Introduction
In the realm of UI/UX design, selecting the appropriate tool can significantly influence your workflow, creativity, and professional trajectory. Figma and Adobe XD stand out as two prominent contenders in this field, each boasting dedicated user bases and distinct advantages. As we look ahead to 2025, which tool emerges as the frontrunner? This guide aims to assist both experienced designers and newcomers in making a well-informed decision.
What Makes a Good UI Design Tool?
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s agree on what makes a UI design tool great. It should be:
- Easy to use
- Collaborative
- Flexible for design and prototyping
- Well-integrated with other tools
- Scalable for teams of all sizes
Both Figma and Adobe XD tick several of these boxes—but how they deliver on them differs.
Getting to Know Figma and Adobe XD
Figma is a web-based UI design application that operates in your browser (and also has desktop versions). It gained popularity due to real-time collaboration, effortless sharing, and its expanding community of templates and plugins.
Adobe XD, a component of Adobe’s Creative Cloud collection, is a desktop-oriented design and prototyping software that seamlessly connects with other Adobe applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator.It’s fashionable, durable, and designed for creatives already utilizing the Adobe environment.
What Makes Figma a Designer Favourite?
Figma has claimed its throne for multiple solid reasons:
- Instant Collaboration: Several individuals can edit a document simultaneously, similar to Google Docs for design purposes. No need for saving, syncing, or merging.
- Cloud-Based Adaptability: Your documents reside in the cloud, allowing you to operate from any device.
- Plugin Ecosystem: A diverse array of community-created plugins enhances the functionality of Figma.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Figma operates on Mac, Windows, and also Linux through the browser.
- Version History and Feedback: Integrated features for tracking versions and comments simplify the review process.
- Figma is adored by designers for its contemporary feel, speed, and collaborative features.
Where Adobe XD Still Holds Its Ground
Although Figma frequently garners attention, Adobe XD possesses its own advantages:
- Speed: XD operates exceptionally quickly on high-performance computers, particularly when managing large projects.
- Seamless Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud: For users of Photoshop, Illustrator, or After Effects, XD provides a more cohesive workflow.
- Prototyping Capabilities: The voice triggers and auto-animate features in XD are user-friendly and efficient.
- Offline Functionality: Being a desktop application, XD is ideal for situations where internet access is unavailable.
- For individual designers or those heavily invested in Adobe’s suite, XD remains a reliable option.
Collaboration and Workflow: Who Wins?
This is where Figma excels the most. Its browser-based configuration enables seamless real-time collaboration. You can invite clients, developers, or team members using an easy link—no need for file downloads or software installations.
XD has launched co-editing features; however, they lack the seamlessness and ease of use that one might expect.When collaborating in a team, particularly from a distance, Figma is tough to surpass.
Which One Is Better for Beginners?
Both tools have a gentle learning curve, but Figma is generally more beginner-friendly:
- Clean, intuitive UI
- Tons of free tutorials and templates
- Web-based, so no installation barrier
That said, if you’re already familiar with Adobe’s suite, XD might feel more natural.
Which One Should You Use in 2025?
By 2025, Figma has established itself as a frontrunner in the UI design industry, gaining significant traction among design teams, startups, and large enterprises. Adobe’s failed attempt to purchase Figma highlights the significant impact the tool has within the industry.
Figma is progressing swiftly, supported by a dynamic community and continually introducing innovations in collaboration and design systems. For the majority of users, particularly teams and product designers, it stands out as the superior all-around tool in the current landscape.
A Quick Take: Figma or XD?A Quick Take: Figma or XD?
- Collaboration
Figma: Enables real-time, effortless collaboration among teams.
Adobe XD: Provides co-editing features, though not as fluid or user-friendly.
- Performance
Figma: Fast and efficient, especially ideal for online projects.
Adobe XD: Extremely responsive on robust desktop platforms.
- Plugin Support
Figma: Boasts a vast plugin ecosystem supported by an active community.
Adobe XD: Has a smaller selection of plugins, but is gradually expanding.
- Ease of Use
Figma: Features a clean interface that is welcoming for beginners.
Adobe XD: User-friendly for those already accustomed to Adobe software.
- Offline Access
Figma: Has limited functionality when offline.
Adobe XD: Provides complete offline access as a desktop application.
Conclusion
Does Figma offer more benefits than Adobe XD for UI design? In 2025, the majority of designers typically respond positively. Unmatched collaboration, flexibility, and creativity are offered by Figma, especially in a remote-first setting.
At Wiraa, a global platform for remote employment, we are witnessing an increasing demand for designers proficient in Figma. As organizations continue to adopt distributed teams, tools like Figma, which facilitate real-time collaboration across different time zones, are becoming the norm in the industry.
Ultimately, regardless of the tool you select, exceptional UI design hinges on creativity, consistency, and a user-centric approach. However, if you are considering a tool for the future of work, Figma is already leading the way.
