Ever wondered why designers get so fired up about their tools? Well, in the UI/UX design verse, Figma vs Sketch are like a standoff between Beatles and Rolling Stones of software – everyone’s got an opinion on which is better. But why compare these two specifically?

Both Figma and Sketch have revolutionized how we create digital designs. They’re powerful, user-friendly, and packed with features that make designers’ lives easier. But they also have some key differences that could make or break your workflow. Whether you’re a solo freelancer or part of a big design team, choosing between Figma and Sketch can seriously impact how you work and collaborate.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes each tool tick. We’ll look at everything from how they handle basic design tasks to how well they play with others in a team setting. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which tool might be the best fit for your needs. So, let’s jump in and settle this Figma vs Sketch debate once and for all!

About Figma and Sketch

We begin by assessing the standalone strengths of Figma vs Sketch. Here are the two design software in a nutshell:

Figma

Figma is the new kid on the block that’s been making waves since 2016. It’s a cloud-based design tool that works right in your browser, making it super accessible no matter what computer you’re using. Figma’s claim to fame is its real-time collaboration features, letting multiple designers work on the same file simultaneously.

Key Highlights:

• Cloud-based, works on any operating system
• Real-time collaboration
• Built-in prototyping and developer handoff tools
• Growing library of plugins and community resources
• Free plan available for individuals and small teams

Sketch

Sketch has been a favorite among designers since 2010, especially those in the Apple ecosystem. It’s a vector-based design tool built specifically for macOS, known for its clean interface and powerful features. Sketch pioneered many of the concepts we now take for granted in UI design tools.

Key Highlights:

• Native macOS application, optimized for Apple hardware
• Extensive plugin ecosystem
• Powerful vector editing tools
• Symbols and libraries for efficient design systems
• Collaboration features through Sketch Cloud
• One-time purchase option available (in addition to subscription)

Comparing the Performance and Features of Figma vs Sketch

Here is diving into the details of Figma vs Sketch – both leading tools that have shaped modern UI/UX design workflows.

Cloud-based Design vs Desktop-only: How Figma and Sketch Differ in Where You Can Work

Figma lets you work right in your web browser, which is pretty cool. You don’t have to download anything if you don’t want to. But if you prefer, there’s also a desktop app for both Windows and Mac. This means you can design from pretty much anywhere, on any computer.

Sketch, on the other hand, is tied to your Mac. You can only create designs using the Sketch app on macOS. While there’s a way to view and comment on designs through a web browser, you can’t make or edit designs there. This can be a bit limiting if you need to work on different computers or use Windows.

Read Another Comparison: Figma vs InVision: A Detailed Comparison 

Figma vs Sketch Pricing Plans: Comparing What You Get for Your Money 

Figma has a free plan that’s pretty good. You can use it for as long as you want, which is great if you’re just starting or working on personal projects. If you need more features, their paid plans start at $12 per month for each person editing designs. They also have bigger plans for large teams and companies.

Sketch doesn’t have a free forever plan, but they do give you 30 days to try it out. After that, their plans start at $9 per month for each designer. While this is a bit cheaper than Figma, remember that Sketch is Mac-only, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of Apple hardware if you don’t already have it. Sketch also doesn’t have the big enterprise-level plans that Figma offers.

Figma Events!

Figma Config: Newest Features Unveiled

Drawing Tools and Interface: The Nuts and Bolts of Actually Making Stuff in Figma and Sketch

When you’re drawing and designing, Figma feels a bit more flexible. It has responsive grids and layouts that are easy to work with. Figma also uses something called “vector networks” instead of the traditional “paths” that Sketch uses. This might sound techy, but you can connect points in your shapes more freely in Figma.

Sketch’s interface will feel familiar if you’re used to other Mac apps. It has a big, infinite canvas to work on, and you can add “artboards” if you want more structure. Sketch is known for being fast, especially on newer Macs. Both tools have similar basic shapes and drawing tools, but some designers find Figma’s drawing features a bit more advanced and easier to use.

More Comparisons: Figma vs Adobe XD: Which is Better for UI/UX Design?

Working Together Without Wanting to Pull Your Hair Out: How Figma and Sketch Handle Team Collaboration

Figma shines when it comes to working with others. Multiple people can work on the same design at the same time, just like in Google Docs. You can see what others are doing in real time, which is super handy for team projects. Plus, since everything’s online, you’re always looking at the latest version of the work.

Sketch has some collaboration features, but they’re not as smooth as Figma’s. To work together in real time on Sketch, everyone needs a paid subscription and the Mac app. You also have to upload your design to a shared workspace before others can see or edit it. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially if team members are using different versions of Sketch.

Start Converting from Figma: How to Convert Figma to Framer: Elevating Your Interactive Prototypes

Plugins and Add-ons: Supercharging Your Design Tool with Extra Features

Figma makes it easy to find and use plugins. You can search for them right inside the app and install them with a click. Because Figma is cloud-based, these plugins almost never break when the app updates, which is nice. Figma also has a growing community of developers who constantly create new plugins.

Sketch has been around longer, so it has a huge library of plugins. However, adding them to Sketch is a bit more work. You usually have to download them from the web, unzip files, and put them in the correct folder on your Mac. While this gives you more control, it can be a pain compared to Figma’s one-click installs.

Learn More: Best Figma to WordPress Conversion Tools [Top Picks]

Verdict: Why Most Design Teams Choose Figma

So, what’s the bottom line in this Figma vs Sketch showdown? Well, it depends on what you need and how you like to work.

Figma is the clear winner if you’re all about teamwork and flexibility. It lets you design from anywhere, and the real-time collaboration is a game-changer for many teams. Plus, the free plan is pretty generous if you’re just starting out or working on personal projects.

Let us break it down further:

Collaboration—We believe in open communication, so we need real-time collaboration between multiple team members. Figma allows us to do that with as many coworkers as we need!

Fast Design Tool – After multiple years of using Figma, we are getting to a point where we can create simple or high-definition wireframes. We can easily create UI guides with original style. Our team of amazing designers can even create complex design systems for specific products with in-depth style. Auto layout and symbol sharing are just the cherries on top!

Prototyping & Developer Hand-Off – I remember when you had to create a design in Sketch (or sometimes even in Photoshop), then go to InVision to create a prototype, collect feedback, and iterate upon it. After all that, you’d still have to go to Zeplin to upload the fully approved project. With Figma, everything happens all at once.

Bonus Row: Community—Figma has a wonderful community of free plugins and a community space where everybody can share their designs, icons, illustrations, or whatever they like!

Sketch, on the other hand, might be your go-to if you’re a Mac user who prefers a traditional desktop app. It’s fast, familiar, and has a ton of plugins available. But remember, you’re tied to your Mac, which can be limiting if you need to work on different devices or with Windows users.