Insight

Figma vs. Adobe Creative Cloud: Do Web Designers Need Both?

Figma vs. Adobe Creative Cloud: Do Web Designers Need Both?

Figma has taken the design world by storm, becoming a favorite for web designers with its collaborative features and intuitive interface. But does this mean Adobe Creative Cloud is obsolete? As an agency deeply rooted in the web design world, we at Ryde have navigated this debate and found our own balance.   

Figma's Strengths:

Collaboration:
Figma's real-time collaboration is a game-changer. Multiple designers can work on the same file simultaneously, making feedback and iteration seamless.   

Web-Based Accessibility:
Being browser-based, Figma eliminates platform restrictions and allows access from any device.   

Prototyping:
Figma's built-in prototyping tools allow for creating interactive mockups to test user flows and gather feedback early on.   

Cost-Effective:
Figma offers a generous free plan and affordable paid plans, making it accessible for freelancers and agencies alike.   

Where Adobe Creative Cloud Still Shines:

Industry Standard:
Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator remain industry standards for image editing and vector graphics, offering unparalleled power and precision.   

Depth and Versatility:
Creative Cloud applications provide a wider range of tools for tasks beyond UI design, such as photo manipulation, video editing, and motion graphics.   

Integration:
Creative Cloud apps integrate seamlessly with each other, creating a smooth workflow for complex projects.   

The Ryde Perspective: Finding the Right Balance

At Ryde, we leverage the strengths of both Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud. Figma is our go-to for web design projects, particularly for collaborative design, prototyping, and client presentations.  However, we still rely on Photoshop and Illustrator for specific tasks like:

Complex image editing:
When detailed photo manipulation or retouching is required, Photoshop remains unmatched.

Creating intricate illustrations:
For detailed vector illustrations or logo design, Illustrator provides the necessary tools and precision.

The Verdict: It Depends on Your Needs

For many web designers, especially those focused on UI/UX, Figma can be a sufficient standalone tool. However, having access to Adobe Creative Cloud can be beneficial for tackling more complex projects or specialised design tasks.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual needs, budget, and the type of projects you undertake.

Need help deciding which tools are right for your project?

Get in touch with Ryde. We're happy to discuss your specific requirements and provide expert guidance to help you make the best decision.