UX Caffè

Photoshop and Illustrator in 2025: Do They Still Have a Role in Web Design?

An up-to-date analysis on how Photoshop and Illustrator fit into the modern web design ecosystem

2025-05-12

In the 2025 web design landscape — dominated by collaborative, cloud-based tools like Figma — many are wondering whether legacy software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator still play a meaningful role. Despite the evolution of digital tools, these programs continue to offer irreplaceable features for many industry professionals.

The Evolution of Photoshop and Illustrator

Adobe has responded to changing market demands by integrating advanced features into its software. Photoshop, for example, introduced AI-powered tools such as Generative Fill and Generative Expand, which allow users to edit and extend images with just a few clicks. Likewise, Illustrator has enhanced its Image Trace function for more accurate vectorization and added the ability to arrange objects along complex paths.

Figma and the New Era of Web Design

Figma has revolutionized the way designers collaborate, offering a cloud-based platform that supports real-time co-creation. With the release of tools like Figma Sites, Make, Buzz, and Draw, the company aims to cover the entire design lifecycle — from prototyping to publishing.

Figma Draw, in particular, brings vector illustration features similar to Illustrator, while Figma Sites allows for the creation and publishing of websites directly from the platform. These innovations position Figma as a direct competitor to Adobe in the web design space.

Integration and Coexistence of Tools

Despite Figma’s growing popularity, many professionals still rely on Photoshop and Illustrator for specific tasks. Photoshop remains the go-to tool for advanced image manipulation, while Illustrator is irreplaceable when it comes to designing vector logos and icons. In many workflows, designers use these Adobe tools in combination with Figma, importing assets created in Adobe for use in web projects.

This integration of traditional and modern tools allows designers to harness the best of both worlds — combining Adobe’s editing power with Figma’s flexibility and collaborative features.

Conclusion

In 2025, Photoshop and Illustrator still play a crucial role in web design, especially for tasks that require a high level of detail and precision. However, the rise of tools like Figma has transformed how designers collaborate and manage their projects. The key to success lies in effectively integrating these tools, leveraging their respective strengths to create outstanding user experiences.