Figma vs Adobe XD: What Are the Main Differences?

When it comes to UI/UX design, choosing the right tool can make or break your creative workflow. Among the most popular design tools today are Figma and Adobe XD. Both platforms are packed with features that cater to designers and developers in the digital design industry, but how do you decide which one is best for your projects?

This blog dives deep into the key features of both tools, highlights their main differences, and shares practical use cases to help you make an informed decision.

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What is Figma?

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Figma is a web-based interface design tool that has revolutionized the way teams collaborate on design projects. Launched in 2016, Figma quickly gained popularity for its cloud-based approach, allowing real-time collaboration.

With its user-friendly features and versatility, Figma caters to UI/UX designers, web developers, and even design students just starting their creative journeys. One of Figma’s standout traits is its cross-platform usability, meaning you can access it from Windows, macOS, or even directly from your web browser.

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Key Features of Figma

Real-Time Collaboration  

   Figma’s live collaboration feature stands out as its defining trait. Multiple users can work on the same file simultaneously, making it similar to tools like Google Docs but for design. Changes happen in real-time, making team design sessions or feedback loops seamless.

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Cross-Platform Accessibility  

   Figma runs directly in your browser, which means you can use it across platforms without downloads. There's also a desktop app if you prefer a more traditional setup.

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Version History  

   Never lose track of edits with Figma’s version history feature. It automatically saves changes and lets you revert to earlier designs if needed.

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Prototyping and Developer Handoff  

   Figma combines design and prototyping under one roof, eliminating the need for additional tools. And with developer handoff built in, engineers can easily access design specs and assets.

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Community Plugins and Templates  

   Figma boasts a thriving community that provides free plugins, templates, and design kits to streamline your workflow.

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Free Plan Availability  

   Figma’s free plan is generous compared to its competitors, making it an appealing choice for students, freelancers, or smaller teams looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

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What is Adobe XD?

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Adobe XD, a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, is another industry-standard design tool created to help UI/UX designers build user interfaces, wireframes, and prototypes. Introduced in 2016 by Adobe, XD was designed to offer an all-in-one platform for creating seamless user experiences.

Compatible with both Windows and macOS, Adobe XD integrates exceptionally well with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, making it an ideal fit for existing Adobe users.

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Key Features of Adobe XD

Prototyping and Animation  

   Adobe XD merges UI design, prototyping, and motion all within the same tool. The prototyping features are intuitive, and developers can add dynamic transitions or animations to designs for a more realistic feel.

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Design Systems  

   Adobe XD makes it easy to create and manage design systems, which helps teams maintain consistency across projects.

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Integration with Adobe Suite  

   Adobe XD seamlessly integrates with other Creative Cloud tools like Illustrator and Photoshop, allowing users to edit graphics or import assets without friction.

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Repeat Grid  

   The Repeat Grid feature simplifies repetitive designs by allowing users to duplicate elements like buttons or cards effortlessly while maintaining flexibility to customize each instance.

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Coediting Features  

   While Figma excels at live collaboration, Adobe XD has introduced coediting to bring real-time interaction between teammates. However, this feature is still catching up in functionality compared to Figma.

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Offline Access  

   Unlike Figma, Adobe XD allows for offline work, making it a more reliable option when you don’t have internet access.

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Plugins and Add-ons  

   Adobe XD has an extensive library of plugins and integrations to extend its functionality, from design libraries to automation tools.

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Figma vs. Adobe XD: Main Differences

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1. Collaboration  

• Figma offers flawless real-time collaboration features where multiple users can edit at the same time with changes reflected instantly.  
• Adobe XD, while offering coediting, doesn’t yet match the seamlessness or speed of Figma’s collaboration tools.

2. Accessibility  

• Figma is entirely cloud-based with no need for installation and can be accessed directly from any device with a browser.  
• Adobe XD, on the other hand, requires installation and is a better option for offline work.

3. Ecosystem Integration  

• Adobe XD benefits from being part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud ecosystem, making it a great tool if you already use Photoshop, Illustrator, or other Adobe apps.  
• Figma, while independent, has excellent plugin and API support that allows it to integrate with tools like Slack, JIRA, and Google Docs.

4. Pricing  

• Figma’s free version is incredibly robust, providing nearly all essentials for individual users and startups. Premium plans are available for larger teams.  
• Adobe XD offers a free version as well, but its premium features (such as more active project links and team collaboration tools) are locked behind a subscription paywall through Creative Cloud.

5. Prototyping Features  

• Both provide prototyping capabilities, but Adobe XD has the edge in advanced prototyping with support for animations and motion transitions.  
• Figma, however, keeps things simpler and integrates prototyping within its design tool for a cleaner workflow.

6. Performance in Large Files  

• Figma may experience lags with extremely large design files due to its browser dependency.  
• Adobe XD often handles larger files better due to its offline-first nature.

Use Cases

When to Choose Figma  

• Teams that require seamless real-time collaboration and frequent feedback sessions, making it easy for designers, developers, and stakeholders to work together simultaneously on the same file without versioning issues.  
• Designers who need cross-platform access and value a cloud-based tool that works directly in the browser or via a lightweight desktop app, ensuring accessibility anywhere with an internet connection.  
• Those who want a budget-friendly option with a generous free plan, offering robust features for individual users or small teams, while also providing scalable pricing for growing organizations.

When to Choose Adobe XD  

• Designers already embedded in the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem will find Adobe XD integrates seamlessly with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, making the workflow smoother and more efficient.  
• For projects that rely on advanced animations or motion design, Adobe XD offers powerful features like Auto-Animate, allowing designers to create sophisticated interactive prototypes with ease.  
• Teams that need offline access and prefer installing their tools will appreciate that Adobe XD is a desktop app, ensuring reliability and access to all features even without an internet connection.

Which Tool Should You Choose?  

Ultimately, the best tool depends on your specific needs and preferences:  

• Choose Figma if online collaboration, real-time updates, and easy accessibility are non-negotiable in your workflow. With its cloud-based platform, Figma is perfect for teams working remotely or across different locations. Its intuitive interface and extensive plugin library make it a favorite among designers who value speed and flexibility in their design process.  
• Opt for Adobe XD if you prioritize seamless integration with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. This is especially beneficial if you're already using tools like Photoshop or Illustrator, as XD works flawlessly alongside them. Additionally, Adobe XD offers offline capabilities, making it ideal for designers who prefer working without an internet connection or on the go.  

Both tools are innovative and cater to different aspects of professional design. While they have their unique strengths, their overlapping features, such as prototyping, design collaboration, and user-friendly interfaces, ensure you won’t feel like you’re missing out, regardless of which one you choose to incorporate into your workflow.

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