Is Figma Better Than Adobe Illustrator?

September 17, 2023 figma

Figma and Adobe Illustrator are two popular design tools used by professionals in the industry. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, but the question remains - Is Figma better than Adobe Illustrator? Let's dive into the features and functionalities of both tools to find out which one suits your needs best.

Overview

Figma is a powerful web-based design tool that allows teams to collaborate in real-time. It offers an intuitive interface, making it easy for designers to create and share their work with others. On the other hand, Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor that has been around for decades and is widely used by designers for creating illustrations, logos, icons, and more.

Collaboration

Figma takes the lead when it comes to collaboration. Its cloud-based nature allows multiple users to work on a project simultaneously, making it ideal for remote teams. The real-time collaboration feature ensures that everyone is working on the latest version of the design. This feature also simplifies feedback gathering and iteration processes.

Adobe Illustrator, on the other hand, lacks built-in collaboration features. While you can share files with others, it doesn't provide real-time collaboration options like Figma does. This can be a hindrance when working with teams spread across different locations.

User Interface

The user interface of both tools is quite different. Figma has a modern and minimalist interface that is easy to navigate. Its browser-based platform makes it accessible from any device without the need for installations or updates.

Adobe Illustrator, being a desktop application, has a more traditional interface with multiple panels and menus. This can feel overwhelming for beginners but offers extensive customization options for advanced users.

Features

Figma offers a wide range of features that cater to both UI/UX design and prototyping. It has a powerful vector editing toolset, along with advanced prototyping capabilities. Figma also provides design components and styles that make it easy to maintain consistency in your designs.

Adobe Illustrator, on the other hand, is known for its robust feature set. It offers extensive drawing and illustration tools, making it a top choice for artists and graphic designers. Its integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications allows seamless workflow between different design tools.

Plugins and Integrations

When it comes to plugins and integrations, both Figma and Adobe Illustrator have their own ecosystems. Figma offers a growing library of plugins that extend its functionalities, allowing users to streamline their workflow with additional tools and automation.

Adobe Illustrator, being part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, seamlessly integrates with other Adobe applications such as Photoshop and InDesign. This integration enables efficient collaboration among different teams working on various aspects of a project.

Pricing

In terms of pricing, Figma has a free plan available for individuals with limited features but is generous compared to other design tools. Their paid plans start at $12 per editor per month, making it an affordable option for small teams or freelancers.

Adobe Illustrator is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription model, which includes access to multiple Adobe applications. While this provides flexibility in terms of using various tools, it can be more expensive for individual users who only require Illustrator's functionality.

In conclusion,

Figma is a great choice for teams that value real-time collaboration and remote work capabilities. Its ease of use, cloud-based infrastructure, and affordable pricing make it a popular choice among designers.
Adobe Illustrator shines when it comes to its extensive feature set and integration with other Adobe applications. It is well-suited for individual designers who need powerful illustration tools and are already invested in the Adobe ecosystem.

Ultimately, the choice between Figma and Adobe Illustrator depends on your specific needs, team size, and budget. Consider the features, collaboration options, user interface, and pricing to determine which tool aligns best with your design workflow.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether Figma is better than Adobe Illustrator. It's important to evaluate your requirements and preferences before making a decision. Happy designing!