Figma and Adobe XD are two of the most popular names in UX design, and if you’re looking for the best design app, you’ve probably considered them both.

Figma is widely recognised for its exceptional collaborative capabilities and plugin ecosystem, making it a great choice for team-based projects and real-time collaboration.

Meanwhile, Adobe XD can be integrated easily with other Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) applications and provides impressive prototyping features.

Since the attempted acquisition of Figma by Adobe, there’s been a noticeable change in how the web design industry views these tools. We’ve also noticed a change in the availability of Adobe XD.

In this article, we’ll compare Figma vs XD and answer the question: is Adobe XD dying out? By the end, you’ll know enough about both these web design tools to make an informed choice.

What is Figma?

Figma is a cloud-based design tool that allows for collaborative and interactive User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design. Launched in 2016, Figma has gained widespread popularity because of its versatility and real-time collaborative abilities.

As it operates entirely on the cloud, Figma allows multiple users to work on a project simultaneously. This allows you to easily work in a team with minimal version control issues.

Figma is favoured for its intuitive interface that allows designers to create vector graphics, prototypes, and design systems quickly and efficiently. Its real-time collaboration features let you and your team collaborate, share instant feedback, and facilitate a smoother design process.

What is Adobe XD?

Adobe XD is a vector-based design tool that’s largely used for designing user interfaces (UI) for various mobile and web applications. Launched in 2016, Adobe XD offers a clean and intuitive interface that lets you create high-fidelity designs for mobile apps, websites, and other digital interfaces.

Some key features of Adobe XD include vector drawing tools, artboard-based design, and robust prototyping. XD also supports easy collaboration through features like co-editing, design systems, and developer handoff.

When we compare Figma vs XD, Adobe XD lags behind Figma in terms of real-time collaboration and cross-platform accessibility. While the Adobe team has been deploying new features for XD, it still remains fairly lightweight compared to tools like Photoshop and Illustrator.

Figma vs XD: Which is Better?

Looking at Figma vs XD, both design tools bring something to the table.

Let’s explore the differences between Figma and XD to determine which is better:

1) Design and Formatting Features

Figma and Adobe XD both come equipped with strong design and formatting features, including versatile vector drawing tools, advanced prototyping, and animation capabilities.

Comparing Figma vs XD in this category, Figma’s cloud-based collaboration is a standout that not only improves accessibility but also easily integrates these design features into a collaborative design process.

In comparison, Adobe XD, while equipped with its own robust design capabilities, is often favoured by users looking for a more self-contained design experience. It focuses on providing a traditional and controlled design environment without relying on cloud-based collaboration.

2) Pricing

Figma follows a freemium model, with a free plan that caters to small teams and individual designers. It also offers subscription-based plans, with added features to allow larger teams and enterprises to scale. This flexible pricing strategy largely contributes to Figma’s widespread appeal and adoption across diverse user groups.

Adobe XD also follows a freemium model, with the pricing structure varying according to individual or team needs. However, Adobe XD is part of Adobe Creative Cloud, so you’ll need a monthly or yearly subscription to use it.

Ultimately, deciding between Figma vs XD depends on key factors such as your budget, feature preferences, and collaborative demands.

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3) Supported Platforms

Figma uses a web-based architecture, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and offering a collaborative environment that allows designers to work together in real-time. This is extremely beneficial to dispersed design teams, allowing them to collaborate effectively and eliminating platform restrictions.

In comparison, Adobe XD’s availability on Mac and Windows might be an issue for users who value a platform-independent solution. It also potentially limits accessibility and collaboration in situations where you prefer a web-based solution.

4) User Interface (UI)/ User Experience (UX)

Figma’s browser-based interface prioritises real-time collaboration, so multiple users can work concurrently on projects. This helps you improve your team’s efficiency and makes Figma a favourable choice for working simultaneously with other people and collaborating effectively.

Adobe XD is different in this respect, offering a native app experience and providing a clean and familiar design environment. XD caters to users who are looking for a self-contained, standalone design experience. It provides a more traditional and controlled setting for people who want a singular design interface.

Is Adobe XD Dying Out?

So, is Adobe XD dying out? In a word, yes.

Since its introduction, Figma has been the preferred design tool chosen by teams for its superior collaborative features. It’s the best tool for simplifying web design, helping designers and teams work together more efficiently.

But don’t count Adobe XD out just yet. It’s still an incredibly useful tool, especially if you already own the Adobe suite and interface. That said, if you’re part of a team and prioritise the flexibility of working on the go, Figma is the better choice.

When we’re comparing Figma vs XD, both are incredible design tools and offer a range of comprehensive features. These two tools effectively take you from the initial wireframe through design prototyping and, finally, handing off to developers.

Nonetheless, as Adobe XD becomes less available, Figma stands out as the more popular option for designers looking for a stable platform that supports their work in the long term.

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Ultimately, your choice between Figma vs Adobe XD comes down to which aspects you consider essential to your projects. Once you decide which platform suits your needs best, you can get started on creating user-friendly designs.

Alongside design tools, you’ll also need the right web development support tools to leverage the full benefits of either platform.

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