rysasahrialWhen it comes to designing modern, user-friendly interfaces, two tools stand out in the design community: Figma and Adobe XD. Both are powerful, popular, and widely used by designers around the world. However, if you’re starting a new project or looking to switch tools, the question remains: Which is better for UI/UX design — Figma or Adobe XD?
In this detailed guide, we’ll compare Figma and Adobe XD in terms of features, performance, collaboration, pricing, and overall usability. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which design tool fits your workflow best.
Overview of Figma
Figma is a cloud-based design tool that has quickly become the go-to platform for UI and UX designers. One of its key strengths is its real-time collaboration feature, making it similar to how Google Docs allows multiple users to work simultaneously. Designers, developers, and stakeholders can all view, edit, and comment without needing to download additional software.
- Platform: Web-based with desktop apps for Windows and macOS
- Collaboration: Real-time multi-user editing
- Plugins & Widgets: Large community-driven library
- Pricing: Free tier available with paid upgrades
Overview of Adobe XD
Adobe XD, part of the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem, is a vector-based design tool that focuses on speed and efficiency. It is especially popular among designers already invested in Adobe’s ecosystem, as it integrates seamlessly with tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. Unlike Figma, Adobe XD is not entirely cloud-based, though it does offer cloud document support for collaboration.
- Platform: Desktop apps for Windows and macOS
- Collaboration: Coediting feature and cloud documents
- Plugins: Wide selection but not as extensive as Figma
- Pricing: Requires Creative Cloud subscription
Feature Comparison: Figma vs Adobe XD
| Feature | Figma | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | Real-time collaboration with unlimited team members | Coediting available, but not as seamless |
| Cross-platform | Works in browser + desktop apps | Desktop-only, limited web support |
| Plugins | Extensive community-driven plugins and widgets | Good plugin support, but smaller library |
| Prototyping | Built-in with interactive components | Built-in, smooth transitions, voice triggers |
| Learning Curve | Beginner-friendly with quick onboarding | Slightly steeper, easier for Adobe users |
| Pricing | Free tier with professional upgrades | Subscription required |
Ease of Use and Collaboration
If you’re working with a distributed team, Figma is unbeatable. Its real-time collaboration ensures that designers, developers, and even non-technical stakeholders can provide feedback without any installation. On the other hand, Adobe XD allows collaboration but requires Creative Cloud accounts and doesn’t feel as seamless as Figma’s web-first approach.
Integration with Other Tools
Adobe XD shines if you’re already an Adobe user. It integrates smoothly with Photoshop and Illustrator, which can be very useful for advanced image editing and asset creation. Meanwhile, Figma integrates well with productivity tools like Slack, Notion, and Jira, making it a strong choice for teams that rely heavily on collaboration and agile workflows.
Performance
Performance is strong in both applications, but Adobe XD is often praised for its speed and responsiveness on desktop. Figma, being web-based, depends heavily on internet speed, though it has improved greatly in offline performance with its desktop apps.
Pricing and Accessibility
Figma offers a free plan that’s generous enough for small teams and individuals, which is one of the main reasons it has gained popularity so quickly. Adobe XD, however, is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, making it more expensive, especially for freelancers or small businesses.
Who Should Use Figma?
Figma is best suited for:
- Remote or distributed teams that need real-time collaboration
- Designers looking for a cost-effective option
- Agile teams that rely on integrations with other tools
Who Should Use Adobe XD?
Adobe XD is best suited for:
- Designers already using Adobe Creative Cloud
- Users who prefer desktop-first performance
- Teams with existing Adobe ecosystem workflows
Conclusion
Both Figma and Adobe XD are excellent UI design tools, but they serve slightly different audiences. If you value collaboration, accessibility, and affordability, Figma is the clear winner. If you’re deeply invested in Adobe’s ecosystem and want tight integration with tools like Photoshop, Adobe XD may be better suited for you.
Want to explore more about modern UI/UX design workflows? Check out this in-depth resource on Interaction Design Foundation for professional design insights.
