Head-to-head · Graphic Design Software
Figma vs Adobe Illustrator
Figma leads on 2 checks, Adobe Illustrator on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFigma · 9.2/10
- Free planonly Figma
- Free trialonly Adobe Illustrator
- Most featuresFigma · 7 of 7
Figma scores higher on our rubric for graphic design software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.
Figma offers free plan; Adobe Illustrator doesn't. Figma offers real-time collaboration; Adobe Illustrator doesn't.
Figma is the better fit for collaborative digital and interface design teams. Adobe Illustrator is the better fit for professional vector design and illustration.
- Figma fits best
Collaborative digital and interface design teams
- Adobe Illustrator fits best
Professional vector design and illustration
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Side by side
| Feature | Figma 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Adobe Illustrator 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #3 in Graphic Design Software | #6 in Graphic Design Software |
| Best for | Collaborative digital and interface design teams | Professional vector design and illustration |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Figma 7/7 · Adobe Illustrator 4/7 | ||
| Template library | ✓ | ✓ |
| Presentation design | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Illustration tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brand kit | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Real-time collaboration | ✓ (best) | — |
| Desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Figma brings interface design, prototyping and team collaboration into a shared workspace. Vector drawing and shape editing support design work, while interactive prototypes can include transitions and interactions. Designers can edit… Read the review → |
Adobe Illustrator is vector graphics software for creating logos, icons, illustrations, packaging, typography, and other scalable artwork for print and digital use. It is suited to professional designers, illustrators, brand teams, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Figma — where it wins
- Real-time editing, comments and branching support team collaboration.
- Shared libraries and reusable components help keep designs consistent.
- Dev Mode connects design files with developer handoff workflows.
Where it doesn't
- Professional's $12 per-seat monthly rate requires annual billing.
- Organization and Enterprise cost more per seat than Professional.
- Its design workflow centers on digital design, not every graphic-design task.
Adobe Illustrator — where it wins
- Advanced vector, typography, artboard, effects, and illustration tools
- Generative AI features for shape fills, recoloring, and vector graphics
- Creative Cloud integrations with cloud documents and review workflows
Where it doesn't
- No free plan
- Collaboration supports invited editing, not simultaneous real-time editing
- The individual plan includes 100GB of cloud storage
- Figma9.2/10 · Free plan
A shared workspace for interface design, prototyping, developer handoff and more.
Visit FigmaFull verdict → - Adobe Illustrator8.8/10 · 7-day trial
A deep vector design suite for professional artwork across desktop, iPad, and web.
Visit siteFull verdict →
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All graphic design software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







