Figma vs. Adobe XD: Decoding the best design tool

Imagine an intense rivalry between two of the most beloved tools in history: Figma vs Adobe XD. 

Sure, both tools are amazing. But if you had to choose, which tool are you going with? 

It’s like the 2016 movie Captain America: Civil War. Iron Man and his band of heroes went against Captain America and his team. 

It was an epic showdown in cinematic history.

Now, you’ve found yourself in a similar situation. But instead of your beloved fictional characters, you’re faced with choosing between two of the most popular UX design tools — Figma and Adobe XD.

How do you make such a hard choice?

Like in Civil War, the main difference between both tools is simple. It all boils down to perspective and preference.

But don’t worry, we come bearing solutions. 

In this guide, you’ll find a full comparison between the tools.

The point? 

So you can decide for yourself which one is more likely to deliver the results you want.

Let’s get right to it.

Disclaimer: The information below is accurate as of 11 July 2024.

Table of Contents

What is Figma?

What is Adobe XD?

Figma: Pros & Cons

Adobe XD: Pros & Cons

Comparison Point #1: Features

Comparison Point #2: Pricing

Comparison Point #3: User Experience (UX)

Comparison Point #4: Online Reviews

Comparison Point #5: Future of the tool

What is Figma?

Figma is primarily a browser-run design tool. You can use it to create wireframes, build user interfaces, and prototypes. 

“But I’m just a graphic designer.”

Figma can help you with that too, including building high-fidelity mockups, and more. It does, of course, have a desktop app for Windows and macOS users. 

To help you better understand Figma, think of designing digital products as constructing a house. 

What’s the first thing you’ll typically do?

Get a plan from an architect, right? You know, so the building doesn’t look funny when it’s done. 

Changes to the plan are usually made when the project is still in the design phase. 

Anything after that might be quite expensive, time-consuming, and challenging.

In web or product design, Figma plays the role of the architect’s tool, helping UI/UX designers and product designers (the architects) to create a replica of their product. 

In addition, this tool supports collaboration, allowing users to request feedback on their designs and incorporate amendments before handing them over to developers. 

Wondering what exactly Figma can do? Here’s a list:

• Creating icons, logos, and graphic designs.
• Accessing a large library of fonts, colors, and shapes.
• Building a custom content library.
• Co-editing with teammates.
• Designing and testing prototypes.
• Brainstorming ideas in real time.
• Generating code for smooth developer handoff.

Sounds like a pretty handy tool, right?

But before you fall head over heels for Figma, let’s take a look at Figma’s alternative — Adobe XD.

What is Adobe XD?

Adobe XD is a UI/UX design tool for designing websites and mobile apps.

XD is very similar to Figma, especially in areas like prototyping and visual design. 

And that’s not all. 

Beyond designs, Adobe XD also extends its tentacles to creating interactive interfaces for different devices. 

You’ll need help with that one. 

That’s where Adobe XD’s integration with Creative Cloud comes in handy. 

It’ll help you connect with Adobe’s entire software collection —  Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, and more. 

This tool was designed for product managers, graphic artists, UI/UX experts, and the like. And they can use it to:

• Design apps that require dynamic interactions and navigation patterns.
• Create and test the gaming interface.
• Build prototypes of voice assistant design.
• Design modern websites.

So far, we’ve had nothing but love for these tools. But there’s always a catch and it’s only fair we cover everything you need to know about them. Good and bad.

Figma: Pros & Cons

Figma is a tool loved by many. Its influence runs deep in the internet’s digital streets. 

But is it all roses and candy for the design tool or are there hidden truths about Figma you don’t know yet?

Let’s find out together. 

Figma pros

Here are some advantages of using Figma:

• Simple interface. Figma has an easy-to-use interface that’s easy to navigate.
• Cloud-based storage. You can save and access digital files anywhere as long as there’s an internet connection. 
• Quick loading time when working. 
• More than enough plugins for additional features when designing. 
• Team libraries to build a design system with ease.
• Quick and simple file sharing.
• Active customer services.
• Customizable templates for every step of the design process.

Figma cons

And, of course, its disadvantages: 

• No network, no Figma. You need to be online to work on Figma. 
• Sometimes, browser caches can prevent Figma from loading properly. But that’s not a problem, just refresh a few times. 
• Figma tools aren’t always easy to discover on the first attempt.
• Limited version control function. You’ll need a contributor if you wanna make small changes.

That’s it for Figma, let’s now open the secret box for Adobe XD. Who knows what we might find?

Adobe XD: Pros & Cons

Now the interesting thing about XD is that it’s part of a much larger collection of tools from Adobe. 

So it should be a catch, right? After all, it’s from a high-and-mighty design software company. 

Well, let’s find out together. 

Adobe XD pros

Adobe XD offers: 

• Introductory tutorials for new users who wanna use the tool for design. 
• Component library, allowing users to share assets across files.
• Clean interface when working.
• Similar feel to other Adobe products, which is good for existing Adobe users.
• Support for files from other tools like Sketch, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Vector editing when designing.
• Integration with third-party apps aside from the Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Mobile version so you can continue working on the go. 

Adobe XD cons

While XD has some good things going, it does have some limitations. 

• There’s no option to create complex or dynamic shapes. 
• XD doesn’t support real-time collaboration. 
• Considering it’s a desktop, you’ll have to update the software regularly.  
• Exporting CSS code for developers is a li’l difficult without plugins. 
• Previewing live prototypes without a MacBook may be challenging.

Let’s take things up a notch by comparing these two design tools.

Comparison Point #1: Features

In the Figma vs Adobe XD face-off, features play a critical role. Both tools share lots of similarities, from prototyping and UI/UX design to wireframing, mockups, and developer handoff.

That’s all well and good. But what sets them apart? Let’s dive into their unique features.

Figma features

Here are some of the key features you get with this browser-based tool:

• Figma mirror: So you can do a self-check on projects, interact with the design, and see how it works in real time.   
• Internet-supported platform: As a web app, you get to work anywhere there’s internet.
• Real-time collaboration: A web-based workspace where your team can co-edit design files. 
• Branches: Sort of a testing ground for exploring new ideas without altering your main design. 
• Advanced vector creation: You can use the pen tool to create complex shapes and elements in any direction.
• Design inspection: A dev mode for inspecting designs so you can get details such as styles, specs, and measurements. 

Adobe XD features

So, what special abilities does Adobe’s brainchild have to offer? 

• App-based tool: You can use it on Windows, Mac, and even Linux— online or offline. 
• Repeat grid: To automate the process of creating repeated content. 
• Adobe ecosystem: For access to the apps on Adobe’s Creative Cloud.
• File compatibility: Supports a broader array of file formats including PSD, AI, Sketch, SVG, TIFF, BMP, Lottie JSON, PNG, TXT, JPG, and more.
• 3D Transform: To add perspective to your designs, adding a touch of immersive experience. 
• Voice prototyping tool: For setting up voice commands to trigger interactions within a prototype.  

And now, it’s time to break the ice…

Which is better?

When it comes to features, it seems that both Figma and Adobe XD are great UX design tools. Sure, some features of one stand out from the other but using plugins fills the gap. 

So, it’s a tie for this round.

Figma, however, does seem like the better option for teams looking for a tool everyone can use.

But even though XD has collaboration capabilities, it’s not as seamless as Figma. So, you can say it’s a preferred choice for solo designers.

***

Round 1 between Figma and XD completed. Brace for the next round. 

Let’s go!

Comparison Point #2: Pricing

Ah yes, pricing. 

The part you’ve been waiting for–the cost. It’s such an important part of any decision-making process. 

Here’s how much it costs to use Figma and Adobe XD:  

Figma pricing

Figma has four pricing plans to choose from depending on how much work you want done. They include:

Let’s break down each offer for you.

• Starter plan: With Figma’s free version, you’re eligible to create three Figma and FigJam files. 
• Professional plan: You have access to unlimited Figma files, Dev Mode, advanced prototyping, and more. 
• Organization plan: For this tier, you get design system analytics, branching and merging, centralized file management, etc. 
• Enterprise plan: The plan offers dedicated workspaces, guest access control, network access restrictions, expiring public links, and more. 

Adobe XD pricing

Adobe XD is unfortunately no longer available as a standalone app. 

There’s a free plan that lasts only seven days. And for full access, you’ll need an Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps subscription.

Which is better?

When it comes to pricing, it seems Figma is the better option. 

You’ve got plans for freelance designers, design teams, and large organizations. 

Even students and educators aren’t left out. Figma has a discount available for them. 

***

Up next in this epic clash of UX design tools is the user experience round. Brace yourself!

Comparison Point #3: User Experience (UX)

As a UX professional, you know how important good user experience is for your workflow.

It’s like an appetizer that whets your appetite before a delicious meal. If it’s good, you can’t wait to jump into the main dish but if it’s average, you’ll probably just lose interest in the meal. 

So, what category does Figma and Adobe XD’s UX fall into?

Let’s find out. 

Figma UX

You’ve visited Figma’s website. 

What’s the first thing you’ll see? 

Well, a homepage with clear directions showing you how to navigate the app. 

You’ll also find a menu bar at the top with relevant items like resources and products. Aaand a call-to-action (CTA) to log in or get started. 

How about when you log in? You’ll find a simple work interface showing how to proceed with templates and a new design file.

And when it’s time to design? A workspace with all the tools you need on the top and right sides of the screen. 

Well, to be more specific, the majority of the tools you’ll be using will be from the toolbar at the top. 

The one on the right is for creating design systems and the left is for organizing layers while working.

Essentially, it’s an easy-to-use and easy-to-learn platform. 

In fact, when Jhony, a Figma user, was asked what he liked about Figma, this was his response:

From the moment you visit Figma, you’re being led on a journey to see what the tool can help you do and where to get it done. 

Adobe XD UX

For Adobe XD, what you’ll see is a dashboard with buttons on the left showing you how to begin. There’s a ‘New file’ button to start new projects and an ‘Open button’ to launch existing projects.

You can manage all your design files from the Files section on the left-hand side of the page. 

Also if you’re online when designing, you can back up your progress in the cloud.

Plus, there are frames of different dimensions you can choose from to start designing.  

So then, what happens when you click ‘New file’? You’ll be taken to an artboard where you’ll be designing.

All the tools you’ll need for design can be found on the left sidebar, from UI kits to shapes, document assets, and more. 

Basically, XD follows a get-straight-to-work approach since there’s no homepage. 

It has a simple interface and you can learn how to use the app by clicking the ‘Learn’ button on the dashboard. Here’s what a user, Ricardo, had to say about XD:

Which is better?

The winner of this UX round is Figma. Here’s why:

There’s a visual hierarchy that directs users on what to do when they visit Figma. 

Users get to learn about what Figma can do from the landing page. Existing users can just get on with work. 

XD, on the other hand, also has a good user interface but focuses primarily on work. 

***

It’s the third round and it seems Figma is winning. But will this design tool come out on top or is Adobe XD preparing for a glorious comeback?

Let’s find out.

Comparison Point #4: Online Reviews

Before using any product or service, you wanna know if its current users are enjoying it. 

If they are, you know you’re in good hands; if not, you move on to the next.

For this round, we’ll allow people who’ve used Figma and Adobe XD to share their thoughts about them. 

Then, we’ll see which software people love more. 

‘It’s digital democracy.’

Figma online reviews

The first review is from a UX designer, Houyamne, who has almost only praise for Figma. 

So, what does she love about Figma? 

• Design visualization. 
• Adaptability to different screen sizes and devices. 
• Ability to test new ideas.

According to the UX designer, Figma is their go-to design tool when creating wireframes and prototypes. 

It allows her team to merge designs with their favorite development tools. And so, they’re able to have a seamless development experience.

But on the flip side, Houyamne claims Figma isn’t an ideal tool for beginners.

Why?

Because some of its features are not easy to find.

Next, let’s look at another review from Adrienne, a product designer. 

To her, being able to work anywhere with all the design files synced is one of the best things about Figma. 

Her favorite thing about the design tool is its collaboration feature. 

She’s able to collaborate with other design professionals with ease.

Here’s what she said about Figma:

Also, she thinks that the absence of image editing options on Figma is something it can improve on. 

Adobe XD online reviews

For XD, we begin with a review from a software engineer, Koutarou. 

They consider Adobe XD to be a simple tool that’s easy to use. 

Koutarou says this about XD, “It can create a wide range of user interfaces, including WEB design, quickly,” and adds that XD also comes with component setups, grid repetition, and responsive scaling — all UI layouts necessary in building UX projects. 

“It’s much lighter than Illustrator or Photoshop … because you can link to other Adobe CC products, it’s a good idea to pick colors and fonts from there and apply them similarly.”

However, the software engineer has just one reservation about XD. 

Koutarou says it has a different interface from other Adobe tools they’ve used.

Here’s another review from a product designer, Duncan P.

“[Adobe XD] is the perfect tool for quickly creating vector-based designs that can be published on the web or in print,” he says. “Its vector-based nature ensures that the final product can be resized with ease, making it ideal for both small and large published items.”

Duncan says you can also use it to sketch ideas and create wireframe prototypes. 

The only issue he has with Adobe is that users need to have a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud.

Which is better?

When it comes to online reviews, it seems that this round is a tie. 

Users chose tools based on how familiar they were with them.  So designers who’ve used other Adobe tools before easily chose XD.  

And for those who want seamless collaboration and ease, Figma. 

***

The fight is still on and we’re now moving on to the last defining round. Let’s see who will give the knockout blow.

Comparison Point #5: Future of the tool

Buying a new product or software is like investing your money. You wanna be sure the investment is sustainable before committing to it. 

Good reports on a product’s longevity are always an encouragement to invest. But if there’s even a sliver of doubt it will be profitable, most people won’t take the risk of paying for it. 

So, is the horizon looking good for Figma and Adobe XD?  

Let’s see!

Figma future

To answer the question, the future is looking pretty good for Figma at the moment. 

It was acquired by Adobe Inc. in September 2022 (we bet you didn’t see that coming 🤭). But don’t worry, Figma still operates autonomously. 

Brendan, Figma’s VP of Legal talked more about this in a recent blog post. 

Plus, the design tools’ homepage has only just been changed to make it more appealing. 

Those are signs of a tool that’ll be around for a long time. After all, you only want to invest in projects you have high hopes for. 

Adobe XD future

Adobe XD, meanwhile, has gone through some changes itself. 

Up until recently, it had a $9.99 monthly subscription. In other words, you could get it as a stand-alone app. 

But now, it’s been removed from the Adobe products catalog. The only way to get XD now is to be a Creative Cloud subscriber.  

Also, you know how we said that XD doesn’t have a homepage?

Well, it used to, but now what you see when you visit the landing page is a support page.

See where we’re going with this?

Seems like Adobe XD is being silently phased out by Adobe, so its future is uncertain. 

Which has a better future?

It seems Figma has the upper hand this time. This design tool looks like it has a better future. 

Aside from the new homepage, they’ve also added a new feature, DevMode. XD, on the other hand, has some of its features being silently removed.

***

It’s the end of the final round of an epic showdown between these top design tools. The crowds are cheering and everyone is waiting for the final announcements. Who’ll be the winner?

Bottom Line: Figma or Adobe XD?

And the winner of the Figma vs Adobe XD showdown is… 🥁… Figma! It’s proven its mettle, winning several rounds in this design tool duel.

But let’s not count Adobe XD out. It’s still a formidable tool, particularly for those used to the Adobe suite and its interface. However, if you’re part of a team and crave the flexibility of working on the go, Figma is the better option. 

That’s a wrap on the Figma vs Adobe XD face-off!

Want even more design insights? Dive deeper into the world of design by visiting MarkUp.io’s blog. Expand your knowledge and fuel your creativity. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!