Vector design and prototyping app from Adobe — now in maintenance mode
Adobe XD was Adobe's answer to Sketch and, later, Figma — a vector-based UI design and prototyping app. It is now in maintenance mode. Adobe stopped active development after the failed $20bn Figma acquisition in 2023 and removed XD from new Creative Cloud plans. Existing customers can still access it; new buyers cannot purchase it standalone.
XD remains a credible vector design tool with components, prototyping, and a plugin ecosystem. It integrates with Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects in a way Figma cannot match. Real-time co-editing exists but lags behind Figma in performance and adoption.
If you have a Creative Cloud All Apps subscription that included XD before October 2023, you keep access. New users who only want XD have no current path to buy it.
XD is no longer sold as a standalone product. Existing All Apps subscriptions (£56.98/month annual for individuals) include continued XD access for now. Adobe has signalled it will eventually retire the product, though no end-of-life date has been announced.
| Tool | Pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe XD | Bundled in CC | Existing users with legacy files |
| Figma | Free / £12 | New design teams, real-time collaboration |
| Sketch | $10/mo | Mac-only teams, indie designers |
| Penpot | Free | Open-source alternative |
Honestly: do not. Pick Figma or Sketch for any new project. The only reason to use Adobe XD in 2026 is to keep an existing legacy project alive long enough to migrate.
For new projects, Figma is the safer bet. Adobe XD is no longer actively developed.
Agencies use Adobe XD to move beyond static PDFs. Designers build clickable prototypes, share links with stakeholders, and collect feedback in one platform. The free tier lets agencies test projects before committing seats.
Design leads establish component libraries and shared assets in Adobe XD. New team members pull from the library instead of recreating buttons or cards. Updates to core components propagate automatically.
Researchers build task flows in Adobe XD and share prototype links with participants. Click-through paths are recorded, and teams analyze where users drop off or struggle without needing Figma's viewer mode.
Quarterly access to product leadership.
Bonus credits redeemable on partner tooling.
We re-verify the offer every quarter so it never goes stale.
Hit the button on this page — opens the partner site in a new tab.
Check your investor or accelerator benefits portal for the Adobe XD partner code. Y Combinator, Sequoia, and most Tier 1 VCs have codes available.
Renewals stay at the same rate — verified by us, not the vendor.
| Feature | Adobe XD |
|---|---|
| Free trial | 14 days |
| Cheapest paid plan | $0/mo |
| Annual discount | Up to 25% |
| Refund window | 30 days |
| Setup time | < 1 hour |
| Best for | Founders |
“Best option if your team is all-in on Creative Cloud”
“Great product, uncertain future”
“Solid tool in maintenance mode — use it if you're already in Creative Cloud”
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