Figma vs Adobe XD

Figma

Figma runs entirely in the browser, so a team can work on the same design file at the same time, leave comments, and see changes the moment they happen. A large plugin library and the built-in dev mode make the handoff from design to code noticeably smoother.

Adobe XD

Adobe XD is a desktop app, and moving files back and forth with other Adobe tools like Photoshop or Illustrator tends to be more seamless. If you're already paying for a Creative Cloud subscription, that ecosystem integration is a real advantage.

Which one should you choose?

If several people need to work on the same design at once, or you want something that runs from any browser regardless of operating system, Figma is the more practical pick. If you're already using Adobe's apps and regularly move designs between XD and Photoshop or Illustrator, XD's ecosystem fit can make your workflow simpler.

What are Figma and Adobe XD?

Figma is an interface design and prototyping tool for websites and mobile apps. It runs in the browser and also has a desktop app. Files live in the cloud, so teammates can work in the same file at once. Components, auto layout, prototype links and a developer inspection view all sit inside one product.

Adobe XD is Adobe's desktop app for the same job. Features like repeat grid and auto-animate between screens made it popular for a while. However, Adobe has not actively developed XD since 2023. It is in maintenance mode and gets no new features.

Key differences

Future: Figma gets regular updates. XD is not expected to gain new features, which is a real risk for long-term projects.
Platform: Figma opens in a browser, so your operating system does not matter. XD is a desktop app you have to install.
Collaboration: Figma was built for multiple users from day one. Comments, version history and live co-editing are core to it.
Ecosystem: Figma's plugins and community files are large and active. XD's plugin scene stalled along with the product.
Hiring: knowing Figma is now close to a baseline requirement in UI design job listings.

Which one fits whom?

If you are starting out as a designer, working in an agency or product team, or kicking off a new app project, choose Figma. What you learn carries straight into the job market, and handing files to developers is easy.

The only case where XD still makes sense is an existing XD project that will wrap up soon. Finishing it in XD is fine, but starting anything new in XD is not a good idea.

Before you switch

Take stock of your XD files first: which projects are still live and which are just archive.
Third-party plugins and converters can bring XD files into Figma. Results are not always clean, so check layers and components by hand.
Save archived designs as PDF or PNG too, so you can still see them if XD files become hard to open later.
Treat the move as a chance to rebuild your component library properly instead of carrying old mess across.

Bottom line

Figma is the clear choice. With Adobe XD in maintenance mode, using it for new projects does not make sense, and Figma is the safer investment for both its current features and its place in the industry. Keep XD around only to finish an old project that is nearly done.