Figma vs Adobe XD: main differences
Choosing a tool like Figma vs Adobe XD is a big deal as it impacts the workflow, the overall experience, and the collaboration with the clients in real time - it is the most important tool UX designers work with.
What is Figma?
It's an interface, vector design, and cloud-based software that runs in the browser. Many designers consider it the best application to support team-based collaborative design projects. It gives you all the design tools and elements you need to create full-fledged web design, prototyping, and code generation for the handoff.
What is Figma used for?
Although Figma looks a lot like other prototyping tools, its key differentiator is the ability to work with teams. But simply put, Figma:
- Is an online UI design tool that supports the Product Design Process
- Allows you to create icons, social media graphics, presentations, and much more for free;
- Access hundreds of fonts, shapes, and colors to create dynamic visuals;
- Create responsive mockups for a more real life-based draft;
- Allows you to create your own libraries of content or use free libraries from other creators;
- Customize your graphic design assets with powerful features;
- Design directly in the browser as everything lives online, in real time and for free;
- You can co-edit with your team within the same file.
Figma is hence considered:
A prototyping tool
- Allows you to design, prototype, and present, all in the same tool;
- All updates to the design are immediately reflected in the prototype without the need for syncing of exporting;
- You can get feedback from your team by simply sharing a link;
- You’re able to run the prototypes on mobile for more reliable user testing;
- It has recently started smart animation;
- There’s now a prototype series available with different screen sizes optimized for the Apple watch.
A code generator for handoff
- Developers can inspect, copy and export CSS directly from the design file and adapt it to iOS and Android;
- They can mirror designs on mobile using “live device preview”;
- They can also adjust the size of the frame to test how layouts will adapt to different screen sizes.
It’s important to mention that Figma is backed by a large community of designers and developers who provide plugins to improve functionality and streamline workflows. Everyone is welcome to contribute and share.
What is Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a vector-based UI/UX design tool that enables you to design anything from smartwatch apps to fully-fledged websites. Adobe XD promises a breath of fresh air for professionals who are still using Photoshop or Illustrator for UI design, being the only Adobe tool that allows prototyping.
It works with Creative Cloud, that allows designers to work in real time, enabling designers to receive immediate feedback from their team members.
What is Adobe XD used for?
Adobe XD was developed with mobile and web experiences in mind, and design teams are leveraging its features for their full experience design process.
Application-wise, Adobe XD is used for:
Website design - Website design and Adobe XD work well together, from information architecture to layout and prototyping. Concepts and ideas are brought together with ease using productivity features like Stacks, Padding, and Repeat Grid to define navigation patterns, scrolling, and much more for your website;
App design - Designing apps for mobile phones, desktop apps, or even web apps requires dynamic interactions, multiple navigation patterns, and a variety of screen sizes, including less common ones like a digital mupi. Adobe XD makes creating app experiences easy with features like Responsive Resize, pre-built artboard sizes for common devices, and prototype features like auto-animate and dragging triggers;
Game design - You can map out and test game menus, settings, and other interface components directly in Adobe XD by simply plugin in a supported Bluetooth game controller;
Voice assistant design - Adobe XD enables you to create prototypes of virtual assistants thanks to its powerful voice commands and connections with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant that allow you to test experiences.
Features-wise, Adobe XD has many of the similar features of Figma:
UI design - With integrations with Creative Cloud apps, like Photoshop and Illustrator, you can easily pull in assets and have access to all the necessary tools to do your best work;
UX design - You can iterate quickly, test interactions and processes, and get a truer sense of friction spots so you’re able to fix them as soon as you spot them;
Wireframing - UI kits enable you to easily create interactive wireframes to test your design and go through user flows;
Prototyping - Adobe XD’s advanced capabilities like auto-animate and voice make it easier to build a prototype design that consumers can explore and engage with - leading to a better user experience;
Developer handoff - Adobe XD's sharing mode enables you to collaborate with development teams from the start. Whether you're using a voiceover recording to walk over your design or sharing development details, XD keeps you connected at all times.
The main difference between Figma and Adobe XD is the price. While Figma is free for individual users, and you only pay if you want to have access to features like coworking, for Adobe XD you have to pay before using it.
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