The design tool landscape has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, with Figma emerging as the clear winner in the UI/UX design space. Once considered the underdog against established players like Sketch and Adobe XD, Figma has not only caught up but surpassed its competitors, becoming the industry standard for digital design.

If you're still using Adobe XD or considering which design tool to adopt, this comprehensive review will show you why Figma has become the tool of choice for designers at companies like Microsoft, Airbnb, Uber, and thousands of design teams worldwide.

What is Figma?

Figma is a cloud-based design and prototyping tool that revolutionized how designers work together. Launched in 2016, it was the first professional design tool built entirely for the browser, enabling real-time collaboration similar to Google Docs but for design work.

In September 2022, Adobe announced plans to acquire Figma for $20 billion (though the deal was abandoned in late 2023), signaling just how valuable and disruptive Figma had become to the design industry.

Core Capabilities

Figma serves as an all-in-one platform for:

• UI/UX design: Creating interfaces for web, mobile, and desktop applications
• Prototyping: Building interactive mockups with animations and transitions
• Design systems: Maintaining consistent components and styles across projects
• Collaboration: Real-time multiplayer editing and feedback
• Handoff: Developer-friendly specs and code export
• FigJam: Whiteboarding and brainstorming (Figma's companion tool)

Why Designers Are Switching from Adobe XD

1. True Browser-Based Collaboration

The Figma Advantage:

Figma's killer feature is seamless, real-time collaboration. Multiple designers can work on the same file simultaneously, see each other's cursors, and make changes that appear instantly—no save-and-sync delays, no version conflicts.

✅ Real-time multiplayer editing - Work together like Google Docs

✅ Live cursors - See where teammates are working

✅ Instant updates - Changes sync immediately across all viewers

✅ No file management - Everything lives in the cloud

✅ Share with a link - Anyone can view designs in a browser

Adobe XD Falls Short:

Adobe XD attempted to add collaboration features through "coediting," but it never matched Figma's seamless experience:

❌ Desktop app required for full functionality ❌ Collaboration features feel like an afterthought ❌ Syncing issues and conflicts common ❌ Limited simultaneous editing capabilities ❌ Complicated file sharing and versioning

2. Platform Independence

The Figma Advantage:

Because Figma runs in the browser, it works identically on:

✅ Windows - Full functionality

✅ Mac - Full functionality

✅ Linux - Full functionality (via browser)

✅ Chromebook - Yes, even Chromebooks work

✅ iPad - Mobile app available

No more "Mac-only" design teams or compatibility issues when working with cross-platform teams.

Adobe XD Limitation:

❌ Windows and Mac only ❌ Different features/performance between platforms ❌ No Linux support ❌ Limited mobile capabilities

3. Superior Component System

The Figma Advantage:

Figma's component architecture is more powerful and flexible:

✅ Variants - Organize component states in one place

✅ Boolean properties - Toggle features on/off

✅ Instance swap - Replace nested components easily

✅ Auto Layout - Responsive components that adapt automatically

✅ Component properties - Expose controls for easy customization

These features make building and maintaining design systems significantly easier.

Adobe XD's Components:

Adobe XD has components and states, but they're less sophisticated:

❌ Less flexible organization ❌ No variant grouping ❌ Limited property controls ❌ Clunkier responsive design

4. Plugins and Community

The Figma Advantage:

Figma has fostered an incredible ecosystem:

✅ 15,000+ plugins - Automate workflows and extend functionality

✅ 100,000+ community files - Free templates, UI kits, and resources

✅ Active development - New plugins released daily

✅ Open API - Developers can build powerful integrations

✅ Extensive documentation - Easy to learn and extend

Popular plugins include:

• Unsplash - Add stock photos instantly
• Iconify - Access millions of icons
• Autoflow - Create user flow diagrams
• Content Reel - Populate designs with realistic data
• Stark - Accessibility checking

Adobe XD's Ecosystem:

While Adobe XD has plugins, the ecosystem is much smaller:

❌ Fewer plugins available ❌ Less active community ❌ Slower plugin development ❌ Limited integration options

5. Developer Handoff

The Figma Advantage:

Figma makes developer handoff smooth and efficient:

✅ Inspect mode - Developers view specs in browser (no account needed)

✅ CSS/iOS/Android code - Export code in multiple formats

✅ Asset export - Download images at multiple resolutions

✅ Version history - See design evolution over time

✅ Public links - Share designs without requiring logins

Adobe XD Handoff:

❌ Requires Creative Cloud account to view specs ❌ Less intuitive for developers ❌ More friction in the handoff process

6. Performance with Large Files

The Figma Advantage:

Figma has continuously improved performance with large, complex files:

✅ Handles files with thousands of artboards

✅ Fast rendering and navigation

✅ Efficient memory usage

✅ Quick load times even for huge design systems

Adobe XD Issues:

❌ Slows down with complex files ❌ Performance degrades with many artboards ❌ Frequent crashes reported with large projects

7. Prototyping Capabilities

Both Tools Excel, But Figma Edges Ahead:

Figma Prototyping:

✅ Smart animate - Smooth transitions between states

✅ Interactive components - Components with built-in interactions

✅ Variables - Dynamic content in prototypes

✅ Advanced triggers - Device rotation, keyboard input

✅ Conditional logic - "If-then" interaction flows

Adobe XD Prototyping:

✅ Auto-animate - Similar to Figma's smart animate

✅ Voice prototyping - Unique voice UI features

✅ 3D transforms - Advanced animation effects

❌ Less intuitive workflow ❌ Limited logic and conditions

Key Figma Features in Detail

Auto Layout

Auto Layout is Figma's secret weapon for creating responsive designs. It works like CSS flexbox, automatically adjusting spacing and sizing as content changes.

Use Cases:

• Buttons that resize with text length
• Cards that adapt to content
• Navigation bars that respond to screen size
• Lists that maintain consistent spacing

Variables and Modes

Introduced in 2023, variables revolutionized how designers handle:

• Colors - Define once, use everywhere
• Spacing - Consistent padding and margins
• Typography - Centralized text styles
• Content - Dynamic text in prototypes
• Modes - Switch between light/dark themes instantly

FigJam Integration

FigJam, Figma's whiteboarding tool, is included with all Figma plans:

• Brainstorming sessions
• User journey mapping
• Workshop facilitation
• Retrospectives
• Diagramming

The seamless integration between Figma and FigJam means you can embed designs directly into brainstorming sessions.

Dev Mode

Launched in 2023, Dev Mode is a dedicated environment for developers:

✅ Ready-for-dev status - Mark which designs are final

✅ Comparison view - See what changed between versions

✅ Code snippets - Better code generation

✅ Plugins - Developer-specific tools and integrations

✅ Measurement tools - Precise spacing and sizing

Figma Pricing Structure

Figma offers generous free tier and transparent pricing:

Starter (Free)

• Price: $0
• Best for: Individual designers, students, hobbyists
• 3 Figma files
• 3 FigJam boards
• Unlimited personal files
• Unlimited collaborators (view-only)
• 30-day version history

Professional ($12/editor/month, billed annually or $15 monthly)

• Best for: Freelancers and small teams
• Unlimited Figma files
• Unlimited FigJam boards
• Unlimited version history
• Advanced prototyping
• Team libraries
• Private projects

Organization ($45/editor/month, billed annually or $55 monthly)

• Best for: Medium to large companies
• Everything in Professional
• Organization-wide libraries
• Design system analytics
• Branching and merging
• Advanced admin controls
• Centralized teams
• Unified admin
• Private plugins

Enterprise (Custom pricing)

• Best for: Large enterprises
• Everything in Organization
• SSO/SAML
• Advanced security features
• Dedicated success manager
• Guest access controls
• Custom contract terms

What About Adobe XD Pricing?

Adobe discontinued standalone XD purchases:

• Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps: $59.99/month - Includes XD plus 20+ other apps
• Single App Plan: XD no longer available standalone
• Free Starter Plan: Limited features, 2 active documents

For teams only needing a design tool, Figma is significantly more cost-effective.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Figma Strengths

✅ Best-in-class collaboration - Nothing comes close

✅ Cross-platform compatibility - Works everywhere

✅ Powerful component system - Variables, variants, properties

✅ Active development - New features released regularly

✅ Thriving community - Resources, plugins, templates

✅ Developer-friendly - Easy handoff and inspection

✅ Generous free tier - Great for learning and personal projects

✅ No file management hassles - Cloud-native from the start

✅ Fast performance - Even with complex files

✅ Intuitive interface - Short learning curve

Figma Weaknesses

❌ Requires internet - Limited offline functionality (desktop app helps) ❌ No vector editing tools - Not a replacement for Illustrator ❌ Limited photo editing - Basic masking and effects only ❌ Browser dependence - Performance tied to browser/connection ❌ Learning curve for advanced features - Auto Layout, variables take time ❌ Can get expensive - For large teams, costs add up ❌ No native mobile app for design - iPad app is view-only/comment

Adobe XD Strengths

✅ Adobe ecosystem integration - Works with Creative Cloud apps

✅ Voice prototyping - Unique feature for voice UI

✅ 3D transforms - Advanced animation capabilities

✅ Desktop-first - Doesn't require internet

✅ Familiar Adobe interface - Easy for CC users

Adobe XD Weaknesses

❌ Uncertain future - Adobe's focus has shifted elsewhere ❌ Weak collaboration - Can't compete with Figma ❌ Smaller community - Fewer resources and plugins ❌ Platform limitations - Windows/Mac only ❌ Pricing - Expensive as part of Creative Cloud ❌ Slower development - Fewer new features ❌ Complex file management - Traditional save/sync model

Migration from Adobe XD to Figma

If you're ready to make the switch, the process is straightforward:

1. Import XD Files

Figma can directly import Adobe XD files:

• File → Import
• Select your .xd file
• Figma converts artboards, layers, and components
• Review and adjust any conversion issues

2. Learn Figma Equivalents

3. Set Up Your Workspace

• Create a Team or Organization
• Organize projects by client/product
• Set up team libraries for shared components
• Import or create design system foundations

4. Train Your Team

• Figma offers excellent documentation
• Watch tutorials on Figma's YouTube channel
• Explore the Figma Community for resources
• Practice with sample projects
• Most designers become proficient within 1-2 weeks

Real-World Use Cases

Startups and Small Teams

Why Figma Wins:

• Free tier supports early-stage startups
• No infrastructure setup needed
• Easy to bring in contractors and freelancers
• Scales as you grow

Enterprise Design Systems

Why Figma Wins:

• Powerful component libraries
• Variables for theming and tokens
• Branch and merge for safe experimentation
• Analytics on component usage
• Organization-wide governance

Remote-First Companies

Why Figma Wins:

• Built for distributed teams
• No VPN or complex setup
• Async feedback with comments
• Live collaboration when needed
• Works on any device

Agency Work

Why Figma Wins:

• Easy client sharing (no login required)
• Present mode for presentations
• Quick iterations with clients
• Multiple projects organized cleanly
• Export-ready deliverables

The Bottom Line: Should You Switch?

Switch to Figma If:

✅ You work in a team (any size)

✅ Collaboration is important to you

✅ You want the industry-standard tool

✅ You value community resources and plugins

✅ You need cross-platform compatibility

✅ You want a tool actively being developed

✅ You care about developer handoff

✅ You're building design systems

Stick with Adobe XD If:

⚠️ You're deeply integrated with Creative Cloud ⚠️ You need offline-first work (though Figma desktop app helps) ⚠️ You're building voice UI prototypes ⚠️ You absolutely need Adobe integration

Honest Assessment: For most designers and teams in 2025, Figma is the superior choice. Adobe XD has lost momentum, and Adobe's own actions (attempting to acquire Figma) show where they see the future.

Tips for New Figma Users

Master These Features First:

1. Auto Layout - Critical for responsive design
2. Components and Variants - Foundation of reusable design
3. Constraints - How elements resize
4. Styles - Colors and text styles
5. Team Libraries - Sharing components

Keyboard Shortcuts to Learn:

• A - Frame tool
• R - Rectangle
• T - Text
• K - Scale tool
• Ctrl/Cmd + G - Group selection
• Ctrl/Cmd + D - Duplicate
• Alt + Drag - Duplicate while dragging
• Shift + A - Auto Layout
• Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + K - Create component

Essential Plugins to Install:

1. Unsplash - Stock photos
2. Iconify - Icon library
3. Stark - Accessibility checker
4. Content Reel - Dummy content
5. Remove BG - Background removal
6. Brandfetch - Brand assets

Conclusion

The shift from Adobe XD to Figma isn't just a trend—it's a reflection of how design work has fundamentally changed. Design is no longer a solitary activity but a collaborative process involving designers, developers, product managers, and stakeholders.

Figma was built for this new reality from the ground up, while Adobe XD tried to retrofit collaboration onto a traditional desktop app model. The result is clear: Figma offers a superior experience for modern design teams.

With its powerful features, active development, thriving community, and generous free tier, Figma has earned its position as the industry standard. Whether you're a solo designer just starting out or part of a large enterprise team, Figma provides the tools and flexibility to do your best work.

The question isn't whether to use Figma—it's how quickly you can get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Figma offline? A: The desktop app offers limited offline functionality. You can view and edit files you've previously opened, but syncing requires an internet connection.

Q: Is Figma hard to learn? A: Most designers become comfortable with Figma within 1-2 weeks. The interface is intuitive, and there are excellent tutorials available.

Q: Can I import my Adobe XD files? A: Yes, Figma can directly import .xd files. Most elements convert cleanly, though you may need to adjust some components.

Q: Do developers need a Figma account? A: No, developers can view and inspect designs using public links without creating an account. They only need an account to edit or comment.

Q: Is Figma free for students? A: Yes, students and educators can get free Figma Professional accounts through the Figma Education program.

Q: How does Figma compare to Sketch? A: Figma offers superior collaboration and cross-platform support. Sketch is Mac-only and requires Abstract or similar tools for team collaboration.

Q: Can I use Figma for print design? A: While possible, Figma is optimized for digital/screen design. For print work, Adobe InDesign or Illustrator are better choices.

Q: What happens if Figma goes down? A: You can use the desktop app to access previously opened files. Figma has strong uptime (99.9%+) and regular backups.