Adobe XD is a traditional UI/UX design tool focused on wireframing and prototyping with industry-standard features, while Framer is a code-based design platform emphasizing interactive prototypes and animations with built-in developer handoff. Framer prioritizes motion design and React component integration, whereas Adobe XD offers deeper collaborative features and broader Adobe ecosystem integration.
Adobe XD vs Framer — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Adobe XD if you work within the Adobe ecosystem, need traditional wireframing workflows, or prefer a lower barrier to entry for non-technical designers. Choose Framer if you're building interactive prototypes, want code-based design flexibility, need advanced animation capabilities, or have developer experience with React—Framer's superior developer handoff justifies the learning curve for modern product teams.
Adobe's cloud-based UI/UX design and prototyping platform with professional-grade tools.
Code-powered design tool for interactive prototypes and motion design
Structured comparison data for Adobe XD vs Framer with 181 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)
Performance on Large Files (100+ Artboards)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual Plan)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)
Team Collaboration - Simultaneous Editors
Adobe XD vs Framer — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Adobe XD vs Framer.
While basic visual design is possible without React knowledge, Framer's most powerful features—component integration, dynamic interactions, and advanced prototyping—require JavaScript and React fundamentals. Adobe XD requires zero coding knowledge and is better for non-technical designers.
Does Adobe XD work with Adobe Creative Cloud?
Yes, Adobe XD is included in Creative Cloud and integrates directly with Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and other Adobe apps. You can import assets, copy/paste between tools, and maintain consistency across your design workflow. Framer has no native Adobe integration.
Which tool is better for animations and interactions?
Framer significantly outperforms Adobe XD for animations. Framer supports physics-based animations, gesture controls, state-based interactions, and easing curves. Adobe XD offers basic transitions and easing but lacks the advanced animation engine Framer provides, making Framer superior for motion-focused products.
How much does each tool cost, and which is cheaper?
Adobe XD costs $12.99/month standalone but requires Creative Cloud ($54.49/month total). Framer costs $12/month with no additional subscriptions required. For standalone use, Framer is 8% cheaper. For Adobe ecosystem users already paying for Creative Cloud, XD adds minimal extra cost.
Which tool has better developer handoff capabilities?
Framer has superior developer handoff with automatic code export, design tokens, and component library generation in React format. Adobe XD provides CSS measurements and specs panels but lacks modern token-based workflows. Framer is specifically built for developer collaboration.