Adobe XD vs Figma: Which Design Tool Is Better?
Adobe XD vs Figma: A Head-to-Head Comparison for Designers, Adobe XD vs Figma: Which Tool is Right for You? Figma vs Adobe XD: Which Design Tool Reigns Supreme for UI/UX Design? Adobe XD vs Figma: Is One Really Better Than the Other?
The design world is buzzing with Adobe’s recent buy of Figma. This has made the debate over the top UI design tool even fiercer. Figma and Adobe XD are both fighting for the top spot in wireframing software and prototyping platforms. It’s important to know what each tool offers to find the best one for your design collaboration and user experience design needs.
Key Takeaways
- Figma is mainly a web-based program that works on any platform. Adobe XD is a desktop app for Windows and macOS.
- Figma has a strong free tier, while Adobe XD now requires a subscription with a 7-day free trial.
- Figma’s vector drawing and Auto layout tool give it an edge in design and responsiveness.
- Figma focuses on team work, offering real-time co-editing and commenting.
- Adobe XD works well with the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem.
What is Figma?
Figma is a top-notch tool for designing and prototyping interfaces. It’s become very popular among UX/UI designers in recent years. It’s mainly used online, but you can also download a desktop app for macOS and Windows.
Figma stands out because of its easy-to-use interface and many features. Designers love its real-time editing, commenting, and version control. These features make teamwork and design processes smoother. It also has great integration and “Dev Mode” for designers and developers, making handoffs and workflows easier.
Figma is not just about being online and working together. It has powerful tools like Auto Layout, Variables, and advanced interactions. These help designers make interactive and responsive interfaces. Plus, its price range of $12 – $75 makes it a top choice for many designers.
Figma keeps getting better, staying ahead in the design world. It meets the changing needs of designers and teams. As it grows, Figma will likely shape the future of digital product design.
Figma’s Key Features
- Real-time collaboration and version control
- Intuitive interface and comprehensive design tools
- Responsive design capabilities with Auto Layout
- Seamless integration with developer workflows through “Dev Mode”
- Competitive pricing structure with a robust free tier
Figma’s success comes from its focus on users and adapting to design teams’ needs. As design evolves, Figma’s innovative spirit and support for designers keep it a top player in UX/UI tools.
Figma web link: www.figma.com
What is Adobe XD?
Adobe XD is a vector-based design tool for making user interfaces (UI) for mobile and web applications. It’s a lightweight tool that focuses on rapid design and prototyping iterations. This makes it a favorite among interface designers.
One big plus of Adobe XD is how well it works with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps. Designers can use a wide range of creative assets and tools in the same place. But, Adobe XD’s plugin library is smaller than Figma’s.
Looking at pricing and plans, Adobe XD needs a Creative Cloud subscription, starting at $35.99 per month. This gives access to advanced features. On the other hand, Figma offers a free plan for small projects. This makes it easier for individual designers and small teams to use.
Choosing between Adobe XD and Figma depends on your design needs and what you value most. If you want seamless integration with other Adobe tools and strong prototyping capabilities, Adobe XD might be the best choice. But, if you need collaboration, accessibility, and a flexible pricing model, Figma could be better for you.
Supported Platforms
Figma and Adobe XD have different ways of supporting platforms. Figma is a web-based tool that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux with an internet connection. It also has a desktop app for when you’re offline. Adobe XD, however, is a desktop app for Windows and macOS users.
Figma needs an internet connection for full features, especially for teamwork and sharing. But its web-based design makes it more compatible with various platforms. Adobe XD might be better for those who like a dedicated app on their computer.
| Feature | Figma | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Compatibility | Web-based, with desktop app for offline use; supports macOS, Windows, Linux | Desktop app; supports Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and macOS |
| Pricing | Free option with limited features, starting at $15 per month | Part of Adobe Creative Cloud, starting at $59.99 per month |
| Design Tools | Frames with Auto Layout for responsive design | Artboards with Repeat Grid for quick element duplication |
| Vector Editing | Powerful vector networks for intricate illustrations | Strong vector editing capabilities, with the ability to import vectors from Adobe Illustrator |
| Layout and Grids | Supports layout grids and constraints with different grid types | Uses Responsive Resize to adjust element positions based on artboard size |
| Typography | Robust typography tools with the ability to save text properties as styles | Robust typography tools with the ability to save text properties as styles |
| Design Systems | Supports local and team-based design systems | Integrates with Creative Cloud for design system management |
In summary, Figma works on more platforms because it’s web-based. Adobe XD is for those who like a desktop app. Both offer great design tools, but they serve different needs.
Interface
Adobe XD and Figma have similar design tool interfaces. They both have minimal toolbars on the left and top. The main difference is where they place design elements.
Figma is mostly used in the browser. It keeps layers and reusable assets in the left sidebar. This makes it easy for designers to manage these important parts. Adobe XD, on the other hand, puts all design tools in the left sidebar. This gives a more focused interface on the main design tasks.
| Feature | Figma | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Sidebar Placement | Layers and Reusable Assets | Design Tools |
| Interface Focus | Asset Management | Design Functionality |
| Platform | Browser-based | Desktop App |
Both design tool interfaces aim to be efficient and organized. They meet the needs of UX designers. The way tools are placed shows each platform’s design philosophy and what users like.
Design and Layout Tools
Figma and Adobe XD have many design tools. These include vector drawing, shape tools, text, and color options. Figma is better for drawing complex shapes with its pen tool, unlike Adobe XD.
Figma’s frames are more flexible than Sketch’s artboards. They allow nesting and layout grids, giving more freedom. Adobe XD only has artboards, making some projects harder.
Sketch puts symbols on a special page. Figma and Adobe XD don’t, leaving symbols on the canvas. This affects how designs are organized and worked on.
Figma works on many systems, including macOS, Linux, and Windows. It also has mobile apps for iOS and Android. Sketch only works on macOS, and Adobe XD doesn’t work on Windows 7 and 8.
Figma has more features than Adobe XD. It has image editing, a FIGJAM dashboard, and a Smart Selection feature. These help make designs better and easier to work on together.
| Feature | Figma | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System Support | macOS, Linux, Windows | macOS, Windows |
| File Size | 85.8 MB | 2.40 MB |
| Usability Testing | Yes | No |
| Version Control | Yes | No |
| Image Editing | Yes | No |
| Bulleted/Numbered Lists | Yes | No |
| Interactions per UI Element | 1 | 2 |
| Responsive Resizing | Auto Layout | Responsive Resize |
In summary, Figma and Adobe XD both have great design tools. But Figma’s flexibility, wide platform support, and extra features like image editing make it a top choice.
“Figma’s success has prompted Sketch to consider a web version, highlighting the impact of competition in the design tool market.”
Responsive Design
Figma’s Auto layout feature is a big plus for designing responsive interfaces. It lets designers make interfaces that change size based on rules. This makes sure the user experience is good on all screen sizes.
Adobe XD’s Responsive Resize is good but needs more work to match Figma’s ease. Figma’s tools are great for designing, including making things responsive. It’s easy to learn and use.
Figma’s frames help control how things change when content does. This is a big plus over Adobe XD’s feature, which takes more time and effort.
Both Figma and Adobe XD are good for working together. But Figma is better because it’s online and supports unlimited users at once. It’s great for teams working on responsive designs because of its version control and real-time collaboration.
| Feature | Figma | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Responsive Design | Auto layout feature for creating responsive interfaces | Responsive Resize feature, requiring more manual effort |
| Collaboration | Unlimited users, real-time co-editing, robust version control | Limited collaboration features, customizable share links for larger projects |
| Learning Curve | Relatively easy with flexible vector design tools | Slightly steeper learning curve |
In short, Figma is a top pick for designers wanting adaptable interfaces. Its design tools and focus on teamwork make it great for responsive design projects.
Adobe XD vs Figma: Creating and Managing Design Systems
Adobe XD and Figma both have great tools for making and handling design systems. They let designers set up color palettes, font styles, and reusable UI elements. But Adobe XD shines when it comes to sharing and working together on design systems. This is because it works well with the Adobe ecosystem and Creative Cloud Libraries.
Designers using Adobe XD can share and keep design elements in sync across projects and teams. This makes working with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator smoother.
Figma is known for its easy-to-use interface and wide range of design tools. But, it might not be the cheapest choice for design teams. Still, Figma’s online nature and live collaboration features are big hits with UX/UI designers. They love how they can work together on projects, no matter where they are or what device they use.
Both Figma and Adobe XD have strong tools for creating and managing design systems. But Adobe XD’s ecosystem and integration win out. Designers who are used to the Adobe workflow and like the tight integration between tools might prefer Adobe XD for their design system needs.
Collaboration and Sharing
Figma is a web-based app made for team work. It has real-time co-editing, version control, and cloud-based sharing features. The free plan lets you work on up to 3 design files and unlimited personal drafts. The Professional Plan starts at $12 per editor per month, making it great for teams of all sizes. Adobe XD, however, is a desktop app that needs installation and a Creative Cloud subscription for full features.
Figma’s web platform is perfect for real-time co-editing. It lets many designers work on the same file at once. This is great for remote teams and projects with clients. Adobe XD, on the other hand, focuses on version control, letting users go back to older design versions.
Figma also has a big design collaboration community and lots of plugins. This makes it easy to work with other tools. Adobe XD, however, is known for its auto-animate feature. It makes creating complex interactions easy.
Figma’s pricing is more flexible, fitting both solo designers and big teams. Adobe XD starts at $89.99 per month for 20+ Cloud Apps. This makes Figma a better deal for those who don’t need all of Adobe’s tools.
In summary, Figma is great for teams because of its web-based platform, strong collaboration tools, and flexible pricing. Adobe XD is better for big organizations with Adobe Creative Cloud. It’s perfect for structured design-to-development workflows.
Figma vs Adobe XD: Prototyping and Developer Handoff
Both Figma and Adobe XD are great for prototyping and design-to-development workflow. But, they have different features and ease of use.
Figma shines in real-time collaboration. Designers can work together on interactive prototypes in a browser. It’s easy to create demos and handoff assets to developers with clear instructions.
Adobe XD, however, is advanced in prototyping. It offers a more refined experience than Figma and Sketch. Its auto-animate feature makes prototypes smooth, focusing on vibrant UI designs.
Both Figma and Adobe XD make the design-to-development handoff smoother. Figma’s flexible toolbar and real-time collaboration features help designers and developers work together. Adobe XD allows for seamless design across devices, making project editing and handoff efficient.
The choice between Figma and Adobe XD depends on your needs and workflow. Both tools have strong features. But, real-time collaboration, prototyping, and integration with the design ecosystem might influence your decision.
Pricing and Plans
Figma and Adobe XD have different pricing plans. Figma offers a free tier for individuals and small teams, making it great for beginners. Adobe XD, on the other hand, is moving to a subscription model with a 7-day free trial.
Figma’s paid plans start at $12 per editor per month. Adobe XD costs $9.99/month without a Creative Cloud Membership. Figma has a free starter version, unlike Adobe XD, which is more affordable for solo users.
Figma is more budget-friendly, with a free plan for individuals and affordable team plans. It also excels in real-time collaboration, allowing multiple designers to work together.
Adobe XD has many plugins but lacks CSS export, unlike competitors. Figma’s vector editing tools ensure designs are precise and scalable, a feature Adobe XD lacks.
Adobe recently bought Figma for $20B, expecting new features and integrations. Both Figma and Adobe XD have their strengths, catering to different needs and budgets. The choice depends on individual preferences and project needs.
Figma Pricing Options
- Free Starter: Includes 3 Figma and 3 Figjam files with unlimited personal files and collaborators, plus access to plugins, templates, and more.
- Professional: $12 per editor per month annually.
- Organization: $45 per editor per month annually.
- Enterprise: $75 per editor per month annually.
Adobe XD Pricing Options
- Individual Use: Ranging from free to $9.99 per month.
- Business: $22.99 per month.
- Creative Cloud: $54.99 per user per month, including 100GB of cloud storage and access to other Adobe apps.
“Figma’s pricing structure is more cost-effective, with a free plan available for individuals and reasonable subscription tiers for teams, making it a budget-friendly choice for design projects.”
Conclusion
In the design tool comparison of Adobe XD and Figma, both platforms are strong in ux/ui design and prototyping. They have unique features that meet different user needs and workflows. Figma is great for web-based design and teamwork, while Adobe XD fits well with the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Figma’s pricing is attractive, with a free tier and plans starting at $12 to $15 per editor per month. Adobe XD also has a free plan, with individual plans from free to $9.99 and business plans from free to $22.99. Figma’s free plan has more features, like unlimited cloud storage and shared documents.
Choosing between Adobe XD and Figma depends on your design needs, team size, and personal taste. Both tools have features for various workflows and feature differences. By looking at each platform’s strengths, you can pick the best one for your design and teamwork needs.
FAQ
What is Figma?
Figma is a tool for designing interfaces and prototypes. It works mainly in the browser but also has apps for macOS and Windows. It’s known for its easy-to-use interface and strong collaboration features.
What is Adobe XD?
Adobe XD is a tool for designing user interfaces for apps and websites. It’s part of the Adobe family and is known for quick design and prototyping.
What are the supported platforms for Figma and Adobe XD?
Figma works on any platform with an internet connection. It also has a desktop app for offline use. Adobe XD is a desktop app for Windows and macOS. Both need an internet connection for full features, especially for teamwork.
How do the interfaces of Figma and Adobe XD compare?
Both have similar interfaces with minimal toolbars. Figma has layers and assets in the left sidebar. Adobe XD puts all tools in the left sidebar.
What are the key differences in design and layout tools between Figma and Adobe XD?
Both offer many design tools like vector drawing and text. Figma’s vector drawing is more flexible, allowing complex shapes without complex operations needed in Adobe XD.
How do Figma and Adobe XD handle responsive design?
Figma’s Auto layout makes responsive design easy. Adobe XD’s Responsive Resize needs more manual effort for similar results.
How do Figma and Adobe XD compare in creating and managing design systems?
Both can create and manage design systems. Adobe XD is better for sharing and collaborating, thanks to its Adobe ecosystem integration.
What are the key differences in collaboration and sharing between Figma and Adobe XD?
Figma is great for team work with features like real-time editing. Adobe XD also supports collaboration but Figma’s tools are more integrated into the design process.
How do Figma and Adobe XD compare in terms of prototyping and developer handoff?
Both offer strong prototyping features. However, the ease of use and specific features may differ. They also have different approaches to handing off designs to developers.
What are the pricing and plan differences between Figma and Adobe XD?
Figma has a free tier for individuals and small teams. Adobe XD is moving to a subscription model with a 7-day free trial before needing a paid plan.
