Adobe Photoshop vs Figma: What are the differences?
Introduction
Adobe Photoshop and Figma are two popular graphic editing tools that offer various features and functionalities. While both are used for designing and creating visuals, there are key differences that set them apart.
-
Integration with Creative Cloud: Adobe Photoshop is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which offers seamless integration with other Adobe software like Illustrator and InDesign. This allows for easy file sharing and collaboration between different applications. On the other hand, Figma is a web-based design tool that operates entirely in the browser. It allows for real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
-
Accessibility and Platform Compatibility: Adobe Photoshop is a desktop application available for Windows and macOS, limiting its accessibility to users who have access to these operating systems. Figma, being a web-based tool, can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection, making it platform-independent and more accessible for users on different operating systems.
-
Vector Design Capabilities: While both Adobe Photoshop and Figma offer vector editing capabilities, Figma is primarily designed as a vector editing tool. It provides better scalability and is better suited for designing graphics that need to be resized without losing quality. Adobe Photoshop, on the other hand, is more focused on raster editing, making it ideal for photo manipulation and creating pixel-based graphics.
-
Plugins and Extensions: Adobe Photoshop has a wide range of plugins and extensions available in the Adobe Creative Cloud marketplace. These plugins provide additional functionalities to enhance the creative process and customize the software according to individual needs. Figma also supports plugins, but its plugin ecosystem is not as extensive as Adobe Photoshop's.
-
Pricing and Licensing: Adobe Photoshop operates on a subscription-based model, requiring users to pay a monthly or annual fee to access the software. It can be quite expensive for individuals or small businesses. Meanwhile, Figma offers a freemium pricing model, allowing users to access limited features for free while providing advanced features and collaboration tools in paid plans. This makes Figma more cost-effective for individuals or teams who need design capabilities without a significant financial commitment.
-
Offline Editing: Adobe Photoshop is a desktop application, which means it can be used offline. Users can work on their projects even without an internet connection. Figma, being a web-based tool, requires an internet connection to access and use its features. While Figma does have an "Offline mode" that allows users to continue working on their designs when connectivity is lost temporarily, it lacks the flexibility of offline editing that Adobe Photoshop offers.
In summary, Adobe Photoshop offers seamless integration with other Adobe software, while Figma is a web-based design tool accessible from any platform. Figma focuses more on vector design capabilities, while Adobe Photoshop is geared towards raster editing. Adobe Photoshop has a extensive plugin ecosystem, but Figma is more affordable with a freemium pricing model. Lastly, Adobe Photoshop allows offline editing, while Figma requires an internet connection.
