Figma vs. Adobe Xd: Unveiling the Design Differences
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Designing in XD and Figma
- Choosing a Screen to Copy
- Designing in XD
4.1. Selecting Fonts and Header Size
4.2. Creating Icons
4.3. Designing the Card
4.4. Adding a Button
4.5. Creating a Toggle
- Designing in Figma
5.1. Setting the Background Color
5.2. Choosing Fonts and Manipulating Text
5.3. Designing the Card
5.4. Adding a Button
5.5. Copying Icons from XD
- Comparing XD and Figma
6.1. Visual Capabilities
6.2. Shortcuts
6.3. Prototyping and Animation
6.4. Frames and Components
- Conclusion
Designing Screens in Adobe XD and Figma: A Comparison
Introduction:
In this article, we will explore the process of designing screens in Adobe XD and Figma. We will compare the two design tools, discuss their similarities and differences, and see how they can be used to create a similar design. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned designer, this article will provide insights into the workflow of both XD and Figma.
Designing in XD and Figma:
When it comes to screen design, Adobe XD and Figma are two popular choices among designers. Both tools offer a range of features and capabilities that make the design process efficient and enjoyable. In the following sections, we will go step by step through the process of designing a screen in both XD and Figma, highlighting the similarities and differences.
Choosing a Screen to Copy:
Before we begin the design process, it's essential to select a screen to replicate. To ensure accuracy in our comparison, we will choose an existing design and recreate it in both XD and Figma. This allows us to focus on the design process itself and compare the tools' capabilities rather than spending time brainstorming a unique design.
Designing in XD:
Let's start by designing the screen in Adobe XD. We will go through the various steps, from selecting fonts to creating icons and components. XD offers a range of tools and features that enable designers to create professional-looking screens with ease.
Selecting Fonts and Header Size:
In XD, we can begin by selecting a suitable font for our design. We can experiment with different fonts and sizes until we find the one that matches our chosen screen. For the header, we opt for a font size of 18 pixels to create a visually appealing and readable heading.
Creating Icons:
Next, we move on to creating icons. XD provides a variety of shape tools that allow us to create icons of different shapes and sizes. By aligning the icons correctly and adjusting their sizes, we can create a visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing layout.
Designing the Card:
The card is an essential element in our screen design. We can create the basic shape of the card using XD's shape tools. By overlapping shapes and using boolean operations, we can create unique shapes and add color to the design. XD's shadow features enable us to add depth and dimension to the card.
Adding a Button:
To make our screen interactive, we need to include buttons. XD's button components allow us to create buttons easily and customize them according to our design requirements. We can choose the color, font, and size of the button to match the overall design aesthetic.
Creating a Toggle:
XD also provides the functionality to create toggle switches. We can design a toggle switch that mimics the screen we are replicating. By grouping the components and utilizing the component feature, we can easily manage and update the toggle states.
Designing in Figma:
Now, let's shift our focus to designing the same screen in Figma. Figma is another powerful design tool that offers similar features and capabilities as XD. By following the same step-by-step process, we will explore the design possibilities in Figma.
Setting the Background Color:
We can start by setting the background color of our screen in Figma. Figma's intuitive interface allows us to choose and apply the background color effortlessly. Although the process might be slightly different from XD, the outcome remains the same.
Choosing Fonts and Manipulating Text:
In Figma, manipulating text may require slight adjustments. Unlike XD's formatting options, Figma relies on text boxes that need manual adjustment. However, Figma offers a wide range of font choices and allows us to create visually appealing text elements.
Designing the Card:
Similar to XD, we can use Figma's shape tools to create the card's basic shape. Although the process might differ slightly, Figma's boolean operations enable us to achieve the desired shape and add color to the card. By applying drop shadows, we can enhance the depth and dimension of the card design.
Adding a Button:
Creating buttons in Figma is straightforward. By utilizing frames, we can design buttons with rounded corners and customize their appearance. Figma's auto-layout functionality ensures that buttons retain their padding regardless of the text length, providing consistent design across different scenarios.
Copying Icons from XD:
One challenge that arises in Figma is the lack of reliable icon plugins. Unlike XD, Figma does not offer a wide range of icon plugins. To compensate for this, we can copy icons from XD and paste them into our Figma design.
Comparing XD and Figma:
After going through the design process in both XD and Figma, we can now compare the two tools' capabilities and features. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different design scenarios.
Visual Capabilities:
In terms of visual capabilities, XD offers more flexibility, especially when it comes to transforming and manipulating elements. Figma, on the other hand, excels in utilizing frames and auto-layout, making it a preferred choice for designers who work extensively with components and design systems.
Shortcuts:
The shortcuts between XD and Figma might differ, especially when it comes to manipulating text and shapes. Designers who frequently switch between the two tools might need some adjustment time to become familiar with the different commands and shortcuts.
Prototyping and Animation:
XD provides a more comprehensive prototyping and animation feature set. It allows designers to create interactive prototypes with ease, making it a preferred choice for designers who focus on creating engaging user experiences. Figma, although it offers prototyping capabilities, might not provide the same level of flexibility and control as XD.
Frames and Components:
Figma heavily relies on frames and components, making it a preferred choice for designers who work extensively with design systems and component libraries. XD, on the other hand, offers a more intuitive approach to groups and elements, making it suitable for designers who prefer a more flexible design workflow.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, both Adobe XD and Figma are powerful design tools that offer a range of features and capabilities for creating stunning screen designs. While XD excels in visual manipulation and prototyping, Figma shines in its component-driven design approach. Choosing between the two tools ultimately depends on individual preferences and design requirements. Whether you are an XD enthusiast or a dedicated Figma user, both tools can help you bring your creative vision to life.