UI & UX Tools: Why Figma Leads the Pack Now
Junior Level
・
6 min
UI & UX Tools
Design Collaboration
Figma vs Others
Table of Contents
In the UI & UX design sphere, Figma has become the new superstar—making once-popular Sketch and Adobe XD feel a bit sidelined. Whether it’s cloud-based collaboration, real-time editing, or cross-platform compatibility, Figma’s advantages stand out. Let’s see how it overshadowed other tools and what factors to consider when choosing the best fit for your team.
Why So Many UI & UX Tools?
There was a time we only needed “any design software,” but now options like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, plus InVision, Framer, etc., rule the stage.
• Evolving Needs: It’s not just pretty screens; we need collaboration, prototyping, user testing, and more.
• Different Ecosystems: Sketch is Mac-centric, Adobe XD fits into Creative Cloud, Figma is fully cloud-based.

Figma: The New Top Dog?
Figma’s browser-based approach and real-time team editing have made it the crowd favorite.
• Cloud and Collaboration: No installs needed; everyone can co-design in one shared file.
• Cross-Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux—no matter. Teams love the universal access.
• Sketch Migration: Many Mac-only teams are moving to Figma for easier multi-platform cooperation.
• Surpassing Adobe XD: Even with Adobe’s large user base, XD can’t match Figma’s speed or collaborative features.

Sketch and Adobe XD: Are They Done For?
• Sketch: Once the “king of Mac-based UI design,” it’s losing ground to Figma’s fluid multi-user environment. Still, smaller Mac-only teams may prefer its simplicity.
• Adobe XD: Tied to the Creative Cloud, it has tight Photoshop/Illustrator integration. But bigger teams who need real-time collaboration often find XD less appealing compared to Figma.
• Not Completely Out: Sketch is great for minimal workflows, and XD remains relevant where Adobe ecosystems dominate.

Which Tool Should You Pick?
• Team Size & Platform: Large, mixed (Windows+Mac) teams favor Figma. A small Mac-exclusive crew might still love Sketch.
• Adobe Ecosystem Ties: If your workflow is heavily Adobe-based, XD might align well.
• Flexibility & Future: Figma’s growth (and even acquisition rumors) prove it’s leading. Its plugin community and cloud nature make it a prime choice.
Are there parts you don't understand? We can clear up your questions together or if you would like to contribute to this article, please email me at [email protected]
Stay Ahead in UX Design
Subscribe for free UX design tips, trends, and insights. Elevate your skills with fresh content delivered straight to your inbox!
Left a Comment
Comments
No comment yet.