It's an interface, vector design, and cloud-based software that runs in the browser. Many designers consider it the best application to support team-based collaborative design projects. It gives you all the design tools and elements you need to create full-fledged web design, prototyping, and code generation for the handoff.
Although Figma looks a lot like other prototyping tools, its key differentiator is the ability to work with teams. But simply put, Figma:
Figma is hence considered:
A prototyping tool
A code generator for handoff
It’s important to mention that Figma is backed by a large community of designers and developers who provide plugins to improve functionality and streamline workflows. Everyone is welcome to contribute and share.
Adobe XD is a vector-based UI/UX design tool that enables you to design anything from smartwatch apps to fully-fledged websites. It promises a breath of fresh air for professionals who are still using Photoshop or Illustrator for UI design, being the only Adobe tool that allows prototyping.
It works with Creative Cloud, that allows designers to work in real time, enabling designers to receive immediate feedback from their team members.
Adobe XD was developed with mobile and web experiences in mind, and design teams are leveraging its features for their full experience design process.
Application-wise, Adobe XD is used for:
Features-wise, Adobe XD has many of the similar features of Figma:
Since the advent of Adobe XD in 2016, Figma vs Adobe XD have been running against each other. The rivalry wasn't fierce initially, with XD's early editions lacking several critical features, but that has improved in recent years. The competition between the two softwares has now intensified, and it becomes harder to pick which one is best for you and your project.
The main difference between Figma and Adobe XD is the price. While Figma is free for individual users, and you only pay if you want to have access to features like coworking, for Adobe XD you have to pay before using it. Below, we are going to cover where each one shines, and which one is better for your specific set of circumstances.
Regarding the design features of Figma and Adobe XD, both platforms offer robust capabilities, but some nuances set them apart.
Figma's vector editing tools are highly intuitive, allowing designers to manipulate points and paths directly within the interface. The 'vector networks' feature, unique to Figma, enables designers to create complex shapes without switching between different tools. Adobe XD also offers strong vector editing capabilities, with additional benefits for those familiar with Illustrator's pen tool and bezier curves. However, Figma's vector tools are more accessible for real-time collaboration.
Both Figma and Adobe XD provide options for creating layout grids, but Figma takes it a step further with its 'auto layout' feature. This allows designers to create responsive components that adjust automatically as content changes, which is a significant advantage when designing for multiple screen sizes. Adobe XD's 'responsive resize' feature offers similar functionality, but it requires manual adjustment of constraints for each element, which can be more time-consuming.
Typography in Figma is a breeze, with the platform offering a wide range of Google Fonts natively. Designers can create text styles that can be reused across projects, ensuring consistency. Adobe XD also allows for the creation of character styles and integrates well with fonts from Creative Cloud. Still, Figma's shared text styles across the team library provide a more streamlined experience for team collaboration.
Figma's styles for colours, text, grids, and effects can be easily created and applied across multiple projects. The team library in Figma ensures that everyone has access to the latest styles, which is essential for maintaining a consistent brand identity. Adobe XD also has assets and symbols that can be reused, but Figma's approach to style management is more centralized, making it easier to maintain consistency across a large team.
Figma's plugin ecosystem is vast and ever-growing, with community contributions that extend the platform's functionality. These plugins can automate tasks, integrate with other tools, and add new features to the design process. Adobe XD has also been building its plugin library, but Figma's open platform has led to a wider variety of options for designers.
In design capabilities, both Figma and Adobe XD shine in their ways. Figma's collaborative approach and extensive plugin ecosystem make it a powerhouse for team-based projects. At the same time, Adobe XD's integration with Creative Cloud apps may appeal to those deeply embedded in the Adobe ecosystem. Ultimately, the choice between them may come down to specific project needs and team workflows.
Both Figma and Adobe XD are used for prototyping, but XD is slightly better as it has a collection of triggers that facilitate more types of UI designs. Let’s take a look.
Allows you multiple interactions per element as long as they are different:
Triggers
Actions
Transitions
Easing
Allows you multiple interactions per item like a hover interaction and a click interaction:
Triggers
Actions
Transitions
Easing
We can conclude that Adobe XD enables for more than one interaction per element, allowing you to create prototypes with functionalities closer to people's behavior in the browser.
Figma excels in developer handoff with its built-in 'Inspect' panel. This feature allows developers to access design specifications directly within the platform, without needing any additional plugins or tools. Developers can easily extract CSS, Swift for iOS, and Android XML code for Android, which updates dynamically as the design evolves. This ensures that developers always have the most current information at their fingertips.
Moreover, Figma's live device preview allows developers to see how designs translate into real-world applications on different devices. This real-time collaboration significantly reduces the back-and-forth communication typically required during handoff. Figma also provides SVG export options, essential for creating scalable graphics for web and mobile interfaces.
Adobe XD's handoff process is facilitated through the 'Share for Development' mode. This generates a shareable link developers can use to access the design specs in a web browser. While this method is effective, it does require that the link be regenerated and shared again with every design update, which can slow down the process.
XD also integrates with Adobe's Creative Cloud, enabling seamless asset extraction and management. Developers can export assets in various formats and receive detailed documentation on dimensions, colours, and typography. However, managing these links can add an extra step compared to Figma's more direct approach.
Figma and Adobe XD allow for the exporting of assets, but they handle the process differently. Figma enables designers to set assets for export in multiple formats and resolutions directly within the design file. Adobe XD also allows asset export but requires developers to mark each asset for export manually.
Figma and Adobe XD offer integrations with popular development tools and workflow platforms. Figma's API enables automation and integration with other tools, making it adaptable to various development environments. Adobe XD also offers integrations with third-party tools, but the range is somewhat limited compared to Figma's extensive API capabilities.
Short answer: yes. Figma has been - arguably - the one design tool design teams choose for its amazing team collaboration feature. It simplifies the design process and effectively helps designers and teams work together more efficiently as you’re able to collaborate live with your teammates. Also, designers and teams highly benefit from Figma because:
The battle between Figma and Adobe XD will continue, and they are undoubtedly pushing each other to improve and step up their game. On a pretty frequent basis, we now see features that were exclusive to one appear in the other, making it harder for designers to decide which one to pick to create a top-quality product.
But if collaboration is important to you and your team, Figma is the best choice for you. It was designed from the bottom up with teamwork in mind, and as such, no other software will be able to compete against it any time soon. It also outpaces Adobe XD being better at frames vs artboards, auto-layout, responsiveness, and graphic design/UI design overall.
On the other hand, you have a better chance with Adobe XD if you’re already used to Adobe’s ecosystem and within the Creative Cloud. Also, Adobe XD is slightly better at prototyping when it comes to auto-animation and voice, facilitating its accuracy.
This blog post compares Figma and Adobe XD, two popular design tools for UX/UI designers, highlighting their features and differences. Here are the key takeaways:
Figma:
Adobe XD:
The main difference between the two design tools is that Figma is free for individual users, while Adobe XD requires a subscription for access to its full range of features.
Q: Is Adobe XD or Figma better?
A: The choice between Adobe XD and Figma depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both tools are powerful for designing user interfaces, and each has its own strengths. Adobe XD offers seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps and robust prototyping features. On the other hand, Figma is known for its collaborative capabilities, real-time cloud-based design, and platform-agnostic accessibility. It's best to evaluate which tool aligns better with your project requirements and workflow.
Q: Is Adobe XD being replaced with Figma?
A: No, Adobe XD is not being replaced by Figma. Adobe XD and Figma are two separate design tools developed by different companies. They coexist in the market, and the choice between them depends on individual or team preferences and project needs.
Q: Should I learn both Figma and Adobe XD?
Learning both Figma and Adobe XD can be beneficial, especially if you're a professional UI/UX designer. Having proficiency in multiple design tools can make you more versatile and adaptable. However, it's not always necessary to learn both tools thoroughly. You can choose to focus on the one that best aligns with your current projects and team's preferences while maintaining a basic understanding of the other.
Q: Do developers prefer XD or Figma?
A: The preference for Adobe XD or Figma among developers can vary. Some developers may have experience with both and feel comfortable using either tool. Others might have a personal preference based on the tool's collaboration features, ease of exporting assets, or integration with developer handoff tools. Ultimately, it's essential to communicate with your development team to understand their preferences and choose the tool that best aligns with your project's overall workflow and requirements.
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