Figma vs Adobe XD
Figma is browser-based collaborative design tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design systems, while Adobe XD is UI/UX design and prototyping tool from Adobe, integrated with Creative Cloud. Adobe XD comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Figma is built for design teams that need real-time collaboration, whereas Adobe XD targets designers in the adobe ecosystem.
| Feature | Figma | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Auto Layout | ✓ | — |
| Auto-Animate | — | ✓ |
| Components | ✓ | ✓ |
| Creative Cloud | — | ✓ |
| Dev Mode | ✓ | — |
| Prototyping | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-Time Collab | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Figma starts at $12/editor/mo. Adobe XD starts at $9.99/mo. Adobe XD is the more affordable option.
Feature gaps: Figma offers Auto Layout, Dev Mode and Real-Time Collab that Adobe XD lacks. Adobe XD brings Auto-Animate and Creative Cloud that Figma does not have. Both share Components and Prototyping.
Team fit: Figma is geared toward any size teams, while Adobe XD is aimed at mid-size teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Where each tool shines: Figma's biggest strengths are: real-time collaboration — multiple designers, one file. browser-based, works on any os. Adobe XD's biggest strengths are: interactive prototyping with transitions so stakeholders can click through realistic mockups. auto-animate creates smooth transitions between artboards without manual keyframing.
Watch out for: With Figma, users commonly note that per-editor pricing gets expensive for large teams. With Adobe XD, the main complaint is that no free plan — you need to pay $9.99/mo from day one to use it.
choose Figma if
- You need a tool built for design teams that need real-time collaboration
- You specifically need Auto Layout and Dev Mode
- You care about browser-based, works on any os
- Your team size fits the any size profile Figma is designed for
- The free tier works for you: 3 projects, 3 pages per project
choose Adobe XD if
- You need a tool built for designers in the adobe ecosystem
- You want to save on per-user costs — Adobe XD is $2.01/user/mo cheaper
- You specifically need Auto-Animate and Creative Cloud
- You care about auto-animate creates smooth transitions between artboards without manual keyframing
- Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Adobe XD is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between Figma and Adobe XD?
Figma is browser-based collaborative design tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design systems, while Adobe XD is UI/UX design and prototyping tool from Adobe, integrated with Creative Cloud. Adobe XD comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Figma is built for design teams that need real-time collaboration, whereas Adobe XD targets designers in the adobe ecosystem.
Should I use Figma or Adobe XD?
Figma is built for design teams that need real-time collaboration. Adobe XD is built for designers in the adobe ecosystem. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Figma over Adobe XD?
Choose Figma if You need a tool built for design teams that need real-time collaboration; You specifically need Auto Layout and Dev Mode; You care about browser-based, works on any os; Your team size fits the any size profile Figma is designed for; The free tier works for you: 3 projects, 3 pages per project.
When should I choose Adobe XD over Figma?
Choose Adobe XD if You need a tool built for designers in the adobe ecosystem; You want to save on per-user costs — Adobe XD is $2.01/user/mo cheaper; You specifically need Auto-Animate and Creative Cloud; You care about auto-animate creates smooth transitions between artboards without manual keyframing; Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Adobe XD is designed for.
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