Nowadays, applications and websites must be functional and their design must be good as well. A good design determines whether the user will navigate easily or get confused. The look of the buttons, the speed of the page, and the overall experience – everything depends on the design. And for a designer, creativity alone is not enough; the right tools are also essential.
Currently, two tools are most popular: Figma and Adobe XD. If you’re wondering which software to use, where to buy it, whether it’s better to get a license or a subscription plan, this guide will give you a clear comparison of the two – based on features, price, and usability.
Figma: The Future of Collaborative Design
Figma has gained a lot of hype over the past few years, and the reason is simple—it runs directly in the browser. This means it eliminates the stress of heavy installation files. This makes it a super flexible online software. Plus, teamwork is easy, as team members can work together on the same file in real-time—no matter where they are.
Some highlights of Figma:
- Live teamwork: As with Google Docs, two or more people can be working on the same document.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Runs smoothly on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even mobile devices.
- Easy sharing: No need to send bulk files, just share a link and you’re done.
Now let’s talk about pricing and plans. Figma offers both free and paid versions. The free version is sufficient with small teams or individuals. However, with a bigger team, paid subscriptions will open up additional capabilities such as analytics, design systems, and storage. And, of course, you can also buy Figma licenses directly to enterprises in case you prefer to use official resellers.
Adobe XD: Strength in Familiarity
Another effective tool is Adobe XD, which is a UI/ UX oriented tool and is included in the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Adobe ecosystem is already known to many designers and thus, in case you have used Photoshop, Illustrator, or After Effects, it is extremely easy to use XD.
Key Strengths of Adobe XD:
- Adobe integration: Integrates with Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Prototyping capabilities: You are able to make interactive prototypes and share them with the clients easily.
- Plugins and extensions: A large plugin library is available to boost productivity.
When we talk about cost, Adobe XD is included in Creative Cloud plans. If you only want XD, then you will take a single app subscription. But if your company also needs Photoshop, Illustrator, and many other creative apps, then buying the full Creative Cloud package can be a better choice. For the businesses, buying a volume license from a trusted partner is also available. The price depends on whether you take a monthly or annual plan, and whether you are a student, individual, or enterprise.
Feature Comparison: Figma vs Adobe XD
A brief comparison will enable you to take a peep at the differences and the following is the quick comparison:
| Feature | Figma | Adobe XD |
| Platform | Online software (browser + app) | Desktop app with cloud features |
| Collaboration | Real-time, multiple editors | Limited real-time collaboration |
| Plugins | Large, growing community | Good selection, but fewer than Figma |
| Learning curve | Beginner-friendly | Easy for Adobe users |
| Offline use | Limited | Strong offline functionality |
| Integration | Works with Slack, Notion, etc. | Deep integration with Adobe apps |
| Resellers | Available through resellers worldwide | Also sold via Adobe resellers |
- Choose Figma if you need a simple, browser-based tool that is best for collaboration with your team and allows real-time editing. Plus, its free plan is generous and perfect for freelancers. Easy subscription and clear, without taking any extra headache.
- Choose Adobe XD if you are already using Adobe apps such as Photoshop, Illustrator or After Effects. In that case, XD fits seamlessly into your workflow. And yes, if you get the Creative Cloud bundle, it’s cheaper than buying a standalone license.
Conclusion:
Figma and Adobe XD are both strong tools in their own right. Figma will provide a super smooth experience for teamwork and remote collaboration, while Adobe XD is convenient for those already working in the Adobe ecosystem. Whenever you make a decision, ensure it aligns with your budget, team size, and work style. Do not forget to compare plans and subscription options, and sometimes you will get better deals when you purchase from an authorized partner like Wroffy. The most important thing is that whichever platform you choose, it should help you design faster, collaborate smarter, and make your ideas a reality.
