Adobe XD for Mac

Adobe XD for Mac is a powerful design and prototyping tool developed by Adobe Inc., enabling designers of all knowledge levels to create UI and User Experience design projects either from the ground up or get up and running fast using a large library of professionally created templates.

This app was a part of Adobe Creative Cloud (20+ Apps and Services). It’s FREE for first 7 days, Try Now!

It features a wide variety of tools and services for the manipulation of vector-based graphics and is regularly used for the creation of stylish web apps, mobile apps, and modern websites.

Note: Adobe XD is currently in maintenance mode.

This means that they're not investing in ongoing development or shipping new features within the product. They will continue to support existing customers by addressing bugs and updating any security or privacy needs while in maintenance mode.

This app received notable support from worldwide designers because it featured a unique set of drawing and project management tools that were not present in other popular Adobe products (such as Photoshop and Illustrator) and offered a brand-new way of creating User Interface and User Experience projects with a highly capable unique toolset that was not easily accessible from inside any other popular design app.

While it features many advanced services for project management, collaborative design, fast-paced design experiments, and a large offering of preview and testing tools for displays of all sizes and ratios, this standalone app also enables a dramatic boost of daily workflows with built-in integration with other popular apps Adobe Creative Cloud suites such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Font, and others.

Originally available for both macOS and Windows, with built-in tools for previewing projects on iOS and Android devices, this vector design tool quickly became a popular platform for UI design on many modern types of projects, even including video games.

Users should however be aware that the the current version of Adobe XD is offered in so-called maintenance mode – a development status where this app does not receive regular updates, new features, and other addons that other Adobe Creative Cloud apps receive with regular cadence.

Existing users can continue to use it and will receive a limited set of security and bug-fix updates from the developers.

Main Features

• User Interface Design Platform – Learn to completely control UI and UX projects for web, apps, mobile, games, and more.
• Streamlined Workflow – Design UI/UX projects of all types following the simple three-step workflow – Design layout elements, prototype with linked objects or artboards, and share with powerful built-in tools.
• Powerful Vector Design Tool – Access a large set of powerful vector design tools that are not available in any other Adobe CC app.
• Prototype and Animation – Boost creativity with a prototype animation service that can be easily previewed on any supported display type and mobile device.
• Wide Adobe Interoperability – Built-in support for importing and sharing files with many popular Adobe apps, including vector design tool Illustrator, graphic editor Photoshop, and tools such as Sketch, After Effects, and others.
• Streamlined Collaboration – Connect to other tools, services, and users via Adobe CC cloud sharing, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.

Installation and Setup

The app can be downloaded and used on a wide variety of macOS hardware configurations and macOS releases, with built-in support for Intel CPUs and streamlined and reliable emulation of X86 software on newer M1 (and newer) Macs.

Since the app is in development maintenance mode, Adobe does not offer a standalone downloadable installer for it anymore.

It is also NOT a part of a modern Adobe Creative Suite app offering and is therefore only easily accessible for legacy users who have downloaded it on their local PC or Mac when the app was officially available for use.

How to Use

Once up and running, users are empowered to create UI and UX experiences and projects by following three simple steps – Designing standalone elements, Prototyping using streamlined animation and object linking tools, and finally testing and experimenting with finished projects until the UI experience matches the user's needs.

The app features a wide array of customization options for each on-screen element, enabling developers to take full control over all animations, transitions, dynamic designs, static and motion elements, and all graphic and text-related objects that end-users can come in contact with when interacting with User Interfaces on web pages, web apps, standalone apps, touch-friendly mobile apps, video games, and more.

The app features a comprehensive set of vector-based graphics management tools, a repeat grid tool for easier management of repeatable on-screen elements (photo galleries, various UI screens), responsive resize (for automatic movement of all on-screen elements during app dashboard resize), and much more.

A standalone Android version of the Adobe XD app enables users to easily preview their UI/UX project via cloud sharing service or directly via USB file sharing.

User Interface

This app features a highly streamlined user interface that closely resembles those present in other graphics and vector design apps, including the modern releases of Photoshop and Illustrator.

Users who are experienced in those popular apps will have no issues getting accustomed to Adobe XD, with the only important new feature being a new animation and linking system that enables the creation of highly dynamic and reactive animation boards that users can customize to a truly high degree.

The developers from Adobe have provided extensive online documentation, tutorials, and courses that new users can access for free.

FAQ

What is Adobe XD for macOS?
It is a vector design tool for web and mobile that creates user interfaces for mobile and web apps.

Is it safe?
Yes. This graphic design editor was developed by a reputable developer, although users should be aware that his app does not receive regular updates anymore.

Is this app offered in Adobe Creative Suite?
No. This is a legacy app that is no longer actively updated and managed by Adobe developers.

Alternatives

Sketch for Mac – A popular vector graphics editor for macOS that can easily create stylish and responsive interfaces.

Figma for Mac – A web-based UI graphic design and prototyping tool with real-time collaboration features.

InVision – A fully featured digital product design platform used for creating interactive UI/UX prototypes.

Pricing

This app is no longer offered for purchase.

It is not a part of Adobe's Creative Cloud subscription, and only users who purchased it while it was available can access and use it.

System Requirements

Adobe requires the following minimum requirements for running this app on a Mac computer: macOS v10.15, 4GB of RAM (8GB is recommended), and 1400x900 resolution on a display that is at least 13” in size.

PROS

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Extensive toolset for managing vector graphics and on-screen elements of all types.
• Seamless integration with other Adobe products.
• Efficient prototyping and animation features.
• Built-in collaboration features.

CONS

• No longer available for purchase, use, or download.
• Not part of an Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
• Maintenance mode support, with limited deployment stability patches and bug fixes.

Conclusion

Adobe XD for Mac is a versatile and user-friendly design and prototyping tool that is well-suited for creating user interfaces for web, mobile apps, video games, and other projects.

While it offers a large set of advanced features for efficient and fast design and prototyping of UI/UX elements, Adobe has stopped actively supporting it and the app is no longer available for easy download and use. Therefore, users are recommended to focus on other apps with similar functionality – Adobe Illustrator, Sketch, Figma, and others.

Note: 7 days trial version.

Also Available: Download Adobe XD for Windows