Userbrain works with any prototyping tool, that allows you to share a public link. Simply put, if you can link to it, you can test it.
We'll now guide you through the steps of user testing your Adobe XD prototype with Userbrain. You can learn more in the Adobe XD help section.
1. Open your prototype in Adobe XD
Open the Adobe XD document that contains the prototype or design flow you want to test. Make sure your screens are connected properly in Prototype mode before publishing.
2. Switch to Share mode
Adobe XD now uses a dedicated Share mode where all sharing and collaboration settings live.
When you switch to Share mode, you’ll see all available sharing presets and flows in one place.
3. Select the correct Flow
Adobe XD supports Multiple Flows, meaning one document can contain different user journeys (for example: login flow, onboarding flow, checkout flow).
In Share mode:
Select the flow you want testers to experience
XD highlights all artboards included in that flow
This is especially useful when testing multiple versions or workflows from the same file.
4. Choose the right preset (User Testing or Custom)
Adobe XD provides built-in presets optimized for different scenarios:
Design Review
Development
Presentation
User Testing
Custom
For Userbrain tests, we recommend choosing either:
User Testing (best default)
orCustom (if you want full control)
Presets automatically configure options like commenting, hotspot hints, and navigation controls.
5. Disable distractions for unbiased testing
To ensure testers focus only on your prototype (not Adobe XD interface features), we strongly recommend disabling:
Disable "Allow Comments"
Commenting is helpful for stakeholder review, but it often distracts usability test participants.
Testers may spend time reacting to Adobe’s comment UI instead of completing tasks.
Disable Allow comments when testing with Userbrain.
Disable "Show Hotspot hints"
Hotspot hints outline clickable areas when users click somewhere inactive.
This can influence behavior and reduce the realism of your test.
Disable Show hotspot hints to avoid guiding testers unintentionally.
Hide Navigation controls (optional but recommended)
In Custom mode, you can also hide navigation controls so testers can only move through your intended hotspots.
This creates a more realistic experience.
6. Set link access permissions
Adobe XD links can be shared as:
Public
Private (invite-only)
Password-protected
For Userbrain tests, make sure testers can access the prototype smoothly.
We recommend:
Public links or
Password links only if absolutely necessary
⚠️ Note: Password-protected links cannot be switched back to public later, you must create a new link.
7. Click “Create Link”
Once your preset and flow are selected:
Click Create Link
Adobe XD generates a shareable URL
Copy the link to your clipboard
8. Paste the link into Userbrain
Click on "Create new Test" in Userbrain and select "Prototype";
Paste the Adobe XD prototype URL into the "Test URL" field:
Some more good tips to test your Adobe XD prototype with Userbrain:
Redirect links within your Adobe XD Prototype
We have found some issues if you wish for your tester on a mobile device to click a link within your prototype that takes them to a new URL outside your prototype.
Sometimes this will open a new browser, which pauses the recording as the tester is leaving the Userbrain Android/iOS App.
To fix this, please ensure any links within your prototype are set to not open a new tab (target="_blank")
Alternatively, you may remove this link entirely from your prototype, then set the new URL within the Userbrain test as a Redirect Function.
Doing so will provide the tester with a clickable link within your set of tasks, that will pull them to the next website you want them to visit, without opening a new browser or pausing the recording.
More on Redirect functions here: How to use URL Redirects in your test