Adobe acquires Figma

© Figma.

Figma, which was launched in 2016, is a collaborative web application for interface design and prototype creation. The application was hugely successful with UX/UI designers (as well as here at Spiria), and competes boldly with Adobe’s XD products. At Microsoft, for example, thousands of designers and developers rely on Figma every day to build Office, Windows, and more. Far from surrendering the field of interface design to this newcomer, Adobe pulled out its checkbook instead and announced the purchase of Figma for about 20 billion in cash and stock.

The news caused some concern among designers who fear to see their favorite application adulterated when it falls under the shadow of the software giant. But Figma’s essence shouldn’t change much, at least in the beginning. “We plan to continue to run Figma the way we have always run Figma — continuing to do what we believe is best for our community, our culture and our business,” explains Dylan Field, co-founder and CEO of Figma. “Adobe is deeply committed to keeping Figma operating autonomously.” Field will retain his position as CEO and will report to Adobe president David Wadhwani. The application can also greatly benefit from Adobe’s expertise in 3D, video, vector imaging and fonts.

⇨ The Verge, Tom Warren, “Adobe to acquire Figma in a deal worth $20 billion.”

2022-09-15