What is XD?

XD files are Adobe XD's native design format - combining vector design, prototyping, and collaboration. Contains artboards, vector shapes, text, images, components (reusable elements), and interactive prototypes with transitions. Part of Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem with tight integration: Photoshop/Illustrator imports, Creative Cloud Libraries, Adobe Fonts. XD emphasizes speed: Repeat Grid (duplicate elements), Auto-Animate (smooth transitions), voice prototyping, 3D transforms. Cross-platform: Mac, Windows, iOS/Android preview apps.

Adobe XD competes with Figma and Sketch, positioned as Adobe's answer to modern UI/UX design. Free Starter plan available. Used by designers already in Adobe ecosystem for web, mobile, and app design. Strong prototyping features: animated transitions, voice interactions, time-based triggers. Cloud Documents enable collaboration. Plugins extend functionality. HOWEVER: Adobe announced XD development discontinuation (December 2023) after Figma acquisition failed - long-term future uncertain. Still functional but no new features planned.

Note: Adobe has discontinued XD development - consider Figma or alternatives for new projects!

History

Adobe created XD to compete with Sketch and modern UI design tools, integrating with Creative Cloud for a unified Adobe-centric design workflow.

Key Milestones

  • 2016: Adobe XD preview release
  • 2017: XD 1.0 launch
  • 2018: Cloud Documents collaboration
  • 2019: Auto-Animate feature
  • 2023: Development discontinued
  • Present: Maintenance mode only

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • Vector Design: UI/UX design tools
  • Prototyping: Interactive mockups
  • Auto-Animate: Smooth transitions
  • Repeat Grid: Quick duplication
  • Components: Reusable elements
  • Creative Cloud: Adobe integration

Common Use Cases

App Design

Mobile interfaces

Web Design

Website mockups

Prototyping

Interactive demos

Wireframes

Low-fidelity layouts

Advantages

  • Creative Cloud integration
  • Cross-platform (Mac/Windows)
  • Fast, lightweight performance
  • Excellent prototyping tools
  • Free Starter plan available
  • Auto-Animate for smooth transitions
  • Voice prototyping support

Disadvantages

  • Development discontinued (2023)
  • Uncertain long-term future
  • Less adoption than Figma/Sketch
  • Limited collaboration vs Figma
  • Adobe ecosystem lock-in
  • Not recommended for new projects

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .xd
MIME Type application/vnd.adobe.xd
Contents Vector graphics, prototypes
Platforms macOS, Windows
Status Discontinued (maintenance mode)
Export PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF

Common Tools

  • Primary: Adobe XD (Mac/Windows)
  • Preview: XD mobile apps (iOS/Android)
  • Integration: Creative Cloud Libraries
  • Alternative: Figma (recommended for new work)