Not specified Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack Enterprise plans only $12.95/month
1

ActiveCollab: Agency Collaboration Tool

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Slack, QuickBooks, Xero
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$7/user/month
2

Figma

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 30 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$15/editor/month
3

Cage: Online Media Collaboration

Has Mobile App
No
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Drive, Slack
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$25/month
4

Canva Collaboration Tools

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 30 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack
Supports SSO
Enterprise plans only
Starting Price
$12.95/month

Similar Categories

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Product Design Systems and Component Libraries
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Design Collaboration Platforms for Product and UX Squads
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How We Rank Products

How We Evaluate Products

Our Evaluation Process

The 'How We Choose' section for design collaboration tools for agencies and studios is grounded in an objective analysis of key factors such as specifications, features, customer reviews, ratings, and overall value. Important considerations in this category include ease of use, integration capabilities, collaborative features, and scalability, as these directly impact agency workflows and project efficiency. The research methodology focuses on comparing product specifications and functionalities, analyzing customer feedback from various platforms, and reviewing ratings to assess user satisfaction. Rankings are determined by evaluating the price-to-value ratio and the overall effectiveness of each tool in facilitating collaboration among design teams.

Verification

  • Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of design collaboration features and user needs.
  • Rankings based on a thorough analysis of specifications, user reviews, and expert ratings specific to agency and studio requirements.
  • Selection criteria focus on collaboration efficiency, integration capabilities, and user satisfaction within design environments.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions from other affiliate partners.

Frequently Asked Questions About Design Collaboration Tools for Agencies and Studios

What makes a design collaboration tools for agencies and studios the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your design collaboration tools for agencies and studios recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of design collaboration tools for agencies and studios?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.

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Score Breakdown

0.0 / 10
Excellent

What This Award Means