A startup eagerly begins its UI/UX revamp. The team debates: Figma vs Adobe XD?
They choose without research, only to face endless revisions, compatibility issues, and delayed timelines. The excitement turns into frustration as the UX design tools they selected limit collaboration and slow progress. Deadlines slip, and creativity suffers.
Now, imagine they had picked the right UX design tools from the start—leveraging layout grids and an assets management system effectively. Their workflow would be seamless, their designs polished, and their project delivered on time using Figma vs Adobe XD efficiently.
A good tool saves time. It makes teamwork easy. It also helps you create better designs with the right UX design tools. So, let’s compare Figma vs Adobe XD to see which one fits your needs best.
This is why in this guide, we’ll compare Figma vs Adobe XD, covering layout grids, assets management system, performance, and pricing. Whether you’re a freelancer or part of a team, the right tool can streamline your workflow, enhance collaboration, and bring your ideas to life using the best UX design tools.
An Overview of Figma vs Adobe XD
A design tool does more than just make things look good. It also helps with speed, teamwork, and future projects. Both Figma vs Adobe XD have changed a lot over the years. Now, they offer many new features.
Figma is a cloud-based tool. This means you can use it online without installing anything. It works on all operating systems. The best part? Teams can work together in real-time, no matter where they are.
Adobe XD is part of Adobe Creative Cloud. It works great with Photoshop and Illustrator. Many designers love it for its animations and prototyping tools. If you already use Adobe products, this tool might feel natural.
Both tools keep adding new features. In 2024, AI-powered tools, better workflow options, and new updates make them even more powerful. If you want the best tool, you need to know how they compare.
User Interface and Usability
A tool’s user interface (UI) affects how easy it is to use. Let’s compare Figma vs Adobe XD as a UX design tool.
Visual Comparison
- Figma: Figma has a clean and simple look. It focuses on teamwork. The design space is easy to use, with clear toolbars and grids.
- Adobe XD: Adobe XD looks like other Adobe tools. It has advanced design features. It works well for those who already use Adobe.
Navigation and Layout
- Figma: Figma is easy to navigate. You can quickly find layers, tools, and assets. The cloud system makes work faster.
- Adobe XD: Adobe XD has more advanced tools. This makes it harder to navigate but useful for skilled users.
Learning Curve and Onboarding
- Figma: Figma is simple to learn. New users can start quickly. Many online guides help beginners.
- Adobe XD: Adobe XD is harder for beginners. However, Adobe’s learning resources help.
Customization Options
- Figma: Figma lets users change layouts and shortcuts. This helps teams work their way.
- Adobe XD: Adobe XD allows changes too. But it stays within Adobe’s system.
Workflow Efficiency
- Figma: Figma updates in real-time. This helps teams work together without delays. The asset system keeps designs neat.
- Adobe XD: Adobe XD makes moving from design to prototype smooth. But it has more complex features.
Real-Time Collaboration
Teamwork is key for remote design teams. Let’s see how Figma vs Adobe XD compare.
Collaborative Design in Real Time
- Figma: Many people can work on the same file at once. Updates happen instantly.
- Adobe XD: Teams can work together but not as smoothly as in Figma.
Version Control and History
- Figma: Saves all changes automatically. You can go back to older versions easily.
- Adobe XD: Tracks changes, too, but needs cloud backups.
Team Libraries and Design Systems
- Figma: Makes sharing design parts simple. This helps keep designs consistent.
- Adobe XD: Works well with Creative Cloud. However, it may not work as smoothly across platforms.
Communication and Feedback Tools
- Figma: Has built-in comments. This makes feedback fast and easy.
- Adobe XD: Feedback tools work well but are not as simple.
Sharing and Permissions
- Figma: Cloud sharing makes it easy to access files. Secure settings keep designs safe.
- Adobe XD: Needs a Creative Cloud account for full sharing options.
Prototyping Powerhouses
Prototyping makes UX tools come to life. Both Adobe XD and Figma have great features. But each has different strengths.
Interactive Prototyping Capabilities
- Adobe XD: This tool has strong prototyping features. It offers Auto-Animate and 3D Transforms. These help create smooth and real-looking animations. Designers can make rich, interactive models with ease.
- Figma: Figma’s prototyping is solid. However, some say it takes more effort to match Adobe XD’s level. Yet, its web-based system makes sharing simple. You can test on any device with a quick link.
Animation and Transition Features
- Adobe XD: It has advanced tools for smooth movement. The Auto-Animate feature helps create seamless transitions.
- Figma: Figma offers animations, too. However, it does not have as many options as Adobe XD. Still, it keeps things simple and works well with teams.
Usability Testing and Feedback
- Adobe XD: It has built-in tools to test designs. Designers can check user actions and study the data.
- Figma: You can share Figma prototypes online for testing. Plus, live feedback lets designers adjust in real-time. However, some advanced tests may need extra tools.
Sharing and Embedding Prototypes
- Figma: Sharing is easy with link-based access. You can also embed designs for smooth reviews. Assets management system tools help keep projects organized.
- Adobe XD: Sharing is strong here too. It works best with other Adobe tools, which can be helpful for those using the full Adobe suite.
Video Walkthroughs and Demos
Both tools support video walkthroughs. Adobe XD focuses on animation demos. Figma highlights teamwork and live design updates.
Plugin Support
Plugins add more power to these tools. They help designers work faster and smarter.
Ecosystem Size and Variety
- Figma: Figma has a huge plugin library. It includes tools for accessibility, illustration, and more. Many developers create new plugins, making the list grow.
- Adobe XD: Adobe XD also has a solid plugin library. But most plugins focus on Adobe integrations. This limits variety compared to Figma.
Key Plugin Categories
Both tools have plugins for:
- UI/UX Enhancements: Tools for colors, accessibility, and design systems.
- Animation and Prototyping: Extra tools to improve animations.
- Integration Plugins: Connectors for project management, code export, and teamwork.
Integration with Other Tools
- Figma: Works well with many apps. You can connect it to project management tools and developer software. The asset system also helps keep designs organized.
- Adobe XD: Works smoothly with other Adobe apps. This makes it easier for those already using Adobe products.
Performance Impact of Plugins
- Figma: Too many plugins can slow things down, especially on large files.
- Adobe XD: Performance stays stable. However, customization is more limited due to Adobe’s built-in system.
Unique and Useful Plugins
- Figma: New AI-driven plugins like “First Draft” (added in 2025) help create design ideas. It also has strong layout grid tools.
- Adobe XD: Focuses on plugins for prototyping and developer handoff. Layout grids help keep designs structured.
The Figma vs Adobe XD debate continues. Both tools offer great design options. The right choice depends on workflow needs and collaboration style.
How Tools Perform Under Pressure?
Good speed is key in UX design. Slow tools make work hard, especially with big files or teams.
Speed and Performance
- Figma: Runs on the cloud. Works fast on most devices. Handles big files well but can lag with complex designs.
- Adobe XD: A desktop app. Uses computer power for speed. Works well with heavy files, especially with good hardware.
CPU and Memory Use
- Figma: Uses less power but may slow down with many layers.
- Adobe XD: Uses more power but runs better on strong computers.
Working Offline
- Figma: Needs the internet for most tasks. Some features work offline, but full use needs Wi-Fi.
- Adobe XD: Works offline. Great for areas with poor internet.
Stability
- Figma: Stays stable. Has version control to keep data safe.
- Adobe XD: Also stable. But some users see crashes with big files.
How to Improve Performance
- Figma: Use fewer plugins. Keep grids neat.
- Adobe XD: Update the software. Use a strong computer.
Cost and Plans: What’s the Best Deal?
Budget matters, especially for small teams and freelancers.
Free Plans
- Figma: Has a great free plan. Offers sharing and basic tools.
- Adobe XD: Used to be free. Now needs a paid plan.
Paid Plans
- Figma: Flexible pricing. The 2025 market shows Figma at 30.74% with 24,000 users.
- Adobe XD: Needs a Creative Cloud plan. Holds 10.36% market share.
Team and Business Plans
- Figma: Great for teams. Easy to share files.
- Adobe XD: Best for teams using Adobe software. It can be costly.
Best Value for Money
- Figma: A good choice for startups.
- Adobe XD: Better for big companies using Adobe tools.
From Design to Code
Developers need clear designs to build websites and apps. Good tools make this easier.
Code Export
- Adobe XD: Creates code snippets. Works with Zeplin for easy coding.
- Figma: Gives detailed specs. Supports grids for clean layout.
Sharing Design Details
- Adobe XD: Uses Creative Cloud for sharing.
- Figma: Let developers check designs in the browser.
Works with Other Tools
- Figma: Fits into most workflows.
- Adobe XD: Works well with other Adobe apps.
Both tools are good, but each has strengths. Pick the one that fits your needs.
How to choose your champion with use cases and recommendations
Different design tasks need different tools. Let’s see which tool works best for each case.
For Complex UI/UX Projects
- Figma: Best for teams that need real-time teamwork. It runs on the cloud, so everyone stays updated. It also helps keep design elements neat and uniform. This makes it great for big projects that change often.
- Adobe XD: Best for projects that need high-quality animations. If you want smooth transitions and detailed effects, this is a strong pick. Its layout grids help keep designs clear and organized.
For Prototyping and Animation
- Adobe XD: It has tools like Auto-Animate and 3D Transforms. These features make animations smooth and real. If you want better effects and movement, Adobe XD is a great option.
- Figma: It can create good prototypes, too, but it takes more work to match Adobe XD’s smooth animations. Still, its grid and asset tools make workflows easier.
Team Collaboration
- Figma: The best tool for teamwork. It lets everyone work together in real time. Its built-in comment feature helps teams give feedback fast. The asset system makes sharing files easy, too.
- Adobe XD: It allows team feedback but not in real-time. This works well for teams that don’t need instant updates. If you compare both, Figma wins for teamwork.
For Freelancers and Individual Designers
- Figma: It has a free plan, which is great for solo designers. It also has strong tools for making high-quality designs. Its asset system and grids keep projects neat and simple.
- Adobe XD: It’s powerful but costs more. It works best if you already use other Adobe apps. If budget matters, Figma is a better choice.
Specific Industry Use Cases
- Enterprise and Large Teams: Figma is best for big teams. Its cloud-based system makes it easy to share files. Its tools also help teams stay organized.
- Creative Agencies: Adobe XD works well with other Adobe tools. Agencies that use Photoshop, Illustrator, or After Effects may find this helpful. If you work with many media types, Adobe XD is a great choice.
Conclusion
There is no clear winner in the Figma vs. Adobe XD debate. Your choice depends on what you need. Do you want teamwork and access from anywhere? Then Figma is best. Do you need strong prototyping and Adobe tools? Then Adobe XD is better.
Think about key factors. These include layout grids, performance, price, and how easy it is for developers to use. Pick the tool that fits your work and team.
Are you a freelancer? Do you work in a small team? Or do you belong to a big company? The best tool is the one that helps you work faster and smarter. Both Figma vs Adobe XD have great features. Choose what matches your needs.
At Linkitsoft, we create top designs using both Figma vs Adobe XD. Our goal is to make your designs look great and easy to use. Don’t fall behind your competitors. Work with Linkitsoft and get the most from these tools. Boost your workflow with strong layouts and better asset management. Contact us today and take your UI/UX to the next level!
