Adobe Express vs Figma

2024. New Adobe Express mobile app allows to use AI design tools on-the-go



The freshly updated Adobe Express mobile app, now accessible on both iOS and Android platforms, introduces a revitalized experience featuring an array of new generative AI tools. Previously exclusive to the desktop version, these intuitive features, fueled by Adobe's creative generative AI, Firefly, are now conveniently available on-the-go. Adobe Express, the comprehensive AI content creation application, has become faster and more user-friendly, enabling users to effortlessly initiate posts, edit videos, craft mood boards or collages, and swiftly remove backgrounds from photos or videos. Seamlessly transition from desktop to mobile by starting a project on one and finishing, scheduling, or publishing it from the other. Real-time collaboration with team members is also facilitated, enhancing workflow efficiency from any location.


2023. Adobe and Figma end $20B acquisition plans after regulatory headwinds in Europe



Adobe's $20 billion acquisition of rival Figma has officially collapsed, as the companies cited regulatory challenges in Europe as the decisive factor leading to the abandonment of the deal. Initially revealed in September of the previous year, the significant size of the transaction and the elimination of one of Adobe's key competitors made it susceptible to regulatory scrutiny. Throughout 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) closely examined the deal, although no formal lawsuit had been filed to prevent its completion. In a final effort to avoid legal action, Adobe and Figma engaged in discussions with the DOJ before the weekend, ultimately resulting in the termination of the acquisition plans.


2022. Adobe snaps up Figma for $20B



Adobe has recently announced its acquisition of Figma for a staggering $20 billion. Figma has gained popularity among individuals and teams due to its streamlined and modern cloud-based environment for design and prototyping. With approximately 4 million users to date, Figma has established itself as a prominent player in the industry. On the other hand, Adobe has been actively expanding its presence in the digital creation space through both internal developments and acquisitions. This expansion has taken Adobe beyond design and into marketing and other interconnected areas in the creation process. Design has always been at the core of Adobe's DNA, evident in their iconic products such as Photoshop, fonts, illustration, video, and 3D tools. The strategic vision behind the acquisition is to seamlessly integrate these Adobe products with Figma, positioning Figma as the native platform that unifies all of them. Adobe already had a similar offering in the form of AdobeXD, but the acquisition of Figma further strengthens its position in the design ecosystem.


2021. Adobe launches free online photo/video editor Creative Cloud Express



Adobe has introduced Creative Cloud Express, a new mobile and web app that combines the best features from Adobe's expansive Creative Cloud Suite and Acrobat PDF tools. This single application enables users to swiftly create various content, ranging from social media posts to promotional posters and videos. Creative Cloud Express serves as a replacement for Adobe Spark, offering a template-first approach and convenient access to stock images and other resources. The aim is to make Creative Cloud Express more accessible compared to individual Creative Cloud applications. The app will be available in both a free version and a paid subscription edition priced at $9.99 per month, featuring additional capabilities and an extensive library of complex templates. Access to this new application is included in Adobe's Creative Cloud All Apps and flagship single-app plans.


2021. Adobe is buying Frame.io for $1.28B



Adobe is purchasing Frame.io, a video review and collaboration platform used by more than a million customers, for $1.275 billion. Frame.io aids creative professionals in streamlining the video creation process by centralizing media assets, such as dailies, scripts, storyboards, work-in-progress, and more. It also enables frame-accurate feedback and comments, annotations, and real-time approvals. The company highlights faster upload speeds compared to other cloud hosting services like Vimeo, Box, Dropbox, and others. Adobe stated that combining its creative software, including Premiere Pro and After Effects video editing products, with Frame.io's review and approval functionality will result in a collaboration platform that empowers the video editing process. The Frame.io web platform is designed to seamlessly integrate with non-linear editing systems (NLEs) such as Adobe Premiere Pro, becoming an integral part of its customers' existing workflows.


2021. Figma introduces a whiteboard tool called FigJam



Figma, the online collaborative design service, has unveiled FigJam, a new whiteboarding tool aimed at fostering teamwork. FigJam goes beyond providing designers with a space to generate ideas collectively; it also enables nondesigners to actively participate in the brainstorming process. The tool offers a range of features, including sticky notes, emojis, drawing tools, shapes, pre-built lines and connectors, stamps, and cursor chats. Integration with Figma ensures smooth transitions as components or design objects created in FigJam can easily be transferred to Figma. Additionally, Figma is introducing voice chat functionality across all its products. This allows users collaborating on designs in Figma or engaging in brainstorming sessions in FigJam to communicate via audio without the need for separate Zoom or Google Meet calls—simply toggling on chat in Figma facilitates seamless audio communication.


2020. Design platform Figma raises $50 million



Figma, the design platform renowned for its collaborative and cloud-based approach, has recently concluded a successful Series D financing round, raising $50 million. After nearly six years of development in stealth mode, Figma was launched in 2015 with the vision of creating a collaborative design tool that functions similarly to Google Docs. Since its inception, Figma has continued to enhance its platform, focusing on expanding accessibility and usability for individual designers, small firms, and large enterprise companies. Additionally, the company introduced an educational platform called Community, empowering designers to share their work and enabling users to "remix" designs or explore them layer by layer.


2019. Online design tool Figma gets new enterprise collaboration features



Figma, the web-based design and prototyping tool aiming to provide an alternative to similar tools like Adobe, is introducing a range of new features today to enhance collaboration across teams within large organizations. Known as Figma Organization, this feature set represents the company's first enterprise-grade service, incorporating controls and security tools that are essential for large companies. One notable addition for designers is the introduction of organization-wide design systems. While Figma already offered tools for creating design systems, this enterprise version simplifies the process of sharing libraries and fonts among teams. This ensures consistent application of styles across a company's products and services.


2016. Adobe unveils Spark - creative suite for small/medium businesses


Small and medium-sized businesses can now take advantage of a range of free tools to effectively showcase their stories to customers. Adobe has recently introduced its suite of tools known as Spark. Alongside the ability to create web pages and social media posts, these tools empower businesses to craft engaging company event announcements, newsletters, lessons, flyers, brochures, small catalogs, and explainer videos. The iOS apps have also been renamed for better clarity. Spark Post (formerly Adobe Post) is a tool dedicated to creating and sharing text and graphics on social networks. Spark Page (formerly Adobe Slate) focuses on generating web pages, while Spark Video (formerly Adobe Voice) allows for the creation of animated videos using icons, photos, text, and graphics. With Adobe Spark, businesses have a comprehensive suite of tools to captivate their audience and convey their unique narratives.