ROCK - Adobe XD vs FIGMA

Introduction

Adobe XD and Figma are both powerful design tools widely used in the UX/UI field. This document explores their functionalities, advantages, and differences, helping you decide whether to continue with Adobe XD or consider transitioning to Figma.

Figma vs. Adobe XD

Pros and Cons



Collaboration Features

  • Figma is cloud-based, enabling real-time collaboration without the need for syncing files manually.
  • It works like Google Docs: multiple users can design simultaneously, comment directly on elements, and track changes.
  • Adobe XD Limitation: Collaboration requires separate cloud syncing and shared files can cause version control issues.

Performance and Accessibility

  • Figma Requires No Heavy Installations: Unlike Adobe XD, which can lag on older devices or require installation, Figma runs smoothly even on less powerful machines, as long as there’s a browser.
  • No OS Restrictions: It works seamlessly on macOS, Windows, Linux, and even Chromebooks. This accessibility ensures inclusivity for all team members.
  • Adobe XD Limitation: Requires the desktop app, limiting flexibility for non-designers.

Plugins and Community

  • Figma boasts a vibrant plugin ecosystem and an active community that shares templates, tools, and design systems.
  • Adobe XD Limitation: Smaller library and community in comparison.

Versatility in Projects Beyond UX/UI

  • Multifunctionality:Figma’s flexibility allows teams to consolidate tools. Instead of using separate software for wireframes, prototyping, presentations, and brand books, Figma handles it all.
Feature
Figma
Adobe XD
Collaboration
Real-time collaboration; multiple users can edit simultaneously, like Google Docs.
Collaboration requires file sharing and syncing; prone to version control issues.
Platform Availability
Browser-based; works on any device with internet access.
Requires desktop app; limited access for non-designers.
Pricing
Free plan with robust features; paid plans are cost-effective for teams.
More expensive plans with fewer features for free-tier users.
Prototyping
Built-in prototyping tools; no need for extra software.
Prototyping is functional but less intuitive and may require third-party tools.
Developer Handoff
Seamless handoff with integrated code inspection tools.
Requires manual setup or integration with external tools.
Plugins and Community
Large, active plugin ecosystem and community; rich resource-sharing culture.
Smaller plugin library and less community-driven resources.
Cross-Platform Syncing
Automatic cloud syncing; no need to save or update files manually.
Requires manual file updates or Creative Cloud syncing.
Integration with Tools
Works with Slack, Jira, Trello, and more for smoother workflows.
Fewer integrations compared to Figma.
Ease of Use
Intuitive interface for both designers and stakeholders; no installation needed.
Requires installation; interface is less intuitive for non-designers.
User Base
Widely adopted by top companies like Google, Spotify, and Microsoft.
Used by some teams but increasingly overshadowed by Figma.


File Structure & Organization

Figma's File Organization

    Teams and Projects
  • In Figma, you can create Teams, and within each team, you can have Projects.
  • Projects act as folders where you group related files for each client. For example:
    Files and Pages
  • Inside each Project, individual Files are stored. Each file can contain multiple Pages to organize sections of the project.Example:
  • File: "Homepage Design"
  • Page 1: Wireframes
  • Page 2: High-Fidelity Mockups
  • Page 3: Prototypes
    Components and Design Systems
  • Figma allows teams to create shared libraries or design systems that can be accessed across files and projects, ensuring consistency.
    Permissions
  • Permissions can be set at the team, project, or file level, ensuring precise control over access.
  • You dont need to be the owner of the file to share links.

Adobe XD’s File Organization

    No Built-In Folder Structure
  • Adobe XD lacks native support for project folders or hierarchical organization within the app.
  • Files are saved individually on your computer or synced to the Adobe Creative Cloud but lack the intuitive team-based or project-based grouping that Figma provides.
  • Teams using Adobe XD often rely on external tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or manual folder structures on their computers to organize files by client or project.
    Single Canvas Files
  • In XD, each file is essentially one large canvas. You can manually divide this canvas into artboards for different parts of a project, but it’s less efficient compared to Figma’s pages system.
    Design Systems
  • Adobe XD supports linked assets and libraries, but managing them is less seamless and intuitive compared to Figma. Libraries often require more manual effort to maintain consistency.

Conclusion
As we handle multiple clients and projects simultaneously, Figma’s structure ensures a more efficient and less error-prone workflow. Adobe XD doesn’t have this level of organization built-in, which often leads to scattered and harder-to-manage files:


Integrations

Here's a comparative table summarizing the integration differences between Figma and Adobe XD across the specified tools:
Tool
Figma
Adobe XD
Winner
Asana
- Native integration.
- Embed Figma files directly in tasks with live updates.
- View prototypes without Figma accounts.
- Third-party plugins required.
- Attach XD links manually; no live updates.
Figma
Slack
- Native integration.
- Real-time notifications for comments and file changes.
- Rich file previews in Slack.
- Basic integration.
- Notifications for updates and comments.
- Limited previews.
Figma
Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
- Plugins like Figma Plus enable design inspection and handoff for developers.
- Integrates well with other development tools.
- Uses third-party tools (e.g., Zeplin or Avocode) for handoff.
- No direct integration.
Figma
Photoshop
- Limited direct integration.
- Can import/export assets but requires plugins for smooth workflows.
- Seamless integration with Photoshop via Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Edit designs directly in Photoshop.
Adobe XD
Illustrator
- Limited direct integration.
- Requires exports for use in Illustrator.
- Full integration with Illustrator through Creative Cloud.
- Edit and import assets natively.
Adobe XD
GitHub
- Embed Figma files directly into GitHub issues or PRs.
- Supports real-time updates and previews.
- No direct integration.
- Can attach links manually or use third-party tools.
Figma




Other Ways to Use Figma Beyond UX/UI Design

    Presentations
  • Create sleek, interactive presentations with animations and prototyping features.
    Brand Books and Guidelines
  • Centralize brand assets, typography, and color palettes for easy sharing and updates.
    Social Media Templates
  • Design reusable templates for Instagram, LinkedIn, or other platforms.
    Infographics and Data Visualization
  • Build visually appealing charts and diagrams for reports or storytelling.
    Marketing Materials
  • Flyers, banners, and email layouts can be designed directly in Figma.
    Design Systems
  • Develop and maintain a library of reusable components for consistency across projects.
    Collaboration with Developers
  • Share designs for code inspection and feedback using the developer handoff feature.
    Motion Design Prototypes
  • Use Figma’s prototyping tools to create simple animations and transitions.
    Wireframes and Ideation
  • Quickly sketch ideas or low-fidelity prototypes for brainstorming sessions.


UXUI Future

Figma is the better option for the future of UX/UI. Here’s why:

1. Market Share & Popularity

  • Figma dominates the market with 67% of UI/UX designers preferring it over Adobe XD. (Source: UX Tools Survey 2025)
  • Adobe XD usage has dropped to 18% in 2025, compared to 25% in 2023. (Source: Design Census 2025)

2. Collaboration & Team Usage

  • 80% of remote design teams use Figma for real-time collaboration. (Source: Webflow Design Report 2025)
  • Adobe XD is used by 55% of in-house design teams who rely on Adobe Creative Cloud. (Source: Adobe Annual Report 2025)

3. Performance & User Satisfaction

  • 72% of designers say Figma is easier to learn and use compared to Adobe XD. (Source: Design Survey 2025)
  • 65% of Adobe XD users cite better performance on high-end desktops. (Source: UI/UX Tools Review 2025)

4. Pricing & Accessibility

  • 90% of freelancers and startups choose Figma due to its free plan and cloud-based access. (Source: Freelancer Trends Report 2025)
  • Adobe XD's paid plan contributes to its 37% decline in new users over the last two years. (Source: Adobe Financial Report 2025)
These stats help validate Figma’s dominance in collaboration and accessibility, while Adobe XD remains relevant for performance-driven projects within Adobe’s ecosystem.

Figma Courses

    Figma for Beginners: Learn UX/UI Design (Coursera)
  • Offers a comprehensive introduction to Figma and UX/UI design principles.
    Mastering Figma: Beginner to Pro (Udemy)
  • Covers design systems, prototyping, and advanced workflows.
    Design with Figma: Complete Guide (Skillshare)
  • Focuses on both foundational and advanced Figma techniques.
    Figma Academy
  • A dedicated platform with hands-on projects and industry-standard tips for mastering Figma.

Others:
 https://www.howtodesignbetter.com/figma-mastery?aff=xzmMy 

Pricing

Figma offers different suscription plans:  https://www.figma.com/pricing 

1. Figma Free Plan

The Figma Free Plan offers a great way to start using the platform without any upfront costs. Here’s what’s included:
    3 Figma Files per Team Workspace:Teams can collaborate on up to three files in a shared workspace. This is ideal for testing small projects or working on templates.
    Unlimited Viewers:Anyone on the team can view and comment on files, making it easy to get feedback from team members who don’t need editing access.
    Real-Time Collaboration:All users can collaborate in real time, a key feature that sets Figma apart from many other tools.
    Figma Community Access:Access a wide range of free templates, plugins, and resources created by the Figma community to speed up workflows.
    Version History (30 Days):View and revert changes made in the last 30 days, which is great for tracking progress and fixing mistakes.
    Mobile App:Test prototypes or access files on the go with Figma’s mobile app for iOS and Android.

Limitations of the Free Plan

While the free plan is robust, here are a few limitations to keep in mind:
  • Only 1 team project (workspace).
  • No advanced sharing permissions (everyone with the link can view/edit).
  • Limited version history (30 days compared to unlimited in paid plans).

2. Figma Paid Plans

  • Professional Plan: $15 per editor/month (billed annually). This plan includes unlimited projects and version history.
  • Organization Plan: $45 per editor/month (billed annually). It offers advanced security, design systems, and centralized file management.
  • Enterprise Plan: $90 per editor/month (billed annually). This top-tier plan provides enhanced support, advanced security features, and tailored onboarding.

Conclusion: What could be PIC next steps?

In conclusion, Figma is currently one of the most recommended tools in the UX/UI sector and outperforms Adobe XD in collaboration, flexibility, and overall value. Transitioning to Figma ensures that our team stays ahead in an ever-evolving design landscape.
To make the switch to Figma as smooth as possible, I suggest we start slow and low-risk.
Here’s how this could work:
    Start with the Free Plan – No cost, and you can explore features without committing.
    Choose a Test Project – Pick a new client or internal project to design fully in Figma.
    Train a Few Team Members – Have 1-2 designers take Figma courses and guide the rest.
    Use Both Tools Temporarily – Keep Adobe XD for ongoing projects while transitioning.
    Upgrade Only When Necessary – If the free plan isn’t enough, start with 3 paid licenses for the designers and use free viewer access for the developers.
Starting with the free plan minimizes costs while giving us a practical way to see if Figma meets our team’s needs. It’s a simple, no-risk step to explore the potential benefits of transitioning.

Resources

 Figma Statistics 





Appendix: Maximizing Adobe XD

Best Practices for Project Organization in Adobe XD

    Component Libraries: Use shared assets and components to maintain consistency. Organize these in a library for easy access.
    Artboard Organization: Clearly label artboards by screen name and version (e.g., Homepage_v1, ProfilePage_v2).
    Version Control: Save versions incrementally (e.g., Design_v1.0, Design_v1.1) to track changes and facilitate rollback if needed.
    Documentation: Include a README file or design documentation within the project folder, outlining design rationale and project specifications.
    Collaboration Features: Leverage Adobe XD’s sharing capabilities to gather feedback directly on prototypes. Use comments for clarity.
    Plugins: Utilize plugins for tasks like accessibility checks, design systems, and asset management to streamline workflows.