Figma vs. Sketch: Choosing Your UI/UX Design Tool

Comparing the leading design tools based on collaboration, platform compatibility, features, and pricing.

By Upingi Team / Updated on August 21, 2024

Introduction: Design Tool Titans

Figma and Sketch have dominated the UI/UX design landscape. This comparison dives into their core strengths and weaknesses to guide your choice.

Image related to Figma vs Sketch Comparison

Platform & Collaboration Showdown

Analyzing the key differences: Figma's web-based, cross-platform approach versus Sketch's macOS-native focus.

Feature Figma Sketch
Platform Web, macOS, Windows (Beta) macOS Only
Real-time Collaboration Excellent, built-in Possible (via Workspace), less seamless
Prototyping Advanced, integrated Good, integrated
Plugin Ecosystem Strong, growing rapidly Mature, extensive

Best Fit for Your Team

Choosing between Figma and Sketch often hinges on your team's specific context, workflow, and platform dependencies. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Figma is generally the better choice if:
    • Your team members use a mix of operating systems (macOS, Windows, Linux) or need frequent access from different machines. Figma's web-based nature removes platform barriers entirely.
    • Real-time collaboration is a high priority. Seeing cursors move, co-editing designs, and instant feedback cycles are fundamental to Figma's workflow, making it ideal for distributed teams or projects requiring tight iteration loops.
    • Advanced, integrated prototyping capabilities are crucial. Figma allows for complex interactions, smart animations, and transitions directly within the design file, streamlining the prototyping process.
    • Building and maintaining a scalable Design System is a core objective. Figma's features like Components, Variants, and Team Libraries are robust and designed for collaborative system management.
    • Seamless developer handoff is needed without relying heavily on third-party tools. Figma's Inspect panel provides code snippets and design specs directly accessible via a browser link.
  • Sketch might still be preferable if:
    • Your entire design team operates exclusively on macOS and values the performance and feel of a native application.
    • You heavily rely on specific, mature plugins from Sketch's extensive ecosystem that don't have direct equivalents or aren't as developed in Figma yet.
    • Consistent offline access and work capability are non-negotiable. While Figma has some offline capabilities, Sketch's native file-based system ensures full functionality without an internet connection.
    • Your organization has existing investments in the Sketch ecosystem (plugins, integrations, established workflows) and the cost of switching is prohibitive.
    • You prefer a slightly cleaner, less feature-dense interface, particularly if your primary focus is static UI design rather than complex prototyping or systems.

Consider your team's size, distribution, technical needs, and collaborative processes carefully when making this decision.

Verdict: Figma's Momentum vs. Sketch's Legacy

Both Figma and Sketch are exceptional UI/UX design tools, each capable of producing professional, high-fidelity designs and prototypes. The choice is less about which tool is definitively 'better' and more about which aligns best with your team's operational realities and future direction. Figma, born in the cloud era, has fundamentally shifted expectations around collaboration and accessibility in design software. Its cross-platform nature, seamless real-time co-editing, integrated prototyping, and strong design system features make it an incredibly compelling choice for modern, often distributed, product teams. The rapid pace of feature development and its growing community further solidify its position as the current industry frontrunner for many.

However, Sketch, the tool that arguably pioneered the modern UI design application category, retains significant strengths. Its native macOS performance is often lauded, its interface can feel cleaner to some, and its mature plugin ecosystem offers deep integrations and specialized workflows built over many years. For macOS-exclusive teams deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem or those relying on specific legacy plugins, Sketch remains a powerful and viable contender. The introduction of Sketch Workspaces aimed to bridge the collaboration gap, though it's generally considered less fluid than Figma's native approach. Ultimately, Figma's momentum, driven by its collaborative core and platform flexibility, gives it a significant edge for most teams today. But Sketch's refined native experience and established ecosystem ensure it remains relevant, particularly for its dedicated macOS user base.

Recommendation: For most teams, especially those requiring cross-platform access and prioritizing real-time collaboration, Figma is the recommended choice due to its modern workflow and flexibility. Sketch remains a strong option for macOS-exclusive teams who value native performance and have established workflows within its ecosystem.