Software · head to head
Adobe XD vs Lunacy
Adobe XD
Software
Design, prototype, and share user experiences
- From
- $54.99/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Lunacy 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; Lunacy desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
- They diverge on capability: Adobe XD covers Vector design tools, Lunacy covers Vector editing.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Adobe XD and Lunacy 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 Lunacy
- Vector editing
- Auto layouts
- Components
- Real-time collaboration
- Built-in photos & icons
- AI background remover
- AI upscaler
- Sketch file support
Both cover
- Desktop deployment
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Adobe XD
- Web design
- Mobile app design
- Design systemsnot Lunacy
- Interactive prototypesnot Lunacy
- User testingnot Lunacy
Lunacy
- UI/UX designnot Adobe XD
- Web design
- Mobile app design
- Icon designnot Adobe XD
- Marketing graphicsnot Adobe XD
Both are used for web design, mobile app design, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
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
Lunacy
- Desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
- Animation capabilities are basic, lacking timeline-based animation editing or spring physics available in modern design tools
- Paid collaboration features, unlike Figma's free cloud-based team collaboration
Pricing, plan by plan
Adobe XD
$54.99/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Adobe XD review.
Lunacy
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Lunacy review.
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 Lunacy if
- You need vector editing.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want auto layouts.
Questions people ask
- Is Adobe XD or Lunacy better?
- Neither clearly leads. Adobe XD starts at $54.99/month and Lunacy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Adobe XD or Lunacy?
- Lunacy has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $54.99/month for Adobe XD and Free for Lunacy.
- Does Adobe XD or Lunacy run on more platforms?
- Adobe XD runs on Web, macOS, Windows. Lunacy runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Can I use Lunacy for free?
- Yes. Lunacy 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, design systems and interactive prototypes are not what Lunacy is typically brought in for.
- What can Adobe XD do that Lunacy cannot?
- Adobe XD covers Vector design tools, Responsive resize, Auto-animate, Voice prototyping. Lunacy covers Vector editing, Auto layouts, Components, Real-time collaboration. Both handle Desktop deployment.
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.
SourceLunacy: Is Lunacy free to use?
Yes. Lunacy is absolutely free for personal and commercial use. There is no subscription required or trial period limitation.
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.
SourceLunacy: Can Lunacy open and work with Sketch files?
Yes. Lunacy has smooth integration with Sketch files, allowing designers to import and collaborate on Sketch projects without requiring a Sketch subscription.
SourceLunacy: Does Lunacy require internet connection to work?
No. Lunacy can work offline, allowing designers to work without an internet connection. It is a desktop application that runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
SourceLunacy: What are Lunacy's hardware requirements?
Lunacy is not demanding on hardware and runs smoothly even on moderate laptops. It has minimal system requirements compared to resource-intensive design tools.
Source