What’s the difference between atomic design and design systems?

Atomic design breaks UI into atoms (buttons), molecules (input + label), organisms (form blocks), templates, and pages. It’s a way to think modularly. A design system is broader—it includes guidelines, tokens, components, documentation, and collaboration practices. You can use atomic principles within a design system, but they’re not the same thing.

10,000+ designers

Stay up to date

Get valuable design tips, exclusive offers, and more—straight to your inbox. We don’t spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.

10,000+ designers

Stay up to date

Get valuable design tips, exclusive offers, and more—straight to your inbox. We don’t spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.

10,000+ designers

Stay up to date

Get valuable design tips, exclusive offers, and more—straight to your inbox. We don’t spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.

10,000+ designers

Stay up to date

Get valuable design tips, exclusive offers, and more—straight to your inbox. We don’t spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.