For new projects, Figma is the safer choice, because Adobe's own help page says XD is in maintenance mode with no new features being built. XD still suits people with existing XD files who need to keep them running, since Adobe says it will keep fixing bugs and security issues. If you're learning UI design from scratch, learn Figma.
A few years ago this was a close comparison between two design and prototyping tools. It isn't any more, and the reason is on Adobe's own help pages. I read Adobe's XD FAQ and Figma's plans page, and I'll show you exactly what each company says.
Where each tool stands
| Figma | Adobe XD | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Actively developed, with new betas listed | Maintenance mode, no new features |
| Free plan | Yes, Starter | Not stated on the pages I read |
| What free includes | Unlimited drafts, UI kits and templates, AI credits | Not applicable |
| Prototype tools | Interactive prototypes, advanced animations, video in prototypes | Shareable prototype links |
| Developer handoff | Dev Mode and an MCP server on Professional | Not covered on the FAQ |
| Team libraries | Team-wide design libraries on Professional | Not covered on the FAQ |
| Mobile preview | Not covered on the plans page | XD mobile app for iOS and Android |
| How you get it | Figma account, browser or app | Through Creative Cloud |
What Adobe says about XD
Adobe's help FAQ answers the question directly. It says XD continues to be in maintenance mode, which means Adobe isn't investing in ongoing development or shipping new features. Adobe says it will keep supporting existing customers by fixing bugs and security or privacy issues, and that it will work with customers to decide when to end support, with a significant notice period.
XD itself is still a capable UI and UX tool for websites and apps, with a mobile app for previewing designs on iOS and Android and shareable prototype links. The issue isn't what it does today. It's that it won't get better.
What Figma offers
Figma's Starter plan is free, with unlimited drafts, UI kits and templates, and a daily and monthly allowance of AI credits. Professional adds unlimited files and projects, team-wide design libraries, advanced Dev Mode inspection and an MCP server, with separate seat types for designers, developers and collaborators. The design features cover components, auto layout, interactive prototypes, advanced animations and video in prototypes, and Figma lists Motion, Sites and Buzz as betas.
Because the Starter plan is free, there's no reason not to open an account and try a small project before you put a client's work in it. Start with a single landing page, use one of the UI kits, and share a prototype link with someone who's never seen it. If they can click through without a walkthrough, you've learned the basics you need.
The risk most comparison posts skip
Most XD versus Figma articles still compare features line by line. That misses the point. A tool in maintenance mode will keep opening your files, but every new plugin, AI feature and workflow your clients expect will arrive somewhere else. If you build a client's design system in XD today, you're building it in a tool its own maker has stopped developing. That's the line I'd want a client to know before they commit.
Who should use which
Use Figma for anything new: websites, apps, landing pages and design systems. It's the one still gaining features, as its list of betas shows, and my round-up of AI prototyping tools shows how much is being built around it. Keep XD only if you have live projects in it that you can't move yet. If you outsource design, ask your UI and UX team which tool they'll deliver in before work starts.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
My advice if you have XD files
Don't panic and don't migrate everything in one go. Keep your XD files opening, start every new project in Figma, and move old projects across when they next need real work. That way the switch happens at the pace of your business, not because Adobe sets an end date and you're rushing.
Do you make design or prototyping software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Adobe XD discontinued?
Adobe says XD is in maintenance mode. It isn't adding new features, but it's still fixing bugs and security issues for existing customers and will give significant notice before support ends.
Is Figma free?
Yes. Figma's Starter plan is free, with unlimited drafts, UI kits and templates, and a daily and monthly allowance of AI credits.
Should I learn Adobe XD or Figma?
Learn Figma. Adobe has stopped developing XD, while Figma is still adding features and betas.
Can I still use Adobe XD?
Yes. Adobe's FAQ says it continues to support existing customers while XD is in maintenance mode.
