Figma vs Adobe XD: Which One’s Better for UI/UX Design?

As a UI/UX and web designer, tools can either boost your creativity or slow you down. Two of the biggest names in design tools right now are Figma and Adobe XD. Both are powerful, but they serve slightly different types of designers and workflows.

So if you’re wondering which one to pick, or just curious to know how they compare — this post is for you!

🌐 1. Accessibility & Platforms

• Figma is browser-based. You can access it from any computer with internet — Mac, Windows, even Linux.

• Adobe XD is a desktop app. You need to download and install it (Mac/Windows only).

✅ If you switch devices a lot, Figma is super handy.

👯‍♀️ 2. Collaboration

• Figma shines with real-time collaboration — like Google Docs for designers. You can see teammates editing the same file live.

• Adobe XD supports coediting, but it’s still not as smooth as Figma.

💬 Figma is the go-to if you work in a team or with clients often.

📦 3. Features & Plugins

• Figma

  • Auto Layout (like Flexbox)

  • Interactive components

  • Tons of community plugins and UI kits

  • Freehand drawing + FigJam (whiteboarding tool)

• Adobe XD

  • Repeat Grid (great for lists & galleries)

  • Auto Animate (for simple transitions)

  • Fewer plugins, but very clean UI

🛠️ Figma feels more community-powered; Adobe XD is simpler for beginners.

🔄 4. Prototyping & Handoff

• Both allow:

  • Linking pages into clickable prototypes

  • Sharing links for clients/devs to view

  • Inspecting CSS, spacing, and exporting assets

🔧 Figma integrates directly with tools like Zeplin, Jira, and Slack. Adobe XD integrates well with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator.

💰 5. Pricing

• Figma

  • Free for individuals and small teams

  • Paid plans unlock version history, team libraries, and more

• Adobe XD

  • Requires Adobe Creative Cloud subscription

  • Free starter plan available but limited

💸 Figma gives more value for free users. Adobe XD works best if you already use Photoshop/Illustrator.

🎨 6. Design Experience

• Figma

  • Cloud-based: saves instantly

  • Feels modern, clean, and fast

  • Better for design systems and components

• Adobe XD

  • More familiar if you’ve used other Adobe apps

  • Fast and lightweight on your system

  • Good for quick prototypes and visual UI

💡 If you're a beginner, XD is easier to learn. But Figma grows with you.

🧑‍💻 My Take as a Web Designer

• I use Figma for most of my projects — especially team-based work, design systems, or when clients want feedback links.

• I use Adobe XD when I need a quick concept or when working offline with other Adobe tools.

🎯 Tip: Try both for free and pick what feels natural. There’s no wrong choice — only the tool that matches your flow!

🏁 Conclusion

Both Figma and Adobe XD are great tools. The key difference is this:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Figma = for collaboration, browser use, and design systems

• 💻 Adobe XD = for simple, offline, and clean prototyping

✨ No matter which you pick, what matters most is your creativity and consistency.