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Adobe XD vs Zeplin: What are the differences?
Introduction:
Adobe XD and Zeplin are two popular design and collaboration tools used in web and app development. While they both serve the purpose of translating design files into code, there are key differences between them that make them unique in their own ways.
Design vs. Handoff: Adobe XD is primarily a design tool that allows users to create and prototype design layouts, wireframes, and interactive experiences. On the other hand, Zeplin focuses more on the handoff aspect of design, allowing designers to collaborate with developers by providing them with accurate design specifications and code snippets.
Integration with Design Tools: Adobe XD is seamlessly integrated with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, making it easier for designers to import and work with assets from different design tools within the same ecosystem. Zeplin, on the other hand, is a standalone tool that can be used alongside any design tool by simply exporting the design files to Zeplin.
Compatibility with Different Platforms: Adobe XD is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems, providing flexibility for designers using different platforms. Zeplin, on the other hand, is a web-based tool that can be accessed on any platform with a modern web browser, ensuring cross-platform compatibility.
Collaboration and Communication: Adobe XD offers limited collaboration features, allowing multiple designers to work on the same design file simultaneously, but lacks more advanced collaboration functionalities. Zeplin, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing collaboration between designers and developers by providing features like commenting, style guides, and version control, making the design handoff process more efficient and streamlined.
Development Environment Integration: Zeplin provides code snippets and style guides that are directly integrated into various development environments, making it easier for developers to reference and implement the design specifications. Adobe XD, although it allows for exporting assets and specifications, does not provide the same level of integration with development environments.
Pricing Structure: Adobe XD offers a freemium pricing model, with a free version for individual designers and subscription-based plans for teams and enterprises. Zeplin, on the other hand, offers a free plan with limited features, along with paid plans that provide additional functionalities and options for larger teams.
In summary, Adobe XD is primarily a design and prototyping tool with integration into other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, while Zeplin focuses on the collaboration and handoff aspect of design, providing developers with accurate design specifications and code snippets within a web-based platform. Adobe XD is more platform agnostic, providing desktop apps for both Mac and Windows, while Zeplin is a web-based tool accessible on any platform. Zeplin offers more advanced collaboration features and integration with development environments, and its pricing structure differs from Adobe XD's freemium model.
Hello, I want to start an unlimited graphic design service. (yes, yet another one, but bear with me)
It’s the second week that I’m working on this project, my goal is to test the market as soon as possible.
One element that is missing is the solution to handle communication between the clients and the designers.
• Mandatory: it needs to communicate instructions, progress/status, and design files (exported from Adobe Illustrator or similar). • Optionally it would also display the design inside the app so the files don’t need to be opened. • Optionally it would let the client easily mark the design where he wants revision.
• Mandatory: it needs to have unlimited clients and unlimited projects (I’ll have hundreds of clients and each will have at least one project) • Optionally it would auto-assign a new project to the first available designer, or let the designers choose themselves which project they want to work on • Optionally it would have groups (corresponding to a subscription plan) with different clients and different designers in each • Optionally it would communicate with other apps so that client and designer management tasks (access, payment, etc) can be automated
I’m open to all suggestions, not just the selection above. Ultimately I guess I’ll have a custom app developed on a no-code platform, but to begin with I need something simple and ready.
Reminder: it is only for graphic design, between my designers and my clients
Zeplin is great for Developer handoff and setting as source of truth for Design and Developemt. InViosion is the standard for communicating/testing design ideas and prototypes with stakeholders. Both applications offer unlimited projects. I use them on a daily basis at big enterprises and for small weekend projects.
I have been using Basecamp since 2008 to handle my client communications. I have gone through all of its three iterations.
I'd recommend Basecamp above the others because:
- It is a communication tool through and through. Looking at your description, that seems to be what you need. Zeplin is a developer handoff tool. It isn't designed to cover a more broad use case as you describe. Invision has some features that you want, but it is primarily a tool for building quick low-fidelity prototypes from website mockups. Figma is a great design tool. For the last two, communication is a secondary feature.
- It was designed by a design agency (37 Signals) for their own needs, which were quite similar to yours. (They later closed the agency to focus on Basecamp as a product full-time)
- It has flat pricing that doesn't count the number of projects, clients or team members you have. You don't have to think twice about opening another project or inviting another user. You always pay the same price.
- It can separate team and client communications. The team can talk about something without the client ever seeing it, in the same context.
- It can keep todo lists, which I think you will need anyway.
- Access control is based on projects. Every team member or client will only see the projects they are invited to. They will not even know the existence of others. (Except admins. They can see and join all projects)
- It is easy to understand and use. The design is free of clutter and easy on the eyes. Your clients (especially the tech-averse ones) will appreciate it.
- It has mobile/desktop apps with the full functionality of the web app. You won't have to wait for someone to sit down to get a quick approval.
The only real downside for me was the lack of language support in the user interface. You will be fine if your users understand some very basic written English. Some of my clients did not, so I had to walk them through it.
Pros of Adobe XD
- Free15
- Interactive Prototypes10
- Vector8
- Reusable elements/components8
- Clean Design8
- Imports Sketch files5
- Repeat Grid1
- Import Adobe files1
Pros of Zeplin
- Avoid the insanity of extract this info from Photoshop7
- Free7
- CSS2
- Works with lots of devices2
- HTML2
- SVG2
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Cons of Adobe XD
- No dark theme6
Cons of Zeplin
- SVG8
