Software · head to head
Adobe XD vs Framer
Adobe XD
Software
Design, prototype, and share user experiences
- From
- $54.99/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Framer has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Adobe XD standalone subscription eliminated - now requires expensive Creative Cloud All Apps plan; Framer free tier limited to 500 credits and 1 GB bandwidth
- They diverge on capability: Adobe XD covers Vector design tools, Framer covers Visual design editor.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Adobe XD and Framer actually diverge.
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Adobe XD
- Vector design tools
- Responsive resize
- Auto-animate
- Voice prototyping
- 3D transforms
- Design systems
- Component states
- Coediting
Only in Framer
- Visual design editor
- Interactive components
- Responsive design
- CMS integration
- SEO optimization
- Custom code
- Team collaboration
- Version control
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Adobe XD
- Web designnot Framer
- Mobile app designnot Framer
- Design systemsnot Framer
- Interactive prototypesnot Framer
- User testingnot Framer
Framer
- Marketing websitesnot Adobe XD
- Landing pagesnot Adobe XD
- Portfoliosnot Adobe XD
- SaaS productsnot Adobe XD
- E-commerce sitesnot Adobe XD
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Adobe XD
- Standalone subscription eliminated - now requires expensive Creative Cloud All Apps plan
- Mac-first design tool with more limited Windows support
- Collaboration features are less mature compared to Figma
- Not open source unlike alternatives like Penpot
- Higher price point than competing standalone design tools
Framer
- Free tier limited to 500 credits and 1 GB bandwidth
- CMS collections capped at 10 on Pro tier; unlimited only on Enterprise
- Free tier does not include custom domain support
- Paid editor slots cost extra at $20/month per additional editor
Pricing, plan by plan
Adobe XD
$54.99/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Adobe XD review.
Framer
Free- FreeFree
- 500 credits
- Free Framer domain
- 1 GB bandwidth
- Basic$10/month
- Custom domain
- 2 CMS collections
- 50 GB bandwidth
- Pro$30/month
- All Basic features
- 10 CMS collections
- 100 GB bandwidth
- Enterprise$null/custom
- Custom limits
- Unlimited editors
- 99.99% uptime guarantee
Which should you pick?
Choose Adobe XD if
- You need vector design tools.
- You work on Web, macOS, Windows.
- You also want responsive resize.
Choose Framer if
- You need visual design editor.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Macos.
- You also want interactive components.
Questions people ask
- Is Adobe XD or Framer better?
- Neither clearly leads. Adobe XD starts at $54.99/month and Framer at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Adobe XD or Framer?
- Framer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $54.99/month for Adobe XD and Free for Framer.
- Does Adobe XD or Framer run on more platforms?
- Adobe XD runs on Web, macOS, Windows. Framer runs on Web, Macos.
- Can I use Framer for free?
- Yes. Framer has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Adobe XD starts at $54.99/month.
- What is Adobe XD best used for?
- Adobe XD is most often used for web design, mobile app design, design systems, interactive prototypes. Of those, web design and mobile app design are not what Framer is typically brought in for.
- What can Adobe XD do that Framer cannot?
- Adobe XD covers Vector design tools, Responsive resize, Auto-animate, Voice prototyping. Framer covers Visual design editor, Interactive components, Responsive design, CMS integration.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Adobe XD: Can I use Adobe XD without a full Creative Cloud subscription?
No. Adobe XD is no longer available as a standalone subscription. It is only available as part of Creative Cloud All Apps plan priced from $54.99 to $69.99 per month.
SourceFramer: What's included in Framer's free tier?
The Free plan provides 500 credits to try the platform, a free Framer domain, and 1 GB bandwidth for exploring the builder.
SourceAdobe XD: What file formats does Adobe XD support?
Adobe XD supports XD format natively, with import/export capabilities for other design formats and vector graphics.
SourceFramer: Can I use my own custom domain with Framer?
Custom domains are included in Basic ($10/month) and higher plans. Free tier is limited to a free Framer domain.
SourceFramer: What AI features does Framer offer?
Framer includes an AI design agent that works on the canvas to generate and refine designs in real-time, plus a CMS agent for managing content directly on the canvas.
SourceFramer: How many CMS collections can I create on different plans?
Basic ($10/month) includes 2 CMS collections, Pro ($30/month) includes 10 CMS collections. Enterprise plans offer custom limits.
SourceFramer: Does Framer support staging environments and previews?
Staging environments and branching with previews are included on the Pro plan ($30/month). Standard plan includes published-only access.
SourceFramer: What uptime guarantee does Framer provide?
Framer offers 99.99% uptime guarantee on paid plans. Enterprise plans include dedicated support and custom SLAs.
Source