Figma is a cloud-native, browser-based design platform with superior real-time collaboration, while Adobe XD is desktop-focused software with deeper Adobe Creative Cloud integration and stronger animation capabilities.
Adobe XD vs Figma — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Adobe XD if you're already invested in Creative Cloud, need advanced animation capabilities, or require professional-grade video export integration. Choose Figma if you prioritize team collaboration, want browser-based accessibility, prefer transparent pricing, or work in distributed teams—Figma has captured 71% of design market share among agencies as of 2025.
Desktop design and prototyping tool integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud
Cloud-based collaborative design platform accessible from any browser
Structured comparison data for Adobe XD vs Figma with 159 attributes.
Monthly Subscription Cost (Single Editor)
Cloud Storage Included (Free Plan/Trial)
Market Share Among UI/UX Designers (2024)
Total Monthly Cost (with Required Services)
Starter Plan Monthly Cost (Annual Billing)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)
Adobe XD vs Figma — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Adobe XD vs Figma.
Figma's web editor requires an internet connection for full functionality. However, Figma has introduced offline mode for view-only access to previously loaded files. For actual design work, you need connectivity. Adobe XD offers full offline desktop editing with cloud sync when reconnected.
Is Figma better for design systems and component libraries?
Yes. Figma's shared library system with multi-file component syncing and auto-update notifications is superior for design system management. Adobe XD's Assets panel is more basic and requires manual updates. Figma's library feature makes it the standard choice for enterprise design systems.
Can Adobe XD create animations like Figma?
Adobe XD actually has more advanced animation capabilities than Figma. XD includes timeline-based animations with keyframes, easing curves, and timing controls. Figma focuses on interactive prototyping with clickable flows but doesn't support native frame animations—you'd need third-party plugins.
What's the cheapest way to get Adobe XD?
The cheapest option is $9.99/month for Adobe XD standalone. However, if you need other Adobe apps, Creative Cloud All Apps at $59.99/month includes XD along with Photoshop, Illustrator, and 20+ other tools. Students get a 60% discount on All Apps.
Does Figma work well for large design teams?
Figma excels for large teams. Its Team plan ($19/month per editor) supports unlimited simultaneous collaborators per file, shared team libraries, and permission controls. The unlimited collaborators feature is a major advantage over XD, which requires manual file sharing and has limited concurrent user support.