In 2022, Adobe made headlines with its bold $20 billion bid to acquire Figma — a deal that promised to reshape the design software landscape. But regulatory scrutiny and market backlash turned it into one of tech’s most dramatic breakups, ending with a $1 billion termination fee and two rivals heading back to the battlefield stronger than ever. Watch our video below to see how this failed merger reshaped the design industry and set the stage for the next big rivalry in creative software.
Since then, Figma has emerged as one of the fastest-growing design platforms globally. Its public debut on the NYSE in 2025 marked a defining moment — symbolizing how a startup once seen as a disruptor became a formidable public company. With innovative features like Dev Mode, AI-powered FigJam tools, and seamless collaboration, Figma is pushing beyond design into product development and workflow innovation.
Adobe, meanwhile, is betting big on generative AI. Its Firefly models are deeply integrated across Photoshop, Illustrator, and Express, redefining how creators work. Yet, as Figma’s user-first approach gains traction, the creative software war is far from over — and 2026 could be the year this rivalry reshapes the future of digital creativity.
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