Figma and Adobe XD are two preferred choices for UI/UX design. Which one is the best? It’s an old discussion.
Being the two key players in the UI/UX design industry, Figma and Adobe XD stand out in terms of unique features, advanced functionalities, and diversity. Figma, for example, is known for exceptional collaborative capabilities that allow design teams to make live editing and achieve perfection. Besides, its extensive plugin ecosystem expands its functionality making it ideal for complex team-based projects.
Conversely, Adobe XD brings strong prototyping features that no other UI/UX design tool can match. Most importantly, designers can integrate Adobe XD with Adobe Create Cloud and seamlessly access their desired projects anytime, anywhere.
The above question, however, still remains answered. Refer to this detailed Figma vs Adobe XD comparison to know their exclusive capabilities and choose the best tool that meets your project requirements.
So, let’s get started!
What is Figma?
Figma is a cloud-based prototyping tool popular among the UI/UX design community for interface and vector design. The main strength of this amazing platform is its rich collaboration functionality. Designers love Figma because it supports team-based design projects and live editing.
Similarly, comprehensive features and an intuitive interface make Figma stand out in terms of user experience. With this tool, you can create app prototypes and full-fledged web designs. Additionally, Figma can also generate code for the handoff.
Applications
Figma supports the product design process and enables live collaboration. UI/UX designers can use this platform to:
- Create social media graphics, icons, presentations, etc.
- Design dynamic visuals of different colors, shapes, fonts
- Build mockups for real-life-based drafts
- Collaborate with the design team in real time and co-edit within the same file
- Design prototypes and present them to the intended audience
- See all changes in the prototype; no need for exporting files to other platforms
- Run prototypes on mobile and mirror them with Live Device Preview
- Access iOS prototype series optimized for the Apple Watch
- Inspect and export CSS from design for iOS and Android development
- Adjust layouts to different screen sizes
What is Adobe XD?
Adobe XD is a vector-based design tool for web and mobile applications. It is used to design interfaces for mobile apps, websites, and fully-fledged web apps. Besides, Adobe XD is the only Adobe tool with prototyping capabilities.
Therefore, designers who use Adobe products like Illustrator or Photoshop feel comfortable using Adobe XD for UI design.
However, the USP of Adobe XD is that it is fairly lightweight and offers rapid design and prototyping iterations. Likewise, integration with Create Cloud Applications empowers designers to get real-time feedback and make corrections promptly.
Applications
Adobe XD is perfect for the full-experience design process. It allows designers to:
- Design layouts and prototypes for websites like scrolling, define navigation patterns, and build information architecture per visitors’ needs
- Create immersive app experiences by adding unique navigation patterns and dynamic interactions for different screen sizes.
- Create virtual assistant prototypes with voice commands
- Plan, build, and test game menus, create characters, and optimize game settings with other interface components.
- Quickly iterate based on users’ feedback and test interactions for better results
- Export assets and designs directly from Create Cloud apps like PS and Illustrator and make necessary changes on the go
- Create interactive wireframes and workflows
- Collaborate with design and development teams throughout the product development lifecycle
- Design prototypes that result in enhanced user experiences
- Co-edit designs and cloud files to build intuitive interfaces
Figma vs Adobe XD: Main Differences
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Figma and Adobe XD highlighting major differences between these UI/UX design tools:
1. Supported Platforms
| Figma | Adobe XD |
Desktop | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows and Mac |
Web browsers | Any WebGL-supporting browser | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari |
Mobile browsers | Safari, Chrome, and Firefox | Chrome, Firefox, Safari |
Mobile apps | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
2. Unique Features
| Figma | Adobe XD |
Collaboration | Multiple users and co-edit a design simultaneously | Supports coediting |
Libraries | Users can build design systems and make them available for other team members | Users can organize and access assets through CC Libraries |
Syncing | All changes to design systems are saved automatically and synced. | Designs are saved in the cloud and can be accessed via links |
Containers | Uses frames that represent viewports and design sub-elements | Uses artboards that represent viewports with designs only |
3. Designing
| Figma | Adobe XD |
Vector Editing | Designers can create complex shapes with Vector Networks feature | Offers strong vector editing capabilities including pen tool and bezier curves |
Topography and Styling | A wide range of Google Fonts are available for various text styles | Users can create character styles that integrate well with fonts from Creative Cloud |
Layout Grids | Users can create responsive components with automatic adjustments | Allows responsive size; however, requires manual adjustment of constraints for each element |
Plugins/Extensions | Has a vast plugin ecosystem | Working on plugin library |
4. Prototyping
| Figma | Adobe XD |
Triggers |
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Actions |
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Transitions |
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Easing |
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5. Handoff
| Figma | Adobe XD |
Developer Handoff | Developers can use the “Inspect” panel to access design specifications without external tools or plugins | Developers can use “Share for” to access the design specs via a shareable link |
Code Extraction | Supports extraction of CSS, Swift for iOS, and Android XML code for Android | Integration with Adobe’s Creative Cloud enables seamless extraction |
Preview | Developers can live preview designs in real-world applications | Designs and prototypes can be previewed live on any device |
Export | Can export designs in multiple formats and resolutions | Supports extraction, but developers have to mark each asset for export manually |
Conclusion
Both Figma and Adobe XD are amazing platforms for UI/UX designing. However, certain qualities of Figma outplay Adobe XD in some areas.
Figma is better in terms of ease of use, simplicity, and flexibility. Prototyping becomes straightforward because developer handoff is a lot easier. Similarly, designers can save their designs to team libraries that are accessible to other members for enhanced collaboration.
Hence, it can be concluded from this comparison that Figma should be your preferred choice if team collaboration is your top priority. The platform’s features are built to promote teamwork among designers.
On the other hand, Adobe XD is ideal for users who are familiar with Adobe’s ecosystem. It works well with Create Cloud apps like Photoshop and Illustrator. Besides, auto-animation and voice features can make Adobe XD the preferred tool for prototyping.
