Figma vs Adobe XD: The Ultimate Comparison for 2025

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of design tools, Figma and Adobe XD have emerged as two of the most popular platforms for UI/UX designers. Both tools offer a plethora of features that cater to different aspects of design, collaboration, and prototyping. As we approach 2025, it’s essential to understand how these tools stack up against each other. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of Figma and Adobe XD, exploring their features, benefits, and ideal use cases.

User Interface and Experience

The user interface of a design tool plays a crucial role in the designer’s workflow. Both Figma and Adobe XD have made significant strides in providing an intuitive experience.

Figma

• Figma’s interface is clean, modern, and highly customizable.
• It features a left sidebar for layers and assets, a central canvas for design work, and a right sidebar for properties and settings.
• The collaborative nature of Figma is highlighted through real-time editing, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously.

Adobe XD

• Adobe XD offers a streamlined interface that is consistent with other Adobe products.
• The workspace is organized into artboards, with tools readily accessible in a top toolbar.
• While it does support collaboration, the real-time editing feature is not as robust as Figma’s.

Collaboration Features

Collaboration has become a cornerstone of design work, especially in remote settings. Both tools offer features that facilitate teamwork, but they do so in different ways.

Figma

• Real-time collaboration allows multiple designers to edit the same file simultaneously, similar to Google Docs.
• Commenting features enable team members to leave feedback directly on the design.
• Version history tracks changes, helping teams revert to previous iterations if necessary.

Adobe XD

• Adobe XD supports co-editing, but it typically requires users to work in a linear fashion rather than simultaneously.
• The sharing and commenting links are straightforward, but they don’t offer the same level of real-time interactivity.
• Version control is available, but it’s less user-friendly than Figma’s implementation.

Prototyping Capabilities

Prototyping is a vital part of the design process, allowing designers to create interactive mockups to test user flows.

Figma

• Figma offers advanced prototyping features, including the ability to create complex interactions with ease.
• Designers can link different frames and set transitions to simulate user experiences.
• Figma’s prototyping capabilities are further enhanced by its component system, allowing for reusable design elements.

Adobe XD

• Adobe XD also provides comprehensive prototyping tools, enabling designers to create interactive experiences.
• It includes features like voice prototyping and auto-animate for smoother transitions.
• However, some users find Figma’s prototyping to be more intuitive and fluid.

Design Systems and Asset Management

A robust design system can streamline design processes and promote consistency across projects.

Figma

• Figma supports design systems with its component and asset management features.
• Designers can create shared libraries that allow teams to use the same components across various projects.
• The team library feature simplifies updating assets, ensuring everyone has access to the latest versions.

Adobe XD

• Adobe XD also enables users to create design systems, but it lacks some of the flexibility found in Figma.
• While shared assets can be created, updates are not as seamless, potentially causing inconsistencies.
• Adobe’s integration with other Creative Cloud applications enhances asset management.

Integration and Extensibility

The ability to integrate with other tools can significantly affect a designer’s workflow.

Figma

• Figma integrates with various platforms like Slack, JIRA, and Trello, making it easier to collaborate across teams.
• The community plugin library is extensive, allowing users to extend functionality in numerous ways.
• API access enables custom integrations tailored to specific workflows.

Adobe XD

• Adobe XD integrates with other Adobe products, which is advantageous for users already in the Adobe ecosystem.
• It also supports plugins, though the variety is not as broad as Figma’s.
• Integration with third-party tools is possible but can be limited compared to Figma.

Pricing Models