Adobe XD
Adobe XD enables designers to create interactive prototypes, wireframes, and UI graphics with vector tools, components, and sharing features. It integrates tightly with Adobe apps but is now in maintenance mode, with Adobe shifting focus away from further development.
Best for
- UI/UX wireframing and high-fidelity prototyping
- Collaborative design handoff to developers
- Importing and enhancing Adobe ecosystem assets
- Creating interactive mockups with voice prototypes
Not ideal for
- In maintenance mode with no new features planned
- Requires periodic sign-in and Creative Cloud subscription
- Limited to desktop app with no web version
- Bug fixes only in recent releases
Get Started with Adobe XD
From $59.99/mo · 2 plans available
Visit Adobe XD →Adobe XD Overview
Adobe XD vs Top Alternatives
Adobe XD Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Seamless integration with other Adobe apps for asset import
- Strong prototyping tools for interactive wireframes
- Plugin ecosystem for extensibility
- Component system with easy navigation
- High-fidelity vector support and no-loss imports
- Built-in sharing and collaboration with permissions
Cons
- In maintenance mode with no new features planned
- Requires periodic sign-in and Creative Cloud subscription
- Limited to desktop app with no web version
- Bug fixes only in recent releases
Pricing Plans
Creative Cloud All Apps
- Full XD access
- All Adobe apps
- Cloud storage
- Adobe Fonts
Creative Cloud for Teams
- Full XD access
- All Adobe apps
- Team collaboration
- Admin controls
Adobe XD Integrations
Adobe XD connects with 8 services to extend your workflow.
Who Should Use Adobe XD?
UI/UX Designers and Industry Professionals
Adobe XD enables efficient creation of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designs, including personas and task flows to map user journeys. It's used by design teams for customer listening via forums and social media feedback to iterate features like animations.
Not idealFreelancers and Career Starters in UX/UI
Used for real-world freelance projects such as designing fresh website and mobile app interfaces. Helps beginners build portfolios through practical mockups and prototypes for client work.
Not idealDesign Teams and Product Development Groups
Teams rely on it for collaboration in Creative Cloud via user groups for sharing XD cloud docs, assets, and prototypes privately within teams or Active Directory-synced groups. However, users report real-time collaboration causes lags, crashes, and sync issues.
Not idealWhen to Consider Alternatives
Team-based projects requiring seamless real-time collaboration
Real-time editing with multiple users causes lags, crashes, and sync issues, wasting time in team environments and killing productivity.
Consider Figma instead →Developer handoffs needing precise specifications and exports
Inconsistent measurements visible to developers, frequent export failures, and poor asset delivery hinder handoffs and force manual fixes.
Consider Figma instead →Projects requiring ongoing tool updates and new features
Adobe has stopped developing XD, making it outdated with no new features or fixes. The tool has been discontinued and is in maintenance mode.
Consider Figma instead →Advanced vector drawing and complex design tools
Lacks advanced vector drawing capabilities with only basic shapes and no complex tools. Missing long-requested features like better components and third-party plugin support.
Consider Sketch instead →Top Adobe XD Alternatives
Figma
Collaborative interface design tool for teams with real-time editing and prototyping.
Canva
Online design platform for creating graphics, presentations, and marketing materials.
Sketch
Vector graphics editor and design toolkit for macOS that enables designers to create user interfaces, prototypes, and illustrations with native offline capabilities and real-time collaboration features.
InVision
A design prototyping and collaboration platform that was shut down in December 2024. Previously offered interactive wireframing, prototyping, and design handoff tools for UX teams.
Lunacy
Lunacy is a versatile, free design tool combining Figma/Sketch strengths with 1.5M+ assets, AI features, and cross-platform support for UI/UX/web workflows. It enables efficient online/offline collaboration without subscriptions for core use.
Penpot
Penpot is a free, open-source, web-based design platform that enables seamless collaboration between designers and developers using native CSS, SVG, and HTML standards to eliminate handoff issues. It supports full design-to-prototype workflows with Flex/Grid layouts, components, and real-time multiplayer editing.