Among all the services offered by Adobe, one is Adobe XD. In this blog: What is Adobe XD? We will introduce you to the whereabouts of the software Adobe XD which includes the ways to download it, the features it provides, its use cases, and many more. After reading this blog you will be able to have a detailed understanding of Adobe XD.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a powerful design tool developed based on vector images. This popular tool is a part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite. Adobe XD is used for prototyping user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) of various software types, including web applications, mobile applications, and anything that works with a UI.
- It was launched in March 2016. Since then it is managed and supported by Adobe inc.
- Adobe XD is a powerful tool that creates the exact prototype that imitates the end product.
- Adobe XD works on the insights provided by the clients/users.
- Since its inception, Adobe XD has received several updates, presently version 56 is up and running.
- It is possible to develop high-fidelity and low-fidelity wireframes from scratch in Adobe XD.
- Creation and collaboration are the two basic key principles on which Adobe XD provides the end product.
- Adobe XD is pretty straightforward software. It brings forth an intuitive and beginner-friendly interface, which makes a designer benevolent environment.
- Adobe XD is similar software as that to Photoshop and Illustrator. But, unlike Adobe XD these tools do not provide dynamic UI generation.
Adobe XD Download and Installation
Refer to the steps below to download and install Adobe XD on your system.
- Step 1 – Create an account on Adobe Creative Cloud by providing the necessary information.
- Step 2 – Now Sign in to your account and install the application for desktop.
- Step 3 – Now navigate to “All Apps” and search for Adobe XD in the list.
- Step 4 – Choose your plan and payment method to set up Adobe XD.
- Step 5 – Once you have downloaded the installer, double-click the installer to start the installation wizard.
- Step 6 – Choose the language and location of the application to start it.
- Step 7 – Once the installation is complete, your Adobe XD is ready to use.
Features of Adobe XD
Adobe XD provides various functionalities that are needed by the designers. Below mentioned are the features of Adobe XD by virtue it is still the trendy software in the domain of design.
- Repeat grids – In Adobe XD, you can repeat grids to enhance your working speed. In this, you will create multiple copies of the elements and it will automatically arrange them as a grid. It also allows adjustment in both horizontal and vertical directions making it possible to align the element in any direction.
- Third-Party Plugins – Adobe XD offers a rich library of plugins that provides you with the highest customization. These plugins facilitate you by extending the functionality of the software to produce better designs. Plugins in Adobe XD can be used in the form of enhancing asset management, publishing, illustration, and automation. For example, LottieFlies, IconScout, Anima, and many more.
- States and Components – States and components provide the extended hand to the designers using Adobe XD over the designers using Photoshop. States and components are not supported by Photoshop. Here, components refer to the type of an element that
- Assets – You can apply colors and character styles to other elements by saving them in an asset repository. They are also preserved in a document library that may be shared with others, along with components. This function is quite helpful for developing design systems or working together on smaller projects, for instance.
- CSS Snippets – You can easily copy the CSS code from a component’s CSS snippet and paste it into an active project. Adobe XD also allows you to write your own CSS code to customize your components.
- Animations – Similar to a real application, animations allow us to define the animated effect as we go on to the subsequent component that is, the concept of dynamic UI.
- Prototypes – Design and prototype are the two work modes provided by Adobe XD. The function of prototype mode is to connect several artboards based on their actions and functionality, whereas, in design mode, we can construct and update components.
Adobe XD vs Figma
Abode XD and Figma are both UI and UX designing applications that are used by designers to build an iterative and intuitive user interface and user experience. But, these are both usually confused by neophytes. Below is the detailed difference between Adobe XD and Figma.
| Parameters | Adobe XD | Figma |
| Availability | It is available for most of the renowned operating systems except the Linux operating system. | It is available for most of the renowned operating systems including Linux operating system. |
| Type of application | Adobe XD is a desktop-based application that can be used online as well as offline mode. | Figma is a browser-based application. Its projects can be imported offline mode. |
| Extension | Adobe XD uses .XD for the saved files. | Figma uses .fig for the saved files. |
| Commenting | Users and reviewers are given specially generated links for commenting. | Users and reviewers can comment on the prototypes without any explicit permission. |
| Plugins | It offers very limited support for native and third-party plugins. | It offers support to a wide range of native as well as third-party plugins. |
| Collaboration | Real-time collaboration is possible if and only if the project is synced with the cloud. | Real-time collaboration is possible in Figma. |
| Pricing | A free 7 days trial is offered by Adobe XD, later for a subscription Adobe inc. charges $9.99 per month. | Figma inc. provides two pricing options in Figma. Figma starter comes with a free subscription but with limited functionality, whereas Figma professional charges $15 per month. |
| Import compatibility | You can import projects in PSD, TIFF, Ai, SVG, Sketch, BMP, JPG, TXT, GIF, MP4, PNG, Lottie, and JSON. | You can import projects in FIG, JPG, Sketch, HEIC, PNG, and GIF. |
| Performance | Adobe XD is a desktop application. It partially depends upon the internet speed and system specifications. | Figma is a browser-based application. The working speed completely depends upon the internet speed. |
A question usually surfaces on the web “Can we use Figma projects in Adobe XD or vice-versa?” The simple answer to this question is simply no. You cannot directly do it first you have to convert the files using third-party plugins.
Start learning about Adobe XD and Figma with us. Check out our YouTube video
Adobe XD and Photoshop
Adobe XD and Photoshop, both of these renowned applications are offered by Adobe’s Creative Cloud and bring monotonous virtual illustrations to life. These applications possess the same usage except for one, Photoshop is more about graphic designing and image manipulation, whereas Adobe XD is laser-focused on the prototyping part. Adobe XD and Photoshop are different applications. But we can integrate Photoshop with Adobe XD to bring the seamless experience of designing. It enables you to include such outstanding resources in your experience design projects.
Use cases of Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a robust and versatile tool, suitable for carrying out a variety of design tasks. Pixels alone cannot represent the fluid and mechanics of a prototype you require something more. Adobe XD provides something more. Below stated are some examples of common applications using Adobe XD.
- Creation of prototypes, templates, and wireframes –
It is a great tool for quickly producing wireframes and prototypes. Both basic and sophisticated designs can be easily created. And you can also include interactive components to give your prototypes a more lifelike appearance. The prototype tool is great for making real-time adjustments to your UI/UX project as well as mockups for mobile applications and websites.
It features a large selection of pre-built UI elements that you can utilize in your designs. These designs are vector-based, allowing you to construct scalable designs more efficiently and effectively.
- Development of illustrations and graphics –
While creating mobile apps, designing websites, and other tasks, the interactive prototypes update in real-time to make your workflow quick and responsive.
- Channelize the designing process –
It simplifies the UX/UI design process by creating repeated material, duplicating and reusing common pieces, and automating tasks to save time.
- Experience a tailored design system –
Adobe XD enables you to modify a single component and preserve space between a group’s content and exterior borders. This is made feasible with the Adobe XD design system’s padding choices and limitless adjustments utilizing space, typefaces, wireframes, colors, and more.
Making AR and VR experiences is simple even for beginners since you can add 3D items to your prototypes and evaluate how they function in an immersive environment.
Get 100% Hike!
Master Most in Demand Skills Now!
Conclusion
Adobe XD is a powerful and versatile tool that enables designers to create life-like intuitive user interfaces and experiences for various devices. With its intuitive interface, robust features, and seamless integration with other Adobe products, it has quickly become the go-to tool for many designers.
Adobe XD provides a plethora of tools and resources to help you realize your vision, regardless of your level of experience or where you are in the design process. The design process is sped up, made more effective, and made more fun using XD, from wireframing and prototyping to creating and sharing your work with customers and stakeholders.
Therefore Adobe XD is undoubtedly worth investigating if you’re seeking a strong and useful application that may help you advance your creative abilities. Whether you work alone or with a bigger team, XD provides all the tools you want to produce stunning, captivating, and intuitive digital experiences that will inspire and excite your audience.