Adobe XD vs Figma: which programme is better?

Adobe XD vs Figma – Which of the two prototype programmes is better, you decide for yourself. While Figma is free for easy use, Adobe XD is part of the paid Adobe Cloud.

Adobe XD vs. Figma: Adobe XD at a glance

Both programmes are used for prototyping, i.e. for creating concepts of websites and apps. Adobe XD offers you the following advantages and disadvantages:

• Prices: Adobe XD is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. If you want to purchase the programme separately, you will incur costs of 11.98 euros (as of March 2023) per month. However, you can test the programme free of charge for the first seven days.
• Advantages: With the vector-based programme, you can create graphic designs, website prototypes as well as concepts for apps and co. With the tool, you can create interactive prototyping elements to better present the design. The programme is also suitable for anyone who already works with the other Adobe programmes such as Photoshop or Illustrator. The programmes have a similar structure and are easy to understand. In addition, Adobe XD is available in German.
• Your created designs and assets can be easily exported and saved in the Adobe Cloud. You can also create reusable elements that you can use again and again.
• Disadvantages: Editing and creating shapes is often difficult because the functions are somewhat limited. If you want to edit photos, there are no functions available for this. For this you need other programmes, such as Photoshop.
• It can happen quickly that functions are lost due to new features and updates or that the interface changes and you have to find your way around the programme again.

Figma: Advantages and disadvantages of the programme

In contrast to Adobe XD, Figma has a wide range of functions. Different plugins also allow you to work effectively with the tool. You can use the tool free of charge. However, the purchase of Figma by Adobe at the end of 2022 could change this.

• Prices: Figma is basically permanently free (as of March 2023). With the starter account you can create unlimited personal files. If you work alone and occasionally exchange files with others, it costs you nothing.
• Switch to the Professional plan, and for $12 a month (as of March 2023) you can share unlimited projects with others and use all the features. The Organisation and Enterprise tariffs are suitable for large groups of employees and companies that work on many projects. Depending on the plan, this costs $45 or $75 per employee per month (as of March 2023).
• Benefits: If you want to share your files with other Figma users, you can do so easily. Collaborative work in real time is also possible with the tool. The large selection of plugins gives you the possibility to integrate free images and icons into your projects and to edit images. You therefore do not need any other tools when using this programme.
• Disadvantages: Since Figma is desktop-based, you can only work with it if you have internet access. Although you can download the application to your desktop and work from there, this will not work if you are not online.
• Because you don’t have the option to set global colours, you need more time to optimise your designs. You also need at least 4 GB of ram memory if you want to work with Figma without problems. The application is also only available in English.