Step-by-Step Guide: How to Convert Adobe XD Designs to Figma

If you’ve been using Adobe XD and are thinking about switching to Figma, you’re not alone. Many designers are making the move to Figma thanks to its browser-based flexibility, collaboration features, and smoother workflows. But one of the first questions you’ll face is: How do I convert my Adobe XD designs to Figma?

The good news? It’s absolutely possible to convert Adobe XD to Figma, even though the two tools don’t offer a direct one-click import method. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, covering both manual and semi-automated methods to help you transition your designs smoothly.

Let’s dive right in.

Why Move from Adobe XD to Figma?

Before we get into the “how,” let’s quickly look at the “why.” Designers are increasingly moving to Figma for a few clear reasons:

• Cloud-based access: No installations needed, just log in via the browser
• Real-time collaboration: Work on the same file with your team, simultaneously
• Cross-platform: Mac, Windows, even Linux — no restrictions
• Version history and autosave: Never worry about forgetting to save
• Developer handoff: Smooth and intuitive

Now that we know why people are shifting, here’s how to take your designs with you.

Discover: Kentico to WordPress Hosting Requirements

Step 1: Organize Your Adobe XD File

Before you begin converting, make sure your Adobe XD file is neat and well-organized. This will save a lot of time when replicating it in Figma.

• Group related elements
• Name your layers clearly
• Separate artboards logically
• Delete unused components or layers

If you’re working with a large project, consider breaking it into smaller sections to simplify the process.

Step 2: Export Assets from Adobe XD

Figma doesn’t support direct XD file imports, so you’ll need to export your assets from XD first.

1. Select the elements or artboards you want to export
2. Go to File > Export
3. Choose formats like SVG, PNG, or PDF
4. Save them in an organized folder structure

For UI components, SVG is usually the best option because it retains vector properties.

Step 3: Export Text Styles and Color Palettes

Figma doesn’t recognize Adobe XD text or color styles directly. So you’ll need to note these down and recreate them manually.

A few ways to do this:

• Manually write down your font sizes, weights, and line heights
• Use plugins like Design Tokens or CopyDoc (in XD) to extract text and style information
• Take screenshots of color palettes and use the color picker in Figma to recreate them

This step may feel tedious, but it’s crucial for maintaining visual consistency.

Step 4: Bring Your Assets into Figma

Now head over to Figma and start importing the assets you just exported.

• Open a new Figma file
• Drag and drop your SVGs or PNGs into the canvas
• Reorganize them based on your original Adobe XD layout

SVG files remain editable in Figma, so you can tweak colors, strokes, and other properties as needed.

If you exported artboards as PDFs, Figma will rasterize them — which is useful for references, but not for editing.

Step 5: Recreate Layouts Manually

This is the most time-consuming part, but also the most important. Rebuild your design in Figma by referencing your exported assets or XD screens.

Here’s a process that works well:

• Start by creating frames (which are like artboards) in Figma
• Drop in exported assets and position them as per your XD layout
• Use Figma’s Auto Layout feature to structure responsive designs
• Apply text and color styles you noted earlier
• Rebuild components using Figma components for consistency and reusability

Think of this as an opportunity to refine and improve your UI as you go.

Step 6: Use Figma Plugins to Speed Up the Process

Figma has an active plugin ecosystem that can help you speed things up. Here are a few you may find handy:

• Iconify – Quickly find and insert icons
• Color Palettes – Easily recreate your color styles
• Content Reel – Add realistic content and avatars
• Remove BG – For transparent backgrounds
• Blush – Add illustrations

While plugins won’t “automate” the full conversion, they’ll reduce repetitive tasks and save time.

Step 7: Rebuild Prototypes (If Needed)

If your Adobe XD file included interactions or prototypes, you’ll need to recreate those in Figma manually.

• Select elements and go to the Prototype tab
• Link frames or buttons using “On Click,” “Hover,” or other triggers
• Use Smart Animate for smooth transitions
• Test everything in the Preview mode

Figma’s prototyping is robust and actually offers more flexibility compared to XD, so this is a good chance to enhance user flows.

Step 8: Share and Collaborate

Once your file is rebuilt, you can invite teammates, clients, or developers to view or edit it.

• Use the Share button in the top-right
• Set permissions (view, comment, edit)
• Generate shareable links
• Use Figma’s Dev Mode for smooth handoff to developers

Because Figma is cloud-based, you won’t have to worry about version control or file syncing.

Explore: Dedicated WordPress Developers vs DIY Website Builders

Final Thoughts

Moving from Adobe XD to Figma isn’t a one-click process, but it’s completely doable — and worthwhile. You’ll need a mix of exporting, rebuilding, and manual tweaking, but once it’s done, you’ll benefit from Figma’s powerful design and collaboration tools.

Whether you’re an individual designer or part of a team, Figma’s modern workflow can make your life easier in the long run. Use this migration as a fresh start and even an opportunity to clean up and improve your UI designs.