Adobe XD Review 2026: Maintenance Mode, Migrate to Figma Guide

⚠️ Maintenance mode — migrate to Figma

Quick Verdict

Adobe XD is in maintenance mode. No new features since 2023. If you're already using it as a Creative Cloud subscriber, it's fine for basic UI design. But it's not the default choice anymore — Figma is. If you're starting a new design tool journey, skip XD entirely and use Figma (industry standard, web-based, better collaboration). If you're locked into Creative Cloud for Photoshop/Illustrator, XD is a usable (but aging) alternative. The honest truth: XD lost the design tool wars. Migrate your team to Figma when you have time.

Ease of use

3.75/5

Collaboration

3.25/5

Value for money

3.0/5

India Availability

4.0/5

Indian Support

3.5/5

What is Adobe XD?

Adobe XD is Adobe's UI/UX design and prototyping tool. Launched in 2016, it was designed to compete with Sketch and eventually Figma. XD offers: vector design, responsive artboards, interactive prototypes with voice triggers, auto-animate, component systems, and collaboration features.

However, Adobe stopped actively developing XD in 2023. It's now in "maintenance mode" — meaning bug fixes and security updates only, no new features. Adobe's design team is focused on Firefly (AI image generation) and integrating it across the Creative Cloud. XD remains functional, but it's effectively a legacy product.

Status Update (Feb 2026): Adobe XD is still receiving security updates and bug fixes, but no new features have shipped since mid-2023. The design community has largely migrated to Figma. If you're considering learning XD in 2026, you're learning a tool that's not evolving.

Why Adobe XD Lost to Figma

XD was technically solid, but Figma won for three reasons:

Web-first vs desktop. Figma is web-based (works on any computer, Mac/Windows/Linux). XD is desktop-first, requiring installation. Web-based felt "nice to have" in 2016; by 2020 it was table stakes.
Better collaboration. Figma's multiplayer editing feels like Google Docs — multiple people editing the same file simultaneously, cursors visible, comments inline. XD's collaboration was clunky in comparison.
Better roadmap transparency. Figma ships features monthly and is transparent about the roadmap. Adobe's design team has historically been opaque, and the shift to maintenance mode confirmed it.

The bottom line: If you're still on XD, you need to migrate. Your team is waiting for you. Figma is better, and the design industry has moved on.

Adobe XD vs Figma: Feature Comparison

Criteria	Adobe XD	Figma	Winner
Web-based	❌ Desktop only	✅ Web + native	Figma
Realtime collaboration	⚠️ Clunky	✅ Excellent	Figma
Component system	Good	Better (variants)	Figma
Prototyping	Good (voice triggers)	Good	Tie
Auto-animate	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Tie
Active development	❌ Maintenance only	✅ Monthly releases	Figma
Plugins ecosystem	Small (500+)	Large (1000+)	Figma
Free plan quality	Limited	Very good	Figma
Pricing for teams	₹800/mo (CC only)	₹400/mo per user	Figma (more flexible)

Who Should Use Adobe XD in 2026

Existing Creative Cloud subscribers doing occasional UI design — If you already pay for CC (for Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere), XD is "free" (included in subscription). It's acceptable for basic UI work.
Teams with heavy Photoshop workflows that need basic prototyping — If your design process is Photoshop → XD prototyping, the workflow is integrated. But migrate to Figma for better collaboration.
Not for: Teams starting fresh — Choose Figma. Better in every way. XD is a legacy tool.
Not for: Collaborative teams — Figma's multiplayer editing is 10x better than XD's sharing model.
Not for: Teams that need cutting-edge features — XD is in maintenance mode. No new features coming. Figma ships monthly.

Migration Path: XD → Figma (3 Easy Steps)

1

Export your XD files and upload to Figma

Figma has a native XD import feature. Go to Figma, create a new file, select "Import" and upload your XD file (.xd). Figma converts it automatically — preserves layers, components, text styles. The conversion is usually 80–90% accurate.
2

Re-set typography and color styles in Figma's system

Figma's design token system (typography, color libraries) is different from XD's. Recreate your design system in Figma's style editor. This takes 1–2 hours per project but is worth it — Figma's system is more powerful.
3

Test prototypes and share with stakeholders

Prototype links in Figma work differently from XD. Test your interactive prototypes, ensure all interactions are set up, and share the Figma link with your team. Figma's commenting and presentation mode will feel like an upgrade.

Timeline: Expect 2–4 hours per project to migrate and re-set up design systems. For a team with 10 projects, plan 1–2 weeks of migration time. It's an upfront investment that pays off immediately through better collaboration.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Included in Creative Cloud subscription — "free" if you already subscribe
Integrated with Photoshop and Illustrator for some workflows
Voice prototyping is a unique feature (not in Figma)
Auto-animate works well for micro-interactions
Decent component system for basic UI design
Still gets security updates and bug fixes

Cons

In maintenance mode since 2023 — no new features coming
Desktop-only — not web-based like Figma
Collaboration is clunky compared to Figma's multiplayer editing
Smaller plugin ecosystem than Figma
Design community has largely migrated to Figma
Adobe's transparency on roadmap is poor
If using XD standalone (not CC), cost is not competitive

Alternatives to Adobe XD

Figma

Web-based design tool. Industry standard. Better collaboration. This is where the design world is moving.

Choose when: Starting fresh, want modern tool, need team collaboration

Sketch

macOS-only design app. Focused on UI design. Smaller than Figma but loyal community. Desktop-first.

Choose when: macOS-only team, prefer desktop app, want lighter alternative

Framer

Design tool built for developers. Better for interactive prototypes. Includes code components.

Choose when: Heavy on prototyping, need React components, developers in your design team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Adobe XD worth learning in 2026?

No. Adobe XD is in maintenance mode — no new features since 2023. If you're deciding between design tools for the first time, choose Figma (the industry standard) or Sketch (if you're on macOS and prefer desktop). If you already have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription and only do occasional design work, XD is fine. But if you're a professional design team, migrate to Figma immediately.

Adobe XD vs Figma: Why is Figma winning?

Figma is winning because: (1) Web-based (works on any computer, no installation needed), (2) Better real-time collaboration (design together like Google Docs), (3) Faster performance, (4) Better file organization and team structure, (5) Native component system and design tokens, (6) Plugins ecosystem is way larger, (7) Better mobile app for presenting designs, (8) More transparent roadmap and faster feature releases. XD's voice prototyping and auto-animate were clever, but not enough to justify staying on a platform in maintenance mode.

How do I migrate from Adobe XD to Figma?

Figma has a native XD import tool — upload your XD file and Figma converts it automatically (preserves layers, components, text). The migration is usually 80% automated. You'll need to manually: (1) Set up typography and color styles in Figma's new system, (2) Recreate components (XD components don't always translate perfectly), (3) Test prototypes and interactions, (4) Update shared team files. Budget 2–4 hours per project for migration. For a team, migrate one project at a time to learn Figma's workflow.

Is Adobe XD included in Creative Cloud?

Yes. Adobe XD is included in Creative Cloud (₹800/month in India, all apps). Standalone XD plan was discontinued in 2023. If you already pay for Creative Cloud (for Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere), you have access to XD at no extra cost. But don't choose Creative Cloud just for XD — you'd be paying ₹800/month for a tool in maintenance mode when Figma is better and cheaper (Figma free tier covers basic needs).

Adobe XD