If you’re a UI/UX designer, you know how powerful Adobe XD is for designing websites, apps, and user interfaces. But when you’re facing tight deadlines or juggling multiple projects, getting your work done faster without sacrificing quality is critical. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, learning how to speed up your Adobe XD workflow can make a big difference in your productivity and creativity. From smart shortcuts to smart plugins, here are expert tips that will help you work faster and smarter in Adobe XD.
1. Master Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the fastest ways to improve your design speed is by using keyboard shortcuts. They help you cut back on unnecessary clicks and navigation, keeping your focus where it should be—on the design.
- R – Rectangle Tool
- T – Text Tool
- Cmd/Ctrl + D – Duplicate
- Cmd/Ctrl + G – Group Elements
- Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + G – Ungroup Elements
- Arrow Keys – Nudge objects 1px (Shift + Arrow for 10px)
Get into the habit of using these and you’ll drastically reduce the time you spend navigating through menus.
2. Use Repeat Grid Efficiently
Adobe XD’s Repeat Grid feature is a major time-saver when you’re designing lists, galleries, or any repeated element. Just select your items and click the Repeat Grid button—it allows you to duplicate elements horizontally or vertically while maintaining consistent spacing.
Even better, you can drag and drop text or image files directly into the grid to populate your content automatically.
3. Set Up Component Libraries
If you often reuse elements like buttons, headers, icons, or symbols, converting them into Components will save you tons of time. Better yet, organize them into shared libraries using Adobe Creative Cloud so your entire team can tap into them.
When you update a Master Component, all instances update automatically, ensuring consistency across your designs without the manual overhead.
4. Leverage Plugins and Integrations
Plugins can streamline virtually every part of your creative process. Here are a few essential ones:
- UI Faces – Quickly insert avatars into your designs.
- Icons 4 Design – Access a wide range of vector icons directly from XD.
- Stark – Help make designs accessible with color contrast checks and vision simulators.
- Rename It – Bulk rename layers and artboards for better organization.
To install plugins, go to the Plugin menu in Adobe XD and browse through hundreds of options tailored to your workflow.
5. Use Artboard Presets and Templates
Why recreate the wheel each time? Adobe XD includes artboard presets for popular devices such as iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and web browsers.
Even better, save your frequently used layouts as custom templates. This way, you start each new project with headers, footers, spacing, and branding already set up.
6. Smart Layout and Alignment Tools
Adobe XD provides smart snapping and alignment tools that help you arrange elements with pixel perfect accuracy. Use the alignment toolbar or the Smart Guides that appear on your canvas to keep designs consistent and symmetrical.
You can also define padding and stacks using Adobe XD’s Layout features that make responsive design easier than ever.
7. Preview and Share Efficiently
Use the built-in sharing tools to quickly create interactive prototypes with transitions and animations. Share interactive links with your team or clients instantly for feedback.
Use Cmd/Ctrl + Enter to enter preview mode, and Shift + Cmd/Ctrl + E to publish your prototype to the web.
8. Organize Layers and Naming
A messy layer structure can slow you down, especially on complex projects. Get in the habit of naming your layers clearly and grouping elements logically. Use the “Rename It” plugin for bulk renaming and consistent formatting.
Conclusion
Speeding up your Adobe XD workflow doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means working smarter. By learning shortcuts, using grids and components efficiently, taking advantage of plugins, and organizing your workspace, you’ll be able to design faster and more efficiently.
Implement these expert strategies and feel the difference in your daily workflow. Your future self—and your deadlines—will thank you!
