Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Shape.so VS Adobe XD

Compare Shape.so VS Adobe XD and see what are their differences

Shape.so logo Shape.so

1350+ icons, illustrations exportable to SVG, React & Lottie

Adobe XD logo Adobe XD

Adobe XD is an all-in-one UX/UI solution for designing websites, mobile apps and more.ย 
  • Shape.so Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-17
  • Adobe XD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-17

Shape.so features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Shape.so is known for its user-friendly interface that allows users to quickly and easily generate professional-quality SVG icons, even if they have little to no design experience.
  • Customizability
    Users can customize icons to fit their specific needs, including changing colors, sizes, and other design elements, allowing for greater flexibility in design projects.
  • Quality of Icons
    The platform offers high-quality, vector-based SVG icons that are scalable without losing resolution, ensuring that designs remain sharp and clear on all screen sizes.
  • Library Size
    Shape.so provides access to a large and continuously updated library of icons, giving users a wide range of choices for their projects.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Shape.so can be integrated with popular design tools like Figma and Sketch, streamlining the workflow for designers who use these applications.

Possible disadvantages of Shape.so

  • Cost
    Using Shape.so might require a subscription or a one-time payment, which could be a barrier for freelancers or small businesses with limited budgets.
  • Limited Free Options
    While Shape.so offers some free icons, the most unique and desirable icons are often behind a paywall, limiting access without a subscription.
  • Learning Curve
    Although it's easy to use, users who are new to design tools might encounter a slight learning curve when first starting out with Shape.so, particularly when it comes to advanced customization features.
  • Dependence on Internet
    Shape.so requires an internet connection to access its library and tools, which could be a limitation for users in areas with unreliable internet.
  • Niche Utility
    While very useful for designing icons, Shape.so might not be as comprehensive for other types of graphics or design needs, necessitating additional tools for other tasks.

Adobe XD features and specs

  • User Interface
    Adobe XD offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier for both beginners and professionals to navigate and utilize its features effectively.
  • Integration with Adobe Ecosystem
    Seamless integration with other Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator provides a cohesive workflow, enabling designers to streamline their projects.
  • Prototyping and Animation
    Adobe XD provides robust prototyping and animation tools, allowing designers to create interactive and dynamic user experiences directly within the application.
  • Collaboration Tools
    The platform includes features for real-time collaboration, making it easier for teams to work together and share feedback quickly.
  • Shared Libraries
    Shared asset libraries allow for consistency in design elements across multiple projects and among various team members.
  • Responsive Resize
    Responsive Resize automates the adjustment of elements across various screen sizes, saving time and effort for design adaptiveness.

Possible disadvantages of Adobe XD

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to some other design tools, Adobe XD may lack certain advanced features like high-end 3D design capabilities.
  • Learning Curve for New Features
    New features and updates may have a steep learning curve for some users, requiring time to get accustomed to them.
  • Performance Issues on Complex Projects
    Some users have reported performance issues, such as lagging or crashing, when working on particularly complex or large-scale projects.
  • Platform Limitations
    While Adobe XD is available on both Windows and macOS, there is no Linux version, which limits accessibility for designers using that operating system.
  • Subscription Model
    The cost of Adobe's subscription model can be a disadvantage for freelancers or small teams due to its recurring fees.
  • Limited Plugin Ecosystem
    Compared to some competitors, Adobe XD has a smaller ecosystem of plugins and third-party integrations, which can limit customization and extended functionality.

Analysis of Shape.so

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Shape.so is considered a good tool for creators looking for an efficient and straightforward way to produce illustrations without the need for advanced graphic design software.

Why this product is good

  • Shape.so is a tool designed to simplify the creation of high-quality illustrations, particularly for those who may not have extensive design skills. It offers a variety of customizable templates and components, making it easy to produce visually appealing graphics. The platform is especially favored for its user-friendly interface and the speed with which users can generate designs.

Recommended for

  • Content creators who need quick and easy illustrations.
  • Marketers looking to enhance their visual content.
  • Small business owners who want to create custom designs without hiring a professional designer.
  • Educators who require visual materials for teaching purposes.

Shape.so videos

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Adobe XD videos

Sketch vs Adobe XD: Which One Should You Use?

More videos:

  • Review - Switching to Adobe XD?!
  • Review - Best UX TOOLS 2020? - Sketch vs Adobe XD vs Figma

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Shape.so and Adobe XD)
Design Tools
16 16%
84% 84
Productivity
28 28%
72% 72
Prototyping
0 0%
100% 100
Web Icons
100 100%
0% 0

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Shape.so and Adobe XD

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Adobe XD Reviews

Top 6 Figma Alternatives: Prototyping and UI/UX Tools
While not a direct competitor to Figma regarding design capabilities, Zeplin serves as a bridge between designers and developers by providing a platform for sharing design specs, assets, and style guides. Its seamless integration with design tools like Sketch and Adobe XD makes it invaluable for design handoff and collaboration.
Source: fronty.com
Figma Alternatives: 12 Prototyping and Design Tools in 2024
Adobe XD gives Figma a run for its money as itโ€™s loaded with robust features to make your visual content stand out. The software is generally easy-to-use for various visual content, concept mapping, and prototypes.
16+ Best Web Design Software in 2022 (Ranked by a Trusted Expert)
Furthermore, you can share your designs and collect feedback so you can iterate quickly without having to jump to a different tool. Adobe XD lets you do it all.
16 Best Web Design Software in 2022 [Essential Guide]
Collaborate with your team to quickly turn ideas into designs. Adobe XD is free to use, but you can unlock even more functionality with a Creative Cloud subscription. Get Adobe XD free with Creative Cloud. Seamless integration into Creative Cloud
15+ Best Web Design Software of 2022 (Ranked and Reviewed)
The good news is Adobe XD is a single powerful tool to enable your whole UI/UX design process โ€“ you wonโ€™t need any other third-party tool. It lets you create everything, including user flows, high-fidelity designs, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and animations. You donโ€™t have to worry about design sync or combining multiple applications.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Shape.so and Adobe XD, you can also consider the following products

Blobmaker - Create organic svg shapes in just a few seconds

Figma - Team-based interface design, Figma lets you collaborate on designs in real time.

Icons8 - Free app for Mac & Windows already containing 39,800 icons. Allows to search and import iconsโ€ฆ

Sketch - Professional digital design for Mac.

Iconscout - Design Resource Marketplace.

Invision - Prototyping and collaboration for design teams