Introduction: UX Showdown in the Modern Age
Picture this: you’re at a café, laptop open, debating between Figma and Adobe XD for your next big project. It’s like choosing between two legendary superheroes. One is flexible, social, and creative. The other is powerful, familiar, and rooted in tradition. That’s the essence of our adobe: Figma review.
Together, we’ll unpack this rivalry. We’ll explore what each tool offers, how they fit into real workflows, and why one might edge out the other in 2025. So grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig into this friendly face‑off.
What Is Figma? A Collaborative Canvas
Figma is a browser-first design tool made for teams. Think of it like a shared whiteboard, perfect for sketching UI, wireframes, prototypes, or icons. You don’t need to install anything—simply open your browser and start designing.
It also offers desktop apps for macOS and Windows. You get features like real‑time multiplayer editing, shared libraries, and branching for experimenting without risk. Whether you’re designing a mobile app or brainstorming an icon set, Figma adapts. It’s like working on a digital canvas with your whole creative team at your side.
What Is Adobe XD? Familiar Power Meets UI/UX
Adobe XD comes from Adobe’s Creative Cloud family. It’s a desktop-first app (Windows and macOS) that designers love for its tight integration with Photoshop, Illustrator, and more. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for UI/UX—it can handle design, wireframes, prototypes, and voice interactions.
For people already using Adobe tools, XD is a natural fit. You can open PSD files, use Illustrator icons, and maintain your brand’s visual assets with ease. You don’t lose the precision or familiar feel of Adobe workflows. Whether you’re designing a website or a voice‑activated interface, XD has you covered.
Figma vs Adobe XD: Pros and Cons
Before we dive deeper, let’s check the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Figma Pros
- Browser‑based: No installs, and your work is always in sync.
- Real‑time collaboration: Team editing like Google Docs.
- Design systems: Shared libraries make UI consistent.
- Branching & versioning: Safe exploration of ideas.
- Plugin ecosystem: Customize your workflow easily.
Figma Cons
- Requires internet access.
- Can feel slow on weak connections.
- Some advanced tools may be hidden under menus.
Adobe XD Pros
- Desktop‑based: Works offline when needed.
- Creative Cloud synergy: Works with Photoshop, Illustrator instantly.
- Voice prototyping: Great for conversational UI.
- Vector tools & Repeat Grid: Fast asset generation.
Adobe XD Cons
- No real‑time collaboration—only coediting.
- Not a standalone product now, requires Creative Cloud subscription.
- Lacks branching/version control built in.
Comparison Table: Feature Face-Off
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing the two tools:
| Feature | Figma | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Browser, macOS, Windows | macOS, Windows |
| Collaboration | Real-time co-editing | Manual co‑editing |
| Cloud Sync | Always synced | Cloud save via Creative Cloud |
| Version Control | Branching & version history | Basic version history |
| Plugins & Ecosystem | Extensive, community-powered | Adobe plugins, third-party tools |
| Asset Integration | Native libraries | Photoshop/Illustrator integration |
| Prototype Features | Interactive, shares easily | Voice, 3D transitions, auto‑animate |
| Offline Access | Limited—needs cache | Full local use |
| Learning Curve | Intuitive for teams and beginners | Familiar to Adobe users |
If you’re a designer who values teamwork and easy sharing, Figma shines. If you’re tied to Adobe’s ecosystem or need offline desktop power, XD remains a strong option.
Feature Deep Dive: What Sets Them Apart
Collaboration & Workflow
Figma’s real‑time collaboration is its crown jewel. You can see other team members designing side by side. It’s like a virtual studio session. You can leave comments, tag peers, and resolve feedback instantly.
XD added coediting later—but it can lag behind. Edits can overwrite each other. You might wish for live cursors and instant sharing. Figma continues to push ahead with seamless teamwork.
Design Systems & Libraries
I once had a brand redesign where I needed to update buttons across multiple screens. Figma’s team libraries made the job easy—change once, update everywhere. Branching let me test redesign ideas without harming the original.
XD supports Creative Cloud libraries, but syncing across files isn’t as smooth. Figma’s branching system makes sharing variations effortless and secure.
Prototyping and Interactivity
Figma supports modern prototype features—transitions, overlays, smart animation. You can share live links instantly. It’s fast, sleek, and easy to iterate on.
XD adds extras like voice triggers and 3D transforms. It’s ideal for voice UI or immersive designs. But its auto‑animate features can feel less flexible and take more clicks.
Pricing: What You Actually Pay
Money matters. Let’s look at price and value.
Figma Plans
- Starter (Free): 3 projects, real‑time collaboration, core features.
- Professional (~$12/user/month): Unlimited files, team libraries, invite-only projects.
- Organization (~$45/user/month): Design analytics, advanced security, shared fonts.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing, dedicated support, SSO, network controls.
Students and educators often get free upgrades. Value here comes from flexibility and team support.
Adobe XD Pricing
- Currently available via Creative Cloud All Apps ($54/month) or Single‑App CC plan occasionally.
- Free Trial: 7 days.
- Only real value if you’re already using multiple Adobe tools.
In this adobe: Figma review, the clear takeaway is that Figma gives robust features at lower cost—especially if you don’t already subscribe to the full Adobe ecosystem.
Experience in Real Life: What I’ve Tried
Here’s what I found after using both tools on real projects:
With Figma, I worked on an app UI across four people in different time zones. We could design, comment, change, and resolve live. It felt like working together in an office.
With XD, I used Photoshop elements I loved. The asset flow was smooth. But inviting another designer meant sharing files and waiting for uploads—not the best for fast teamwork.
If collaboration is your game, Figma wins. If you’re the only creator and already in Adobe’s orbit, XD feels comfortable.
User Feedback: What Designers Are Saying in 2025
When it comes to choosing between Figma and Adobe XD, the voice of the community can be just as important as feature lists.
What Figma Users Love
Designers praise Figma’s ability to eliminate email chains and ZIP files. One user wrote:
Others appreciate the learning curve—it’s simple enough for juniors, but powerful enough for seniors. And teams love how design handoff is seamless. Developers can inspect elements directly without needing a plugin or extra license.
What XD Users Appreciate
Adobe fans value familiarity. Many who already use Photoshop or Illustrator feel right at home. One reviewer mentioned:
For solo freelancers who often work offline or for those creating voice-enabled apps, XD still holds appeal. But many have noted that coediting in XD, though improved, still lags behind Figma’s real-time magic.
2025 Outlook: The Future of UI/UX Design Tools
Design tools are evolving. Let’s peek into where each is headed.
Figma’s Trajectory
Since being acquired by Adobe in 2022, many feared Figma would lose its edge. But it’s actually grown more independent. In 2025, we’ve seen:
- Figma AI suggestions: Smart text, color palette, and layout tips.
- Advanced Dev Mode: Giving developers full inspect and token support.
- Better plugins: FigJam is now deeply integrated for brainstorms and sprints.
Its momentum hasn’t slowed. It’s still the tool where new startups begin—and where major companies migrate when they outgrow static workflows.
Adobe’s Investment in XD
Adobe has slowed new XD updates in 2024–25. Many suspect Adobe is consolidating focus across platforms. As of this writing:
- XD is still functional, but not a priority in Adobe’s roadmap.
- Adobe is emphasizing Photoshop on the web and Illustrator AI features.
If Adobe shifts resources, XD could remain stable—but may not lead the future of design tools anymore.
FAQs: Quick Answers About Figma and Adobe XD
Is Figma better than Adobe XD for beginners?
Yes. Figma is easier to learn thanks to its intuitive interface and community support.
Can I use Adobe XD offline?
Yes. XD is a desktop app and works offline. Figma requires an internet connection for full features.
Does Figma replace Photoshop or Illustrator?
Not really. Figma is for UI/UX. Photoshop is best for images. Illustrator is great for detailed vector work. They can complement each other.
Which tool is better for developers?
Figma’s Dev Mode is superior for handoff. Developers can inspect, export, and copy CSS with no additional tools.
Will Adobe discontinue XD?
As of 2025, Adobe has not officially discontinued XD—but updates have slowed significantly, and future support is uncertain.
Final Verdict: Figma Wins the 2025 Design Crown
Let’s wrap it up. In our adobe: Figma review, we’ve seen two powerful tools—but only one seems to be moving with the times.
If you’re a solo designer tied to Creative Cloud, Adobe XD is still solid. It works offline, plays well with other Adobe tools, and has voice prototyping if that’s your thing.
But if you’re part of a modern, collaborative, fast-moving team—Figma is the clear winner. It’s designed for how teams work today: shared, async, real-time, and in the cloud.
Conclusion: Choose the Tool That Moves With You
At the end of the day, design isn’t just about pixels—it’s about people, pace, and progress. Figma understands that. It’s become the tool of choice not because it replaced Adobe, but because it reimagined how we design together.
If you want to future-proof your workflows and empower your team with speed and clarity, Figma is the tool to bet on in 2025.