The UI Design Tool Landscape
For most of the past decade, UI and UX designers have debated which tool deserves a permanent spot in their workflow. Figma and Adobe XD have both earned devoted followings — but they take meaningfully different approaches to collaborative design. With Adobe having sunsetted active development of XD's free tier, the landscape has shifted. Here's what you need to know in 2025.
A Quick Overview
| Feature | Figma | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Browser-based + desktop app | Desktop app (Windows/Mac) |
| Collaboration | Real-time multiplayer | Co-editing (limited) |
| Pricing | Free tier available; paid plans for teams | Included in Creative Cloud |
| Prototyping | Strong, with advanced interactions | Solid, tightly integrated |
| Plugin ecosystem | Very large, active community | Smaller, less active |
| Component system | Variants, auto-layout, component libraries | Components and states |
Where Figma Excels
Real-Time Collaboration
Figma's browser-first architecture makes genuine multiplayer design possible — multiple team members can work on the same file simultaneously, see each other's cursors, and leave comments inline. For remote teams or agencies working with clients, this is transformative.
Component and Auto-Layout System
Figma's component variants and auto-layout features are best-in-class. Building responsive components that adapt to content changes — think buttons that grow with text, or cards that stack vertically on mobile — is intuitive and powerful.
Plugin Ecosystem
The Figma community plugin library is vast. Whether you need dummy content generators, accessibility checkers, icon libraries, or design token tools, there's almost certainly a plugin for it.
Where Adobe XD Still Has Strengths
Creative Cloud Integration
If your team lives in the Adobe ecosystem — Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects — XD integrates smoothly. Assets, libraries, and files transfer between apps with minimal friction.
Voice Prototyping
Adobe XD supports voice triggers in prototypes, useful for teams designing voice-enabled interfaces. This remains a relatively unique feature.
Familiar Interface for Adobe Users
Designers already proficient with Adobe apps will find XD's interface and keyboard shortcuts familiar, reducing onboarding time.
The Big Caveat: Adobe XD's Future
Adobe announced it would no longer release new features for XD and has encouraged users to transition to other tools. While XD files and existing workflows remain functional, new projects started in 2025 are generally better served by Figma or other actively developed alternatives.
Who Should Use What?
- Choose Figma if: You work in a team, need real-time collaboration, want access to a wide plugin library, or are starting fresh in UI/UX design
- Stick with Adobe XD if: You have existing XD files and workflows, are deeply embedded in the Creative Cloud ecosystem, and don't need cutting-edge features
- Also consider: Sketch (Mac-only, strong component library), Penpot (open-source alternative), or Framer (design + code output)
Final Verdict
For most designers in 2025, Figma is the stronger choice for new work. Its collaborative features, active development, and thriving community make it the industry standard for UI/UX design. Adobe XD remains viable for legacy projects, but betting your workflow on it for new work carries increasing risk.